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Can You Have Two Modems in One House? All You Need To Know!

Charles Higelin Hours Updated on

The Internet has become a lifestyle in this modern era. With new technology advancing at every stage of life, being on the internet is essential. From social media to working from home and even online schooling, having an internet connection at home is one of the basic necessities now.

While most people are unaware of how their internet connection works, many inquire if they can have two modems in one house.

We can all agree that a modem is a crucial piece of equipment needed for an internet connection in your house. However, is it necessary and/or possible to have 2 modems in one house?

In this article, we have answered if you can have multiple modems in one house and why you would need them in the first place.

What is a Modem?

A Modem1 is known as a modulator-demodulator. This means that it is a device that can transform one form of data into another so that it can communicate with various types of devices.

It basically connects your computer, laptop, smartphone, and other electronic devices to the internet. A modem does so by converting digital data from the internet into analog data for your computer through radio waves.

What is the Difference Between a Modem and a Router?

It is important to distinguish between a modem and router and know their functions since they are not the same. This will help determine if you can have two modems in one house.

A router is a hardware device connecting various devices to the internet. A router allows your house’s wired and wireless devices to use the internet connection simultaneously. Moreover, a router allows these connected devices to talk to each other and transmit signals.

Essentially a router is used to transmit and direct data over the internet.

A modem is a hardware device that connects your internet connection to a wide area network (WAN) – your router. This way, the modem transforms digital data into analog data, and vice versa, through phone lines or cables.

As you can see, modems and routers are different, and they have different uses. When you get internet from your ISP ( Internet Service Provider), they will usually provide you with the modem. The modem will allow you to use the internet that your ISP is providing. 

However, you would also need a router to direct the data into multiple devices at once. People at home usually use a router for Wi-Fi, connecting up to 250 devices to one internet network.

Is it Possible to Have Two Modems in One House?

Can You Have Two Modems in One House?

Now that you know the difference between a modem and a router, you might be wondering: Can I have two modems in one house?

Simply put, it is possible to have two modems in one house. Since a modem connects your ISP to one specific device at a time, you would need two ISPs to connect to the two modems in your house.

A second modem can only be connected to the network if you have two separate ISP accounts. However, if you want another modem, you can use the second modem as a bridge to the first one. You can connect both modems using an ethernet cable.

It is also possible to have multiple routers in the house. Two routers can be set up to the same modem to expand their Wi-Fi range and create an inter-network. If you have a bigger house, you may want to expand your Wi-Fi connectivity to all parts of the house, and having two routers is a good solution.

On the contrary, more Wi-Fi range means more devices can be connected, increasing internet traffic. Since routers only direct internet data to your devices, multiple routers do not mean your internet speed will increase. The upload and download data depends on the internet service provided and the number of devices connected to it.

How to Connect Two Modems in One House?

Now that you know the advantages of having two modems in one house, you can easily follow these easy steps to connect the modems.

1. Choose your primary modem

You must choose a primary and a secondary modem between the two modems. The primary modem is the main one that will be plugged into the wall outlet, while the secondary modem will be attached to the main one and act as a bridge to extend the network.

2. Find suitable locations for your modems

The placement of the modems is crucial for a better internet connection quality. You may place the modems close to your computer or devices to ensure better speed. If you have a large house, keeping your modems in separate locations can also help spread the bandwidth evenly.

3. Select a LAN-To-LAN or a LAN-To-WAN connection

Next, you need to choose whether to connect the two modems using a LAN-LAN or LAN-WAN connection. If you choose LAN-To-LAN, you need to connect an ethernet cable from your primary router’s LAN port to your secondary router’s LAN port. A LAN-To-WAN connects the primary router’s LAN port to the secondary router’s WAN port.

LAN-To-LAN connections can be an excellent way to share files over connected devices. In contrast, LAN-WAN connections will allow you to make restrictions on any device connected to your internet connection.

4. Launch the Setup

Now that you have selected all the necessary things, it is time to launch the two modems. All you need to do is connect your main router to the modem and then the modem to your computer using an ethernet cable. After that, go to settings and select “configure IP address”.

