Member Avatar for cat3na.

Hello, I'm Catrina a seventeen year old unfamiliar with router-modem-internet-connection-networking but also the only one in her household who can at least communicate with communities such as these for aid. I need help with the hardwares necessary to have the whole house online and connected. We have three laptops, two capable of wireless internet and the other one with busted PC card slots (so it has to be wired to modem) and a desktop computer. We currently have a Linksys router but if in use, only allows the two wireless-Internet-capable laptops to be online. The house has three storeys, with all three laptops on the second floor and the desktop in the third.

Is it possible for the whole house to be online and connected (but not necessarily all at the same time)? (I know distance between routers is an important factor so with that in mind as well....)

Thank you and please email me if you are able to guide me through this properly. (Private message me or something for my email address.)

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by Coconut Monkey

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For : this can be fixed without buying anything first. The important first step is to diagnose whether the symptom is a router/configuration or an ISP/modem limitation, then pick the simplest extension method for a three‑storey house. was right to ask for configuration details, and started the hardware line of thought — below are targeted tests and practical options.

Do these checks first (they will show the root cause):

  • On each PC run a network-status check (Windows: ipconfig /all; macOS/Linux: ifconfig or ip addr) and note the IPv4 address, Default Gateway and DNS. An address like 169.254.x.x means no DHCP lease.
  • Log into the router admin page (use the Default Gateway IP shown by ipconfig). Look at WAN status (is the router getting a public IP?), DHCP server enabled and the address pool size, and any MAC-filter/access-control lists.
  • Test the modem: temporarily plug one laptop directly into the modem. If Internet only works for that single machine or requires ISP login (PPPoE), the router must be configured with the ISP credentials or the modem set to bridge mode.
  • Verify cabling: make sure the desktop is in a LAN port on the router (not the router WAN/modem port). If a LAN port is broken or you need more ports, add a cheap unmanaged switch.

Options to extend coverage and reliability:

  • Best: run structured cabling to the third floor and add a small switch or a wired access point there.
  • If cabling is impractical: try powerline adapters (results depend on house wiring) or add a second access point/repeater between floors.
  • If the router is old/limited, upgrading to a modern router with better range and more LAN ports simplifies everything.

Quick safety/tips: update router firmware, set a strong admin password, and enable WPA2/WPA3 where available. After the checks above, post the router model and the IP/DHCP results for more specific steps.

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Member Avatar for pcschrottie

You could use an USB-Wireless Adapter for the two remaining computers. You could also connect them by a cat.5 ethernet cable with the router. WLAN would probably be the simplest thing.


Michael

Member Avatar for Coconut Monkey

Howdy Cat. I would prefer it if we could solve your problem in the open forum rather than through private communication. This way others can benefit from the discussion generated!

First of all, how is your network configured? You say the wireless-capable laptops are connected - is the desktop linked to the router via cable? What network settings are you using for each PC?

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