Can you have two internet modems in one house

Yes, you can hook up 2 modems in 1 house. However, you will need to have a router that is compatible with both modems in order for this to work. Additionally, you will need to configure the router to use both modems.

If you have a large home network, you may encounter difficulties connecting to that network wirelessly from specific points in your home. A second router can improve network performance and help you stay connected from anywhere in your home. 

Can Two Routers Be Used on the Same Home Network?

Yes, using two (or even more than two) routers on the same home network is possible. The benefits of a two-router network include:

• Support for more wired devices: If the first router is wired Ethernet, it supports a limited number of connected devices (typically only four or five). A second router provides more open Ethernet ports, allowing additional computers to join the network.
• Support for mixed wired and wireless network setups: If you have a wired home network and want to connect Wi-Fi devices to it, installing a wireless router as the second router allows those devices to communicate while allowing the rest of the network to remain on Ethernet. Conversely, a second router also helps when most clients in the home are wireless, but a few Ethernet devices in one room (like game consoles and file-sharing servers) could benefit from a wired setup.
• Improved wireless reach (signal range): Adding a second wireless router to an existing Wi-Fi network can extend its reach to accommodate far away devices.
• Network isolation: If you heavily utilize the network connection between specific computers (such as frequent large file transfers or LAN gaming), installing those computers to run from one router keeps that network traffic from affecting the other router and its attached devices.

The Best Long-Range Routers of 2022 for Complete Coverage

How to Choose a Router

There are many types of routers available. From routers that cost less than $50 to the best-rated long-range routers, here are some of the top ones on the market, and all are available on Amazon.com:

802.11ac Routers

• Linksys EA6500: This is the first smart Wi-Fi router from Linksys and gives owners complete mobile control of their home wireless network.
• Netgear AC1750 (R6300): A perfect option for bigger homes with 12 or more wireless devices.

802.11n Routers

• Netgear N300 WNR2000: A great router that comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
• TP-LINK TL-WR841N: TP-LINK routers are some of the most popular in the industry. The TL-WR841N features external antennas that make for superior signal reception.

802.11g Routers

• Netgear WGR614: The WGR614 is a high-quality router with above average signal range (great for homes with brick walls or similar obstructions). It also comes with a three-year warranty. 
• Linksys WRT54G Wireless-G: People have said that this Linksys router is a cinch to install and consistently has a strong signal range. If you run into problems, their customer support is helpful.

These Are the 9 Best Routers for Under $50

How to Use Two Routers in One House

Installing a router to work as the second on a home network requires a special configuration.

Setup involves choosing a good location, ensuring the right physical connections, and configuring IP address settings (including DHCP).

Alternatives to a Second Home Router

Instead of adding a second wired router to an existing network, add an Ethernet switch. A switch accomplishes the same goal of extending the size of a network, but it does not require any IP address or DHCP configuration, greatly simplifying the setup.

Many people, including you, could have at least once asked: can you use two modems in one house? If yes, what benefits and advantages do it have?

Look nowhere else, because, in this guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know about using two modems in one address!

For this article, you’ll not only learn if using two modems in one house is possible, but we will also give you every inch of information you need to know about it!

If you’re wondering if it’s possible to use two modems in one house, it is possible, but it might not be the best and most ideal solution to whatever your problem is.

READ ALSO :  Can You Have Multiple Internet Providers In One House? Complete Guide

Now, before discussing this possibility, let us first try to unravel some of the reasons why some people look into having a second (2nd) modem in their house.

Why Have Two Modems in One House?

Typically, the answer to this will vary, but it will most likely revolve around extending the reach.

This is especially common to households that have more than three floors and those that are large enough that they can house more than two families.

Another reason could be because you want to have a backup internet in case the primary connection you’re using fails.

With a second modem ready, you don’t really need to do anything – you can just connect to it!

READ ALSO :  How To Fix No Internet After Resetting Modem Easily

But out of all the different reasons why you would have 2 modems, is it possible, though? Can you have more than one modem? Do providers allow 2 separate internet modems in a single household?

