DSL modem options...

[Audi Junkie]

I finally got Verizon DSL at my "office". At home we get by on dial-up, no hi-speed offered. Anyway, I have 2 desktops, one is working fine with the DSL modem Verizon gave me. I want to add another computer on the same phone line and share the connection. Help. Can I just buy a cheap DSL modem and plug it in or do I need a "router"? I have a wireless router in a box here, but don't think I have wireless cards.

Someone talk me through it.

 

[PandaBear]

You can only use one modem per DSL line. The limit to the speed is the copper wire and only one set of signal can go through it at a time.

What you need is a router, you can either go wired or wireless. The wired use CAT5 or better cable (like a phone cord except it has 4 pairs of twisted wires inside). Most newer laptop came with a wireless connection but if you have an older one you can get a CardBus wireless card, they should be between $15 (generic from Fry's) to $80 (name brand 802.11n in Bestbuy or Circuit City, etc).

 

[Audi Junkie]

So, if I used a wireless (G) router like the one I have here in a box, I would need a wireless card for *both* of the computers? I can't just plug one of the computers into the router w/ the CAT5 or Ethernet cable and get the wireless card for just the remote computer???

Thanks for your advice.

I'm looking at the actual unit...

It has the yellow cable for "the internet" and four more marked "LAN". So, maybe they just plug into the wired computer(s). Ok, well I'm not at the office now, but at least I looked at it. Thanks again.

 

[OVERKILL]

You could physically plug both into the router using ethernet cable.

But regardless, yes, you need a router.

 

[Audi Junkie]

That looks like it. I'll know more later after I play with it. Definately will need teh wireless card because comp #2 is actually in an adjacent appt.

 

[PandaBear]

Originally Posted By: Audi Junkie
So, if I used a wireless (G) router like the one I have here in a box, I would need a wireless card for *both* of the computers? I can't just plug one of the computers into the router w/ the CAT5 or Ethernet cable and get the wireless card for just the remote computer???

Thanks for your advice.

I'm looking at the actual unit...

It has the yellow cable for "the internet" and four more marked "LAN". So, maybe they just plug into the wired computer(s). Ok, well I'm not at the office now, but at least I looked at it. Thanks again.


Wireless router include ethernet ports that you can plug CAT 5 cable to, I prefer wired option and I frequently used wireless router in wired only configuration. The best wireless is still not as reliable as even the oldest wired configuration.

For your next appt connection, you can run a router that is set as an access point (or buy an access point) and let all the computers in that apt go through this access point. I use DD-WRT on various router and turn them into access point/bridge and they all work much better than a wireless card, due to better antenna design and the ability to locate them at the optimal location in the house (i.e. near window between homes or in the attic).


My neighbor and I are sharing a cable modem connection and the line is at his house. I pay him 1/2 the cost per month and have a router turned access point connect to his network, then another wireless router re-broadcast the signal in the house. Perfect signal every day for the last 6 months, and a $25 saving over having my own line.