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Solved Will I need a Second Modem for the new desktop or can this be done with a Router and Ethernet Cable?

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Jerome Yankee

Jerome Yankee

PCHF Member
Jul 2, 2022
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#1
Hi Everyone:

Hope you can give me some insight on the setup for a new computer coming for a work at home job. I am sorry for the lack of knowledge.

Currently the house has 2 computers both laptops. The router/modem is in Room 1.

A new computer is being sent (desktop for a work at home position). They are including a router and ethernet cable.

In the email when the job offer came they stated "Your equipment MUST be set up near your internet modem to ensure the Ethernet cords are able to be connected."

This would be impossible. Is there some way for the new computer to be set up needing only the router/ethernet cable? They did not mention if it is windows 10 or 11 but did state would it would be all new equipment.

If not would it mean I need to purchase a separate modem for the work computer and thus the computer/ethernet cable/modem/router would all be within a few feet of each other.

The hope is we can avoid the issue with the new computer not being able to be near the original router/modem.

Thank you for your time and I apologize for lack of knowledge on the topic.
 
#2
a new modem would require a new internet provision from the street, into the house, to the modem, so it can connect to the internet.

another solution is to place this new computer in Room 1, but this sounds like it isn't doable.

another option is to connect the new PC wirelessly to your network, assuming you have a wireless network, and the new PC has a wireless network adapter, and the PC isn't locked down by your work.
if needed, a good USB wifi adapter can be purchased for around $40.

or you just snake an ethernet cable around the floor from the new PC location back to Room 1.

all depends on your house layout!
 
#3
Bruce said:
a new modem would require a new internet provision from the street, into the house, to the modem, so it can connect to the internet.

another solution is to place this new computer in Room 1, but this sounds like it isn't doable.

another option is to connect the new PC wirelessly to your network, assuming you have a wireless network, and the new PC has a wireless network adapter, and the PC isn't locked down by your work.
if needed, a good USB wifi adapter can be purchased for around $40.

or you just snake an ethernet cable around the floor from the new PC location back to Room 1.

all depends on your house layout!
Click to expand...
Thanks for reply. The option of snaking from Room 1 to Room 2 would not be feasible. Would most major cable companies (We have one of the 5 largest in the world) have a Wireless Network? Would most computers built in 2022 have wireless network ability, even if I have to purchase the USB Wi-Fi adaptor? Does the fact I am in a condo with multiple units and not a private house still mean that a new modem would require additional internet provision from the street? A lot of people that have told me they work from home have the original modem/router a distance from the other desktops in the house, does this mean they are using the PC connecting wirelessly method? When you say company locking down the PC could you explain? Sorry for having no knowledge on the topic. Thank you again for asistance!
 
#4
Jerome Yankee said:
MUST be set up near your internet modem to ensure the Ethernet cords are able to be connected."

This would be impossible
Click to expand...
Is this because you do not have a modem in your apartment? and only a wall jack to the building modem ?

If you have your own modem
You have to plug the router they supply into your current internet modem If it has a spare port. - No other option
Can you supply the make and model of your current modem/router.
Depending on what make and model router they send you (let us know as soon as you can)
The router may not be a wifi model or it could have the wifi disabled.
Companies that want you to work from home normally ( but not always) want you to connect to the router
via cable so you do not have wifi dropouts and interference.
and the ip address of the computer will be hard wired (static) to connect to that router and that router only.
 
#5
PeterOz said:
Is this because you do not have a modem in your apartment? and only a wall jack to the building modem ?

If you have your own modem
You have to plug the router they supply into your current internet modem If it has a spare port. - No other option
Can you supply the make and model of your current modem/router.
Depending on what make and model router they send you (let us know as soon as you can)
The router may not be a wifi model or it could have the wifi disabled.
Companies that want you to work from home normally ( but not always) want you to connect to the router
via cable so you do not have wifi dropouts and interference.
and the ip address of the computer will be hard wired (static) to connect to that router and that router only.
Click to expand...
Hi Peter: I am not back in the place until tomorrow and then can give the make/model of current router/modem. The modem/router is in Room 1 and the set up to work at home would be Room 2 which is 50 feet away. I saw there are ethernet cables sold up to 200 feet. On worst scenario if the modem has 2 ports I could run the longer ethernet cable. This seems such a pain when a wireless connection could solve all. What do people do when the modem only has 1 port for ethernet? Thanks for your help. I will supply the information tomorrow.
 
#6
Let's see if I can answer any of your questions without getting you to confused or lost. Even me for that fact.

Jerome Yankee said:
Sorry for having no knowledge on the topic.
Click to expand...

We all learn some place.

