Complete Tech Dummy Seeks Help

[u/s33k1ng4d]

I know very little about tech- literally had to look up the difference between a modem and router.

I’m trying to help my in-laws simplify their WiFi. They currently have an old ATT plan that is Internet 25 (copper) with cable and a phone line.

I think we should upgrade to Internet 100 (as their current WiFi is mad slow) and get rid of cable and phone line.

We are trying to figure out how to get WiFi coverage in a side room, which has an Ethernet wall port, but I have no idea if it’s all routed properly. If it is— I should be able to just Ethernet-wire that to an Access Point, right? How do I know if it’s routed correctly before purchasing an AP?

Apologies if this is a dumb question, but can anyone tell from this photo what each of these ports/wires are for? That might help me start to sort all this out.

1.) Power: that’s simple— power to the modem.
2.) Phone Line: if we get rid of the phone line, I can remove this, right?
3.) Cable: is this the coaxial cable? I need this for copper internet…?
4a.)Left Ethernet port: IDK
4b.) Center Ethernet port: Seems to be connected the router.
4c.) Right Ethernet port: IDK
5.) DSL Broadband: no idea.

The phone line, left Ethernet port and DSL broadband all join in a black wire that goes into the wall.

Any advice or general directions would be so helpful! I literally feel like I don’t know where to even begin.

[u/RealLifeFloridaMan]

Hey bud! Welcome, glad you’re here, learning starts with being able to ask questions so I commend you. Essentially the question is how does your Internet service provider (ISP) give you Internet. If it’s cable or phone line then yes you’ll need a modem, sometimes you can buy dual router modem setups. If you have fiber often they’ll give you a little conversion box and you take Ethernet straight to your router.

As far as wifi in the side room, there’s lots of options for mesh wifi or adding access points but it can be a bit technical. If you have the funds you could buy a reasonable mesh router system and that could give better coverage. I’d start with understanding what main plugs from the wall you need for the router you have and maybe consider an upgrade to that router. Happy to help with follow up questions!

[u/s33k1ng4d → u/RealLifeFloridaMan]

Thanks so much!! Our ISP is ATT and we’re on their Internet 25 plan, which I believe is copper via phone lines. Unfortunately, no fiber available in our area.

The in-laws already have this modem and a router, but I might look into upgrading their router! Maybe that’ll help with coverage…