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Forum Discussion
R6020 doesn’t work without a modem?
So I live in an apartment that offers wifi through a outlet in the wall. I didn’t think I need a modem since there is already wifi in the wall. I got a router and it wants me to plug it into a modem. ...
You are not getting 'wifi' through that outlet. The outlet connects to the ethernet system in your complex. It does not provide any type of internet access untill you sign up with an ISP and install a modem that is compatible with their service, and have the modem provisioned (activated).
> [...] I live in an apartment that offers wifi through a outlet in the
> wall. I didn't think I need a modem since there is already wifi in the
> wall. [...]
"wifi" is not found in walls.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wi-Fi
With my weak psychic powers, I don't know what's behind your wall any
better than you do. But you might need to know more before you can get
your router connected to the Internet. Perhaps you should ask the
building management about that hole in your wall, and how to use it.
> [...] I can't get past the "checking cables" section of the quick
> start
That suggests that the hole in your wall isn't currently connected to
anything.
> [...] untill you sign up with an ISP and install a modem that is
> compatible with their service, [...]
His psychic powers might exceed mine. Or they might not. If the
hole in your wall is an RJ45 (Ethernet) jack, then I doubt that a modem
is what you need.
- Thank you for all the replies. I know I am not technologically adept. The labels on the plug say “CAT 6” and “OCC 6.” I contacted my apartment and they said that I do not need a modem, but I agree that that doesn’t seem correct. I wonder if the Orbi router with the built in modem will work instead? For now, I am going to use a wired connection straight to my computer from the wall and see if that works.
- It also might be because I have had electrical issues in my apartment! Wish me luck 😞
DustyShaw wrote:
I contacted my apartment and they said that I do not need a modem...It is possible that the apartment has Ethernet wiing that connects to the Internet at some box in the basement.
DustyShaw wrote:
For now, I am going to use a wired connection straight to my computer from the wall and see if that works.This confirms that you don't need a modem.
If you want wifi, and the apartment doesn't have its own wifi network, you need to find out what sort of Internet "switch" they have in the basement. If that is some sort of router, you may be able to get a wireless access point/extender. Plug that into the Ethernet socket and set it up to provide wifi. Most extenders will also have an Ethernet port for you to plug in a PC.
Ask the neighbours how they get wifi.
- I will be getting in contact with my apartment again and seeing how they expect me to get access to the internet. I am sure they will have all the answers I need. I have returned the router I had bought, but I may give it another try at a later date. 👍
