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How To Connect Two Modems In One House

Tim Parry

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If you live in large homes, you may find it difficult to connect to a network wirelessly from one particular point, hence the importance of two modems in one house. Most people use one router per house, which is not usually enough; with two modems, you are guaranteed improved network connections both at home and at work.

The second modem will not only give a stronger internet connection but will also provide extended support for more devices. Moreover, with an extra unit, you will reach the dead spots in your home. Notably, while installing a second router, you will require a special configuration, and you will also require choosing a great location and correct configuration Ip address settings.


What is a Modem, and What Are the Different Types of Modems?

A modem or a broadband modem connects devices like computers or routers to the broadband network. There are four types of computer modems used in computers, and you will choose based on your network needs. We have discussed the four types of modems below:

1. External modem

An external modem is a device that does not require a router for its functionalities. This type can be attached directly to the computer through a functioning cable connection, USB, or WIFI. However, it is mostly connected to a separate router, connecting to multiple links in the house or office.

2. Integrated modem

The integrated modem is the type that is mainly contained within a device like a computer via USB or PCI card. This type is mostly best if you are not sharing the internet connection to other devices since it will only connect to one device or computer at a go.

3. Cable, DSL, Fiber, Dial-up Modems

These types are majorly categorized on the type of services they provide. The ethernet cable and DSL are the most useful in this category, but the fiber option is the best speed. A dial-up modem we poplar a while back but have since been overtaken by another high-speed internet. 

4. Router/Modem Combo

The router or modem combo is a modem enclosed within a router. It usually allows more than two computers or devices to receive the internet within one network. This is one of the modem types used in most homes and offices today since you don't have to separate the modem and the router.


How to Connect Two Modems in One House

If you have one modem in a large house, you may need a second modem to improve your home network. To connect two modems in one house, you must follow the following steps for a successful connection.

1. Select which of the Two Modems Will be the Main Router

First, even before installation, you need to choose between the existing modem and the second modem will serve as the main router. The modem you choose will act as the router that is connected to the wall outlet. The other router, the secondary, will mainly be helping the main router to spread or extend the network. Additionally, this first router will help control the secondary router while creating a LAN to WAN connection.

2. Position the Two Routers Perfectly

The second step is to ensure that you position the modems in a good position to make it easy to distribute the network perfectly. Placing your modems next to your computers or devices will be an added advantage since they will be easily accessible. However, you could place one in ane position of the house and the other in any other location.

3. Choose Between LAN-to-WAN or WAN-to LAN

Now that you have settled on where to position the two modems in one house or the same house, you will need to choose either LAN- to-WAN or LAN- to-LAN connection. LAN- to-WAN is basically connecting the central router's LAN port to the secondary router's WAN port. LAN to LAN – Connecting a central router's ethernet port to the subsequent router's ethernet port. Additionally, you could opt to use powerline adapters to increase your connection speed.

4. Launch and Configure the Router Settings

At this stage, you can connect your central router to the modem with a WIFI or cable tv and connect it directly to your devices or computer. Then you will need to configure the router's settings which are mainly the connections to the internet.

Many modems can easily be accessed by just opening their IP addresses on the web; however, you will find some somewhat hard ones. The great part is that if you purchase your own modem, it will come with a manual that will help you with the configuration.

5. Adjust and Set the Bridge Mode and DHCP Settings

At this point, you have already settled for which internet connection you will be using. For example, if you settle for a LAN-TO-LAN internet network, you will need to leave the DHCP settings as default and disconnect the computer from the router. On the other hand, if you opted for the LAN-TO-WAN internet network for your two modems in one house, you will need to go to the settings-router page- primary router DHCP, which will give an address between 192.168.1.2 and 192.168.1.50. 

You will also need to modify the settings for the second router. Finally, you will need to disengage the central router and connect the secondary router following the same steps on the second router.

6. Adjust and Set the wireless channel

If you are using two modems in one house that is both wireless, you will need one. This setting will limit the signal strength interference between the two modems and the computer or other devices. For the central router, you will choose and set a channel between 1 and 6, then set the secondary router from channel 11.

7. Permanently set your routers

Since everything is set at this point, you will need to set the modems at their permanent positions. You could poison the central router in the living room, for instance, and the other one in any other room. You only need to ensure that the cables you use can run perfectly from one router to another. The amazing thing is that you can set the ethernet cable through the walls for great internet access across your household to adjust and set the channels manually.

8. Connect and test both routers

Now that you're done with the internet network, you can test the speed of the internet across the household to ensure everything is set.


Two Modems In One House With Comcast

Adding an extra modem or using two modems in one hose is achievable if one is using Comcast. Comcast is the second-largest television and cable tv company known to help with large home Internet services.

If you need to use Comcast, a well-known internet service provider, you could easily inquire if you can sign up for their internet-only package via call. If they say your home is already connected to Comcast, you could tell them it is your landlord's connection. The chances are that Comcast will most likely allow you to use two modems in a single house.

First, before you call Comcast, you will need to note the Mac Address of your modem. This Mac Address is usually on the modem's backside, but others will have it positioned at the bottom side, depending on the model you have. Having the mac address makes the activation process much easier.

Once you get Comcast Cable Television activation, you will need a couple of things; first, you need a good cable connection which should be optimized for two modems in one house, and you also need a modem. The good news is that with Comcast, you could rent a modem or purchase one if you have funds, and they will offer adequate internet services. Remember, while getting your own modem, ensure you get one backed by the Comcast package.

The aim here is to use two modems in one house, one account, or one address; higher chances are that Comcast will charge extra internet charges for that. Since you will have to install a second modem, you will have to pay for more subscriptions, which are two accounts now that you will pay for the same service twice.


Frequently Asked Questions on internet connection.

1. Is WiFi or Ethernet cable connection faster?

An ethernet connection typically has more speed than a WIFI connection. More to that, the wired connection has more advantages compared to a WIFI extender. A hard-wired connection is more secure and dependable than a Wi-Fi extender. It's easy to check your speed online and make sure you are getting the best possible speed, you can easily do this by searching for an AT&T speed test online to accurately measure your speed and make improvements where needed. 

2. Which wire is used in internet cable connection?

While using ethernet connection mode, you must ensure that you use high-quality cables if you need high-quality internet service. Copper wires are considered the best since they make soldering much easier, and they are durable.

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Tim Parry

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