How to Use the Ethernet Port on Your ROOXIS Extender

Your ROOXIS AC1200 WiFi Extender includes a 10/100M Ethernet port that lets you connect a device directly with a cable. This gives that device a more stable connection than WiFi alone — ideal for streaming, gaming, and any situation where reliability matters.

When to Use Wired vs. Wireless

Not every device needs a wired connection. Here is a practical breakdown:

Use the Ethernet Port For

• Smart TVs — Streaming demands consistent bandwidth. A wired connection eliminates buffering and quality drops during peak usage.
• Gaming consoles (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch dock) — Online gaming is sensitive to latency (lag). A wired connection reduces latency and prevents the random disconnects that can happen on WiFi.
• Desktop computers — Desktops do not move around, so a permanent wired connection gives you the best stability all the time.
• Streaming devices (Apple TV, Roku, Fire TV) — same benefits as a smart TV: stable, buffer-free streaming.
• Work-from-home setups — Video calls and file transfers are smoother on a wired connection.

WiFi is Fine For

• Phones and tablets — these move around the house, so WiFi is the practical choice.
• Smart home devices (speakers, smart plugs, lights) — these use minimal bandwidth and work perfectly over WiFi.
• Laptops you carry between rooms — the convenience of wireless outweighs the stability advantage of a cable.

Tip: If a device stays in one spot and you care about stability or reliability for that device, use the Ethernet port. If it moves around, use WiFi.

What the Ethernet Port Gives You

The extender's Ethernet port is a 10/100M (Fast Ethernet) port, supporting speeds up to 100 Mbps. Here is what that means for your connected device:

Eliminates One Wireless Hop

When a device connects to the extender over WiFi, the data travels wirelessly twice: once from your router to the extender, and once from the extender to your device. Each wireless hop introduces some speed loss and latency.

When you connect via Ethernet, you eliminate the second hop. Data travels wirelessly from your router to the extender, then over a cable from the extender to your device. That wired final link is more stable and reliable than a wireless one.

Consistent Speeds

WiFi speeds fluctuate. They vary based on distance, interference, the number of connected devices, and even the time of day. A wired Ethernet connection delivers consistent speeds that do not drop when your neighbor's WiFi kicks in or someone microwaves popcorn.

Lower Latency

Latency (the delay between sending and receiving data) is lower on a wired connection. This is especially noticeable in online gaming and video calls, where even small delays are felt.

Typical latency comparison:

Speed Considerations

The Ethernet port supports speeds up to 100 Mbps, which is sufficient for HD and most 4K streaming, online gaming, video calls, and general browsing. Your actual speed is also limited by the wireless link between your router and the extender. If the extender receives 80 Mbps from your router over WiFi, your wired device gets the full 80 Mbps without the losses that a second wireless connection would introduce.

Note: For internet plans faster than 100 Mbps where you need maximum wired speed, connect the device directly to your router's Gigabit Ethernet ports instead. The extender's Ethernet port is best used for devices in areas far from the router where a direct wired connection to the router is not practical.

Setup Steps

Connecting a device to the extender's Ethernet port takes less than a minute and requires no software or configuration.

What You Need

• Your ROOXIS AC1200 extender, already set up and connected to your router (see Setup Guide if you have not done this yet)
• An Ethernet cable (Cat5e or Cat6 recommended) — one is included in the box
• A device with an Ethernet port

How to Connect

1. Locate the Ethernet port on the ROOXIS AC1200 extender.
2. Plug one end of the Ethernet cable into the extender's Ethernet port.
3. Plug the other end into the Ethernet port on your device (TV, console, computer, etc.).
4. That's it. The device detects the wired connection automatically. No drivers, no software, no configuration changes.

Note: Most smart TVs, gaming consoles, and computers automatically prefer a wired connection when one is available. If your device does not switch automatically, open its network settings and select the wired/Ethernet connection instead of WiFi.

If Your Device Does Not Have an Ethernet Port

Some modern devices — particularly thin laptops, streaming sticks, and tablets — lack a built-in Ethernet port. You can use a USB-to-Ethernet adapter (also called a USB LAN adapter) to add one. These are widely available and cost around $10-$20.

Connecting Specific Devices

Smart TVs

1. Plug the Ethernet cable from the extender into the Ethernet port on the back of your TV.
2. On your TV, go to Settings > Network and select Wired Connection (the exact menu varies by brand).
3. The TV connects automatically. Test by playing a video — it should load quickly and play without buffering.

Gaming Consoles

PlayStation (PS4/PS5):

1. Connect the Ethernet cable.
2. Go to Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection > Use a LAN Cable.
3. Select Easy setup. The console configures itself.

Xbox (One/Series X/S):

1. Connect the Ethernet cable.
2. The Xbox detects the wired connection automatically and switches from WiFi.
3. Go to Settings > General > Network Settings to confirm the wired connection is active.

Nintendo Switch (Docked):

1. You need a USB-to-Ethernet adapter plugged into the Switch dock's USB port.
2. Connect the Ethernet cable from the adapter to the extender.
3. Go to System Settings > Internet > Wired Connection > Connect to the Internet via Wired Connection.

Desktop Computers

1. Connect the Ethernet cable from the extender to your computer's Ethernet port.
2. Your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux) detects the connection automatically.
3. If your computer was previously on WiFi, it should prefer the wired connection. You can turn off WiFi to ensure all traffic uses the cable.

Warning: Use a cable that is in good condition. A damaged or very old Ethernet cable may cause connection issues. Cat5e or Cat6 cables are recommended for the best results.

Wired vs. WiFi: Making the Right Choice

Here is a side-by-side comparison to help you decide for each device:

Tip: You can use the Ethernet port and WiFi at the same time. Connecting one device via Ethernet does not affect the WiFi performance for your other wireless devices. The extender handles both simultaneously.

Troubleshooting

Ethernet device is not getting a connection

• Make sure the cable is firmly seated in both the extender and your device. Push each connector in until it clicks.
• Try a different Ethernet cable to rule out a damaged cable.
• Confirm the extender is powered on and connected to your router (LED should be solid blue).

Connected via Ethernet but no internet access

• Verify the extender is connected to your router (LED should be solid blue, not red).
• Restart the extender by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in.
• Restart the connected device.
• Check that the device's network settings are set to obtain an IP address automatically (DHCP) — this is the default for almost all devices.

Speeds are slower than expected over Ethernet

• Remember the Ethernet port supports up to 100 Mbps. If your internet plan is faster than this, the port speed is the limiting factor for wired devices.
• The wired device's speed is also limited by the wireless connection between your router and the extender. If the extender's LED is yellow or red, move the extender closer to your router for a stronger wireless backhaul.
• Run a speed test on the wired device and compare it to a speed test taken next to your router on WiFi to understand the performance difference.

Note: For questions or issues not covered here, reach out to ROOXIS Support at support@rooxis.com or visit our Support Center.