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Can I Share Dial Up Internet Service Over a Wireless Network?

Yes, it's possible but it can create some issues

By Bradley Mitchell Bradley Mitchell Writer Massachusetts Institute of Technology University of Illinois An MIT graduate who brings years of technical experience to articles on SEO, computers, and wireless networking. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on August 18, 2022 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email

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Expand Jump to a Section Is It Possible? Wireless Access Point Ad Hoc Mode WiFlyer Other Options Sharing broadband internet service over wireless networks is not difficult with today's routers and other home networking equipment. But what about people who have dial-up internet—can they share too?

Can I Share Dial-Up Service Over a Wireless Network

Yes, it's possible to share dial-up internet access across a wireless home network or other wireless LAN (or WLAN). Wireless LANs support the amount of bandwidth required to share dial-up internet service. Dial-up runs at such low speeds, however, that internet connections perform sluggishly on WLANs, particularly when accessing it with multiple computers at the same time. Try any of the following approaches to maximize effectiveness.

Wired Router With Wireless Access Point

This option requires three pieces of hardware in addition to wireless network cards for the client computers: a wired broadband router, an external modem, and a wireless access point. Connect the external modem to this router for internet access, then connect the wireless access point to the router for wireless access. Not all broadband routers support external modems; look for those that feature RS-232 serial ports.

Ad Hoc Mode With Windows ICS

Alternatively, you can try Windows Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) or equivalent software that relies on one computer hosting the internet connection. This option requires at a minimum that the host computer has a modem (either internal or external) and that all wireless network cards be configured for ad-hoc (peer-to-peer) mode. This option works best if you only have a few home computers located close to each other. Those who prefer the first option usually own a wired broadband router that supports external modems. Because the second option requires neither a wired router nor an external modem, it is usually cheaper and easier to set up for those building new home networks from the ground up.

WiFlyer

You may also consider purchasing the WiFlyer product designed to operate as a dial-up router. This option is the simplest to install of the ones discussed here but most expensive in terms of equipment cost.

Other Specialized Wireless Routers

If none of the above options are feasible, you'll need a wireless router that features an RS-232 (serial) port to share the dial-up line over an external modem. The mainstream models today do not feature such a serial port. Products that do tend to be discontinued models or higher-end routers designed to use dial-up as a failover option. Some residential routers that provide serial ports for external modems are: ZoomAir Internet Gateway IG-4165SMC Barricade 7004AWBEarly models of the Apple Airport Base Station Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Share Internet Access Wired vs. Wireless Networking Can Two Routers Be Used on the Same Home Network? How to Connect Two Routers on a Home Network How to Share Your Internet Connection on Windows Vista Share an Internet Connection in Windows One Home Network Sharing Two Internet Connections Can't Connect to the Internet? Try These 10 Tips How to Fix Netflix Error Code NW-2-5 on Any Device An Overview of Wireless Networking Technologies How to Connect a Router to the Internet Understanding Infrastructure Mode in Wireless Networking How to Set Up PPPoE Internet Access Types of Network Connections How to Set Up Networks for Digital Devices How to Set Up a Router Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies