Member Avatar for Becky

I am trying to set up the Internal Modem for my Powerbook G4. In the past, I have successfully connected using both Ethernet and Airport Express, BUT now I am attempting connect via DSL. The DSL line (router is: Speed Touch USB Alcatel) I am trying to use is normally connected to my family's IMAC through a USB port. But when I plug that into my USB port, and enter all the PPP information, my computer does notrecognize the connection. HELP! I am begging...I have become a bit crazed over this.

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by kc0arf

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A short, practical summary and next steps that build on , and 's posts.

USB ADSL modems frequently need vendor-supplied drivers (they are not simply a generic PPP device). The SpeedTouch/Alcatel USB family historically shipped Mac drivers only for very old Mac OS X releases, so a late PowerBook/modern macOS will often fail to talk to the modem over USB even when the iMac can. (manualzilla.com)

The fastest, lowest-effort fix is to use the working iMac as a gateway: enable Internet Sharing (System Preferences / System Settings → Sharing → Internet Sharing) on the iMac and share the USB connection to the PowerBook over Ethernet, AirPort (Wi‑Fi) or FireWire. That keeps the ISP USB modem attached to the iMac but gives the PowerBook a normal network interface (DHCP) to use. Apple documents the Internet Sharing workflow and options. (support.apple.com)

A short troubleshooting checklist that fills gaps from the thread:

  • Confirm whether the PowerBook actually "sees" the USB device: About This Mac → System Report (System Information) → USB shows whether the hardware is present. If it does not appear there, try a different cable/port/hub and test the modem on another machine. (support.apple.com)
  • If the device appears but no Mac driver is installable, look for an official driver that matches the exact modem model and the Mac OS version; many vendor drivers only support older OS X releases (see SpeedTouch docs). (manualzilla.com)
  • Long-term fixes: ask the ISP for an Ethernet/bridged modem or use a small DSL router (or NAT router that supports PPPoE) between the line and the local network — both are far more reliable than USB modem setups.

Quick checklist: verify USB visibility in System Information, try Internet Sharing on the iMac (share from USB to Ethernet/Wi‑Fi), install vendor drivers only if they explicitly support the PowerBook's OS, otherwise request an Ethernet modem or add a router. (support.apple.com)

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Member Avatar for kc0arf

Hello,

Welcome to DaniWeb.

I have not tried to do the USB networking with DSL. See if your DSL device has an ethernet port on it, and if so, you might be able to plug your computer in via the network jack instead.

If not, perhaps the USB device came with a driver disk. Did you need to install software on the iMac to get it to work properly first?

Let us know,

Christian

Member Avatar for alc6379

You will more than likely need a driver for your system. Check this site out:

But, I would consider Christian's suggestion of simply running off of the Ethernet port. USB interfaces can be somewhat "wonky", and prone to unpredictable failures. At least, that's been my experience.

Member Avatar for Becky

It turns out that the modem my ISP (BellSouth FastAccess DSL) supplied for the iMAC only has a USB connection. Apparently, whenever you initially sign up for DSL, you have to specifically request an Ethernet port or you automatically get the USB. For some reason, regardless of how I configure the PPPoE settings..my PowerBook will not respond to the USB connection. So to remedy the situation I would have to obtain a new piece of equipment.
would have been good to know - could have avoided the descent to madness I experienced over the thing!!

Oh - I'm not sure about software for the iMac - but I know my PowerBook is pre-programmed for internet and doesn't need any software.

Thanks for all of your help.

Becky

Member Avatar for kc0arf

Hello,

Sounds like you are on your way, Becky. Yeah, some companies try to do USB for networking, and the bus just isn't designed for it. Kinda like taking a nice car to Menards, and putting wood in it. Can do it, but not ideal.

Interestingly enough, you can assign IP addresses to Firewire devices. BUt that is another topic for another day.

Christian

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