How do I network a modem?

[Mark42]

I currently have two PC’s networked together with a 5 port switch and Ethernet cards. One PC called “main” has a modem card and is set up with shared internet access (win XP pro). The other PC “remote” (win 98) accesses the internet via the main PC. With this setup, Main must be on and dialed in for Remote to have internet access. This is fine given the current setup and usage. <br /><br />Ok all you network guru’s, here is my problem: I am going to make a change where Main is no longer easily accessible to power on and dial a connection when Remote users want to have internet access. Can I solve this problem by having the modem be independent of either PC and hooked up to the 5 port switch/hub? If so, what hardware do I look for?<br /><br />In addition, there will most likely be a third and 4th PC added to the network in the near future.<br /><br />Where I live, I only have dial up access. No DSL, no Cable, and Satellite is too expensive to justify its use. So I am stuck with dial up. How do I make this work?<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />Mark.

 

[KaGee]

Re: How do I network a modem?

Sorry Mark, from my knowledge if all PC's are sharing access from the main PC... the main PC must be on and connected to the internet in order for them to access.<br /><br />I have never seen a "network" modem, and I don't think one exists. <br /><br />Maybe a good tinme to look into DSL.

 

[briannh1234]

Re: How do I network a modem?

They used to make stand alone modems with a ethernet connector rather than serial. I haven't seen one for sale in years. You may want to look for a used one?<br /><br />- Brian

 

[byordy]

Re: How do I network a modem?

Why not just plug a modem into the remote computer and connect it to the phone line. Outlook express can be set to always dial a connection. Modems are cheap.<br />Bill....

 

[Xcusme]

Re: How do I network a modem?

Mark,<br />Do a search for an SMC7004BR, or SMC7004ABR. These 4 port routers had a 9 pin serial port for an external modem. They also had a printer port (print server)too.<br /><br />Connecting an external serial modem to this SMC router, all PC's can use your dialup service. You have the ability to share files, and print to one printer as well. Since it's a NAT router, your computers are firewalled too. <br /><br />There's one on Ebay now....take a peek...<br /> SMC7004BR

 

[beezee28]

Re: How do I network a modem?

Buy individual modem would do the trick. Easier to configure.

 

[imstillatwork]

Re: How do I network a modem?

dump the modems and go faster. dsl /cable, etc. if you can afford a boat, you can afford a few bucks more for internet too, not to mention, you'll LOVE it.

 

[Xcusme]

Re: How do I network a modem?

Originally posted by Mark42:<br /> <br /><br />Where I live, I only have dial up access. No DSL, no Cable, and Satellite is too expensive to justify its use. So I am stuck with dial up.

 

[KRS]

Re: How do I network a modem?

I have the setup you describe... except I am on DSL and only the hub needs to be on for any computer to have internet access.<br /><br />Sorry, don't think it's possible with dialup from main computer.

 

[Mark42]

Re: How do I network a modem?

I don't want to hook each PC to the phone line because once one PC is dialed in, the others are locked out. That's because only one modem can use the phone line at once. Thats why I need to network a modem. <br /><br />Xcuseme, Thanks for pointing me to the SMC Modem routers. Will give that serious consideration(seeing as it may be the only option I have!).

 

[Realgun]

Re: How do I network a modem?

Mark42 I will send you an external modem if you send me your old steering wheel. <br />Then you just need a router with a 9 pin serial connection.<br />I have done what you have described.<br />But I don't have that router anymore.

 

[Realgun]

Re: How do I network a modem?

Here is one.<br /> Here is two.<br /><br />And the winner is Here .<br /><br />Am I good or what. ???

 

[tomatolord]

Re: How do I network a modem?

yup they have it right...<br /><br />a router that supports a dial up modem is all you need<br /><br />if possible make sure it also supports ethernet or a usb modem as well that way if you go to dsl/cable you can just plug in the new equipment.

 

[ndemge]

Re: How do I network a modem?

those are pretty cool routers, beats the heck out of having to keep your dialup computer always on and happy.<br /><br />...if you need an external modem, or the serial cable, let me know, I can send ya one.

