Question about accessing cellular data from a comp

[Alfred_B]

If the only access to the internet is ATT 4G LTE, and the computer in question is a company desktop with an ethernet port only and is locked so no new software/drivers can be installed...

how does one hard wire the desktop to connect to a cellular network?

The basic setup I am thinking would be for the smart phone (I am thinking about a Nokia Lumia 635) to act as a wifi hotspot, then wire some sort of an "intermediary device" to the desktop and through wifi to the Lumia.

what would that "intermediary device" be?

 

[1000MPH]

Microcell.

http://www.att.com/att/microcell/
Edit: oops, i guess that would only work the other way 'round.

 

[Kawiguy454]

Some time back I remember verizon had a hotspot box, It was addon to your account but separate from phone. I dont know but unless it is connected via network cable you may not get past setting a USB port up to be a network connection.

Find a cellular magic box that connects via ethernet and supplies DHCP and so on.

 

[Alfred_B]

Microcell says that

"Internet Connection
Broadband connection such as
AT&T U-Verse ®, DSL, or cable required. "

There is no broadband in the area, the only internet is ATT 4G LTE. Verizon or T-Mobile have very poor reception there. It's a rural 3-rd world country environment as far as infrastructure goes. There is a hard wired phone line that is dead 50% of the time and the fastest dial up has been 24 kbps. That's good for 1980-s but not nowadays.

I am thinking a Cricket data line for 10G per month, the most data they can provide.

https://www.cricketwireless.com/cell-phone-plans

 

[MysticGold04]

You might be able to set up a Linksys or any other router that is compatible with DDWRT firmware as a "wireless client" on your phone's hotspot wireless network SSID and then plug your wired PC into the router. From what limited use I've experimented with, your phone would assign a DHCP address to any connected client. Does that make any sense?

 

[Padawan]

If the computer has an available USB port, a simple USB Wi-Fi adapter should work once you set up a wireless network. Most cellular providers offer 4G "wireless hotspots" that connect to their networks.

 

[eljefino]

They make something called "gaming adaptors" that plug old school Xboxes into wifi networks.

Kinda like this:

http://www.amazon.com/D-Link-DWL-G820-Wi...=gaming+adaptor

When you first plug it in, you browse to a semi-random 192.168.1.x IP address and then set it up further, like telling it what wireless SSID to connect to.

I hope you use this info for purely evil reasons.

 

[djb]

There are many WiFi devices that offer client Ethernet ports.

The least expensive are sold as a 'range extender' or 'repeater' with an Ethernet port an incidental feature. Expect to pay about $20.

 

[PMSyPly]

Alfred-

Your 4G hotspot (Smartphone?) provides wifi internet - then just plug in a wireless adapter & connect to your network from your hotspot, and hard cable out the Ethernet port into your desktop.

Here's one I pulled up on Amazon. TP-LINK TL-WR710N 150Mbps Wireless N Mini Pocket Router, Repeater, Client, 2 LAN Ports $29

Hey few people know that a laptop on wifi with an ethernet jack - that the jack is live ?

ie you can run that jack into your desktop (that has no wifi card) and it'll work!

 

[Alfred_B]

Looks like the http://www.amazon.com/TP-LINK-TL-WR710N-Wireless-Repeater-Charging/dp/B00FRMAOIO repeater is the "intermediary device" I have been looking for.

Thank you, everyone, for your help and advice.

 

[IndyIan]

Also keep your eye out for new antennae's on your neighbors property. We were on a cellular network for internet for a few years, but now a local guy has set up his own ISP using his own wireless network. Now we have unlimited data at a fast enough speed 12MB/s for less money that our 20GB/month plan was.

 

[Win]

You must have an AT & T plan that allows data sharing in order to activate the Wi Fi hotspot on a phone connected to their network.

The Lumia's do make very good Wi Fi hotspots - I use the function on mine daily.

 

[Alfred_B]

@Win, thanks.

I have narrowed it down to a Cricket 10gb/month plan with a Lumia 635 as the acting hot spot. Cricket will allow the hot spot function for $10/month extra.

They are essentially an ATT reseller.