Wi-Fi Router and Cable Modem Help?

Question

I have just received a replacement cable modem from Virgin Media, but the thing is it only has one ethernet socket, and no USB socket.

If i am to purchase a Wi-Fi router how am i going to connect it? I need more than one ethernet port.

I am new to this, and have not bought a router just yet, could anyone help please!

Thank You :)

Answer 1

Okay. You only need one Ethernet port and cable to connect the router to the modem. all the extra Ethernet ports are for the computers that doesn't have wireless connectivity, but has a Ethernet port. To connect wirelessly, set up a wireless network from your computer that has been Wi-Fi equipped.
Through the process, you should have made a SSID(router name), and a WEP/WPA key. Upon completion, use your computer to scan for wireless networks in range. Select the network with the SSID of your router. Then, it will ask for the key. Enter the key as indicated, and you're connected.

Answer 2

Simple really. Plug an ethernet cable into the LAN port of cable modem and WAN port of the router. However, the cable modem will remember the hardware address of your PC that was last connected to it. So if your cable modem has a reset button you need to press that until it reboots, or else disconnect it from power for awhile (and remove any battery from it, if it has one). Then power up the cable modem, power up the router, and power up your computer wired to one of the LAN ports on the router. Follow instructions to set an admin password on the router and wireless security settings (don't leave your wireless wide open to your neighbors). When you connect a computer or other device to wireless you will need to use same security setting.

Answer 3

You only need one ethernet connection from your modem to your router. Ok so your modem talks to the internet. Your router talks to the modem, and to how ever many computers you have. All traffic between your modem and your router is handled on one cable. Most wireless routers have 4 ethernet ports in the back. You can connect around 25 or so computers via wireless and wired connections to one router. Though performance might suffer.

I suggest the Belkin Wireless routers from walmart. 40 bucks and big pictures showing you everything to do. Also great tech support.... Good luck!

Answer 4

The modem's CAT5 feed (RJ 45 port) goes to the WAN port of the router.

If the router has only 1 LAN port, you will need to buy a network switch. All wired pcs plug into the switch and the LAN port of the router plugs into the switch. Buy a switch with a couple more ports than needed now as you will likely need them in the future. Some router have 4 LAN ports and this is both convenient and helpful in small LAN envrionments.

If you purchase a wireless unit, you need wireless Network Interface Cards for each pc you wish to connect to it. Many notebooks come with this; some will need a pcmcia wireless card added to it. Desk tops will require a pci wireless card.

You first configure the router for wired applications. You configure the WAN port for your use - probably for a dynamic IP address. You configure the LAN ports for your LAN configuration as shown in the manual. After successfully accessing the internet with wired connections, you then go forward and activate the wireless. Be careful to install all security or freeloaders and hackers will swarm out of nowhere to hog your bandwidth and steal whatever they can.

Finally if you purchase a wireless (WiFi) router, you will need to configure it using a wired port. Never configure a wirless router using a wireless connection.

Answer 5

i have virgin media Motorola modem with a Linksys wifi router.
it use's the Ethernet connection.and not the usb.
i have two pc's wired and two laptops wifi for net and if i need to transfer large files i use a wired connection to the laptop as this is quicker.
use my email if you need any help.

good luck.