Troubles - have to start over - Help !!

[TwoRails]

Hi All!!

I've been having the kind of bad day you see in movies!! Even my fast food order was wrong !!

Anyway, I just bought a complete setup to share my DSL connection. It turns out that I was sold a Cable modem, not DSL (see below). The store, nor anyone else in town, has DSL modems. So;

1) will any old DSL modem work, or which would your recommend,

2) should I return the D-Link DSL router and 3 NICs and get the same brand or keep it? (good price after rebates!, about $30 bucks...)

3) any compatibility issues??

4) Is there an easier way to do nothing but share DSL?? I don't care about sharing anything else, like files or printing -- only DSL !

Thanks !!

Signed Totally Frustrated (aka: TwoRails)

PS: File this under lessons learned: Being new, I let the salesman have card blanc and pull everything off the shelve to completely set me up. I confirmed several times that this will work with my existing DSL hookup, and he confirmed it. This will be the last time I feel "rich" and let anyone help me in this manner, as I normally hand pick my own items -- but I usually know what I'm doing... I've already had to make 3 trips back to the store....

[TwoRails]

It's getting worse !! Can't even find DSL modems at NewEgg.com !! Any idea on where to find one at a reasonable price??

Thanks,

TwoRails

[LawyerRon]

Don't know where to get the DSL modem, but the router and nics you have are fine. Routers work with dsl or cable. I've heard some dsl systems require a certain brand of modem so I would call the dsl provider and ask them what brand and models are compatible with their system.

[Confused]

Just to confirm Ron, my cable modem is 3COM, router is SMC, one NIC is acer ($10.00) and other is of unknown orgin that cost $8.00.
Chas

[Orcmonkey]

I have heard that DSL modems are hard to get retail, although I think my friend found one at Circuit City or something. I don't remember your exact scenerio, did the ISP sell you a USB DSL setup first (damn those things) and now you want to network? I'd try calling the ISP and seeing if they will sell you an ethernet modem (probably for way more then it's worth though!) I remember when I got my DSL we had the choice of usb/ethernet.

[TwoRails]

My choices of modems when I got the DSL about a year ago or so was:

Internal PCI
External USB

I found a couple external DSLs online, but they're all USB.

I really don't want to talk to my provider because of the horror stories I've heard about them wanting to charge for 2 connections.


TwoRails

[TwoRails]

I talked to a friend at work who has his two machines hooked directly together. I didn't really want to get into a server thing, because, 1) I hate to admit it, I don't really know anything about it, 2) I wanted my wife to not be tied into having to worry about other machines being turned on.

I'm embarrassed at my lack of knowledge but what would be required to go the direct connection route? I run Win 98SE on this (main) machine but was thinking of installing Win ME on her system (I own a copy of that, also.)

Thanks,

TwoRails

PS: I wanted the 3rd machine hooked up Only for running Windows Update and the like, Not for Web surfing. It will be out in the work shed and will be used for music recording and note taking.

[Confused]

The direct conection would require one PC (the Gateway) to be on at all times that a network connection is desired by the other PC. It would require a NIC in each PC and a "crossover cable" and run ICS. I know nothing of ICS but reading the forums here it seem to cause most people many problems.

I would keep up the search for a external DSL modem with ethernet connection. I don't believe they sell a router with USB connection in the US.

Trust me, router is the way to go. I mess a lot with cable, not much with routers and such, but I had my router and initial PC up and running in about 10 minutes. I built the second PC later and added it to router and set up file sharing just from reading the 10 to 12 page manual that came with router and asking questions on this forum.
Chas

Check this to see if it will fit your needs.
http://direct.mwave.com/mwave/doc2/071526.html

[TwoRails]

That does seem to fit the bill, but the "quantities on hand only" thing has me worried. I went to Best Data's Web site and they don't list that (or the others at Mwave). Probably discontinued items....

I'll have to see if it's compatible, and check on Mwaves return policy.

Thanks for the lead!!

TwoRails

[LawyerRon]

Quote by Confused:
"Just to confirm Ron, my cable modem is 3COM, router is SMC, one NIC is acer ($10.00) and other is of unknown orgin that cost $8.00.
Chas"



????????????????????????

[Orcmonkey]

Why in the world did they ever come out with USB broadband modems! Is there any advantage?

[TwoRails]

Originally posted by Orcmonkey I have heard that DSL modems are hard to get retail, although I think my friend found one at Circuit City or something. I don't remember your exact scenerio, did the ISP sell you a USB DSL setup first (damn those things) and now you want to network? I'd try calling the ISP and seeing if they will sell you an ethernet modem (probably for way more then it's worth though!) I remember when I got my DSL we had the choice of usb/ethernet.

I checked with Circuit City and they claim they do not sell a "networkable DSL modem."

TwoRails

[Confused]

Ron I was trying to make the point of your answer concerning TwoRails question (#2) at start of this forum whether he should return and get parts of same brand.
Chas

[TwoRails]

Hi All,

Does anybody know where to get an external DSL modem that is "networkable?"

