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To run two cables (for wired computers) from a modem? My family has a DSL modem that we connect to via Ethernet and we would like to be able to use more than one wired computer on it at a time... Is this possible? If so how?

Dan D.
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L.B.
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    What is the omen of a the DSL modem? How are you connecting a computer to it? Via Ethernet or USB? Please add these answers to the question. – Giacomo1968 Jan 30 '15 at 02:22
  • @JakeGould The omen? Edits coming soon. Never mind... I think I understood your questions.:) – L.B. Jan 30 '15 at 02:23
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    What speed is your modem and what model is it? You probably need a router. Some modems have those built-in, some don't. – James Jan 30 '15 at 03:56
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    Many ISP-supplied modems have a router built in. Often there's 5 holes to plug UTP cables into, 1 for incoming WAN traffic (the internet port from your wall into the modem), and 4 for wired computer connections. Sure that's not the case with your modem? – SadBunny Jan 30 '15 at 04:08
  • @James We do not have a router built in and we do not want to have any form of wireless in our home. It is a Motorola... That is about all I know about it. – L.B. Jan 30 '15 at 16:30
  • You need just a router then. However, I wouldn't necessarily shop for that--they may actually be more expensive. The vast majority of home routers have wireless too, but you can disable the wireless on them if you really don't want it. – James Jan 31 '15 at 15:39

2 Answers2

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It’s not clear what brand/model mode you are using, but if your modem is being connected to your PC via an Ethernet then there is a good chance it has a DHCP router setup in it’s firmware. If that is the case, you can just buy a simple Ethernet hub/switch, connect the modem to the hub/switch on one port and then have the other computers hooked up via other ports.

Giacomo1968
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Either you have a modem or a modem/router

if it's a modem/router it'll allow several PCs connected at the same time usually these have an internal ethernet switch and several RJ45 sockets, allowing you to connect up-to 4 PCs

If it's a modem only you'll have to get a router or modem/router to augment or replace it, or configure one of the PCs to take over this task (search internet connection sharing this PC may need a second ethernet port installed). However it may be possible to reconfigure the modem to be a modem/router and then (if you need more RJ45 sockets) all you will need is a network switch.

user313114
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