 

[Mark42]

Re: How do I network a modem?

Realgun,<br /><br />Thanks for the info. I take it that WebRamps is out of business now? <br /><br />Anyway, I saved the info on those routers. That will do the trick. Some support multiple modems and multiplex between them to increase your connection speed. That is cool. I could get up to 112K speed with two 56k modems! Baby, I'll be flying! (relatively speaking) But I think I will need an extra phone line for each modem. Its good that some support VPN, because I need that for work. <br /><br />I will be making some changes around the house with the PC's when I get the basement finished. Will have my office there, another PC in the family room, and another in a bedroom. Got a huge spool of cat 5 cable, so it will be back to stringing cable in the house again. (ugh). Hmmm... modem for wheel, huh? Is it a 56k? LOL! <br /><br />Nd3mge, thanks for the offer. Depending on how much things cost, and how little I have, you may be hearing from me.<br /><br />BTW, I have noticed that different brand modems give different levels of performance in the same PC dialed into the same ISP over the same phone line. (I loose modems to lightning strikes often, even with surge protection). Any suggestions on who has the best 56k modem? The Broadcom that came in my Dell gave the best connection speeds of around 43K. The new Modem Blaster v92 is only giving a consistant 36 or 37k connection. With modems my main internet interface, I need the best I can get. <br /><br />Thanks again for all the info. <br /><br />Mark.

 

[Realgun]

Re: How do I network a modem?

The modem is a Zoom upgraded to V.90 and is external so it is a hardware modem and is fast. <br />I used to get 48000 all the time with it. I am fairly close to the phone distribution box though.<br /><br />I now have cable and have not used the modem in 4 years! But i know it works but cannot test it as I don't have a landline.<br />I sent you mail Via your picture site. Photobucket.

 

[Mark42]

Re: How do I network a modem?

I got a new USR/3Com 56k v90 x2 external modem from work today. Seems that none of the machines built for working at home have externals anymore. Everything is internal. Now I have to find one of those routers. I asked about the router at work, explained why I need it and I was told "move to an area that has DSL". So I guess that means they don't have a router I can use.<br /><br />Got your mail. You have a reply.

 

[Realgun]

Re: How do I network a modem?

Cool Mark very cool just get another house to get DSL. Man what is the world coming to.

 

[Mark42]

Re: How do I network a modem?

Realgun,<br /><br />I think I will buy this unit from USR: <br /><br /> USR Broad band router <br /><br />Figures that the folks who make modems would still be making a router to support them. <br /><br />And I want to add a stack of network drives because I need a lot of hard drive space when editing DV video. I think this is a better solution to adding more hard drives to one PC. This way, I can share the space with other PC's. <br /><br />Do you map a network drive letter to them like I do to the lan at work? or do they show as a separate entity on the network?<br /><br />Thanks<br /><br />Mark

 

[Xcusme]

Re: How do I network a modem?

Mark, That router should work nicely. It basically the same as the SMC router I mentioned before.<br /><br />I take it that you plan on adding 2 more computers in the mix. You can add additional hard drives to each of the other computers and share them as well.<br /><br />As for the HD mapping, I prefer not the map the drives, but it's a personal issue. Just make sure all computers have the same workgroup name and turn on file and print sharing. Give each computer a unique name.<br /><br />WinXP has done away with Netbeui (it's really on the install CD, but not really obvious). I would NOT have file and print sharing bound to TCP/IP. I would install Netbeui or use NWLink/IPX protocol for the file sharing. The WinXP version of Netbeui is not as robust as it's Win2K counterpart. I can forward the Win2K version to you if you decide to go that route. There are a couple of websites explaining all this mumbo jumbo and I can post those as well if needed.<br /><br />When you setup the router, you can go with DHCP (easiest) or assign your own IP's as you see fit. Be sure to backup your settings to your hard drive and/or floppy in case things go south and by all means change your router login/password .