yes you can.  Use one of these http://www.actiontec.com/products/modems/dual_pcmodem/dpm_overview.html and the wireless router and wireless nic  of your choice.  It will work well. not broad band speeds but you will be able to connect multiple computers seamlessly.

Stan

Message Edited by StanRoy on 01-24-2004 02:10 PM

I have the same question but am a bit confused about the exact kind of equipment needed. 

I have a Dell Dimension desktop that is pretty much continually connected via dial-up to my isp (earthlink).  I've just purchased (not yet arrived) an Inspiron 5100 that I want to be able to share the connection with wirelessly (ie the desktop as host).

The inspiron will have a Dell TrueMobile 1300 WLAN (802.11b/g) miniPCI Card  in it.  Is that the right kind of card and what kind exactly router do I need?  Will the Dell TrueMobile 2300 (802.11b/g) Wireless BroadbandRouter work eventhough I am not using broadband (which is not available in my area).

Also above an external modem is suggested (http://www.actiontec.com/products/modems/dual_pcmodem/dpm_overview.html. )

Can I not use the desktops internal modem (because it is a winmodem?)?  Keep in mind I keep the desktop more or less continually connected via seperate phoneline.

Really appreciate the help.

Eric

Thanks Mikers85,

One more question (hopefully the last).  Do I also need to install a wireless card into my Dimesion (desktop), in addition to the one in my inspiron? Or, does the router take care of that?

Thanks again,

Eric

you could use an external modem too and have your router connect to the isp

you could do either , or both. 

laptop(wireless card) ----<            >--------desktop (wireless card)    [ad-hoc]

laptop(wireless card) ----<            >--------router---------desktop (eithernet card)

laptop(wireless card) ----<            >--------router---------<        >----desktop (wireless card)

see, those will all work. you might need to set up the second one to configure the router to allow you to do the third one though ... depends on the router

So having said all of the above, which would be my best (considering cost) option:

I can get either the SMC SMC7004AWBR or D-Link DI-713p for about $100 (maybe cheeper via ebay),  Then I would need to purchase an external modem.  The actionec dual modem ($65) has been suggested.  Others?  One positive is that those routers also have print servers.

Or if I understand correctly, I can purchase an ethernet card for the desk top (?$40) and a wireless router ($60-80) but will able to use my internal winmodem.  Is that right and is it a good option?

Also, can it really work if I just install a wireless card into the desktop?  That seems the cheepest.  What would be the advantages/dissadvantages to that? 

Again, continued thanks to all for the help.