Can two DSL modems be set up for two different PCs under one phone line?

Question

I recently bought my brother his first PC and wanted to connect him to the Internet. He lives with my sister, who already has DSL service to her own PC. I want to try to avoid wireless connections since I'm not too keen on doing this kind of stuff. Her modem does not have extra ports to run any connection over to my brother's new PC either. But I do have an spare DSL modem; is it possible to hook this spare DSL modem to my sister's house phone line and connect my brother's computer to the Internet as well? Remember, my sister's original DSL modem is already connected to her PC, so I'd be introducing a second DSL modem to the house, under the same telephone line, but in my brother's separate room. Thanks!

Answer 1

In order to run two PCs off one DSL line, yoiu have to a device to split the signal. Unfortunately that device is a router. (The thing you wanted to avoid). They are NOT difficult to install. And it does not need to be a wireless one if you don't mind having to tring a wire into the brother's bed room. (You would have had to run a wire in for the DSL modem had you been able to do that)

But no, you can not put to DSL modems on the same line. They need something to separate the two signals, and that is the router. Sorry!!

Answer 2

Your best, economical, and most extensible way to achieve this is to buy a wireless broadband router. I say wireless because you may want to get a laptop someday and use it around the house. Most wireless routers also have Ethernet ports in which you would use to make your wired connection. The connection flow would be DSL line > Modem > Router > Computers. Most routers today are also equipped with additional security layers, meaning network firewall and WEP or WPA encryption ( for wireless). Once in place you can share folders via your LAN (Local Area Network) or add toys like network storage devices(large hard drives connected directly to router that all computer on the LAN can use). In addition it will allow all computers in your house to share a single connection to DSL.

Answer 3

no you can't have two dsl modems on the same phone line. just buy them a regular router. you will have to run an ethernet cable from the router to your brothers computer. Or you can get her brother a separate phone line.