# Computer help: modem & switching **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [June 22, 2008, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-help-modem-switching/453805 "2008-06-22T17:29:57Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 10\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Jennshark](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Jennshark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jennshark)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2008, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-help-modem-switching/453805/1 "2008-06-22T17:29:57Z")
Dear Computer Experts: I finally got my two laptops (SO and mine) online; the issue is that in order to switch between the two machines I have to unplug the modem, unscrew the cable, and restart the computer I am switching to. Surely there is an easier way to do this? Software- or hardware-wise? I have an “Arris” cable modem and it doesn’t appear to have a re-set or other kind of switch. Thanks, Jenn ---
**Author:** ![Quartz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quartz/32/267_2.png) [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2008, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-help-modem-switching/453805/2 "2008-06-22T17:36:10Z")
You need a router. Plug the modem into the router and plug both PCs into the router. ---
**Author:** ![beowulff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beowulff/32/542_2.png) [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2008, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-help-modem-switching/453805/3 "2008-06-22T17:39:22Z")
Even better, get a wireless router. Experience the freedom that laptops allow! ---
**Author:** ![Jennshark](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Jennshark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jennshark)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2008, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-help-modem-switching/453805/4 "2008-06-22T17:43:29Z")
Are they expensive? Difficult to set up? ---
**Author:** ![Jennshark](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Jennshark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jennshark)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2008, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-help-modem-switching/453805/5 "2008-06-22T17:47:43Z")
Does a wireless router convert my cable to wireless? If so, what is the range of service (usually)? ---
**Author:** ![beowulff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beowulff/32/542_2.png) [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2008, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-help-modem-switching/453805/6 "2008-06-22T17:50:12Z")
They are not particularly expensive (I’ve bought one for $29, with a $20 rebate). They are pretty straightforward to configure, but it helps to have some computer experience. Most work (with security turned off) right out of the box. Range is dependent on a lot of factors, but I can go anywhere in my house, and out to the backyard around 50’. ---
**Author:** ![Jennshark](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Jennshark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jennshark)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2008, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-help-modem-switching/453805/7 "2008-06-22T17:51:36Z")
I’m actually pretty good with computers, the whole “router thing,” however, passed me by. Would, say, a $29-59 model work to get service from my cable modem to two laptops? ---
**Author:** ![beowulff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beowulff/32/542_2.png) [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2008, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-help-modem-switching/453805/8 "2008-06-22T17:56:00Z")
[QUOTE=Jennshark] I’m actually pretty good with computers, the whole “router thing,” however, passed me by. Would, say, a $29-59 model work to get service from my cable modem to two laptops? [/QUOTE] Absolutely. You can spend a lot of money on some routers, most of which have pretty useless features. A basic 802.11g unit should do what you need. ---
**Author:** ![Jennshark](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Jennshark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jennshark)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2008, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-help-modem-switching/453805/9 "2008-06-22T17:59:13Z")
[QUOTE=beowulff] Absolutely. You can spend a lot of money on some routers, most of which have pretty useless features. A basic 802.11g unit should do what you need. [/QUOTE] Many thanks! This is exciting! ---
**Author:** ![spinky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/59ef9b/32.png) [@spinky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/spinky)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2008, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-help-modem-switching/453805/10 "2008-06-22T19:25:08Z")
There’s a detail that confuses me in your OP: what kind of cable do you have to “unscrew” in order to switch? Switching a cable modem from one computer to another should be a matter of unplugging an RJ45 connector (clear plastic connector like a phone cord but wider). It seems like either 1) you misspoke about the “unscrewing” part, or 2) you misspoke about having a cable modem. I’m hoping it’s #1 because if it’s #2 and you have an old school analog modem, your choice in routers is severely limited.