malfunctioning 3com 3C920

Could be your DSL modem is not happy with the 3com. However I would sugggest going out and getting a Linksys BEFSR41 firewall. I have used GX110's with Verizon DSL and the Linksys device and it works fine.

You install the linksys by hooking up a GX110 to the router. Then go into http://192.168.1.1 and setup
pppoe for your DSL in the router. No WINPOET or other client spyware to install.

No go, however I am attempting to hoohup to a  linksys WRT54G that I have. Could that be my problem?

The WRT54G is just a BEFSR41 with Wireless G radio attached. It has all the WIRED features that the BEFSR41 has including 4 wired ports.

Sounds like you fell into the trap of trying to install PPPOE software and then hook via wired or wireless thru the router. Thats a non starter.

You dont install ANY software from ANY vendor including linksys.

You Install WIN98SE/ME/2000/XP and the drivers for the Nic if necessary. Then hook a straight thru cat5 cable to the pc on the side of the router that does not say WAN. You then hook the WAN side to the DSL modem.

You then set for DHCP on windows and boot. It should get carrier and then allow you to go to

http://192.168.1.1/

to login the password is admin and there is NO USER NAME AT ALL.

You tell it to use PPPOE and put in your login and password for the dsl.

It should then get online.

Thanks. I'll give it a go and let you know.

Well?