Do Internet Service Providers Allow 2 Modems in Just 1 Line?

In all technicality, modems only respond and answer to one line. At the other end of the table, your provider would also be sensing the same thing.

So, if you are to use two modems, you would have to pay for the service. This is because technically, you’ll be “installing” a new line.

It will be a new modem (new service) in your household. Therefore, the first or the original line you are currently using would not be, in any way, connected to the second line.

READ ALSO :  Can You Have Multiple Internet Providers In One House? Complete Guide

Can You Use Two Modems in One House?

Following the technicality, we gave above, and to answer the question, yes, it is possible to use two modems in just a single household. There’s actually no valid reason why this is not allowed.

As we mentioned above, your reason for having two modems could be because you want it to be some type of backup, so that you don’t experience any downtime.

However, if your reason is that you want to somehow extend the connection to other parts and spots of the house, this might not be the most ideal.

That being said, what are the pros and cons of having two modems in one house?

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Benefits of Having Two Modems in One House

To help you understand it better, here are some of the pros and advantages of using or having two modems in a single household:

• You’ll have the freedom to connect to any of it.
• There would not be regular congestion in the network.
• You will have little-to-no downtime.
• There’ll be no dead spots around the house (if they’re installed and positioned properly).

Now, let us briefly go into the discussion of what the cons or disadvantages of using 2 modems are.

Drawbacks of Having Two Modems in One House

Some of the things you might not like about this idea include:

• You’ll pay for them separately (they wouldn’t just be on one account).
• There’s still a possibility of both of your modems having downtime simultaneously.
• It can be expensive and costly.
• You will be required to undergo another process of installation.
• When one is being used, the other might just be put to waste.

READ ALSO :  How To Fix No Internet After Resetting Modem Easily

Depending on your position and what the situation is, it will be all under your control.

Should you just want the WiFi range to be extended, and if adding a second modem to the household is not the best, what other options or alternatives can you look into and consider?

Alternatives to Having Two Modems in One House

Instead of using two modems in one house, here are some of the best things you can consider, depending on what you’ll be needing 2 modems for.

Use a WiFi Extender

The best and probably most common tip or comment you’ll receive is to just use a WiFi extender. If your issue is proximity, then a WiFi extender should be more than enough to address your concerns.

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You’ll find a ton of WiFi extenders in the market, there’ll never be a shortage of them!

You can purchase those that can reach up to 46 meters or (150 feet) indoors, and about 92 meters (300 feet) outdoors.

Use a Router

Much like WiFi extenders, routers can also be the solution to your problems. By using a router, from its term alone, it will be easy and convenient for you to “route” the connection and to spread it accordingly.

This resolution is usually recommended to those that have issues with lagging, latency, and even congestion.

With routers, you’ll never have a problem! You will easily be able to solve network-related problems! 

Make Use of Your Mobile Data Plan

Should you be worried about having downtime or not being able to connect to the internet for long periods of time, this is the situation where you can use the mobile data that’s part of your plan!

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Yes, it might not be that much, but it can serve as an emergency internet connection that you can use for sending emails, browsing, and even scrolling through social media!

These are some of the top alternatives that you can use instead of using two (2) modems altogether.

Read Next: Is it Bad to Turn Off Modem Every Night?

Bottom Line

In case you’re dying to know if you’ll be able to use 2 modems in a single household, you can! There’s no known restriction that it’s not possible. The only thing is, it might not be the most practical and the most economical way to go.

So, would it be possible to have two ISP lines in a single location? Can you use two modems in one house? There’s never a rule telling you that it’s not possible, you can!

READ ALSO :  How To Fix No Internet After Resetting Modem Easily

But, it will also be healthy if you scan through the list of options and alternatives that you can do instead of just deciding to have another installation for a second modem in your home.

Kevin Wood

Kevin has over five years of experience working in various Tech startups and providing Technical solutions. He has contributed to many Tech publications and websites.

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