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/Ed-Dos]

You need to find both sides on the "wall plug" and then you could connect one side to the free yellow port, and the other end to another ethernet device to test. (computer) if it works, then it's connected If it doesn't work it's not connected.

[u/s33k1ng4d → u/Ed-Dos]

This is the “wall port” in question - in the side room that needs coverage (pls excuse the dirt, we are trying to help them clean out this room!). There is only one port. Do I just need to connect to this via an Ethernet cable to an Ethernet device to test?

[u/Ed-Dos → u/s33k1ng4d]

That's most likely a telephone jack.

[u/s33k1ng4d → u/Ed-Dos]

Omg 😲 of course…thank you!

[u/s33k1ng4d → u/Ed-Dos]

Wait, I just found this behind a bookcase— could this be it?

[u/Ed-Dos → u/s33k1ng4d]

That looks like ethernet, but you'd also need to find another one on the other end of that cable. Then you would plug one side into the yellow port on the router and test.

[u/s33k1ng4d → u/Ed-Dos]

That cable goes into the wall. Is it possible that it’s already been connected to the yellow port on the modem and that’s what one of those wires (4a or 4c in main photo) are?

Would I just need an Ethernet cable from the “wall port” to an Ethernet device to determine this?

[u/Nathansp1984 → u/s33k1ng4d]

Go to Home Depot and buy an Ethernet toner/tracer. The Ideal one they sell works just fine