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Best budget reliable wifi bridge to convert home wifi to wired for an old TV.

Just looking for some advice and suggestions from actual users of these wifi bridges.

The problem.

In my bedroom I have an old Samsung SmartTv that does not seem to be quite so smart any longer!
Its old but a great picture still and is a 55" tv so good for my old eyes.
Problem is that it loses its wireless connection every time it is put into standby with the resulting couple minute wait to reconnect and then enter password etc.

What I was thinking of trying was one of those cheaper wifi bridges that will see my home wifi network and I can then just connect with a regular ethernet cable into the back of the TV thereby side stepping its dropping of the wireless network every time it is powered off.

No it is not a network issue, every other device in the house (MANY!) work flawlessly.

Reading reviews for various models on Amazon reveals a mixed bag of potential horrors.

So that is hopefully where this community comes in, point me in the right direction the first time!

Many thanks and stay safe!
128x128uberwaltz
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz OP
13,381 posts
 
And this is why I still love this forum!
I probably would never have thought of Roku as a solution but now I have researched some it is probably the best all round solution including keeping services updated.
My tv has said for 3 years or so that no updates to software are available which is as likely the reason for it acting up on wifi, planned obsolecense!

Just placed my order with Amazon, should be here Wednesday!
Thanks to everybody for the thoughtfull answers!
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jazzman7
349 posts
 
Typically, you interface with your Roku device via your TV and Roku remote.  Not so typical, would be to attend to the Roku device as an attached device via your router.  In my own home theater setup I can access Netflix and Amazon prime via either my Tivo or my Roku (which is how I did it prior to getting the Tivo).  But the Roku also allows me to get to other services which are not supported by my Tivo such as CBS All Access or Disney+. 
crn3371
224 posts
 
Just so you’re informed, besides Roku I’d also check out Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV. Amazon Fire TV worth looking into if you’re also a Prime member. Apple TV if you’re already in the Apple ecosystem.
fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,635 posts
 
A Roku streamer will do the job <$30. So will a mesh network node. I like my TP-Link Deco system.  It includes 4 nodes.
Better than when I bought it since they upgraded the firmware (auto) last year, to allow choice of band with each device.
I am Amazon Prime and have 3 Rokus.
One is used to access cable channels without paying monthly for a decoding box. Another is strictly for travel so I can watch movies anywhere on any TV.
If the room has Samsung all I need is a flash drive and a universal remote.
Roku has by far the most apps.
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz OP
13,381 posts
 
The Roku Streaming Stick+ arrived today and had it up and running in minutes.

Bonus of quite a few channels that were not on the Samsung Smart menu so win all-round.
👍😁
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