Sometimes the IP address is already set to default. However, if you want to change it, you can edit the settings and the IP address. If you have bought the modem by yourself, the user manual may help you with the configuration.

5. Adjust the DHCP settings

The DHCP setting depends on the type of connection you selected. If you have a LAN-To-LAN, then the DHCP settings should be left at default. However, if you are using LAN-To-WAN, you need to change the DHCP settings by changing the SUbnet Masks, DNS servers, and Default Gateway. 

You must also change the DHCP settings on your second router with the same selections you made with the primary router. Make sure to put the IP address between 192.168.1.2 to 192.168.1.50.

6. Include a wireless channel

Even though this part is optional, it may be necessary if you want to connect multiple devices at a time. If you have a wireless modem, you have to set it up manually. Choose a channel between 1 to 6 for the main router and select channel 11 for the secondary one.

7. Set and test the routers

After successfully configuring the routers, it is time to place them in their designated locations permanently. Place them in different parts of the house for proper bandwidth. Make sure to have long ethernet cables to connect the routers in separate rooms.

Turn off the routers for five minutes and turn them back on. Check using your computer if you can browse the internet.

Why do You Need Two Modems in One House?

While most internet users at home are satisfied with one modem, there are several reasons why having two modems in one house is a good idea.

1. More bandwidth

When you are using two modems from two separate internet accounts, you already have the increased bandwidth. More bandwidth means that your upload and download speed will increase.

This is essentially advantageous to people who are streaming and gaming online. High internet speed is necessary for people who enjoy watching HD videos and gaming without any lags.

Furthermore, if you have two internet connections with two modems, you can use the second modem as a failover option. So whenever one of your internet connections is broken, the other modem can switch to the working network.

2. Private connection

People who don’t want to share their internet connection with others in their house can opt for two modems. This way, one of the connections can be used for guests, and the other is for yourself. The separate modems allow you to keep your files and data secure.

This method is popular amongst people who have smart-home plans in their house and prefer to use a different network than the guest. Moreover, you can use two modems to keep an eye on your children. When you don’t want them to use the internet, you can turn off one modem and still be able to access the internet using the second one.

3. Reduced traffic

Having two modems in one house will decrease the chance of congestion on your network. Not only will this increase the internet speed, but it will also save time.

FAQs

  1. Can you have two Xfinity routers in one house?

    Most providers don’t allow to have two modems under one IP address. However, if you still want, you may have two buy two internet packages.

  2. Are Ethernet cables faster than Wi-Fi?

    Yes, generally, ethernet cable connections are faster than wireless connections.

  3. What are the alternatives to having two modems in one house?

    You can have two routers set up for more Wi-Fi coverage. Instead of a second router, you can add an Ethernet switch. A switch gives you the same benefit as more than one router, but you don’t have to add any IP address or DHCP settings.

  4. Can two modems in one house make the internet slower?

    This depends on the internet coverage plan that you have. If your internet connection is weak, having another modem can slow your internet speed.

  5. Can I Have Two Modems in One House?

    You can use two modems in the same house, but you’ll need a second hard line to connect them. Every ISP (Internet Service Provider) only lets you have one modem per account. If you want a second modem, you have to pay for second internet service.

  6. Can You Have Two Modems in One House Cox?

    You can, you will just have to pay double for your internet. Basically, you have to pay for the internet for each modem you want online.

  7. Can You Have Two Routers in One House Xfinity?

    Yes, having one modem and two routers in the same place is possible, but we don’t recommend it. It can cause interference and make it hard to connect. We want to help you with anything you need or worry about.

Final verdict

A modem is a connecting device that transforms digital data from your ISP into analog data so that different devices can use it. You can have two modems in one house, but you would need two separate ISP accounts. 

Most internet providers don’t allow two modems in one house, so talk to your internet providers before deciding.

You can connect two routers with your broadband modem using LAN to LAN connection with an ethernet cable. Having two modems in your house is convenient as it increases speed and allows security to your internet data.

  1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modem ↩︎

Charles is an ISP Expert at The ISP Family. He has worked in the internet service provider industry for over 6 years and has a wealth of knowledge and experience. He is passionate about helping businesses and individuals find the best internet service provider for their needs.