Can I use Verizon mobile broadband on a wireless home network?

[wartrace]

I have two computers, a couple of network cameras & a printer all on my home wireless network. I am currently using a satellite connection connected to a lynksys N router. Is it possible to connect a USB modem to a router & replace the satellite connection? My router only has networking connections, no USB port for the modem. I would save 20 dollars a month with Verizon.

[mwooldri]

1. The short answer is yes.

There's a couple of ways of going about it...

1) the cheap way...

You plug the USB modem into your primary computer. You then plug your computer into your router where you would normally plug in a cable modem, DSL modem or some other WAN output connection. You would then need to reconfigure your computer to become the gateway computer (i.e. all internet traffic comes in and out of that computer. Of course, that computer would then need to be on for any other computers on the network to communicate with the outside world.

2) the not so cheap way...

Buy one of these: - or some other Cradlepoint product that does a similar job.

http://www.wirelessnwifi.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=28&zenid=a2b54211cb00a37e2f889753264b804d

Costs $99 + S&H

You can then plug the output of this into your existing network, or if you're wireless already ditch the router and use this as your access point.

[krispos42]

2. Thanks... even though I didn't ask the question originally!

:-)


I've been wondering the same thing about my Sprint connection. I'm moving in with a roommate and I was trying to think of what to do about sharing internet. I'm locked into my contract until August.


I don't konw how to configure my desktop as a gateway computer and am afraid that doing so would slow it down too much. But if a standard wireless router costs $50 and this costs $100... maybe this would be the way to go.


Hmmmm... except that I'd need to get a WiFi card for my desktop as well.


Shit. This is more complex than I thought.



I'll have to ask my roomie about it.



But the link is cool, thanks!

[wartrace]

3. Thanks!

I will probably look into the router solution, I hate to leave computers on 24/7. I need the wireless cameras to be running when I'm not here SO the gateway computer idea is out.

I appreciate the help.