Using a cell phone as a modem

Using a cell phone as a modem

Lisa Phifer, Wireless Expert

I was wondering if there is a way that I can connect my laptop to the Internet using dial-up, and then connect my cell to laptop via infrared to let my cell phone (Nokia 5100 GSM) use the dial-up connection to browse the internet.

Requires Free Membership to View

Login

SearchMobileComputing.com members gain immediate and unlimited access to expert guides for mobile deployment, management and security, industry trends, and more-- all at no cost. Join me on SearchMobileComputing.com today!

Kate Gerwig, Editorial Director

By submitting your registration information to SearchMobileComputing.com you agree to receive email communications from TechTarget and TechTarget partners. We encourage you to read our Privacy Policy which contains important disclosures about how we collect and use your registration and other information. If you reside outside of the United States, by submitting this registration information you consent to having your personal data transferred to and processed in the United States. Your use of SearchMobileComputing.com is governed by our Terms of Use. You may contact us at webmaster@TechTarget.com.

I do not think you can do what you are asking: Use your laptop to provide Internet access to your Nokia 5100 phone. Your phone is, after all, a network access device. But you can do the inverse: Use your Nokia 5100 phone to provide Internet access to your laptop. That configuration is supported by Nokia's PC Suite software, which lets your laptop use your Nokia phone as a modem when the phone is connected to the laptop by either USB cable or infrared wireless. To learn more, check Nokia's Web site and 5100 modem guide.

You can also PC Suite to synchronize certain files from your laptop onto your phone. You could use synchronization to download files (e.g., ring tones, audio files, images) from the Internet to your laptop over dial-up, and then copy those files from your laptop to your phone over USB or infrared.

Dig Deeper

People who read this also read...

Related glossary terms

Terms for Whatis.com - the technology online dictionary

Show me more

This was first published in February 2004

Back to top

More from Related TechTarget Sites

Unified Communications
Networking
Telecom
Networking Channel
CRM
Data Management

Unified Communications
- Interop 2012: UC apps vendors must strive for interoperability
  
  Vendors are aware of and gradually responding to issues around multi-vendor UC strategies and UC interoperability, according to a discussion panel at Interop 2012.
- Tackling virtual UC and VDI for the distributed enterprise
  
  Virtual UC applications are being deployed beyond the data center into the distributed enterprise and should be planned with virtual desktop infrastructure deployment.
- Integrating cloud-based UC applications for the branch office
  
  As enterprises consider cloud-based UC applications for the branch office, they face integration issues between the cloud- and premises-based UC applications.
Networking
- Getting answers on HP OpenFlow and the HP 12500 data center switch
  
  At Interop 2012 we uncovered the latest on the HP 12500 switch and learned what the HP OpenFlow strategy is really about.
- Application-aware networking flies under radar at Interop 2012
  
  At Interop 2012, clear signs emerge that application-aware networking is becoming a reality.
- Shortest Path Bridging: The interoperable alternate to spanning tree?
  
  An Interop 2012 panel on spanning tree protocol alternatives quickly evolved into a debate about Shortest Path Bridging as an interoperable solution.
Telecom
- Smartphone adoption spurs advanced services demand in Latin America
  
  Latin American smartphone adoption is more robust than North America's, and the consumers are more mobile-friendly than their peers in developed economies.
- Need for wireless network upgrade is key AT&T/T-Mobile driver
  
  Rising demand for high-quality network service delivery will require operators to undertake a massive wireless network upgrade, driving deals like the AT&T/T-Mobile acquisition.
- Video: ACG Research dissects telecom routing and switching market
  
  In this ACG Research HotSeat video, Managing Partner Ray Mota gives viewers a quarterly update on the telecom service provider routing and switching market.
Networking Channel
- Think you can't make digital signage sales?
  
  When video wall technology was expensive it was hard to sell. But selling digital signage has dropped in cost and many companies are now eager to replace static signs.
- Cisco Partner Summit 2012: Support services, cloud and mobility reign
  
  At Cisco Partner Summit 2012, Cisco continues its attempt to improve business by refocusing its channel partner strategy with support services, mobility and cloud announcements.
- Cisco Smart Services: Partners can customize with open APIs
  
  At Cisco Partner Summit 2012, the company extended its Cisco Smart Services plan, promising to make management services more customizable and simpler to maneuver.
CRM
- Health care reform catalyst for customer service improvements
  
  Although many don’t immediately think of CRM and health care together, recent U.S. legislative changes to health care standards are causing organizations to think of patients as customers
- Mobile CRM apps aim to connect smartphones, contact centers
  
  Customers won’t start from scratch with new mobile app “bridge” programs that transfer their information to contact centers.
- IBM’s plans are in Tealeaf with purchase of CEM analytics firm
  
  IBM is strengthening its CRM footing with the acquisition of Tealeaf Technology.
Data Management
- Bank of America IT exec: EIM drivers key to shaping project plans
  
  The most effective programs are shaped by clearly stated business objectives, according to a senior information architect at Bank of America.
- In-memory database caching helps AltEgo bring online avatars to life
  
  In-memory database caching technology is helping gamers take charge of their online identities.
- Datachick gives 'big data' a verbal beat down at Enterprise Data World
  
  "Big data" technologies took a verbal shellacking from consultant and well-known Twitterer Karen Lopez in an Enterprise Data World conference session.

All Rights Reserved, Copyright 2003 - 2012, TechTarget