Can you have DSL and cable modem on same computer?

Question

I have a Linksys router on my computer which works fine with two laptops.  However, my husband's desk top is way up on the third floor -- a long distance away from the router.  In the past, it has worked, but has become very unreliable. So, I thought maybe I would get a cable connection from Adelphia for him -- I'm happy with Verizon on the other computers.  But, I wondered if you could keep both of them on the computer, one as backup.  It's a Dimension 4600 with WIndows XP.  Thanks, Peggy

_Paladin · Answer

peggylenox,

You need a powerline device at each end: one plugged into the router and one plugged into the desktop; an etherfast bridge at the router and either another bridge or a power line USB adapter at the desktop. The router does not require any changes.

peggylenox · Answer

Dumb question time!

Can you just use the powerline for that particular desk top? Without messing around with the laptops, which work fine.

What is a bridge? Does one buy each one of these things separately or do they come in a "kit"? Went on Best Buy and didn't see anything that included all these things.

Again, thanks, peggy

_Paladin · Answer

peggylenox,

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think your real goal is to solve the problem with your husband's connectivity. Getting a second ISP seems a bit extreme. I suggest you look ito alternative methods of wired networking, specifically HPNA and Power Line networking. HPNA uses the existing telephone wiring in your house to establish an ethernet connection between the router and the desktop PC. Power Line networking is the same concept, but uses the existing electrical wiring in your house. Here is a link to the Linksys devices that make these connections. This is a link to the Linksys tutorial about Power Line networking. You can also visit http://www.homepna.org/ to learn about HPNA.

peggylenox · Answer

Yeah, you're right! That is what I want to do and certainly the powerlink thing looks better than a whole new service. So, do I get it right: you plug the powerlink into the usb port on his computer. Does one need to do anything to the router? I spent about two hours on the phone with Linksys last night -- he couldn't even help get any signal at all. I was able to do that myself after I hung up by fiddling with some of the settings. it's just not dependable. All "Alvin" at Linksys could suggest was to buy a range extender and put it on the second floor. But, most of the reports I've read on that said it didn't work very well and especially with my router. Thanks for your help. This sounds good!

peggy

_Paladin · Answer

peggylenox,

Using the powerline adapters will not affect the current PCs at all. In effect you are extending one of the router's wired LAN ports to the desktop using the powerline adapters. This is the link to the Linksys HPNA and Powerline adapters. At the router you need a PLEBR10 - an etherfast bridge - which will connect to one of the router's LAN ports and to the electrical outlet. At the desktop you need another PLEBR10 (provided the desktop has a wired network interface card [a NIC]) which will connect to the electrical outlet and the NIC, or a PLUSB10 - powerline USB adapter - which will connect to the electrical outlet and then plug into one for the desktop's USB ports.

peggylenox · Answer

Thank goodness for guys like you!  I spent quite a bit of time with another Linksys guy today who really didn't know what the heck he was talking about.  He seemed never to have hear of the  PLEBR10.  So, I stopped by my local RadioShack and found two of them on closeout for $9.95.  Yippee!  We live in a very small town with not many local places to buy this sort of thing, so it was an even better find.  I'll let you know when I hook them up.  Again, many thanks.  best, peggy

peggylenox · Answer

So far, I haven't installed it, as (Wouldn't you know it!) the internet is working fine on my husband's computer.  But, at least I'm prepared if it starts messing up.  One question:  if I read the manual correctly, you only have to use the configuration cd on the distanced computer, not the one with the router.  I hope that's true, as I wouldn't want to mess us anything on this one, as it has a TIvo as well as a wired laptop.   Also, they said that sometimes in Windows XP, there is a problem.  Is that true?  Once again, many thanks, peggy

_Paladin · Answer

peggylenox,

I'll be honest here and admit that I have never installed one of these devices. I've just looked at the User Guide and Quick Install Guide. Here's how I interpret them. Follow the instructions on the CD and configure one of the units, including running the Security Configuration Utility. Once configured, close the configuration program, shutdown the PC, unplug the PLEBR10. Then move that unit to the router and connect it. What router do you have? If it has an uplink port, use a regular ethernet cable and connect the PLEBR10 to the router's uplink port. Otherwise you may need a crossover cable to connect the PLEBR10 to one of the router's LAN ports, but before you get a crossover cable, try using a regular cable. Some newer routers sense what they need to do (crossover vs. straight through) and react accordingly. Then plug the PLEBR10 power cable in to an outlet.

Next, connect the second PLEBR10 to the PC and start the PC. Run the Security Configuration Utility again, answering exactly the same way as the first time. This sets up both units with the same internal security.

Note that if your router does have an uplink port you cannot use the LAN port immediately adjacent to it.

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Can you have DSL and cable modem on same computer?

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