Internet via Dongle can you use a switch?

[Mathew]

Hi All,

These days internet via USB dongle is the norm and very good for remote places. However I was wondering if it would be possible (if such a bit of kit existed) to have almost a switch that you plug the dongle into very much like your ADSL line in and then push the signal out via wireless and ethernet cable.

Does such a gizmo exist?

Regards
Mathew

[FireFleur]

Probably have to build one at the mo. But I would suspect something will hit the market soon.

USB moves most of the logic to the CPU and the drivers in a computer, that makes them cheap, but it also means you need a general purpose computer generally, so that could slow adoption as the device may have to be setup for a number of different internet dongles.

People do mod linksys, and add a usb port and change the OS.

I think people would be interested in buying such a device, just be the hurdle of getting the variety to work.

[edmondscommerce]

interesting idea...

could you use a netbook for this?

[paultnl]

There is a program for Windows mobile that turns your phone into a wireless access point a variation on this should work on a netbook if it has WIFI hardware

[DotNetWebs]

...push the signal out via wireless and ethernet cable....

...Does such a gizmo exist?...

Yes DrayTey make routers with 3G backup. Here is one example:

http://www.draytek.co.uk/products/vigor2820.html

Regards

Dotty

[CrispyUK]

Have been beaten to the DrayTek mention but I believe Linksys (by Cisco) also have a couple of routers in the lineup with 3G support - although I can't remember if they take the USB dongle or the sim card directly.

A netbook or nettop or similar could likely be provisioned with a linux distribution serving as router/firewall device and then connect up to a switch/access point (or possibly use the internal antenna). It's likely to end up being a multi-box and pricey solution in comparison.

DrayTek is probably a good bet - hear very good things about their kit and it shouldn't be hugely expensive. Just worth checking out what the compatibility is like with various dongles - as I'm guessing they have to be supported by DrayTek's firmware to work correctly.

[KM-Tiger]

Just worth checking out what the compatibility is like with various dongles - as I'm guessing they have to be supported by DrayTek's firmware to work correctly.

Dead right, I've got a 2820 and a T-mobile dongle that won't work with it at present.

Doubtless it will get sorted in the fullness of time!

[Mathew]

Thanks for the info on the DrayTek. Is anyone using this with a 3G USB dongle if so which one? Has anyone been using this at all?

[bigmouth241]

We've used the Draytek & it's very good. Also used the Linksys 3G card version which is equally as nifty!

We blagged a couple of free '3' dongles for the purpose & they're fine.

Given we work on many outside broadcasts for clients it makes life so much easier!