Wireless Internet on a router?

**conradd** · #1 08-07-2008, 02:34 PM

I've used T-Mobile wireless internet for several years because I like being able to log in wherever I go - teaching online requires that I be able to access internet services on a daily basis. However, there's no signal where I'm spending half my time. We've looked at satellite service (Wildblue and Hughes) but they don't like the place where we want to put the satellite dish, and $400 in equipment plus a 2 year contract doesn't seem like a bargain, plus we'd have yet another satellite dish cluttering up the place. There's no other internet service (apart from dial-up) available and it's a 20 minute drive into town to find a wifi connection.

I'm thinking about switching to Verizon wireless internet since there's good signal strength on their coverage map, but I'd like to be able to set it up on a router so that more than one system could use it. Probably only one at a time, but when we have guests, internet access would be nice. I could just run the card on my laptop, but then everybody who wanted to check in would have to use my laptop. Any idea whether it could be set up with a router? I've talked with Verizon tech support but they range from confused to clueless.

**mjfrombuffalo**[$] · #2 08-07-2008, 02:42 PM

So it would be like using the cellular adapter on a laptop, except using it on a router that your laptop and those of your visitors could all use?

*emeleel* · #3 08-07-2008, 02:47 PM

No idea about Verizon. We use BellSouth (AT&T) DSL and have a Linksys router plugged into the main system. The router out of the box doesn't like the DSL modem that came from Bellsouth, so we had to reconfigure the IP addresses with help from Linksys. Sean plugs his computer straight into the router with a cable, but we've got a laptop in the bedroom with an internal wireless card that picks up the internet just fine.

**thinkerlady**[$] · #4 08-07-2008, 03:01 PM

We have Verizon. FIOS. We have the router, and I can access the internet, wireless, even outside on my deck.

We have been very happy, Deb, with Verizon. Nerver any problems anywhere in the house. We also have 4 computers regularly on, plus laptops if any of us use them. Our network is a secure one, requiring our "secret" code.

We have been very satisfied with Verizon. If you go that route, I will pm you my hubby's email address, to use as a reference if you wish.

**thinkerlady**[$] · #5 08-07-2008, 03:03 PM

To answer your question about guests---Verizon gives you the router, and then if you want to allow a particular computer to access your network, the secret code must first be entered. Our house has 3 laptops and 4 computers, as I said before, and all are able to access the network. If a guest comes over and wants to use their laptop, we just have to input the code allowing that computer to access the network. No biggie.

**conradd** · #6 08-07-2008, 03:23 PM

MJ, yes. We can't get wired internet - FIOS or anything else. It would cost thousands to run the line out here. I'm looking at the wireless go-anywhere cards and wondering if they could be used with a regular modem.

**mjfrombuffalo**[$] · #7 08-07-2008, 03:29 PM

This sounds like an NC10 question.

**conradd** · #8 08-07-2008, 03:34 PM

Yep, NC10 saved my butt when my laptop died. I was able to retrieve all my files and reinstall most of them with the advice he gave me.

Random thought - is there a way to retrieve my old Outlook Express messages now that Microsoft isn't supporting OE anymore?

**amykhar** · #9 08-07-2008, 04:20 PM

I remember hearing a while back that somebody was doing a solution where you could share your wireless (cell) internet connection with other computers. I'm not sure if it's sold yet.

However, since I assume you are using windows, you should be able to set up Internet Connection Sharing and use the computer that has the Verizon card in it as the gateway computer to the internet.

**conradd** · #10 08-07-2008, 05:19 PM

Okay, that sounds good. Will it work with a Mac? Ted has a G5. I could always set up another Windows system if he needs it.

**amykhar** · #11 08-07-2008, 05:22 PM

The mac should be able to access it if you put the card on a Windows box. A long time ago, I wrote an epinion about using Windows and linux for internet connection sharing. it should work the same with mac and windows. Setting up the mac as the gateway should also be possible, but it's not something I've tried.

**conradd** · #12 08-08-2008, 06:19 PM

Okay, ordered the Verizon Wireless USB720 Modem. I guess we can move it from computer to computer if we can't set it up on a home network.

brian_igo · #13 08-10-2008, 10:51 PM

The only thing I'd be concerned with is making sure you can get a signal at Ted's place before you sign the contract.

Delia's company uses Verizon mobile broadband for their laptops. It's dog slow and drops her a lot, but that's so dependent on location I can't say it applies to the whole network.

**conradd** · #14 08-11-2008, 02:13 PM

I'm replying from up on the mountain, so it works - good thing I ordered the external antenna though. Couldn't pull in a signal without it. It is slower than DSL, but it's better than a 20 minute drive into town.

Now to figure out how to share the signal, if that's necessary. Plan B is to offer the CD setup and USB modem to guests who want to log on.