Connect an Ethernet device to WiFi

[Erebus]

Hello!

I have a device which I want to connect to my WiFi network. The device in question is a 7 years old TV set. It has an Ethernet port, but no internal WiFi. The WiFi router is around 10m away.

Yesterday I performed an experiment. I shared an internet connected through my old MacBook Pro. That is, the MacBook was connected to WiFi and it shared its internet connection via its Ethernet port with the TV set. It worked as I liked, but I do not want to make it a permanent setup for obvious reasons.

I read an article titled “Share WiFi With Ethernet Port on a Raspberry Pi” on Instructables. I even have an RPi, but its too flimsy for a permanent setup as well.

I want some cheap off-the-shelf device, which I can connect to my WiFi network, then connect it to my TV. Are there any devices like that available?

I’m also considering Ethernet over Powerline, but it looks too expensive. I cannot run a wire from my router to the TV set.

[Bastet]

Does the TV have a USB port?

[Bruce]

I cannot run a wire from my router to the TV set.

this would have been my suggestion.
yes, going through floors or up wall studs etc can be a pain, but once installed, ethernet is set and forget.

Bastet’s idea of a USB port, and hopefully then using a USB wifi adapter (if this was where she was heading?) may also pan out providing the TV recognises the adapter, or you could get a USB to ethernet dongle.

what is the limiting factor why you can’t run a cable?

[Erebus]

The TV set does have a USB port. But as the TV set is pretty old I’m not sure I’ll be able to find a manufacturer’s certified and compatible adapter. I have a couple of spare USB dongles. Maybe I tried them before, but I don’t remember the results. Also with the USB dongle I’ll have to enter WiFi password somehow.
Not every USB dongle has a WPS button and I don’t trust WPS.

I absolutely cannot run a wire. I live in an apartment. The walls are solid plaster (or brick, I don’t know the exact construction technology.) The baseboards are narrow.

[veeg]

You could use an access point.. something like this.. I have an old one works really well.

https://www.tp-link.com/us/home-networking/access-point/

[Bastet]

In theory any Wi-Fi USB adapter would work, there’s usually a WPS on the adapter. With entering the SSID passphrase details there’s would need to be a Wi-Fi setting under the TV settings in order to do that.

What’s the full make & model of the TV?

[Erebus]

The TV is Philips 40PFS6719/12.

Can I connect a keyboard to my TV somehow to enter the WiFi password?

[Bastet]

The TV is Philips 40PFS6719/12.

Can I connect a keyboard to my TV somehow to enter the WiFi password?

The TV or the dongle would need the option to enter Wi-Fi password, if it doesn’t then the answer is no.
However several sites suggest the TV has Wi-Fi options.
[ATTACH type=“full”]10475[/ATTACH]

Philips 40PFS6719/12 - Specifications is another.

[BlindSeeker]

Veeg has the right idea but I would use something like the AC750 Wi-Fi Range Extender which has an ethernet port. Set the range extenter up, plug in the cat 5 cable from the TV to the range extender and do whatever setup the TV requires.

[BlindSeeker]

The TV or the dongle would need the option to enter Wi-Fi password, if it doesn’t then the answer is no.
However several sites suggest the TV has Wi-Fi options.
[ATTACH type=“full” alt=“0F0619D2-FFB4-4B25-9B64-A7C13B07137D.jpeg”]10475[/ATTACH]

Philips 40PFS6719/12 - Specifications is another.

Good info Bastet. It does appear that the TV supports WiFi. My only concern is the supported protocol which given the age of the TV will be old and slow. In my opinion the range extender with ethernet cable will give better throuhput. Just my look on the subject.

[Erebus]

So a range extender with an Ethernet port can do the trick?

[veeg]

Yes

[Bruce]

have you absolutely verified that the TV hasn’t got wifi capability already?

[Bastet]

Good info Bastet. It does appear that the TV supports WiFi. My only concern is the supported protocol which given the age of the TV will be old and slow. In my opinion the range extender with ethernet cable will give better throuhput. Just my look on the subject.

I would try it first & see, if the wi fi is slow then try the extender suggestion.

[Erebus]

Thanks everyone!