Dial In to Home Network

[JWatts1980]

I have a typical home network.
DSL -> Wireless Router -> NAS, PC, 2x Laptops

My PC has a dial-up modem and two LAN cards (one is not being used). Obviously I am using the DSL to connect to the internet.

However, I am sometimes in locations where I do not have a LAN network to connect to with my laptop, and don't want to pay for a separate dial-up service.

What I want to do, is set up the desktop PC modem to accept INCOMING connections so that I can actually dial my home phone number, do the verify user name and password thing, and get online through my home network.

As a bonus, I would also have access to the network resources of my home network like the NAS or other shared network drives once connected.

Does anyone know what software or hardware would be required for this?

[cszeto]

Just create an "Accept incoming connections" definition within your "Network and Dial-up Connections", by assigning your modem to it.

Something to keep in mind though, at best you're only going to get 33.3 kbps through that connection. Very "painful" considering we are all "spoiled" these days to high speed access.

[JWatts1980]

Alright cszeto! You're my hero! I didn't even know such a thing was built in.

For anyone that might be following this, here's what I did:

In XP, to "create an 'Accept incoming connections' definition" I opened my Network Connections window (through Control Panel or right-click on My Network Places and click Properties). I clicked the "Create a new connection" link in the left side bar. A screen asking me what type of Connection Type I wanted came up. I selected "Set up an advanced connection". The next screen has the option to "Accept Incoming Connections". And as cszeto said, I selected the modem and proceeded through the configuration screens. It added a new icon to my Network Connections screen where I can then adjust the properties if necessary.

I wasn't able to get all the way there with your advice, cszeto, but you most certainly pointed me the right way and gave me the right terminology. I opened the Help and Support Center in XP and typed "accept incoming connections" and it brought up all the right articles. The articles also had more info on making sure you have the permissions to do it stuff like that. So I would recommend if anyone has problems with this to look at the built in XP help stuff on this topic.

Thanks again!

PS, I haven't gotten to try it out yet, but I will be soon, and I'll get back over here and update the thread with my results.

PPS, And 33.3Kbps might be slow, but for "free" dial-up service, I may just be worth it. I guess if its long distance though, there will be phone charges.

[cszeto]

Ok, I took the most generic shot, since the version of Windows was not mentioned.

There's actually multiple ways to get to the same place. You probably took the "Control Panel" route, but did not have the "Classic View" enabled. The same can be achieved by selecting "Open Network and Dial-up Connections" if you have "Show icon in taskbar when connected" enabled for your network connection.

Do share your NAS experiences via dial-up, so others may get a feel of your experiences at 33.3 kbps.