• Around The HomeToggle Menu

    • Entertainment
    • Productivity
    • Smart Home
  • FamilyToggle Menu

    • Parenting
    • Toys
    • Pets
    • Travel
  • ReviewsToggle Menu

    • Phones
    • Tablets
    • Laptops
    • Desktops
    • Wearables
    • Audio
    • Cameras
    • Headphones
    • Printers
    • Smart Home
    • TVs
    • Gaming and Video
  • One Cool ThingToggle Menu

    • Frugal Tech
    • Kickstarters
    • Videos
  1. Home
  2. Around The Home
  3. Productivity
  4. Can You Plug a Wireless Router Into a Phone Jack?

Can You Plug a Wireless Router Into a Phone Jack?

By: Rob Harris
  • Share
  • Share on Facebook

A wireless router is a device that transmits data to and from your Internet connection without requiring your computer to be connected to it by a cable. The router needs a secondary piece of equipment -- a modem -- to make the Internet connection. DSL modems use phone lines to connect your network to the Internet, and the router connects to the modem, not the phone line.

...
Wireless routers plug into modems, not phone jacks.

DSL Modems

Broadband DSL Internet service is provided through many phone companies. The high-speed Internet connection can be shared with your wireless-enabled devices, such as laptops and smartphones, using a wireless router. Plug your DSL modem into your phone jack using a standard phone cable, then plug your wireless router into the modem using an Ethernet cable to enable your wireless network.

Router/Modem Combinations

Some phone companies now offer one piece of equipment that serves the function of modem and wireless router. It is usually larger than a traditional DSL modem because it houses two pieces of equipment in one. Plug the modem into your phone jack using a standard phone cable. The wireless router is already connected inside the device and should begin transmitting the wireless signals immediately. These routers include Ethernet ports to hard-wire your desktop computer if desired.

Video of the Day

Remote Phone Jacks

Remote phone jack systems allow you to plug the main unit into one of your home's phone jacks and an electrical outlet. It transmits a phone signal wirelessly throughout your home. When you plug one of the receiver units into any electrical outlet in your home, you have an immediate phone jack. Although this allows you flexibility in where you plug in your network equipment, it doesn't eliminate the need to connect the DSL modem to the phone jack and to connect the wireless router to the modem.

Router Benefits

Although you must pay extra for a DSL modem to make a router work through your phone jack, the router can save you money in the long run by allowing you to set up a home network. If you use more than one computer, using a router means you don't have to rent a modem for each computer to connect to the Internet. With smartphones, a wireless router means you can connect your phone to the Internet without using your phone's expensive data plan. Routers also offer the convenience of connecting network-enabled printers, allowing you to print to the same printer from any room and any computer in your home.

Show Comments

Related Articles

How to Connect a VoIP Phone to a Router

How to Connect a VoIP Phone to a Router

Around The Home
Productivity
By: Jason Taetsch
Advantages & Disadvantages of Modems

Advantages & Disadvantages of Modems

Around The Home
Productivity
By: Steven Melendez
How Do Wireless Phone Jacks Work?

How Do Wireless Phone Jacks Work?

Around The Home
Productivity
By: Katherine Kally
How to Connect a Phone to a Router

How to Connect a Phone to a Router

Around The Home
Productivity
By: Jophiel Aurora
How to Connect a Phone to a Modem

How to Connect a Phone to a Modem

Around The Home
Productivity
By: David Sandoval
How to Fix Your Magic Jack Connection

How to Fix Your Magic Jack Connection

Around The Home
Productivity
By: Greyson Ferguson
  • HOW WE SCORE
  • ABOUT US
  • CONTACT US
  • TERMS
  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • COPYRIGHT POLICY
  • Advertise

An error occurred. Try again later.

Thanks for signing up!
© 2019 Leaf Group Ltd. Leaf Group Media

Get great tech advice delivered to your inbox.

Keep your family productive, connected, entertained, and safe.

Please enter a valid email.