‘Can you have two modems in one house?’ is a question commonly asked by households who want to improve internet coverage and speed.
The short answer is yes, you can install 2 modems in your home.
Generally, having one modem is sufficient but having a second modem can be desirable especially if there are many people or devices that need an internet connection in your home.
You can also use the second modem as a backup in case the first one experiences connectivity issues.
Having two modems in your home increases security from internet threats and hackers as you can allocate one modem for guests and the other one for family members only.
Additionally, two modems increase your WiFi coverage and enhance the bandwidth for better internet speeds.
There are a few downsides to having two modems. Firstly, the extra cost of buying the second modem unit. Secondly, some internet service providers may prohibit the installation of a second modem.
Continue reading to learn more about having two modems in your home.
Is It Possible To Install Two Modems in The Same House?
Many households are not aware that installing an additional modem is a potential solution to internet connectivity and coverage issues within the home.
You can easily install two or more modems in one household. Although most internet service providers will not generally recommend installing a second modem, it is possible to do so.
Benefits of Having Two Modems in One House
The following are the main benefits of having two modems installed in one house:
1. Streaming
Those who want extra bandwidth for internet gaming and streaming are likely to consider installing a second modem in their household. A second modem enables the extra bandwidth to be always accessible.
When you have two modems installed, you can use bandwidth that is different from the rest of the family to ensure that the transfer of data is always reliable and fast.
2. Security
Another common reason for having two modems in one household is security.
Modems can get compromised as connected devices are susceptible to data breaches and malware attacks. Having multiple modems reduces the chances of an attacker affecting all devices as each modem works separately.
Additionally, some households may not be comfortable sharing their family network with visitors.
Having a second modem allows for extra precautions by ensuring guests don’t have access to the main household data. Instead, they can access the internet through the secondary or guest modem network.
This case is mostly true for homeowners who have installed smart home concepts and security plans on their home network.
3. Enhanced Bandwidth
If you are not satisfied with the download and upload speeds given to you by your internet service provider, having two modems in your house allows you to improve speeds.
Additionally, you can have two modems from two separate internet service providers, and you can configure one of them to act as a failover option for the other.
This way when one internet connection is broken, the whole network switches to the second connection that is more reliable.
To connect two modems and achieve load balancing, you should have an extra router that has two WAN ports.
This means that none of the devices will slow the internet connection of the other devices and you have twice the traffic pace.
A pro tip if you want to be extra safe, you can use an LTE modem to act as a secondary failover option.
Even though they are expensive, they do not need a power source to function, and they are more dependable. This is a great option if you cannot access the internet because of a power outage.
4. Increase the WiFi Coverage
Commonly, the WiFi coverage generated from one modem and router cannot reach every corner of the home.
Especially for those working from home or households with many streamers, eliminating dead zones in your property is a priority, and can be solved by installing a second modem.
While getting a second modem is a possibility, other alternatives are more cost-effective such as investing in a mesh system or adding a repeater or an extension to your network to increase the reach of your WiFi signal.
5. Multiple Networks
Having two modems means that you have access to two different networks registered to the same internet service provider.
This provides households with network options. Perhaps the network from one modem is slower than the other or one network is stronger from a specific part of the house, having two modems gives internet users the choice to access the fastest network.
Do note that the speed of your internet can also depend on the choice of your modem. Ideally, you want your modems to be of similar quality and specification to prevent significant differences in internet speeds.
How To Connect Two Modems In The Same House
The following are the two ways that you can connect two modems in the same house:
1. Use a Splitter
You can connect two modems using a two-way splitter. A coaxial cable connects to the splitter, then it separates into two unique bandwidths.
This process may be straightforward, but you should note that the signal received from the internet service provider is reduced by 3.5 decibels by each splitter.
Modems have a specific range in which the WiFi signal they provide is most effective. If your internet connection is almost failing, installing a splitter may lead to major connectivity problems and even a total loss of access to the internet.
Therefore, if you are planning to install a second modem in your house, you should notify your internet service provider so that they can assess whether the signal is strong enough to pass through a splitter, and they can amplify it if necessary.
Another reason for letting your ISP know about the second modem is that some providers do not allow customers to install two modems at the same time.
Adding another modem is dependent on the terms of your contract and business policy.
If your internet service provider does not allow you to install a second modem, you can buy the modem on your own and install it yourself. This may not be the fairest option, but it may be the only one available.
2. Use the Bridge Mode
This is a mode that enables the modems to communicate with each other. Some may decide to use the second modem in bridge mode.
This is achieved by using one modem as if it was a cable while the other modem can act as a router.
The modem used as a router can host several devices using VPN which can hide the IP address. The other modem can offer the bandwidth and internet connection needed by the connected devices.
This type of connection between two modems is common among gamers as it enables them to use the second modem as a server which is made public so that several players can connect to it.
While the modem providing the private network is entirely protected from public access.
Disadvantages of Having Two Modems In One House
The following are a few disadvantages of having two modems in one home:
- Connectivity – Typically, most ISPs allow only one modem to be used per internet service, with the specific modem’s media access control (MAC) address being tied to your internet plan. If you wish to use a second modem, you’ll need to have it provisioned by your ISP, which will likely require you to subscribe to a different internet plan for that modem and any additional modems in the future.
- Cost– If you don’t already have a second modem, you will need to purchase one before getting it authorized and installed by your ISP. Additionally, you’ll need to subscribe to a separate internet plan for your second router as it will have a different MAC address. These are all additional costs to your household budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does having two modems increase the internet speed?
The performance and effectiveness of your modems depend on various factors, including the way you use them.
While certain applications and online platforms may exhibit faster upload and download speeds, most users will likely not perceive any significant difference in performance.
Individuals who want to stream videos on their computers may contemplate buying a second modem to guarantee that their streaming speed remains unaffected by the internet usage of other members of the household.
Can you have two accounts in the same house?
Yes, it is feasible to have dual accounts with one internet service provider or even two separate internet service providers at the same time.
Both options are viable; the question is which one is better.
Having two accounts with the same internet service provider can result in double charges, even if they are registered under the same residence.
Alternatively, having two distinct internet service providers may be advantageous as one can serve as a secondary failover option.
In case the primary provider’s connection is lost for any reason, the secondary provider can act as a backup.
Does having two modems makes the internet slower?
If your signal is already weak and on the brink of being too weak, adding another splitter could significantly worsen the situation. Therefore, the installation of a new modem should be approached with caution and only be done when it is necessary.
Does every internet service provider allow for the use of 2 modems in one house?
Not necessarily. The best approach would be to seek information and inquire about it before you purchase a second modem.
If you are unable to find an answer this way, you can always contact customer service to inquire about the possibility of enhancing the signal strength or adding a modem to your network.
Final Words
Hopefully, this guide has given you all the information that you need to know about connecting two modems in one house.
Having two modems in one household is a great way to increase the efficiency of your home network.
However, it can cost you more money compared to upgrading your current plan.
Other options for improving WiFi speeds and coverage include upgrading your router, investing in a mesh network, or purchasing extenders.
If you want to go down the route of investing in a second modem, you should contact your internet service provider to first confirm if it is viable and second, to send a technician to help you with the installation process.
