Connect Two Computers to One Broadband Modem

The most common way to link two or more computers to the same broadband modem is by using a router. Depending on the router, the device can allow both hardwired and wireless connections from the same modem.
Some broadband modems, however, have a USB port that can connect a second computer to the device without use of a router. Connecting through USB may require extra software and should be performed only after contacting the service provider.

Instructions

Connecting Additional Computers with a Router

1. Step 1

   Buy a router, which connects computers to the modem. Popular routers include Linksys, NetGear, Cisco and others, and can be bought online or in stores such as Radio Shack and Costco.

2. Step 2

   Follow the router manufacturer’s instructions for installation. Usually, the first step is to turn on a computer and put the manufacturer’s CD in the drive. It may instruct you to type a URL address in your Web browser address bar to configure the router. Follow each step.

3. Step 3

   Once the setup is concluded, unplug the Ethernet cable that connects the broadband modem to a computer. Do not unplug the modem from the cable, DSL or satellite wall connection unless instructed to do so temporarily by the router manufacturer.

4. Step 4

   Plug in the router’s power source.

5. Step 5

   Using the Ethernet cable, plug the router into the now empty output slot in the modem.

6. Step 6

   Plug an Ethernet cable into the Ethernet port–usually found in the rear of the CPU– of each computer to be connected, and plug the other end into the Ethernet ports in the rear of the router. Usually there are three or four ports on the router.

7. Step 7

   Turn off all devices–the computer, router, and modem–and turn them on in the following order–first the modem, waiting until all lights are lit except the connection light (usually the bottom light); then the router and finally the computer.

8. Step 8

   Follow any additional steps in the manufacturer’s instructions and check to determine if each computer is online. Check the manufacturer’s troubleshooting section if the connections are not successful.

9. Step 9

   If the router has wireless Internet capability, plug a wireless card into any computer to be connected in that manner. Go to the computer’s Control Panel section, click Network and Internet Connections, click on the Wireless Network option and follow instructions.

   Connecting a second computer without a modem

10. Step 1

    Determine if the modem has a USB port.

11. Step 2

    If so, contact the service provider to determine whether any software is needed to connect an additional computer to the USB port. Most service providers will not charge extra for additional connections.

12. Step 3

    Download any required software or insert the software CD in the second computer and follow instructions.

13. Step 4

    Once the software has been loaded, or if none is required, connect one end of the USB cable to the second computer’s USB slot. Connect the other end of the cable to the broadband modem’s USB slot.

14. Step 5

    Turn off the computer and the modem, then turn on first the modem and then the computer.
    Browse the Internet to ensure both computers are properly connected.

Tips & Warnings

Routers often have separate Internet protocol, or IP, addresses from the individual computers. That can cause “conflicting IP addresses” warnings on the computer screen and interfere with the connection. Usually this can be solved by going to the Control Panel, clicking through to Internet Connections, and clicking on “Repair.” Turning off the modem, router and computer and then turning them on can also help.

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