what do I need in a router?

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sofasurfer

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Currently I have one computer in the house. There is no wifi. I am going to have a second computer and I need to know what is required to have both computers operating on one internet connection. I assume a router is the answer but I know nothing about them except that there are a ton of them when searching on line. What do I need to look for? As I said, there is no wifi and I prefer to not use wifi but I may in the future.
 


It depends on your service, is, you will need an appropriate modem either with built-in router, or if you have a single incoming internet modem you will need to add a router [ modem with router are more common so usually the cheaper way].
 
I have one modem supplied by Spectrum Internet. So I need a router to connect the modem and internet to both computers.
 
I dont know your supplier, can you tell us what is the brand [if different] and model number so it can be looked up
 
You've posted no information about what kind of modem you have now.

Post model number and brand of modem you now have.

without you giving us information we really can't give a solid answer.

Our crystal balls are in the shop getting upgraded to a newer version.
 
sofasurfer said:
I am going to have a second computer and I need to know what is required to have both computers operating on one internet connection.
Click to expand...
Truly all you need is a switch so each computer can reach the internet. I use a netgear 4 port switch and it works fine. There is really no need to put in a second router. I use two routers for security reasons, along with a netgear switch so each computer sees the basic internet. I have 8 computers connected through switches and all is fine
 
I have a ARRIS TM1602A modem. I currently have no router. I want a router so I can have two computers on line at the same time. Is a switch basically the same thing?
 
Since you don't want to use wiifi, all you really need is one with multiple ethernet ports.
Most common wi-fi routers have at least 4. But not all of them.

You need to know a few things about your computers. How fast is the wi-fi on them?
There are several different speeds. a, b, n, g, ac, and ax. Newer computers will have ac or ax.
You want a router that matches the wi-fi on your computers.

If you only want to use Ethernet, then the computer will have to be close to the router, or you'll need
long cat6 cables. ( maximum is 100 feet ). Most newer computer have gigE or faster, make sure the router
supports what ever speed your ethernet port is.

Edit: I just saw your last post. A router "routes" between two different subnets. It sounds like you don't need to do that.
All you need is a switch. A switch lets you have multiple computers on the same subnet.
Make sure the switch ports match the ethernet speed on your computers.
 
sofasurfer said:
I have a ARRIS TM1602A modem. I currently have no router. I want a router so I can have two computers on line at the same time. Is a switch basically the same thing?
Click to expand...
www.lifewire.com

How Is a Router Different From a Switch?

Routers and switches have some things in common, but they’re different devices with distinct purposes within a network.
www.lifewire.com www.lifewire.com

What does your internet provider offer or suggest that would be your best choice imo.
 
wizwanabe said:
Truly all you need is a switch so each computer can reach the internet. I
Click to expand...
CaffeineAddict said:
Indeed! not sure why everybody is pushing to get a router.
Click to expand...
sofasurfer said:
Currently I have one computer in the house. There is no wifi. I am going to have a second computer and I need to know what is required to have both computers operating on one internet connection. I assume a router is the answer but I know nothing about them except that there are a ton of them when searching on line. What do I need to look for? As I said, there is no wifi and I prefer to not use wifi but I may in the future.
Click to expand...
The OP is asking about a router and not a switch.

No one is pushing anyone into getting anything.

Merely providing information for the OP to understand and make a proper decision.

The OP also mentioned that although not wanting to use WIFI atm may use WIFI in the future.

A router would be the best choice for both imo.
 
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The Duck said:
The OP is asking about a router and not a switch.
Click to expand...
Most of the time the ISP routers are all in one devices: router, firewall and switch. Some ISP's allow you to put your ISP router/modem in bridge mode so that you can use your own router/mode as your main one two manage your own lan if you want to.

The Duck said:
The OP also mentioned that although not wanting to use WIFI atm may use WIFI in the future.
Click to expand...
Depending on the router you buy or you get from your isp, the one from your isp usually also has wifi. If you use your own router with multiple lan ports you can then later choose to buy a wireless access point and connect it to one of the ports. There are quite many possibilities depending on how far you want to go.
 
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Hi
As you said you have an Arris TM1602A, it seems to be a simple modem so you really need a router. If you would like to build it yourself use a PC and take a look for example at ClearOS ,it is a linux distro prepaged with what you need, routing, dhcp, firewall and some management consoles. If it is too much of a hassle then just get a router appliance like a netgear or tp-link or linksys. Good luck
 
I do these all the time. You will want a wifi router I suggest wavlink or linksys as they are good brands. Trendnet is also fine. You DO NOT WANT A SWITCH as it will not do the job. most of the service providers give you the modem but you most times have to sign in to them which will require the router. You can get them for about $60 US and be fine. DO NOT GET ONE from the provider as they tend to "rent" them to you which means paying $10 per month for the life of the service. Buy it outright and follow the directions. That simple. You can then share the internet connection wireless or over wire.
 
I contacted tech support at Spectrum. They told me to get any router that is labeled as AC1800 minimum, which is the power rating. Also look that it states that it is gig capable.
So, I'll see where this leads me.
 
AC1800 = 802.11ac which is WiFi 5 - 1800 = 1800Mbps which is speed capability
AX1800 = 802.11ax which is WiFi 6 - 1800 = 1800Mbps which is speed capability

So what is the difference since they have the same speed capabilities?
Depends if your equipment is WiFi 6 capable or not if it is the I would go with the AX1800 rated one - if not then the AC1800 is fine
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