I have a router and 3 NICs, plus 500 of Cat 5 cable, that I can't use because I can't find a DSL modem Lots of cable modems all over the place, but no DSLs...

Help ! Please ! - I'm pulling my hair out !!.....


The unhappy,

TwoRails

[Confused]

Why won't that one work at Mwave that I pointed you to? It's external, ethernet with RJ45 port.
Chas

[Floppyman]

Why in the world did they ever come out with USB broadband modems! Is there any advantage?

Only advantages I see is in case where you don't want to use a network card and router. USB 1.1 (and USB 2.0 ) are fast enough to handle broadband modems.

[Confused]

But until someone comes out with a USB router they should be avoided like the plague. More and more households are going to 2nd. and third PC everyday.
Chas

[Orcmonkey]

2nd, third, 7th whatever.

[TwoRails]

Originally posted by Confused Why won't that one work at Mwave that I pointed you to? It's external, ethernet with RJ45 port. Chas

Hi Chas,

I could have swarn I did a post replying to your post... Sorry.

I am leary of that one because it is apparently a Close Out item. I went to the manufacturer's site and they don't even list that one (anymore?) ! Plus Mwave sez "while supplies last."

I'm just a little spooky on getting something that will not be replaceable in the near future if it unfortunately fails...

What's your opinion??

TwoRails

[Confused]

Sorry I don't know enough about ADSL/DSL to have a knowledgeable opinion why more suppliers aren't supplying ethernet DSL modems. Some of the more experienced networking members are going to have to kick in here.

You did reply. You had same question in two places, I replied to both.
Chas

[TwoRails]

I thought there where at least two simular thread, and I looked but could not find it !!



Been working "extended" hours and some weekends for a while now.... This week I'm back on a regular shift --- maybe / hopefully my brain will start working better!!


Thanks, again!

TwoRails

[Tuf]

I have seen several on eBay going for like 20 - 30 dollars. There different modems however. Mine is a Speedstream and has served me well. My ISP will give you one now when you sign up. Back when I first got DSL they were charging 250 dollars for them. I simply called the manufacturer and bought the same one for 99 dollars.
Your DSL modem doesn't need to networkable. Just call a reputable maker and find out what modem you need. Plug the phone line in. Run a cable to a Router. Run cables from your NIC's to the Router. Buy a Router that can function as a DHCP server. Linksys makes a good one for reasonable money. It's all very easy and you don't need a lot of prior experience to set up the linksys products. They interface with your browser and you basically just plug in your user name and your password. Your ISP won't know if you have one computer or two hundred computers at your house. You won't have to have any computer turned on but the one you are using. I set up my router well over a year ago and haven't touched it since.

[Confused]

Tuf his problem is he has a internal DSL modem and cain't find a external DSL modem that uses ethernet out. He can find several that use USB but there aren't any routers available in the US at this time that use USB.
Chas

[TwoRails]

You hit the proverbial nail on the head, Confused!

What is a "DHCP server" and would it work?

Thanks,

TwoRails

[Confused]

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is what router would use to assign IP address to individual PC's. http://www.dhcp.org/
Chas

[pmaddock]

I have a Cisco 675 DSL external modem, if you want it.


PM

[Markoman01027]

I'm sure if you call up Verizon, and ask them if they could sell you one of their modems. Yes, their modems are networkable. Or you can even do a google search for Westell or I think Westel modems. They might be able to sell you some. But a lot of people get their DSL modems, when they subscribe for DSL service.

-Matt

[BFD Deadeye]

My Speedstream DSL modem is a stand alone, no USB. It works OK for me. I can't imagine the modems being that hard to locate. http://www.axiontech.com/quicksell/m...ode=QMD0EF4060

[TwoRails]

Originally posted by BFD Deadeye My Speedstream DSL modem is a stand alone, no USB. It works OK for me. I can't imagine the modems being that hard to locate. http://www.axiontech.com/quicksell/m...ode=QMD0EF4060

Hi BFD Deadeye,

I must be really lame ! I can't even find the SpeedStream 5360 DSL modem anywhere !! Not even at the link you supplied... I went thru their "buy" button, and visited their links, but all suppliers (Best Buy, Circuit City, etc.) sell the accessories, not the modem.

Where did you get yours?

TwoRails

[TwoRails]

Originally posted by Markoman01027 I'm sure if you call up Verizon, and ask them if they could sell you one of their modems. Yes, their modems are networkable. Or you can even do a google search for Westell or I think Westel modems. They might be able to sell you some. But a lot of people get their DSL modems, when they subscribe for DSL service. -Matt

Hi Markoman01027,

I called my supplier, Qwest, to see what they had. The last time I called I was told they only had internal and USB modems. At least this time I got someone more knowledgable. They do have a networkable DSL modem, but thru the "business office" only. No swap out; I'd have to rent it for 2 years for $5 a month, but then I'd own it.

That's $120 total. A little high I think, but so far that's seems to be my only choice. At least this way, however, it is supported and maintained for 2 years.

Maybe BFD Deadeye can help me find a link to buy a Speed Stream for a lot less....

TwoRails