Before There Was Wireless Dialup, There Was Wireless Dialup

Reader shares networking experience.

[Response to Wireless CPE for Dialup Subscribers from October 25, 2005.]

[October 26, 2005]

Hello:

I've read the articles on WiFlyer with interest.

I've been doing Wireless Dialup for the past four years. The early D-Link access points came with a serial port and you can configure them with a dialup account as a backup in case your broadband is down. Since I've never had broadband, I've been using it for dialup access. It works great, but sharing a 26,400 bps (on a dry day) line is...slow...but it works well.

Unfortunately, about two years ago, most manufacturers eliminated the serial port (believe me, I checked) so I guess I'll never experience the speed of 802.11g, but at 26,400 bps, I don't think I'd notice much. On the other hand, file copies between my desktop and laptop at home would sure be faster!

Anyway, just wanted to let you know that everything new...is old!

Thanks,

Mark Porter
Network Manager, CUNA Mutual Group