Member Avatar for dcc

I would like to install a wireless router for my girl friend who has a laptop, and wishes to use it in locations that I would otherwise have to intall new phone jacks.

The system I'm thinking about is:

Linksy WRT54G $39.99 after rebate

Linksy USB 100B $25.64

Both items and prices are at Amazon.

I had someone tell me that this system will not work with a dialup connection, is this true?

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Short answer: a normal home Wi‑Fi router cannot act as an analog dial‑up modem. Consumer routers route IP packets and expect an Ethernet/broadband link (or PPPoE from a DSL modem). Dial‑up uses a serial/USB modem and PPP to dial the phone network, so the router has nothing to “dial” or speak to the PSTN by itself.

There are three practical approaches you can use instead. First — and simplest for a single house — make a PC with the dial‑up modem the Internet gateway (Internet Connection Sharing on Windows, or pppd + iptables on Linux) and turn the wireless router into an access point. Second, buy a dedicated dial‑up–to–Wi‑Fi bridge (a “modem server”) that hosts the analog modem and shares it over Wi‑Fi. Third, move to a broadband option if you can — as suggested, that usually solves the problem cleanly.

was headed the right way about changing router behavior. The usual PC‑gateway method works like this (example):

Host (PC with modem + ICS)
 - Ethernet IP: 192.168.0.1  (Windows ICS commonly uses this)
Router (set as AP)
 - LAN IP: 192.168.0.2
 - DHCP: disabled
 - Connect host <--> router LAN port (not WAN)
Wireless clients: obtain IP via DHCP from the host; gateway = 192.168.0.1

Key tips: connect the host to a LAN (not WAN) port so the router acts as a switch/AP; either let the host provide DHCP (ICS) or run a small DHCP server on the host; keep the host powered and connected whenever clients need Internet. Expect low speeds and the phone line to be tied up while connected. Also enable wireless encryption (WPA/WPA2 if supported) and use a strong passphrase.

This approach will let the laptop use Wi‑Fi around the house without running new phone jacks, while explaining why a stock router alone can’t replace the modem.

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Member Avatar for dcc

I just learned what I needed to know about routers, I have a dial up analogue connection, and the router isn't equiped for that type of connection. Oh well, looks like I'll be crawling around under my girlfriends house installing new phone lines tomorrow.

Member Avatar for aeinstein

What we will DO for LOVE!!! :lol: Normally I'd say "Have Fun!", but in this case, I just hope it goes well for you instead! :)

I just learned what I needed to know about routers, I have a dial up analogue connection, and the router isn't equiped for that type of connection. Oh well, looks like I'll be crawling around under my girlfriends house installing new phone lines tomorrow.

Member Avatar for chrisbliss18

Is your girlfriend unable to get broadband? There are many places that you can get DSL for as cheap as $14/month. This would give her a better connection, not tie up the phone line, and allow her to use a wireless router for her connection.

Member Avatar for dcc

Hey guys, thanks for the response. Ain't it amazing what us guys will do for lust...er...love.

Chris...unfortunately the rural area I'm living in only has three options for phone hookups, your common snailophone dial up, a very exspensive satellite system, and two tin cans and monofilament nylon fishing line...notice how technologically addvanced we are here in the hills. :lol:

If I had a computer that was only good for its modem and internet access I could make this work I'm told, and I'm told that I would need a card in addition. If you have any other ideas, I'm open to suggestions.

Member Avatar for dcc

I just found the solution to the problem, WiFlyer!

Member Avatar for chrisbliss18

Wierd. I never heard of such a thing. Good find.

Member Avatar for pirate_pete

Wierd. I never heard of such a thing. Good find.

you chould use a standard wireless router and disable DHCP and chage the gateway adress to somthing other than and blug power and plug it to your desktop connect with the modem now reffered as the host and go to the router control panel by typing the routers ip adrees and username and password than chage the setting and bam it all workin

i decided to post this beacuse i am 13 and just saw how sad some of the adult at this website are

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