Can I plug in an Ethernet cable to a 2nd router?

[AGreeneMachine]

Lemme explain. I have 2 routers one is hooked up to a different computer and is downstairs while I am upstairs. The 2nd one is up here with me and boosts the internet from the 1st one to upstairs. Now can I plug in an ethernet cable from the 2nd router and will it be faster vs me connecting to the main one which is normally faster?

 

[morrisct]

It depends on many factors including distance from wifi source, ethernet cable quality, wifi interference, router quality etc. The BEST way to know which is faster is to personally test it by transferring files from a computer or use speedtest.net in a web browser to see if results differ.

 

[boosted1g]

If router 2 gets internet from router 1 then yes you can plug an Ethernet cable from router 2 to a device.
As far as speed that completely depends on your setup.

The ideal setup for this is as follows:
ISP source (dsl, coax cable, fiber) -> modem or media convert (output will be Ethernet) -> Primary router -> ethernt to PCs near primary router and Ethernet to second router -> Second router configured as access point -> devices connected to second router.

Your second router should be setup as an Access Point because otherwise devices connected to primary router will not be able to access shared files/printers behind the second router (it will work going from router 2 to router 1 but not from router 1 to router 2). Let me know if you need instructions on how to reconfigure your router as an access point.

If you can not run an Ethernet connection from router 1 to router 2 the next best thing is a powerline networking adapter. You can get a decent 500-600mbps adapter for $50 or less.