OT question for wireless Internet gurus

Dave H (MI) · Feb 25, 2018

I am installing a new postage meter in my office today. The old one connected to the phone lines but this one has a cable that I am supposed to plug into my Internet router...which I believe is the box on the mantle with all the flashing lights and (coincidentally) jacks on the back that fit the cable for the meter. I have a home office. I don't want the postage meter on the mantle. I already feel like I live at work without it spilling into the living room. Is there a device I can connect the meter to that will allow it to receive the signal from the router, just like the TV's and computers do? Or do I need a device on the router AND the meter? I looked on Amazon but, honestly, I don't even know what to type into the search box to get me going! I figure SOMEBODY here must know. Thanks!

Dave H (MI) · Feb 25, 2018

More info...the cable for the meter is not a usb cable. It is a "LAN high speed internet cable."

Mike(NEOhio) · Feb 25, 2018

I think that would only work if the meter is equipped for wireless. I have a wireless printer and it doesn't have any kind of cable or USB port. Can you move the router to where the meter is?

MarkB_MI · Feb 25, 2018

What you're looking for is a "ethernet-to-wifi adapter". Here's one such device: <a href="https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833139036&cm_re=gwu637-_-33-139-036-_-Product">https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833139036&cm_re=gwu637-_-33-139-036-_-Product</a> Your router will need to support WPS (WiFi Protected Setup), which if you're unsure look for a button with two circular arrows on it.

The other way would be to make up a CAT5 ethernet cable long enough to run between your router and meter, hiding the cable wherever you can. You can get crimping tools and connectors at HD and many other places, but making up ethernet cables that work well is not particularly easy to do.

Dave H (MI) · Feb 25, 2018

Pardon my ignorance, but what does that thingy do? Does it plug into the meter instead of the cord and connect it to WiFi?

Dave H (MI) · Feb 25, 2018

Oh...and i looked...there is a green lit button on the front of the router that says WPS on it.

MarkB_MI · Feb 25, 2018

> what does that thingy do? Does it plug into the meter instead of the cord and connect it to WiFi?

Right. It has an ethernet jack, which you'll use to connect to the meter with an ethernet cable. And it can connect to your router using WPS, so you no longer need a wired connection to the router.

I do see one potential problem: It looks like this device is powered off its ethernet connection. That might be a problem if your meter is ALSO ethernet-powered. Does your meter have a power cord? If not, you'll need to find a device that has its own power source so it can power your meter as well as itself.

MarkB_MI · Feb 25, 2018

On closer inspection I see it has a "USB power adapter". So it shouldn't need any power from your meter.

Dave H (MI) · Feb 25, 2018

Yes, and the meter has a power cord also.

IanC · Feb 25, 2018

If you just got your "smart" meter get ready for your bill to jump 25 to 50%. And now DTE or Consumers can monitor your usage 24/7 and will send you "friendly" letters telling you how you use more energy than your saintly neighbors.

MarkB_MI · Feb 25, 2018

> If you just got your "smart" meter get ready for your bill to jump 25 to 50%. And now DTE or Consumers can monitor your usage 24/7 and will send you "friendly" letters telling you how you use more energy than your saintly neighbors.

DTE and Consumer's are in the postage meter business? I had no idea.

Bill in IL · Feb 25, 2018

Easiest would be to get a long cable. Wireless works but why add another layer of complexity unless you have to. Cables rarely let you down.

Better option would be to relocate your router and switch to a hidden spot (since you don't seem thrilled about it being on the mantle) and run cables to the rooms adding wall mount wireless access points in the rooms where it's needed.

old bc · Feb 26, 2018

You can use a power line ethernet adapter. It uses your
house wiring like cat5 wire. Plug one in to an outlet
at the modem and the other in at the postage meter and
connect your cat5 wires.
Power Line Ethernet Adapters

550Doug · Feb 26, 2018

I agree that the powerline adapter is the best and most reliable solution as cabling is much more stable and robust than wifi. The AV500 will be more than enough for your application and at $30 for a starter kit is much cheaper.

OT question for wireless Internet gurus

Dave H (MI)

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Dave H (MI)

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Mike(NEOhio)

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MarkB_MI

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Dave H (MI)

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Dave H (MI)

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MarkB_MI

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Dave H (MI)

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old bc

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