Do I need a modem to use my second DSL connection?

Question

We have Verizon DSL. Upstairs is our main DSL connection, and the wiring goes Wall->Modem then ethernet cable->wireless router. In the basement, the wireless signal is present but poor. I have found a second DSL output from the wall. When I tried to connect that directly to my laptop, it did not recognize the LAN connection. Do I need a modem for this second connection? If not, how else can I avail myself of it? Also, how else could I turn the DSL output into an ethernet output? I am running Vista, thanks.

Answer 1

i would call your internet provider they will help.

Answer 2

There is no such thing as a DSL outlet.  It is a voice phone jack.  

If you have DSL service, you need a DSL modem which converts the signal to an Ethernet protocol signal for you to use.  You cannot add a second modem without paying for a second DSL service and usually you will have difficulty doing this in a simple home system without another phone line.

From the modem's ethernet hand off you can (and did) connect to a router.  The router enables several users to access the Internet.  Because you have a wireless router, users can access via wired or wireless links.  Wireless has distance limits and has problems going through high density material like masonry, metal ducts, etc.  Apparently you are seeing this problem.  

You may be able to resolve the problem by moving the wireless unit to a place where all can access.  This is a trial and error approach but trial and error is better than no approach.

If moving the wireless does not work, plan on running wired CAT5 lines from the router to the basement location and using a hardwired line.  You plug the line in a LAN port of the router and then into a new RJ45 port in the basement and then use a second wireless access point (not router) or a wired link to pc.

Answer 3

You can't use 2 modems on 1 account - adding a second modem will give you total lack of internet connectivity on both of them.  You could try moving the router's antenna so that it's horizontal, then moving the antenna on the computer in the basement so that it's parallel to the one on the router.  That will increase your signal - maybe enough, maybe not.

If not, try moving the router to a location more nearly between thr two computers.

If not, you could run a wire from the router output (one of the jacks on the back) to the basement.  Another possibility is to add a wireless access point to the router, and locate it closer to the computer in the basement.

(The device that turns a DSL line into an ethernet line is a modem, and you can't use 2 of them, etc.)

@Shay:

Calling Verizon for help is only for real masochists.  If you're not into extreme pain you try to stay away from them.  (I've dropped Verizon as a provider every time I decided to give them another chance.  Tech "support"?  Maybe - they're "supporting" the chairs they're sitting on.)