How to set up wifi on mac at home?

Question

Do I need a wireless plan from my ISP?

I have a DSL plan that enables me to have free wifi (hot spots only).

I want it at home! I spoke with a service rep and was told that I had to upgrade my service, and pay an extra fee each month.

That doesn't make since to me?? If I'm able to get free wifi at my local cafe, can't I just get a router and set it up at home?

If so How?

I have a mac, running OS X10.4.11

Using a Siemens speedstream 4100 Ethernet ADSL Modem

Not sure what other info is necessary?

Thank you!!

Answer 1

Even if you buy a router you might still need the proprietary DSL modem to plug into your telephone line and communicate with the network. A generic ADSL modem may not have the magic something to talk to your provider. Even if it can communicate, you still have to pay for the private IP address going directly to and from your house. That connection you use at a hotspot is shared by everyone in the room, and they all broadcast the same IP to the world when they use it.

The DSL company would give you the same basic internet accdess a Cafe hot spot has, difference is you would not have a license to sell the service to other people, and it would only work around your house. The primary advantage would be you get the full speed of the network all to yourself, no content filtering, and MUCH better security. Most hotspots are not encrypted, so people with the know-how can spy on you and read your IMs/email.

The service you're currently using is paid for first by the location (cafe, bookstore, etc) where you connect. The Cafe buys a modem/internet contract with someone like T-Mobile. Then T-Mobile provides the cafe with a specific proprietary modem/router to communicate with their DSL network. The Cafe then installs their own additional wi-fi radios to provide access points to the DSL modem. You connect to the Cafe's wi-fi radios, then use your contract with T-Mobile to connect to the Internet through a website gateway.

Most of it in the end is really about paying a lease for an IP address.

Answer 2

If your mac has built in wifi, it will show you ALL the dsl signals within 200 feet of your mac.

Piggy-backing on your neighbor's dsl signal is up to you.

DSL is generally not free.

Oakland County MI provides free wifi to residents.