I need a name to Google for.

I’m looking for a device that will accept one incoming ethernet cable and offer one or more outgoing ethernet connections AND a wifi access point.

What is that? A bridge/switch/accesspoint?

The scenario is: I currently have an ethernet cable running to my PC to provide internet access (via a modem-router upstairs) so instead I’d like to plug that cable into the unnamed device which would act as a switch to provide outgoing ethernet connections for my PC and print and also provide a wifi spot for phones, tablets etc.

A wifi router would act as a bridge would it not?

Access point. Some routers will act as access points if you set them up that way but you’ll need to check the manual for whatever you are going to buy. Most pure access points only seem to have one port so you would need a switch as well

A powerline adapter is what you want.

What does the other end of your existing ethernet cable plug into? Presuming a cable modem, so you’re after a set up like this

In which case, yes any cable modem would suit.

Wireless Bridge.
RM.

A powerline adapter is what you want.

No, no it isn’t.

OP already has router to handle XDSL / Cable side and NAT, so just needs the bridge like RM recommends to both act as a switch to provide the extra ethernet ports and bridge the wireless.

A netgear wireless router, run in Access Point Mode will do exactly what you want. I would think other manufactures wifi routers should also be able to work as an access point.

Yup that’s what I was meaning cranberry, ta.

wireless bridge.
wireless router.

No, no it isn’t.

Going by his scenario, it’s what I’d use. Having ethernet cables all over the shop isn’t pretty.

He can put a wireless powerline adapter next to his computer downstairs and run a short ethernet cable from that to his comp and printer.

He’d be losing some bandwidth over direct ethernet cables but it wouldn’t be a problem.

Apple Airport extreme – wifi access point, switch, print server and plug a usb HD into it and it becomes a network drive.
get a v4 or newer off ebay for about £50ish.

Cheers all.

Yeah a wifi router would probably do it, but most of the ones I was finding on searches were modem/routers which wasn’t what I needed (as they usually only had a phone line in).

That Netgear N750 that damion posted or the Edimax N300 that RM posted look like the right kind of thing.

Powerline adapters: not what I need here as I already have the ethernet neatly sorted, plus network speed is important as I serve media off the PC. But I will be using them to get to another bit of the house so expect a “Recommend me a powerline adapter” thread soon 😀

Apple Airport extreme: yep interesting thought. Ta.

I have a little TP Link (I think that’s it) which I use as a tiny wireless access point within home office and into garden. It’s got an ethernet feed, wireless only output. However, I suspect that something similar would be suitable with ethernet output ports (I’ve also got a small ethernet bridge/router that merely expands the single incoming ethernet signal into 4 outputs..

Yeah I’ve actually got a little TP-Link myself, the WR-702N. As you say it is ethernet-to-wifi only (or vice versa).

Handy little device though, good for setting up a little wifi hotspot in ethernet-only hotel rooms 😀

tp-link – don’t know the model. has 5 ethernet ports and wi-fi. connects to cable modem for porn internet. doddle to set up and needs no attention.

Yeah I’ve actually got a little TP-Link myself, the WR-702N. As you say it is ethernet-to-wifi only (or vice versa).

You could get a switch, and just use that with it.

You could get a switch, and just use that with it.

Yeah could do, but it means powering two devices instead of one and disconnecting the TP-Link whenever I go away to hotels for work etc

I’d rather pay another £30-odd and save the hassle.

Here’s what I use to extend my network via wireless.
http://www.tp-link.us/products/details/?categoryid=1247&model=TL-WA850RE