<p>We have multiple laptops with built-in wifi in our home. We don’t use desktops anymore. We get DSL through a wireless modem that is currently hooked up to a old desktop that is not even working (hard drive recently crashed). I would like to move the modem to another part of the house. Can I just plug it into a phone jack without having it connected to any of the laptops? </p>
<p>I know when I call for service they want you to be able to access the modem via the computer it is hooked up to but other than that, is there any need? I guess the reason I’m questioning this is since it is currently on a computer that is not working and I’m not having any problems accessing the internet, why is a computer hook up necessary?</p>
<p>Can I just plug it into a phone jack without having it connected to any of the laptops? </p>
<p>Is the modem currently also plugged into a phone jack? if so the answer is yes. beware that walls may interfere with the wifi connection, so you do want to have it in a location that has the fewest physical barriers between the modem and the laptops</p>
<p>^Yes the modem is currently plugged into a phone jack. Unfortunately, I’m all too familiar with the wall issue. We have plaster walls and the connection doesn’t flow well in different parts of the house. I did get a wifi amplifier and that seems to help a lot. Thanks. I will give it a try.</p>
<p>To have the DSL service working wirelessly, you need two things, A modem and a Router. The modem connects you to the phone line and the router keeps the internet traffic flow in wireless or wired format. Some times the router and modem are in one unit. Most likely, you have the modem and router in the same unit as you only mentioned “modem”.</p>
<p>If you still can connect your laptop wirelessly, you do not need to connect the “modem+router” to a computer. The desktop is just like any other computer in your household but it is conected via wire to the “modem”.</p>
<p>You can move the modem to another phone jack, however, you need to have the filter removed from the phone jack(if there is one) before you plug it in. The function of the filter is to separate the traffic from the regular phone from the internet so they will not interfer each other.</p>
<p>In my apartment I have the router all the way on the other side of livingroom and bedroom. Instead of using wires to extend the network, I put in 2 of those gadgets around the apartment, now the place is completely wireless. It costs around $100 to get two units. What is important is to make sure the power plug is of the main powerline. It doesn’t work with extension cord.</p>
<p>I am a big fan of Netgear XAV/XET powerline products. I have many installed in my house in addition to their access point/router products. They are reliable. In the past, I have used their older and slower XE powerline product, it broke in a year.</p>
<p>The power line should be all wall plugs that has wire run directly connected to the same power panel, no after thought extensions.</p>