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General discussion

wireless router with USB input from DSL modem

Jul 29, 2004 6:02PM PDT

Does such a thing exist? the router with my DSL service only has a USB out for the internet connection and I wanted to use to enable a wifu network at home

Discussion is locked

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Re: wireless router with USB input from DSL modem
Jul 29, 2004 10:19PM PDT

No. Here's why. The cost would be prohibitive for the engineering costs involved for such a small market. Besides, I can find a cable modem for 28 bucks (plus shipping) at compgeeks and maybe elsewhere.

I know it seems like there should be such a thing, but would you pay the premium for such a feature?

Bob

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Re: wireless router with USB input from DSL modem
Sep 24, 2004 12:36AM PDT

I have a similar need. My ISDN modem (a Telstra NT1 PlusII) offers USB or serial output only.

Currently I connect this modem to an old PC dedicated as a firewall and internet server. This is basic, useing ZoneAlarm Pro which is ICS sympathetic.

If I can not find a wireless router to replace this setup then I will probably just add a a wireless access point.

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have you look at google?
Sep 24, 2004 7:24PM PDT

I found something like Vigor2200usb (if I remember correctly)

Or maybe: http://www.practicallynetworked.com/networking/usb_modems.htm

I quote:

'Some devices, such as the Linksys BEFSRU31 have a Type B port on the LAN side of the router, which doesn't help you since the connector is both the wrong type and on the wrong side of the router.

"Ok", you say, "I'll just use a USB-to-Ethernet adapter to convert the network device's USB port to an Ethernet port." But when you open the adapter's box, you'll find that the connector on the end of the adapter's cable that's looking for a place to be plugged into is... you guessed it... a Type A connector, which makes sense, since these adapters are intended to convert a computer's (Type A) USB port into an Ethernet port.

"That won't stop me!", you vow. "I'll just get/make a Type B to Type B cable, or buy some gender changers." Aside from the fact that using these non-standard cables to connect the wrong things together can result in damage to the equipment you're trying to connect, the connection won't work (see the allUSB Cable Guide for more info, or Questions 7 & 8 of USB.org's FAQ).

So, once again, your only alternatives for sharing a network connection device that has a USB LAN connection are:

*Get a router with a USB Host interface. The only one known as of January 2002 is the Draytek Vigor 2200USB DSL Router with built in 4-port Ethernet switch. It's now available in the United States from Best Systems Direct. Check out our review.

*Use your PC (or Mac) and a software sharing application to share the connection.

*Replace the DSL modem with a combination modem/router if your broadband service provider allows it.

== BE CAREFUL if you choose this option. There are a number of flavors of DSL in use, so be sure to get a product that matches the type of DSL that your BSP provides!
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Good Luck