Recently ordered DSL for my main WinXP Pro machine. I have a second backup computer running Linux Mint 4 (Ubuntu 7.10). Since both machines have their own separate phone lines, would it be better to get a second DSL modem for the Linux machine or use a wifi router off the XP machine?I don't even know if it's possible to have two DSL modems working. Both machines are desktops so mobility is not a concern. Thanks.

If you don't need wireless, just get a regular router. Probably cheaper than two DSL modems. Also, DSL on two phone lines probably costs more, n'est-ce pas?

On my most recent DSL sign-up I got a combo modem and wireless router. You might ask the ISP if they have a similar package.

If wifi and a single DSL would work for you, then why not? I have 2 linux machines, one XP laptop, and my daughter's mac mini running wifi off the new ATT wifi DSL I just got. Before that, it was all running off Comcast cable and a NetGear wireless router. Cost times convenience times features. Whatever works for you.

I see DSL modems on eBay for $10.00 so cost isn't a big concern. How would Verizon know if I'm using two modems? I'm just concerned about the whole security and download speeds of running a wireless router for my second Linux box.

Verizon will know. I'm pretty sure they have the equivalent of a MAC address. You don't want to get into the whole theft of services thing, anyway.

Security. WPA-PSK is probably secure enough. Do you really need more security than that? Do you live in a high crime area where the residents are also tech savvy? If you're not committing some internet crime, how much security do you really need?

Speeds aren't an issue, because wireless is probably faster than your DSL connection, anyway.

With a DSL connection, a router will not slow you down at all.

You said both machines are desktops...it sounded to me like you do not need wireless at all.

Regardless of any issues with the terms of service with the ISP, my hunch is that two DSL modems on one line would simply not work. You could of course have two phone lines, each with DSL. This would cost a heck of lot more than just buying a router.

If you connect two DSL modems to the same line, crazy things will happen and in general it just won't work.

The wireless router is the way to go; the only scenario I can think of where you would have some complications is if the modem doesn't store the account + password on its own. Such modems require 'PPPoE' and the computer must actually tell the modem to dial in and feed in the password etc. Obviously if another computer had already 'dialled in', you don't want to confuse the equipment at the other end by issuing another dial-out instruction.

Hi,

I use wired and wireless throughout my home. MY wife wouldn't allow a wired connection with her laptop. For speed I use my wired connection to support the wireless network(s). I prefer the WRT54G for it's cost, interface and reliability. The servers are serviced via DSL without to much of a hiccup.

I use 3com switches within the LAN to have a clean and effective system support.

If you give a little thought too your LAN before you invest in hardware you will find that things will work out better for you.

BTW, don't connect another DSL modem since that will cause a lot of headaches. If you want to add another DSL line then that's possible if you have the copper with a clean signal.