How can I have two computers connected at once to an ADSL modem?
July 10, 2010 2:17 PM Subscribe
I'm clueless. I have an ADSL modem and two computers. Despite having both a USB and Ethernet connection, only one works at a time. Help!
I have an ADSL modem (Arris something or other) hooked up to a desktop computer via USB, and now a laptop via Ethernet. The internet connection is only assigning one computer a valid IP address at a time, so I need to disconnect one and restart the modem in order to use the other computer. Is there any way I can get around this?
I have an ADSL modem (Arris something or other) hooked up to a desktop computer via USB, and now a laptop via Ethernet. The internet connection is only assigning one computer a valid IP address at a time, so I need to disconnect one and restart the modem in order to use the other computer. Is there any way I can get around this?
Response by poster: I got a wireless router, which could have solved my problem if it weren't for the main desktop lacking an Ethernet port. Should I get a router and some sort of usb-ethernet adapter?
posted by csjc at 2:21 PM on July 10, 2010
posted by csjc at 2:21 PM on July 10, 2010
My understanding of how these ADSL modems work is that you can use the USB port or the ethernet port but not both. That is, it has both but the assumption is that you will not use both. In fact some ADSL modems that I remember had little sliders that went over the back so that only one port was available at a time. I am pretty sure this is true for the Arris modems though you can try calling your ISP, but they'll likely try to sell you another IP address.
posted by jessamyn at 2:22 PM on July 10, 2010
posted by jessamyn at 2:22 PM on July 10, 2010
Your modem will only work with one computer at a time, even through different ports. Use the router, and get an ethernet card for your second computer.
posted by Mwongozi at 2:26 PM on July 10, 2010
posted by Mwongozi at 2:26 PM on July 10, 2010
Yes, you'll need an Ethernet interface for each machine. It could be wired or wireless, depending on your needs and budget. You could install an internal card in the computer or buy a USB dongle.
posted by contraption at 2:27 PM on July 10, 2010
posted by contraption at 2:27 PM on July 10, 2010
I take it you still have the wireless router (i.e. you haven't yet returned it to the store)? If so, you can set that up, and buy a wireless USB network adapter for the desktop.
This will function pretty much the same as the USB network adapter you have now. Except that instead of being connected to a cable, it will be picking up the wireless internet signal instead.
posted by ErikaB at 2:36 PM on July 10, 2010
This will function pretty much the same as the USB network adapter you have now. Except that instead of being connected to a cable, it will be picking up the wireless internet signal instead.
posted by ErikaB at 2:36 PM on July 10, 2010
How old is this main desktop? On-board ethernet ports have been pretty much standard for almost a decade.
posted by jjb at 6:02 PM on July 10, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by jjb at 6:02 PM on July 10, 2010 [1 favorite]
You need to use a router. If your desktop does not have wireless, then connect it to the modem with a wire. Most wireless routers do accept wires, they just also broadcast a wireless signal.
posted by asciident at 6:10 PM on July 10, 2010
posted by asciident at 6:10 PM on July 10, 2010
Sorry, connect it to the ROUTER with a wire, not to the modem.
posted by asciident at 6:10 PM on July 10, 2010
posted by asciident at 6:10 PM on July 10, 2010
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by contraption at 2:20 PM on July 10, 2010 [1 favorite]