Can I set up a home webserver to provide internet access to my roaming laptops?

[AtomicAlien]

I just got a laptop (wheeeee)! Now, I want to be able to access the internet and email from my laptop. Could I plug an unused phone line into my server and allow the laptop to call the phoneline and access my cable internet and email through that server? I think I heard from someone that that is basically how Dial-Up internet works, except ISPs have a lot more bandwidth than my cable.

Anyone know anything about this?

I would prefer a Windows XP Professional way to do this or with some third-party software instead of Linux for two reasons, 1) Windows XP Professional is the best OS I have and 2) Linux sucks, I loved it and left it as some might say.

My laptop might ending up being two states away so a wireless network wont work.

 

[AtomicAlien]

Bumpity-bumpity-bam!

 

[sparks]

Why not just go out and get a 802.11b solution, they are rather cheap nowadays because the venders are moving to 802.11g. Just keep scanning the hot deals forum and you are bound to find a cheap WIFI router and PCCard.

 

[AtomicAlien]

Originally posted by: sparks
Why not just go out and get a 802.11b solution, they are rather cheap nowadays because the venders are moving to 802.11g. Just keep scanning the hot deals forum and you are bound to find a cheap WIFI router and PCCard.

You misunderstand, this will allow my laptop to connect to my PC without having to pay for AOL or anything. Besides, wireless wont spread two states.

It will basically work like dialup internet, it will contact the server (my PC) through the phone line and from there be able to use the internet and email through it. See now?

 

[BeauJangles]

your bandwith will still be 56k (assuming you even get that fast through the phone lines). No point IMO.

 

[13black]

RAS - Remote Access Service for Windows

 

[merlocka]

Originally posted by: BlinderBomber
your bandwith will still be 56k (assuming you even get that fast through the phone lines). No point IMO.

56k compared to 0k has no point?

AtomicAlien, I understand what your getting at. I don't know how to do it, but If my work didn't provide free dialup I would have looked at this option myself.

A couple of things...

1) check the networking forums. they are more helpful with these topics than the people in GH.
2) check with your broadband ISP. they often have dialup numbers which you can use. just try one of the numbers with your broadband user ID and password. you might get lucky.

edit - or just follow the link that 13black posted!

 

[Shivatron]

Bump -- I would like to know how to do this too... I'm not sure how RAS would help though.

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

You have a few more options because I used to have the same problem.

1. Set it up such that when your computer dials into the server, it basically connects to the network. This would be the same as if you setup a LAN except through dial up. I'm pretty sure Windows has this capability. Then, you could also setup the server for "Internet Connection Sharing" This may require you to connect the cable modem directly to the server but, if your away from home there probably won't be a need for internet to other computers at home.

2. Get Earthlink Cable Internet, they give dialup access free with it.

3. I saw a program a long time back that was free for non profit organizations and it basically did what you decribed. It worked just like an ISP would, but with less bandwidth. Your laptop would dial up into the server and the server would basically just give it regular access.

I think #2 is the easiest, followed by #1, and then #3 because I don't remember what software and it would be hard finding something like that.

Also remember, with option #1, you'll have to pay long distance call bills unless your going to go through your cell phone or something. If you can, just get broadband access from Earthlink who gives dial up free with either DSL or Cable Internet.

 

[13black]

Originally posted by: Atticu5
Bump -- I would like to know how to do this too... I'm not sure how RAS would help though.

This is what I was thinking about, seems like a lot of work though. I had seen a post on another forum where that person used windows RAS to dial into his home network and then connect to the internet through it. I don't remember what forum so I doubt I can find it know.