Totally Clueness & Need Help Changing From DSL to Wifi? Where Do I Start?

[BabyGirl Rosie]

Originally Posted by yorkietalkjilly

I'd love to get out from under AT&T for my phone bill and internet service. They are awful if there are every any billing errors and such they need to correct.

I'm glad to know I don't have to have a landline to have wifi but I guess I'd better check with my ADT service which I think is currently set up through my phone line I think.

I have an alarm system and we don't have a landline. We have a designated "wireless phone" that cost an extra $10 a month. Still cheaper than a landline.

[Wylie's Mom]

Originally Posted by yorkietalkjilly

I'd love to get out from under AT&T for my phone bill and internet service. They are awful if there are every any billing errors and such they need to correct.

I'm glad to know I don't have to have a landline to have wifi but I guess I'd better check with my ADT service which I think is currently set up through my phone line I think.

We have ADT and don't have a landline. When we installed our system about 8 years ago, we opted for wireless/cellular service for the ADT. They set up a little cellular box attached to the wall, and that's all we need for our service. Give them a call and ask them how much it would cost to set up your ADT w/ a cellular box installed.

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by BabyGirl Rosie

I have an alarm system and we don't have a landline. We have a designated "wireless phone" that cost an extra $10 a month. Still cheaper than a landline.

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

We have ADT and don't have a landline. When we installed our system about 8 years ago, we opted for wireless/cellular service for the ADT. They set up a little cellular box attached to the wall, and that's all we need for our service. Give them a call and ask them how much it would cost to set up your ADT w/ a cellular box installed.

Very good to know about ADT. You both made me curious what percentage of people don't have landlines and I found an article that said the US is up to about 33%!

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by yorkietalkjilly

If I want to take the computer out and connect via wifi when out and about, what else would I need to buy or internet services would I need to subscribe to, Nancy? It sounds as if that might be something I'd want in the future.

Well, we use ours just around the house and yard, so I'm guessing on the answer, but I assume it's the same type as a mobile phone line? Someone who has that kind can tell you more, but I personally don't think this would be worth it unless you are mobile and use your computer a lot. Also, there are so many "free" social local networks out there. There are many apps that you can use that will show you all the free Wi-Fi networks close to you. For example, the local McDonalds and several coffee shops have free Wi-Fi. Here's a app that will show Wi-Fi by you: https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...d.finder&hl=en This page tells more about free WiFi: How to Get Free WiFi Internet Access. If you aren't happy with ATT, have you considered your cable company, they do phone service as well as internet.

[BabyGirl Rosie]

Originally Posted by Maximo

Very good to know about ADT. You both made me curious what percentage of people don't have landlines and I found an article that said the US is up to about 33%!

I don't have ADT. I have Alert Alarm. We have had very good luck with them.

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by BabyGirl Rosie

I don't have ADT. I have Alert Alarm. We have had very good luck with them.

I'll have to look into them. We have been putting it off for years because I was traumatized by the guys who installed our cable, crawling around the house and damaging things.

[yorkietalkjilly]

Originally Posted by McheleM

We don't have a phone line at our house, and still have broadband internet (like DSL but off fios cable instead of phone lines). Your DSL box must be wireless to get wifi to your computer. If it's not, you'll need a wireless router, which will connect to the DSL box with a network (often blue, resembles a phone cord with a bigger clear clip) cable.

I'm not trying to talk to you like you don't know anything about cable or DSL, so I hope it doesn't come across that way.

No, that's EXACTLY what I need, the basics and entry-level descriptions just like you gave! I tried getting info on the internet but the articles and those on the forums I tried reading talk over the head of a total novice at it like me. I need just exactly that kind of information.

So unless I get a wirelss modem over my DSL modem, I'll still not be completely wireless, even on wifi, it sounds. I was hoping to be able to carry the laptop into another room and still get the net and watch Netflix movies, etc.

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by yorkietalkjilly

No, that's EXACTLY what I need, the basics and entry-level descriptions just like you gave! I tried getting info on the internet but the articles and those on the forums I tried reading talk over the head of a total novice at it like me. I need just exactly that kind of information.

So unless I get a wirelss modem over my DSL modem, I'll still not be completely wireless, even on wifi, it sounds. I was hoping to be able to carry the laptop into another room and still get the net and watch Netflix movies, etc.

I don't think you need a "wireless modem". We just used our regular modem with the router. You definitely can go room to room. Nearly all the new printers are wireless, and this means you can use your laptop or ipads to print things out, which is a nice feature.

