Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

Resolved Question

USB Modem

by Jun 2, 2018 5:52AM PDT

Can I use one without it 'interacting' with my home network and it's modem and router?\
I want to have my personal safe connection.
Can I use a USB modem from the same company that provides my home network w/o interacting?

How safe is it to use one? Has a PW and all as a regular modem and router? Can't affect my laptop?

Discussion is locked

rena78 has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer
10 Posts
- Collapse + Expand Details

Best Answer

- Collapse -
Re: USB modem
by Forum moderator Jun 2, 2018 8:34AM PDT

Such a modem connects to your PC via USB.
- What do you want to connect it to on the other side (the Internet)?
- What make and model do you consider?

Last time I used a USB modem was 15 years ago. It used a 56 kbps dial-up connection to the ISP. I brought it to the recycling this year.

- Collapse -
internet
by rena78 Jun 2, 2018 9:10AM PDT

Yes, I want to have an independent internet connection.

Sth the |SP offers.
I hope Id be able to have enough Gbs to use for a fixed monthly price.

- Collapse -
Re: independent internet connection
by Kees_B Forum moderator Jun 2, 2018 12:52PM PDT

If that ISP offers an USB modem in stead of an Ethernet modem, it should be OK.

Notice you probably can't use the same ADSL or the same cable connection. It's totally separated, just as the internet connection of you and your neighbour. But maybe your ISP offers 2 independent connections on the same medium.

And, of course, it's always possible to use your phone as a modem to a 4G network.

- Collapse -
Answer
This appears to be a continuation of a security discussion.
by Forum moderator Jun 2, 2018 8:31AM PDT

Since I don't know what they offer I can't answer about interactions. Almost all network devices require setup. Even if this is done by the provider it would fail your requirement of no interaction.

Then we have Windows that almost always has us configuring and selecting what communication system we want to use. So Windows fails your no interacting requirement.

Finally any bad site can affect a laptop. And now that some sites drop bitcoin mining code on their web pages an unknowing owner might think something was done to their laptop when that web page is open on this laptop.

I'm calling this idea troublesome and probably not achievable.

- Collapse -
didn't express myself well
by rena78 Jun 2, 2018 9:17AM PDT

not actual interaction people wise, I meant more network with network(house modem connection and the USB modem if from same iSP or, if necessary, from a different ISP -the usb modem)

I didn't quite grasp what you meant about windows..

I read that the USB modem is not really secure. Does it have a password and page and everything like the normal modem?
No one else can access it and it doesn't usually have other security vulnerabilities?

- Collapse -
About "other security vulnerabilities?"
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Jun 2, 2018 10:04AM PDT

Let's skip to this -> "other security vulnerabilities?"

If you were to use this to get to the Internet then the Internet is (of course) your "other security vulnerabilities"!

We have no idea what you do or where you will go so for security this can't be a good thing.

Or put another way, this alone can't give you security.

I'm calling this idea a dry well. No added security here, only more things to carry and configure.

-> I looked at your other post. Why not a VPN? That addresses security leaks on your connection and your ISP but then again if you use FaceBook and post personal details, well, that was your choice.

- Collapse -
reset useless in some cases?
by rena78 Jun 2, 2018 11:23AM PDT
If I reset my modem it should restore everything to default? Any changes made?

I was panicked into resetting it. I'm almost sure it was done purposely to make me reset. So, they had access to router and wireless before I changed the default for both and before I separated the wireless networks and wired and gave them a new PW for a second wifi network. I fear they did something. could just be trying to scare me, but I cant know.
Maybe some kind of password for router reader or something to get permanent access to router activity. Or something via the wireless that enables them access where a reset would do no good.
what can be done in such short time? If they had some program ready..

Basically, what can be done to gain access to my stuff via router pass or wireless that cant be undone with a reset? I| know it's not the most specific question, but I really cant be more specific. I think they were on a tablet. I think..

is it Ok if I keep the same PW for their network. It was default, but I changed it to their old one. apparently one automatically connects to wifi network if same pass even after reset.
- Collapse -
Wait a moment.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Jun 2, 2018 11:39AM PDT

This sounds just like a discussion we had recently in this forum.

About your reset. That was the advice but it's been upgraded to a lot more work. I even wrote a PSA about the VPNFILTER problem. It's over at https://www.cnet.com/forums/discussions/this-just-in-reboot-your-internet-modems-and-routers/

Reading this post and https://www.cnet.com/forums/discussions/wireless-2/ it appears you are seeking more security.

Why not use a VPN and cover the items we talked about so far?

Also, if you are leaking information on FaceBook, no one can tell you good things.

Be sure to read posts by tea45 like https://www.cnet.com/forums/discussions/short-questions-regarding-guest-network/ and their other posts because they had an all too similar line of questions. For them I think VPN would be a nice enough solution along with securing their PC (physically and more.)

Also, you seem to have started posting a few days after tea45. I can have Lee check your IP addresses to see if you are the same person but you could just tell us.

- Collapse -
....
by rena78 Jun 3, 2018 7:16AM PDT

VPN seems to be the best solution.

I am tea 45. I am sorry.. please do not ban me.. I didn't remember my old PW and felt I had asked to many, some stupid Qs as tea. it will not happen again. Then the whole ordeal happened at home and I just wasn't thinking. I don't even really know why I used a second one

id need to copy all you've wrote if u decide to delete one, and hopefully not ban me.

I'm not a dishonest person. I'm going thru a really rough time and you guys have been great and given me very useful advice. I need to really think before I act.

- Collapse -
Answer
V
by Jun 3, 2018 3:03PM PDT

VPN seems to be the best solution.

This may helps you.

Moderator note: The video at link is dead and wants the user to use a video downloader. Sorry all but this is a typical way to get a TROJAN so a moderator removed the link.

Post was last edited on June 3, 2018 3:08 PM PDT

Back to Networking & Wireless forum

CNET Forums

Operating Systems
Software
Electronics & Gadgets
Hardware
Tablets & Mobile Devices
General Help
Brand Forums
Roadshow Autos
Off Topic

Other Forums

Forum Info