Jerome Yankee said:
When you say company locking down the PC could you explain?
Click to expand...

Companies will do this to prevent their systems from being use as a personal computer

Examples yet some may be limited as to what you can do.

You will not be able to install software
You will not be able to install hardware or use the certain USB ports
You will not be to make system changes
You will not be able to browse the internet

Anything that you do on that system outside of work could get you terminated. Even adding a simple WiFi adapter.

@PeterOz just to confirm.
If you do not want to run a 50-foot cable, they do make powerline adapters. As long as the modem is one the same floor as the connecting system.

Jerome Yankee said:
What do people do when the modem only has 1 port for ethernet?
Click to expand...

This is where a switch and or router comes into play. Like you stated they are sending you a router so no worries there.

Jerome Yankee said:
A lot of people that have told me they work from home have the original modem/router a distance from the other desktops in the house, does this mean they are using the PC connecting wirelessly method?
Click to expand...

Possibility yet most companies prefer that you do not for security reasons and WiFi is not as stable as wired.
 
#7
Rustys said:
Let's see if I can answer any of your questions without getting you to confused or lost. Even me for that fact.



We all learn some place.



Companies will do this to prevent their systems from being use as a personal computer

Examples yet some may be limited as to what you can do.

You will not be able to install software
You will not be able to install hardware or use the certain USB ports
You will not be to make system changes
You will not be able to browse the internet

Anything that you do on that system outside of work could get you terminated. Even adding a simple WiFi adapter.

@PeterOz just to confirm.
If you do not want to run a 50-foot cable, they do make powerline adapters. As long as the modem is one the same floor as the connecting system.



This is where a switch and or router comes into play. Like you stated they are sending you a router so no worries there.



Possibility yet most companies prefer that you do not for security reasons and WiFi is not as stable as wired.
Click to expand...
Thank you for the reply. What is a powerline adapter (sorry again)? The modem is on the same floor as the connecting system. If the company is being strict about not connecting wirelessly, either through the powerline adapter or buying the 200-foot ethernet cable, won't it come down to the modem needing 2 ethernet ports? I cannot remove the current port from Room 1. Sorry for the ignorance. I have always been poor with connections of everything but super comfortable with using various software and programs that have already been set up. Thank you!!!
 
#8
Some modems only have 1 Ethernet port to connect a router
some have routers built into the modem. if you only have one box at home then it should be a modem/router unless the internet is supplied by the condo.
A powerline adapter as per Rusty's idea will also work as long as both rooms are on the same power circuit
Jerome Yankee said:
What is a powerline adapter (sorry again)?
Click to expand...
They plug into a powerpoint and send the network down the powercable in place of a network cable.
Example here - I am not saying buy this one Just so you get an understanding.

Server Busy

www.amazon.com.au

As @Rustys says no need for sorry we all have to learn.
At least you are clever enough to ask first and not buy things and expect us to make the wrong equipment work.
By all means ask away
 
#9
PeterOz said:
They plug into a powerpoint and send the network down the powercable in place of a network cable.
Example here - I am not saying buy this one Just so you get an understanding.

Server Busy

www.amazon.com.au

As @Rustys says no need for sorry we all have to learn.
At least you are clever enough to ask first and not buy things and expect us to make the wrong equipment work.
By all means ask away
Click to expand...
Hi Peter: Thanks for the reply. Still not home to check the amount of ports/brand of modem but wanted to respond. Each unit in the condo is their own entity and there is 1 cable TV provider in the neighborhood. Each apartment has their own modem/router. In Room 1 is the modem/router. They are 2 separate units.

Could you please clarify about the powerline adapter? Let us say the company has (it is being mailed this week) sent the computer/router and it is in the house.

Scenario where Modem only has 1 ethernet option. Where would the powerline adapter be placed and what would the set up be between computer > new router > Powerline adapter > Ethernet cable? Would it be (hopefully) an easy fix and the ethernet cable would go into the powerline adapter and that mimics as if it is being plugged into a modem?

If the modem has 2 ports (the second, I am home will supply name/model #) does that give the options of ethernet cable that can be purchased for up to 200 feet plugged into the modem as well as the powerline adapter circumventing the need for anything being plugged into the modem for the new computer?

Would a typical chain store (Amazon showed out of stock) Best Buy/Staples sell powerline adapters? Thank you again for your patience and have a great morning!!!!
 
#10
Jerome Yankee said:
Hi Peter: Thanks for the reply. Still not home to check the amount of ports/brand of modem but wanted to respond. Each unit in the condo is their own entity and there is 1 cable TV provider in the neighborhood. Each apartment has their own modem/router. In Room 1 is the modem/router. They are 2 separate units.

