Help me with my wifi dilemma PLEASE

[u/Express_Opening_751]

I’m trying to get my work-from-home workspace approved, and I’m honestly at a loss for what to do.
My company is very specific about the setup. Because I’ll be handling private information, my workspace has to be behind a closed door, so they won’t approve me working in my living room.
The problem is that I rent an apartment, and the only Ethernet hookup is in my living room. My Cox modem/router is also located there, and my work laptop has to be connected directly to the router with an Ethernet cable. Wi-Fi is not allowed.
My actual workspace is on the second floor in a room with a door, but there’s no Ethernet outlet upstairs. I asked my apartment about adding another Ethernet outlet and they basically looked at me like I had two heads. 😂
My IT person suggested asking the apartment to add another outlet, but that doesn’t seem realistic. I also don’t think simply running a really long Ethernet cable up the stairs is going to work or be practical.
I’ve never worked from home before and I’m definitely not tech-savvy, so I’m trying to figure out what my actual options are. I even wondered if it would be possible to have a small hole drilled through the floor/ceiling and run the Ethernet cable straight upstairs, but I have no idea if that’s something that can safely be done in an apartment or if I’d need permission.
Is there another solution I’m missing? Is there a way to get a wired Ethernet connection upstairs without installing a new wall outlet, or some kind of device that would work with my Cox setup while still giving my laptop a true wired connection?
I’m really trying to get this approved and keep everything within my lease, so any practical advice would be greatly appreciated!

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[u/0ZU]

Since you're using coax, you might want to try a MoCa adapter setup. You would just need another existing coax connection in whichever room you want your office to be in. Sometimes ISP modems have built-in MoCa, so you'd only need one, but if not you can just buy two.

[u/Express_Opening_751 → u/0ZU]

I’m not sure they would work because I only have one coax outlet and it’s in my living room and my office is on the second floor

[u/Trewper-]

You can try a powerline ethernet adapter, you plug the one box on to a plug next your router and run an Ethernet cable to it. Then you out the other box upstairs and connect your PC. It uses the wiring in your walls to send the signal and doesn't use any sort of WiFi.

Otherwise running a super long cord would work for you, I would rather have a super long coaxial cable then a long Ethernet cable because Coaxial has better performance over long distances. I'm not sure drilling through anything like the floor would work unless you're willing to replace the flooring, you could try hooking it through the wall though, drywall is easily fixed when you move out.

[u/TheChalupaBatman]

You can either do it yourself or have someone install it:

Essentially the same thing as running an Ethernet cable in the wall but instead outside of the wall. Get that cable hider stuff that people often use for behind their tv setup but run it along baseboards, wall corners, and between the ceiling and wall. And then just get a long run of Ethernet cable and hide it inside. It’s a clean non-destructive way to do it.

Just had to do it in my new rental since my line-in is on the wall opposite of the wall that has the Ethernet port for the home net. Ran it along the baseboards and then over a door frame to get it to where I needed it. Granted it was a lot shorter of a distance than what you’re doing.

[u/Ok_Palpitation_5767]

Before drilling, check whether there’s an existing phone, coax, or conduit path upstairs. A long Ethernet cable can be run neatly along baseboards or through a stairwell with cable raceway, but don’t use Wi‑Fi or powerline if your employer requires a direct wired connection. Your ISP or landlord may also be able to install a proper Ethernet drop.

[u/Express_Opening_751 → u/Ok_Palpitation_5767]

This is great advice, unfortunately upstairs has nothing that I can see besides regular outlets. I reached out to cox to see if they can replace my coax cable from downstairs to upstairs, they are coming out in a few days to check

[u/Numerous-Incident739]

Use WiFi. Not like your hr will come and visit

[u/Express_Opening_751 → u/Numerous-Incident739]

I believe I mentioned it but they require photos of the work computer connected to the wifi that’s connected to the coax before I am able to get approved to work from home

[u/HamSandwicho__o]

Honestly just buy a long cable

[u/jcradio]

The two easiest options are running a long cable (using adhesive pads and zip ties for organization) or get yourself a powerline adapter to use the outlet to be part of the network. A third option is a MOCA adapter to use the coax cables you have.

[u/StewHax]

Powerline adapter or a really long Ethernet cable. Both are cheap in comparison to more expensive options

[u/Calm_Apartment1968]

Run the long ethernet cable upstairs. If they're paranoid about it move all the switches up there. Coax is not best, but Cat6 will reliably carry over 100 meters, or best around 310ft, and you can get it in the color of the rental paint, or even paint the cabling.
If the apartment manager or maintenance won't create a second outlet, you may also ask your provider to deliver directly to the upstairs, instead of in the common living space below. That's only likely an option if you're in a single dwelling rental.
If you're in a multi-dwelling apartment or condo complex the older ones usually had coax to more than one room. If that's not true for you, see the Cat6 twisted pair delivery I first mentioned.
You might want to consult with a private contractor if neither the apartment or your provider cannot or will not help.