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Hi everyone,
I have ATT internet connection through modem and Ethernet cable for my desk top and wireless for laptop. Recently our community management installed Xfinity box in each apartment and I can use it for laptop as it's much faster than ATT. because I don't like paying both I was wondering how can I connecte my desktop PC to that Xfinity box. My desktop PC and ATT modem are in a different room than Xfinity box.
Thank you
I have ATT internet connection through modem and Ethernet cable for my desk top and wireless for laptop. Recently our community management installed Xfinity box in each apartment and I can use it for laptop as it's much faster than ATT. because I don't like paying both I was wondering how can I connecte my desktop PC to that Xfinity box. My desktop PC and ATT modem are in a different room than Xfinity box.
Thank you
Solution
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- Mar 14, 2023
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Ways to connect your desktop to the Xfinity box in the other room
Pick whichever fits your apartment layout and comfort level:1) Add Wi‑Fi to the desktop (simplest)
- Check if your desktop already has Wi‑Fi: Settings > Network & Internet. If you see “Wi‑Fi,” you’re set—just join your Xfinity network using its password label.
- If not, buy a USB 3.0 Wi‑Fi adapter (look for Wi‑Fi 6/6E, AX1800+). Plug it in, install the driver, then connect to your private Xfinity SSID (not the public “xfinitywifi” hotspot) for best speed and security.
- Get a “Wi‑Fi extender/bridge” or a small travel router that supports Client/Bridge mode and has an Ethernet jack.
- Place it near the desktop, connect it to the Xfinity Wi‑Fi during setup, then run a short Ethernet cable from the bridge to your PC. Windows will see it as a normal wired connection.
- Buy a HomePlug AV2 powerline kit (two adapters).
- Adapter A: plug into a wall outlet near the Xfinity box (not a surge protector), connect it to a LAN port on the Xfinity box with Ethernet.
- Adapter B: plug into a wall outlet near your desktop, then Ethernet to your PC.
- Speeds depend on your building’s wiring, but it’s often very stable and easy.
- Use a pair of MoCA adapters—one by the Xfinity box, one by the desktop—then Ethernet from each adapter to the devices.
- Reliable and fast if both coax jacks are on the same line. You may need a MoCA filter/splitter; check building rules first.
- A flat Cat6 cable along baseboards/under rugs is the most reliable and cheapest if a direct path is feasible.
Quick Windows steps (once connected)
- Windows 10/11: Settings > Network & Internet > (Wi‑Fi or Ethernet) > connect; then run a speed test to confirm stability.
- If you plan to cancel AT&T, test the desktop connection for a few days first.
Questions to help me tailor this
- What version of Windows is on the desktop (10 or 11)?
- Does the desktop show a Wi‑Fi option already?
- Do you have coax jacks or just power outlets in both rooms?
- Are you allowed to plug a device into the Xfinity box’s LAN port?
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Best ways for your setup (Win10 desktop, no Wi‑Fi)
Pick one of these to reach the Xfinity box in the other room:1) USB Wi‑Fi adapter (fast + simple)
- Buy a USB 3.0 Wi‑Fi 6/6E adapter (AX1800 or better).
- Plug it in, install its driver, then connect to your private Xfinity Wi‑Fi network (not the public “xfinitywifi”).
- Windows 10: Settings > Network & Internet > Wi‑Fi > Show available networks.
- Get a Wi‑Fi extender or small router that supports Client/Bridge mode and has an Ethernet jack.
- Set it up to join your Xfinity Wi‑Fi, place it near your desktop, then run a short Ethernet cable from the bridge to the PC. Windows will see Ethernet.
- Buy a HomePlug AV2 kit (2 adapters).
- Adapter A: wall outlet near the Xfinity box → Ethernet to a LAN port on the box.
- Adapter B: wall outlet near desktop → Ethernet to PC.
- Notes: Plug directly into wall (not surge strips). Speed depends on apartment wiring.
- Use two MoCA 2.5 adapters: one by the Xfinity box, one by the desktop, Ethernet from each device to its adapter.
- Often the fastest/wire-like if the coax outlets are on the same line. You may need a MoCA filter/splitter—ask management if the building already has one.
- A flat Cat6 cable along baseboards/under a rug is cheap and most reliable if you can route it cleanly.
What does a coax jack look like?
- Round metal connector on a wall plate with a single pin in the center and external threads (you screw a cable on). Often labeled “Cable” or “TV.” Ethernet jacks look like oversized phone jacks (rectangular, click-in).
Next steps I recommend
- Easiest/quickest: USB Wi‑Fi adapter or a Wi‑Fi bridge with Ethernet.
- If you prefer “wired” stability and have cable jacks in both rooms, go MoCA; otherwise try Powerline.
- Since you’re allowed to use the Xfinity LAN ports, you can test by temporarily moving the PC (or a laptop) to that room and plugging in to confirm speeds before buying gear.
- Do you see those round threaded “Cable/TV” jacks in both rooms?
- Rough distance between rooms and whether there’s a hallway/baseboard path for a flat Ethernet run.
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