Ethernet cables?

[dan]

Don't get ripped off spending too much for special cable. All you need is a standard CAT5, CAT5e or CAT6 patch cable. Shouldn't cost more than 5 to 10 bucks.

That being said, I'll explain,

There are basically three Ethernet standards in use:
IEEE 802.3a - 10BASE2 - 10 Mbps
IEEE 802.3u - 100BASE-TX - 100 Mbps (Fast Ethernet)
IEEE 802.3z - 1000BASE-X - 1000 Mbps (Gigabit Ethernet)

Ethernet standards are backward compatible and all use standard RJ45 (8P8C) modular connectors. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/8P8C#8P8C

Most Ethernet connections today are 100 Mbps fast Ethernet using CAT5 UTP cable. Gigabit Ethernet is 1000 Mbps using CAT6 or CAT5e UTP cable and devices.

Ethernet connections are determined by the speed of the port and the cabling. The connection speed will always negotiate to the speed of the slowest device.

For example if you have CAT6 Ethernet cable connected to your router which has Gigabit Ethernet (1000 Mbps) ports, and it is connected to a old PC with a 10 Mbps NIC (network interface card) then your connection speed would be limited to 10 Mbps.

In order to achieve Gigabit LAN speeds, all devices in the connection need to be Gigabit. This would include the LAN ports on the router, the network interface cards in both devices and the cables connecting them.

You can always mix faster Ethernet cables and devices to slower networks, However as was said the network will default to the slowest link.

Remember, this is only the local LAN speed. Internet (WAN) speed is determined by your ISP. For example a 3 Mbps DSL connection can only provide 3 Mbps even if connected to a Gigabit Ethernet LAN network.

As far as other options,

I prefer Ethernet, however if it is not feasible to run cables you can get a wireless extender or a pair of powerline network adapters.

Wireless extenders plug in and regenerate WiFi signals to increase the wireless range of your router. The TP-LINK TL-WA850RE is the least expensive at around $30.

Powerline network adapters are easily installed. You just plug one in by your router and one in the room where you need access and connect them to the devices with standard Ethernet patch cables. The network signals are transmitted over your existing home electrical wiring which will not be affected by wireless interference. There is still some extra overhead in the connection but it is much more stable than WiFi.

Here are some reviews of wireless extenders and powerline adapters. http://isp1.us/reviews/

Good Luck.