I have a Verizon Network Extender that must be connected to the internet, I also have my laptop to connect to internet in my dorm room. We aren't allowed to use wireless or routers. Can I use a switch to connect both devices to my ethernet port? We need to log on with our computer initially to register to the campus system so I'm not sure how I could "register" my network extender. Any helpful thoughts appreciated. Thanks!

I have a Verizon Network Extender that must be connected to the internet Normally the only thing that needs to be connected to the Internet is a Modem. Explain what you mean by a network extender. Network extenders are usually wireless devices. All you need to extend a wired network is a length of wire and a switch to expand it.. You say both devices. What is the other device besides this network extender. Stuart

Hi Stuart and thanks for responding. The internet connection is via ethernet port on a campuswide dorm LAN. I think they don't want us using routers as they don't want subnetworks, etc. and the security problems with wireless routers. So we have no modem it's LAN port on the wall. The Verizonwireless Network extender is a femtocell device that uses GPS and the internet to act as almost a mini cell tower for a home or office setting. It beefs up the signal if it is a fringe or weak area like we experience at our college and dorm in general. The other device I need to connect is my computer via my ethernet connection. Here is Verizon blurb. # What is Verizon Wireless' Network Extender? The Verizon Wireless Network Extender enhances indoor cellular coverage to provide more reliable wireless service. The Network Extender is compatible with all Verizon Wireless phones and works like a miniature cell tower in your home or home office. Easy to install, the Network Extender plugs into your existing high-speed Internet connection to communicate with the Verizon Wireless network. Note: The Network Extender is not a router and therefore is not Wi-Fi capable.

So the Verizon Wireless Network Extender is a cell phone network extender not a wi-fi network extender. Thats fine then. To make it work you need to find out of the wall socket is providing a DHCP address from the collage's router. If it is then just plug into a switch and the witch into the wall socket and it should work. you can tell if it is DHCP enabled by just plugging in you computer, rebooting and the go to a command prompt and type ipconfig /all. If it is a private DHCP address in the range 192.168.x.x. or possibly 10.x.x.x then you should fine. If it is a static IP address or a public IP address the it wont work. Either way, I would first check that with the campus Admin as to what you are proposing to do don't fall foul of any acceptable use policy. They may not like it if more than one device is connected to each outlet and they can tell. BTW: A device does not have to be a router to be WI-fi capable. A Wireless Access Point is not a router, but in your case would definitely fall foul of the rules. Stuart