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General discussion

Modem Dial in without phone line

Dec 22, 2008 10:15PM PST

Is there a way to dial in without a telephone line. I have cable internet but I need to use modem dial in for a specific program to access the control system at work.

Can I use my LAN cable connection as a modem to dial in for a specific program.

Discussion is locked

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No, that's impossible.
Dec 22, 2008 10:27PM PST

Two obvious possibilities:

- Find a control system at work that has a web-based interface.
- Ask your boss to pay for a telephone line at your home.

Kees

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Yes, but expensive.
Dec 22, 2008 10:54PM PST

The hard way: Put another PC in the system with a modem and remote control software such as VNC. Now VNC to that machine and dial the other modem with a telco line simulator. Done that and I know it works.


The easy way. On most of those old dial in configuration setups on the other side of the modem is a serial port. For that I can use the now widely available ethernet to RS232 devices like this one -> http://www.moxa.com/Product/NPort_5110.htm

This issue is solvable in very easy ways. I've done it numerous times and got paid for it. Here you learn my solutions for free.
Bob

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As I understood the question ...
Dec 22, 2008 11:03PM PST

the OP didn't have a land line available (only broadband via cable and probably a cell phone for conversations). And his software expects a dial-up modem. He doesn't tell anything about the situation at work (where the system he wants to control is located), but I assume that's connected to the POTS via a modem also and expects to be dialed-in by the control software.

I wonder if your solutions cover that situation. Could you tell a little bit more?

Kees

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That's the first solution I noted.
Dec 23, 2008 12:10AM PST

By using VNC to get to the PC on location we run the software there. The TELCO SIMULATOR is a hardware box that gives up the dial tone and lets two modems connect. Slick stuff that solves this problem.

The second solution is preferred since it removes modems and one PC from the setup.

These solutions are well known by the 'industrial control' type gear heads (that's me.) I do run into a few that balk at the cost but it's a fraction of the bill I send for support.

So here we have me sharing that nugget for free. It doesn't get any better than that.
Bob

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(NT) I see. Thanks.
Dec 23, 2008 4:52AM PST