Modem for office phone line?

[luvulong]

I have this dilema...

I want to access TERB at the office, but Big Brother is watching all the websites we surf using the office computer. So I brought in my own laptop, but the Network Administrator won't let me connect it to the office LAN.

So I'm thinking of connecting to my own ISP using dial up, but someone told me that the office phonelines are digital and won't work (will damage) my laptop's build-in modem.

Any idea about how I can get around this mess?

 

[Papi Chulo]

Even if you could hook it up to the office LAN, big brother could watch where you surf.

is there any unprotected wireless networks available?

can you use your cell phone as a modem?


Office phones are digital and will not work for your use.. but if you were to plug into a fax line... then you could use a dial-up connection!

 

[The Bandit]

R u desperate for TERB at work?

 

[hunter001]

You could try using your a cell phone to provide a dial out service. You could have your company order and install a data line for you (if you can justify it to them).

 

[l69norm]

... but someone told me that the office phonelines are digital and won't work (will damage) my laptop's build-in modem.Any idea about how I can get around this mess?

This will adapt a digital pbx line to a modem line:
http://www.konexx.com/mobile_konnector.htm

They are available used on ebay:
http://search.ebay.com/konexx_W0QQfromZR40

Another good alternative is to try to find an open Wifi connection if you are near an office window. I've had luck with hitting open access points from across the street before.

 

[luvulong]

This will adapt a digital pbx line to a modem line:
http://www.konexx.com/mobile_konnector.htm

They are available used on ebay:
http://search.ebay.com/konexx_W0QQfromZR40

Another good alternative is to try to find an open Wifi connection if you are near an office window. I've had luck with hitting open access points from across the street before.

Thanks for your suggestions. I checked out ebay, but they only deliver the used one to the US. I'll keep on checking ebay.

I also found an open WiFi connection, but the signal is very weak. Any idea how I may boost it?

 

[Papi Chulo]

Thanks for your suggestions. I checked out ebay, but they only deliver the used one to the US. I'll keep on checking ebay.

I also found an open WiFi connection, but the signal is very weak. Any idea how I may boost it?

Get the DLink USB wireless adaptor.. it should act as a better antenna than the card in your laptop.

Buy it at Future Shop ($50?).. try it and if if does not pick up the signal better, return it within 14 days (with receipt)

 

[luvulong]

Thanks guys for your expert advice. I'll be picking up a USB wireless adaptor tomorrow.

 

[hunter001]

Be sure that the wireless network your picking up isn't part of the corporate lan.

 

[l69norm]

...I'll be picking up a USB wireless adaptor tomorrow.

If you lock the wifi card speed to 1 or 2 Mbps (Free). I find that helps increase the range.

You can also use a high power LAN card ($$):
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1649583&CatId=367

This one (mini-pci high power)will replace most built-in wifi cards in a laptop ($):
http://cgi.ebay.ca/SUPER-G-XR-wirel...5QQihZ019QQcategoryZ45000QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Another alternative ($$$) is to use wireless highspeed internet (WiMAX) adapter:
http://www.shoprogers.com/store/cab...sp?shopperID=NM0XV3G0E5WN8PFQPB728DVW5184283D

You can take it with you anywhere in the GTA. I know someone who uses it in a car with a 12V to 115V inverter along the 401. (somebody beat me to it, I need to type faster)

 

[luvulong]

You guys are the greatest. I tried a USB wire;ess adaptor today and the signal is still too weak. I like the portable internet idea. Will look into it tomorrow. Thanks a million for all your suggestions.

 

[iwantitfree]

Have you considered using one of the anonymous website?
Another option, if you have a computer at home, you can try www.logmein.com, which lets you remote control the home computer, so the only website your admin see is the logmein website.

 

[l69norm]

You guys are the greatest. I tried a USB wire;ess adaptor today and the signal is still too weak. I like the portable internet idea. Will look into it tomorrow. ...

Hawking makes high gain usb adaptors:

http://www.hawkingtech.com/products/productlist.php?CatID=19&FamID=33&ProdID=302

Tigerdirect sells the older version (5db gain antenna?) in stores, but not on-line
http://reviews.cnet.com/Hawking_HWU...s_G_adapter/4505-3380_7-30825857.html?tag=sub

 

[xarir]

Rogers HSDPA cards (High Speed Digital Packet Access) are running $49 but you have to pay $60 for 25MB per month of $100 for 200MB per month. As other have pointed out, portable high-speed internet is another option as well.

On the Bell side, I believe some EVDO phones are modem capable but I'm not sure on this point.

 

[luvulong]

Called Rogers today about Portable High Speed Internet...$100 for the modem + $50 per month... a lot of money for surfing the net for a few hours a month.

So, I think I'll try to get a high gain USB adaptor next.

As usual, you guys are tremendous. In the mean time, if you have any more (inexpensive) ideas, keep them coming.

 

[hunter001]

If it is a small company and you can "tip" your IT network people. They could setup a connection that is outside of the company firewall and directly connects to the internet.

It would be a bit of work for them but couldn't hurt to ask.