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    usb modem --- wireless???

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by the1, Jul 24, 2006.

  1. the1

    the1 Notebook Consultant

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    i have a usb broadband modem and want to set up a wireless network at home, i've been told that wireless routers only support ethernet connections which my modem doesnt have, anyone know what can i do? :confused:
     
    the1, Jul 24, 2006
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  2. Ice-Tea

    Ice-Tea MXM Guru NBR Reviewer

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    I'm assuming you have a USB DSL modem? You can buy a wireless router-annex-DSL modem for a small premium over normal wireless routers. I use a Belkin and it has served me well.

    The reason why they package a USB DSL modem with your subscription is to prevent you from directly plugging into a router of any kind. For some reason they prefer to sell several subscriptions instead ;)
     
    Ice-Tea, Jul 24, 2006
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  3. the1

    the1 Notebook Consultant

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    yeah its a usb dsl modem, does that mean the modem will be useless if i want to go wireless?
     
    the1, Jul 24, 2006
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  4. Ice-Tea

    Ice-Tea MXM Guru NBR Reviewer

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    Well... Yeah. You can probably use a (old) computer, plug in the USB and use it's ethernet connection to plug in the WiFi router (I said probably as I'm anything but a network wizz ;)), but running that day and night would probably cost you mpre electricity in a month or two than the additional cost of a DSL/Wifi router/modem.
     
    Ice-Tea, Jul 24, 2006
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  5. Pitabred

    Pitabred Linux geek con rat flail!

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    You can also set your computer (the one connected directly to the modem) up to be the WAP, essentially. It can be complicated, but cheaper than buying another piece (or more) of hardware.
     
    Pitabred, Jul 24, 2006
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  6. Lil Mayz

    Lil Mayz Notebook Deity

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    yes, as others have said, you need to buy a DSL modem wireless router. Belkin do a few Modem Routers.

    The phone line cable (RJ11 LAN cable) should plug into the LAN port on the back of the router. And then you should connect your laptop via Ethernet to configure the router. You need to then call up your ISP to find out settings or when your USB modem is connected, go to start, run and type in ipconfig and jot down the various settings. Once you've got your settings, and you laptop is connected to the router via Ethernet, punch in the IP address of the router into the URL bar of your web browser. Then enter the settings, apply the changes.

    When settings up, it is recommended that you use WPA/TKIP security encryption. Disconnect the cable and connect to the wireless router via your wireless netowrking card.

    And yes, the modem WILL be useless if you choose to go wireless.
     
    Lil Mayz, Jul 25, 2006
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