New laptop- advise for sharing modem?

Hi,

I just got a new laptop and have a question. We have a desktop upstairs where the dsl line is, and I'm wondering if there's an easy way to share the connection between desktop and laptop. I think I understand that a router is needed, but can I get away with just sharing the modem if only one computer is on at a time?

Like if I bought a rj-45 splitter could I plug it into the back of the modem with two ethernet cables coming out of it, one hooked up to the laptop and one connected to the desktop, as long as only one of them was connected to the internet at a time? Or would I just need to plug in one ethernet cable at a time when I wanted to change between laptop and desktop?

I'm asking this because I'm a pansy and a lot of the reviews I've read for routers mention internet connections being dropped several times a day, and my dad would be using the desktop so I just don't want to deal with him being on the computer and the connection being dropped and him getting bent out of shape, so that's why I'm asking about possibly sharing a connection(with one computer being used at a time) instead of just getting a router. I might just end up getting a router depending on replies to this thread, but I just thought I'd ask and see what people had to say.

Thanks for any help.

 

that's what a router does, and they are pretty reasonable in price. and you will have the ability for wireless on the laptop. If there would be any problem with connectivity, it wouldn't be on the wired (desktop) connection. Just look for a router with good reviews. Don't waste money on an expensive one.