[yorkietalkjilly]

Originally Posted by Maximo

I think you might need the land line for ADT. Definitely check with them.

NAT router is not a brand. NAT = network address translation
It enables multiple devices to access a single network without wires.
The router requires DSL or cable delivered internet service.
A router is necessary in your house if you want to use even 1 computer without being wired directly into your modem (does DSL use a modem?). The router also has its own firewall, which is an extra layer of protection.

If you want to use wifi on the go, all you have to do is go to a "hotspot", like they have at libraries, coffee shops, and hotels. Or buy a "mobile hotspot": How to Choose the Fastest, Cheapest, and Most Reliable Mobile Hotspot to Stay Connected Everywhere You Go

The article is a little dated, but I don't think a mobile hotspot is cost effective for routine internet use -- not mine anyway.

Thanks for all the info.

I'd like not to have to use cables to connect anything so can I ask if I've got this right? I'll buy a wireless NAT router and get a new internet service that sends wifi signals?

Will they then sell me with a new wifi wireless modem that will deliver the network signal to a cable or phone line (even after I have the landline disconnected)? Does that sound right?

I'm thinking with my biopsy procedure coming up tomorrow morning, I'm not thinking that clearly. It seems I'm not putting things together in my head! I picked a bad time to start all this but thought it would distract me. But you still need concentration to get distracted onto something new and mine seems to be gone this weekend. I'm sorry!

[yorkietalkjilly]

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

I don't think you need a "wireless modem". We just used our regular modem with the router. You definitely can go room to room. Nearly all the new printers are wireless, and this means you can use your laptop or ipads to print things out, which is a nice feature.

Oh, okay! No cable from my DSL modem will be needed to take the computer throughout the house. I got it wrong in the post I just did, then. Ugh! Sorry!

[McheleM]

Originally Posted by yorkietalkjilly

Oh, okay! No cable from my DSL modem will be needed to take the computer throughout the house. I got it wrong in the post I just did, then. Ugh! Sorry!

It depends on your modem. It has to be a wireless modem for wifi to work. If it's not wireless enabled, you'll need something to convert the "wired" Internet to a "wireless" signal, ie a router.


I would call whoever your DSL is through and ask them if the modem you have is wireless enabled. If yes, have them help you connect. If not, either ask them to provide one (upgrade) or purchase the router.


Ps wifi is also called WLAN. LAN is wired, WLAN is wireless. LAN is local area network.

[Maximo]

I don't have experience with DSL, so the ladies above will have to confirm whether or not it works the same as cable internet service . . . but, this is how ours is hooked up:

Internet cable connects to Modem > Modem plugs into Router > Router broadcasts signal to your computer/laptop anywhere in your house (and a little beyond, which is why you want to password protect your "network", so a neighbor can't use your network)

[McheleM]

Originally Posted by Maximo

I don't have experience with DSL, so the ladies above will have to confirm whether or not it works the same as cable internet service . . . but, this is how ours is hooked up:

Internet cable connects to Modem > Modem plugs into Router > Router broadcasts signal to your computer/laptop anywhere in your house (and a little beyond, which is why you want to password protect your "network", so a neighbor can't use your network)

Yes.

But nowadays, some of the newer configurations have a wireless router built into the modem. This is what we're trying to figure out. If her DSL modem is combined with a wireless router, then she doesn't need a seperate router.

At my house and office, I have 1 box. It's a router and modem together.

[yorkietalkjilly]

Ya'll are so amazing - I knew YT would be better than any other forum I googled(they seemed to talk at cross-purposes half the time to me) to get good information from. I have a way better understanding of how things work and where to start, what to ask about and what to do now. Thank you every one for all the input and giving me a crash course w/out making me feel like a peon for asking all the questions.

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by yorkietalkjilly

Ya'll are so amazing - I knew YT would be better than any other forum I googled(they seemed to talk at cross-purposes half the time to me) to get good information from. I have a way better understanding of how things work and where to start, what to ask about and what to do now. Thank you every one for all the input and giving me a crash course w/out making me feel like a peon for asking all the questions.

At one time, I had all of the same questions you posed in this thread. It was so hard asking my techie brothers what I needed because they are lightyears ahead of me and take this stuff for granted.

Michele reminded me that there are modem/router combos. Our Comcast cable internet is so behind the times, but at least their service has vastly improved with the competition from Verizon DSL in our area.