Connecting more than one computer to DSL
nebet
Newbie

Hello, I'm hoping someone can help me out here since I'm not very tech savvy at all.

I currently have Verizon DSL, I have my desktop hooked up to a Westell 6100F. I have another desktop upstairs that I would also like to be able to use to go online. I know I need a router, but I'm wondering which is the best kind? And will I need anything else to be able to hook up both computers to the internet? I also might be getting a laptop in the near future, will that change what kind of router I will need?

Thanks to anyone who can help! 🙂

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Re: Connecting more than one computer to DSL
dslr595148
Community Leader
Community Leader

#1 Before doing anything else, let us check if your modem is a modem combo in router mode. You will understand latter on what this means, when we get there...

#2 Check the IP Address, Subnet Mask, Default Gateway, and DNS Server(s) on your computer.

As how to do this, will depend on your OS and Version. Since most people that I know use Windows XP, these are the directions for that OS and Version.

a) Go to Start -> Run.

b) Type in cmd and press enter.

c) In the new window, called the command prompt, type in ipconfig /all and press enter.

#2 With your web browser go to http://www.whatsmyip.org/

#4 Please for security/privacy reasons, only anwer my question - DO NOT post the IP Address.

Is any of the IP Address(es) on your computer the same as the IP Address on that site?

--

#4 Do you want to use Wireless for this laptop?

Re: Connecting more than one computer to DSL
nebet
Newbie

Hi, thanks for replying.

No, the IP address on the website does not match any on my computer.

And yes, I would like to use wireless for the laptop

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Re: Connecting more than one computer to DSL
BrianMcD
Specialist - Level 1

Also, do you plan on running an ethernet cable from the router location to the upstairs PC or do you want to connect to it via wireless ?

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Re: Connecting more than one computer to DSL
dslr595148
Community Leader
Community Leader

@nebet wrote:

No, the IP address on the website does not match any on my computer.


Ok, that is what I thought..
Your modem is a modem combo acting in router mode.
For example, if you get a RJ-45 WAN port router (like the Linksys WRT54), be sure to follow.
http://www.dslreports.com/faq/13600
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Re: Connecting more than one computer to DSL
nebet
Newbie

Yes, I would also like to connect to the upstairs computer via wireless.

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Re: Connecting more than one computer to DSL
dslr595148
Community Leader
Community Leader

@nebet wrote:

Yes, I would also like to connect to the upstairs computer via wireless.


Ok..
Now it get's a little more tricky...
#1 What kind of Wireless Speed would you like?
#2 How much money will you be willing to spend?
#3 What kind of range do you need?
As need be, I pojnt you to
http://www.linksysbycisco.com/US/en/learningcenter/WirelessStandards
and to http://www.linksysbycisco.com/US/en/learningcenter/Hotspots
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Re: Connecting more than one computer to DSL
nebet
Newbie

Thank you very much for the links., they are very informative. Looking at the chart, I think the Wireless-G router WRT54G2 would suit me fine. I'm not looking for a ton of speed or range right now and I'm not looking to spend a lot either. 🙂

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Re: Connecting more than one computer to DSL
dslr595148
Community Leader
Community Leader

@nebet wrote:

Thank you very much for the links., they are very informative. Looking at the chart, I think the Wireless-G router WRT54G2 would suit me fine. I'm not looking for a ton of speed or range right now and I'm not looking to spend a lot either. 🙂


Or, some other wireless router with Wireless G. It does not have to be from Linksys.

^^

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