Could you please clarify about the powerline adapter? Let us say the company has (it is being mailed this week) sent the computer/router and it is in the house.

Scenario where Modem only has 1 ethernet option. Where would the powerline adapter be placed and what would the set up be between computer > new router > Powerline adapter > Ethernet cable? Would it be (hopefully) an easy fix and the ethernet cable would go into the powerline adapter and that mimics as if it is being plugged into a modem?

If the modem has 2 ports (the second, I am home will supply name/model #) does that give the options of ethernet cable that can be purchased for up to 200 feet plugged into the modem as well as the powerline adapter circumventing the need for anything being plugged into the modem for the new computer?

Would a typical chain store (Amazon showed out of stock) Best Buy/Staples sell powerline adapters? Thank you again for your patience and have a great morning!!!!
Click to expand...
I checked and the modem is Arris TM822 it looks like only 1 ethernet port. Would others have this issue working at home and the powerline adapter be the saving grace. I live in the USA when listing a couple of retail outlets above. Thank you once again.
 
#11
Jerome Yankee said:
I checked and the modem is Arris TM822 it looks like only 1 ethernet port. Would others have this issue working at home and the powerline adapter be the saving grace. I live in the USA when listing a couple of retail outlets above. Thank you once again.
Click to expand...
I checked with a local retail store Staples. They told me they sell the Powerline Adapter and as long as there was computer > ethernet cable > new router > powerline adapter > wall outlets things should be perfect. They did mention sometimes in addition you may need a Network Switch. Why would this be and the above setup not do the trick? Thanks again to all of you for help.
 
#14
Hi Peter: The router was not sent yet (coming this week) and thus cannot give the make/model. Will let you know when it arrives.

Were the two folks that told me at the Staples incorrect? They laid out this is not an uncommon scenario. Both felt we could pretend Room 1 with the original modem and original router do not exist. The new computer, new router, and Powerline adapter would be hooked up and that could bypass the need for the original modem only having 1 ethernet port. Their words were in essence the powerline adapter is helping somebody bypass the need for the ethernet cable being plugged into a modem. The entire issue is the company wants only hard-wired connection and not WIFI. I hope I explained properly. Thank you for any help.
 
#16
PeterOz said:
You must have a current router for the laptops to work. The Arris TM822 does not have wifi
What is plugged into the Arris TM822
Click to expand...
Hi Peter: Thanks for response. Things are getting confused so let me start from scratch. Room 1 has a Modem and Router. There are 3 computers in the house that are for personal use. All on one floor. They are connected via WIFI. New work at home job is sending a desktop computer, second router, ethernet cable, surge protector. They do not want any WIFI connection. They request hardwire only. Since the modem only has 1 jack for ethernet, I am looking for a work around and was told (Please tell me the 2 computer folks at the store were right on the money) if you have a desktop, new router, and purchase a Powerline Adapter, the connection of new computer new router new powerline adapter would let me bypass any use for the Room1 Modem and router. They can stay as is for the 3 laptops wireless connection and the new equipment can connect and be their own entity for the desktop. Hope that makes sense and is possible. There have to be other folks in the same situation. Thank you again for the attention and details!!! Have a great night.
 
#18
Jerome Yankee said:
Hi Peter: Thanks for response. Things are getting confused so let me start from scratch. Room 1 has a Modem and Router. There are 3 computers in the house that are for personal use. All on one floor. They are connected via WIFI. New work at home job is sending a desktop computer, second router, ethernet cable, surge protector. They do not want any WIFI connection. They request hardwire only. Since the modem only has 1 jack for ethernet, I am looking for a work around and was told (Please tell me the 2 computer folks at the store were right on the money) if you have a desktop, new router, and purchase a Powerline Adapter, the connection of new computer new router new powerline adapter would let me bypass any use for the Room1 Modem and router. They can stay as is for the 3 laptops wireless connection and the new equipment can connect and be their own entity for the desktop. Hope that makes sense and is possible. There have to be other folks in the same situation. Thank you again for the attention and details!!! Have a great night.
Click to expand...
 
#19
Hi Peter: When I get in the house I can supply the name of the current router. In the mean time could you let me know why would the current router come into play when the company is sending a new router/computer and I can purchase the Powerline Adapter? Thanks for insight and will update when back in the house.
 
#20
Hi Peter: Back at the house.

Arris TM822 Modem
Router is from the cable company Optimum- Optimum Router DIR-868L
Both located Room 1, supporting 3 wireless laptop connections

New computer/router/ethernet cable or me purchasing Powerline Adapter have not arrived. Live in the United States if that mattters for connectivity. These will be Room 2.

Thanks so much!
 
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