ISDN modem to wireless router problem

**bavaria34** · May 31st, 2003, 08:24 AM

The only "fast" speed net access in my area is ISDN.No ADSL and no broadband
The Telco (Telstra Australai) provides a terminal(modem) called an NT1PlusII .
However the data output is via an RS232 plug or USB.
Most routers need ethernet plugs/cables.
It appears that USB to ethernet converters which will convert a USB DSL/Cable modem's USB port to ethernet do not exist. The problem being basically that there is no way to load the necessary drivers onto a DSL/Cable modem to let it know how to talk to the converter.
I'm trying to set up a wireless network in my home/office
My question is..do any ISDN modems have ethernet output..or is there any way to connect a Netgear FM114P wireless router to an ISDN modem that only has the outputs as described(ie USB and RS232 )
Are there any other alternatives?

thanks in advance

nic

**TOAD6147** · June 4th, 2003, 07:20 AM

Have you asked Telco about it? Pehaps they have a different modem or can recommend one that will work with their system. Actually, I have an SMC 7004BR(?) modem that has a serial interface for a back-up internet connection for sale if you're interested. Then you can plug your wireless into this one. PM me if interested.

**bavaria34** · June 4th, 2003, 08:15 AM

thanks Toad
They don't have another modem, and don't offer any other options...they were very pleasant though I must say.
I am going to try the Eicon Diva LAN ISDN and see how that goes.
ISDN Europe/US must be the same everywhere right?(I hope!)

**burpoid** · July 20th, 2004, 05:43 AM

I was just wondering how you went with finding a solution - I am in the same boat Telstra have informed me that now we have moved we can no longer get ADSL and I have to put up with ISDN - but I want to set up my PC too far away from where the NT1PlusII is and I can't move it because of the other equipment connected to it. I was also hoping to go wireless if possible.

**bavaria34** · July 20th, 2004, 09:26 AM

I ended up using the Eicon ISDN .It worked fine using the uplink port of my trusty old Netgear FM114P firewall router.It does take some fiddling to configure tho'...need to use the International software..and probably download the flash software from the (very) helpful Eicon website.
Once it's configured..think about getting it installed..Telstra charges an arm to install ISDN and an arm and a leg to get rid of it..it rarely runs at the suggested 256k by the way..but it is generally faster than dial-up.
Beware though.I was gouged like a lion by Telstra on pricing.They not only charged me a huge monthly line rental, but also charged me for evry dial-up call and every bit of data transmission...because I was connecting to Optus as my server.(something they didnt bother to tell me)I'm sure it is cheaper with a big pond package..but we're talking 100's of dollars a month here.
I am as happy as a pig in mud now, because I have 512k broadband unlimited with Optus and use their telephony products as well...at last count I'm saving about $400 a month.
Message..wireless ISDN can be done in the home..just get your costs locked dowwn before you go ahead.

**Xtreeme** · July 20th, 2004, 12:44 PM

OUCH. Thought I had it bad here in rural area US. 512k ADSL $40. Unlimited dw. The IDSN here ALSO charges per hours at my isp so I had no option till very recently. I know ISDN is wickedly $. For like 128k it cost near x2 the dsl. And then the hour thing. I cringed even looking at the prices. I mean a T1 pipe was ultimatly cheaper when waying in the ontime and downloadage. Thats $100 a month. (= to 1.5mbp ADSL which is $80 here now). The problem it seems specially with isdn is you have NO other options and they know it. ADSL is still limited by range but the range is extremly extended over 2 years ago and rapidly increasing. Still suburb's or areas that arent densly populated are always gonna miss out. No digital cable then either? Its like that in U.S. places too so your not alone. My friend live about 40miles from me and its real secluded in the mountains. No DSL, no ISDN even, but believe it or not digital cable. LOL. So he's going cable now. Its phone lines wont even carry Caller ID-thats whacked! They arent even copper strand! Its old, and the phone co told him he's got a better shot at moving then them replacing the lines for the 30 people in his area. Crapola.

**John Prophet** · July 20th, 2004, 12:46 PM

wow, dude answered the thread a year after it had sat dead..amazing! lol

i think in that situation that I would have asked around..cuz surely there are people there who have a router and ISDN....so its just a matter of finding out how they do it.