Member Avatar for brainsoverbrawl

Hello! I've been trying to do some quick research, and I'm getting some mixed results. I'm always short on time whenever I'm able to finally get online somewhere.

I have a MacBook that has a Cat-5 connection, as well as USB connections. The only internet available to me where I live (in my budget range) is dial-up. I'm trying to find the best, and most economical way to get my computer online from a phone jack.

Should I buy a modem, or is there a converter/adapter I can get?

Thank you for any help you can provide!!!

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Short expert summary to add on top of the thread (builds on , , , ):

Dial‑up is carried over the public telephone network (an RJ‑11 phone jack) and not over Ethernet/Cat‑5 (RJ‑45). That means an analog modem is required to convert audio signals on the phone line into data; an Ethernet cable or a simple “converter” will not do. (en.wikipedia.org)

What to buy and why: look for an external “56K” analog modem (V.90/V.92) with a proper RJ‑11 jack and explicit Mac compatibility. Many USB 56K modems historically shipped with OS X drivers, but drivers vary by model and by macOS release — check the vendor’s support page for the exact macOS version before purchasing. Legacy modems often required vendor installers; modern macOS driver rules changed around Catalina and later, so older drivers may not work without updated support. (support.usr.com)

Quick setup and troubleshooting checklist: install the modem driver first, then create a PPP/modem service in System Preferences → Network (or use Internet Connect on older OS X) and enter the ISP dial number/account credentials. If the modem doesn’t appear, open System Information to confirm the USB device is enumerated, try another USB port, and verify the phone lead and wall jack. Call‑waiting and similar line services can interrupt dial‑up; V.92 “Modem on Hold” or temporarily disabling call‑waiting with the phone company helps. For low‑level testing, terminal tools (ZTerm/Minicom) are useful for sending AT commands, but they’re generally unnecessary for normal PPP dial‑up. (manuals.plus)

Practical alternative to consider: if any cellular coverage exists, a smartphone Personal Hotspot or a cheap USB mobile‑broadband stick will be dramatically faster and often easier than dial‑up — worth checking as a budget option before buying dial‑up hardware. Remember that dial‑up maxes out around 56 kb/s in ideal conditions, so plan expectations accordingly. (support.apple.com)

Summary tie‑in to thread posts: was correct that an actual modem is needed; ’s terminal suggestions are handy for diagnostics; and ’s mobile‑dongle idea is a valid alternative if coverage and budget allow.

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Member Avatar for JorgeM

If you want to connect your computer to the Internet via Dial-up, you'll most definately need a modem. You should still be able to find them on the market. These days, the most common modem you'll find will be USB based, at least for the typical Windows/Intel system.

I am sure this is true for Macs.

Member Avatar for brainsoverbrawl

Are the usb/dial-up adapters the ones I see on Amazon that are pretty much plug and play, or do I need a modem like the cable modem that comes from the cable company?

Member Avatar for JorgeM

So keep in mind that if you are referring to "dial-up", you need a traditional modem that is going to plug into your phone line, not directly to your cable provider's connection. If you have a cable provider, why are you considering dial-up?

Member Avatar for brainsoverbrawl

I was just using the cable modem as an example- does dial up have that as an option like a cable modem.

Anyway, I found what I needed on Amazon.com.

Thanks for your help, though!

Member Avatar for dioioib

I would recomend a usb modem and either Z-term or Minicom for your connections.

Member Avatar for M6BYN

get a three(3)usb dongle its £10 for 1gig or £15 for 3gig and if you get the new sort and your near a mast you get about 14.2mbits down load(21 they say you can get but you carnt)heres my results of speed over last month Click Here

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