Capturing a wifi signal and transmitting it through ethernet

[ENDRJUPL]

This time I need help I have an unlimited data mobile plan, so I use my android phone as a hotspot to provide internet at home. Every device is able to connect, there are no issues and the connection is stable. Unfortunately my wireless speakers stopped working with wifi recently and I had to connect them with an ethernet cable to a router that I bought, which has a slot for a sim card - tp-link AC750 Archer MR200. They work without an internet connection as well, but just as usual speakers, I obviously can't play any music from spotify, etc. on them unless I put the sim card in the slot.

The question is - can I somehow make my router pick up the signal from the phone's hotspot and output the internet connection through the ethernet cables? I have no clue about network topics, so if it's a totally dumb question/idea - don't hesitate to mock me Cheers!

 

[Marty]

It is possible but you would need one more piece of kit as I see it.
1. Firstly you need to check if you can change your router to Access Point mode:
https://www.tp-link.com/ae/support/faq/2066/
2. If yes then the extra kit would be an Extender with RJ45, something like this (MediaMarkt CHF29.95):
https://www.digitec.ch/en/s1/product/tp-link-tl-wa850re-repeaters-435781
3. Connect the extender to your phone hotspot then connect the extender and router (in Access Point Mode) via Ethernet

The speakers should then work as the remaining ethernet ports would effectively act as a switch.

Ideally one would wish the router to have the abilty to become an extender which would not incure further cost but I do not see this option in the manual for the MR200.

Just out of curiosity, can your provider not give you a second sim linked to your account, just say it is for an iPad, I know I can do it on Salt but I'm sure Sunrise or Swisscom could do the same.

 

[ENDRJUPL]

It is possible but you would need one more piece of kit as I see it.
1. Firstly you need to check if you can change your router to Access Point mode:
https://www.tp-link.com/ae/support/faq/2066/
2. If yes then the extra kit would be an Extender with RJ45, something like this (MediaMarkt CHF29.95):
https://www.digitec.ch/en/s1/product/tp-link-tl-wa850re-repeaters-435781
3. Connect the extender to your phone hotspot then connect the extender and router (in Access Point Mode) via Ethernet

The speakers should then work as the remaining ethernet ports would effectively act as a switch.

Ideally one would wish the router to have the abilty to become an extender which would not incure further cost but I do not see this option in the manual for the MR200.

Just out of curiosity, can your provider not give you a second sim linked to your account, just say it is for an iPad, I know I can do it on Salt but I'm sure Sunrise or Swisscom could do the same.

Thanks a lot for such a detailed explanation May, I really appreciate it! I'm in Salt, I didn't think about it. So I can simply ask for another sim and they will both be active at the same time? How much more does it cost for you per month? I have the Salt Europe plan.

 

[Marty]

Well....I had it a while ago, I used one of those mobile routers for internet in the home before I switched to Salt Fiber and if I remember correctly I only paid CHF45 for the sim activation, nothing extra a month. That said I have looked now on Salt and there does not seem to be an option for the second sim anymore, maybe pop into one of the stores and ask.

If not then check if you have Access Point Mode on your router and if it's there then PM me your address and I will post you an extender with RJ45 that I do not use any more and you are welcome to take ownership of (gratis)

 

[ENDRJUPL]

After a bit of googling it doesn't seem to have an access point possibility I'll ask in Salt tomorrow. Danke/Grazie/Merci for your help Marty!