does a router/cable modem need to be connected to a computer in order to work for someone else who’s using it?

April 28th, 2009 · 8 Comments

Let me explain. I live in the basement apartment of my family's house. I get my internet connection from a wireless receiver which reads a router connected to a computer upstairs. They may need to take the computer to get serviced if that happens will the main cable modem i get my internet connection from not work? In other words, will the router not work without being plugged into the main computer? can't it work by itself just by being plugged in without a computer? If it doesn't work is there a way I can have internet can I put their modem on my computer or maybe read someone else's internet connection some how in the neighborhood like you do at starbucks n stuff????

I have a desktop PC not a laptop.

It is very important I have an internet connection because my job depends on me doing surrey's. That is how we are paid at my company.

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8 responses so far ↓

1 jason m // Apr 28, 2009 at 11:16 pm

yes it will still work as long as the router is hooked up to the modem.
2 R K Corp // Apr 28, 2009 at 11:16 pm

since the router is already set up, disconnecting it from what you perceive as its host computer will not disrupt your internet connectivity. the cable modem needs to to remain connected to the coax cable, and the ethernet cable from the cable modem to the router needs to stay put. everyone who has a portable computer will still get connected as will any computers plugged in via ethernet.

why don't you go upstairs and unplug the ethernet cable from that computer and test it out! i guess you must have a long run ethernet cable from your computer to the router??
3 muriel l // Apr 28, 2009 at 11:16 pm

i'm not sure but i think you can hook the modem up to your computer, you may have to contact the isp first though. good luck.
4 RAY B // Apr 28, 2009 at 11:16 pm

yes it can work without being plugged in the computer
5 schwildcat1977 // Apr 28, 2009 at 11:16 pm

It can't work JUST with the router. You can get an external modem. Hook the external modem to the internet connection upstairs, hook the router to that and you should have signal.
6 Bob F // Apr 28, 2009 at 11:16 pm

You will still have your wireless access even if the computer upstairs is removed. The router does not depend on the computer in order for it to work.
7 tim51989 // Apr 28, 2009 at 11:16 pm

as long as your modem is pluged into the WAN port on the router you are fine. the computers connected to it has nothing to do with it! But, that is a good question!
8 Beck92 // Apr 28, 2009 at 11:16 pm

Your computer itself, needs the modem plugged into the router in order to work.

Now if someone with a laptop computer with a ethernet cable or wireless mode comes into contact with the router they should be able to connect to the router and use it. Of course, you should install any software onto any other computers that will be using your router, but just because your computer is no longer with you, doesn't mean you can't use another computer to connect to and use the router.

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