Can I split an ethernet connection?

jevery

Active Member
Here's my problem. I have a telephony modem with one ethernet port that's occupied by a wired router that provides my internet connections to 2 computers via Cat 5 cable. The wired router has 4 ports, (2 occupied, 2 unoccupied). My Wife brings home an iPodtouch tonight and tells me to figure out a way to attach a wireless router for her new toy. I obviously can't attach it to the modem unless there's a Y cable or splitter adapter - If here is such a thing. I don't think I can attach a wireless router to one of the unoccupied ports on the wired router can I? Anyone lend a knowledgeable hand?
 
Here's my problem. I have a telephony modem with one ethernet port that's occupied by a wired router that provides my internet connections to 2 computers via Cat 5 cable. The wired router has 4 ports, (2 occupied, 2 unoccupied). My Wife brings home an iPodtouch tonight and tells me to figure out a way to attach a wireless router for her new toy. I obviously can't attach it to the modem unless there's a Y cable or splitter adapter - If here is such a thing. I don't think I can attach a wireless router to one of the unoccupied ports on the wired router can I? Anyone lend a knowledgeable hand?

You could attach a wireless router to one of the ports on the wired router. You just need to make sure to turn off DHCP for the Wireless Router.
 
Sounds too easy, but I'll trust you. Thanks :)

What's DHCP, just out of curosity?

That is what automatically assigns the IP addresses to each device. That is the point of a router, to assign IP addresses (unless you use static IP, which means it won't change) and to allow more than one device to use your connection.

EDIT- You may want to have someone on here verify what I said before you go spend money on a wireless router. Although I am 99.9999% sure that should work.
 
It may be easier for you to just go out and buy a wireless router with 4 ports in the back and use it instead of the wired router, as sometimes it can be a pain getting 2 routers to work together.
 
It may be easier for you to just go out and buy a wireless router with 4 ports in the back and use it instead of the wired router, as sometimes it can be a pain getting 2 routers to work together.

John, are you saying that some wireless routers have ports for Cat 5 connections that would allow me to attach my two hard-wired computers?
 
Yes as most if not all wireless routers also have 4 wired ports in the back. I highly recommend the wrt54gl from linksys at newegg. com or your local electronics store like fry's or tiger direct/compusa store.
 
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