Verizon USB727 USB Modem

Are you using 10.3.9? You must have this version or later.

Look for any Generic script in the list of modems from which you can select in the Network configuration for dial up configuration. Unfortunately, I'm not sure what if any Verizon scripts or even cell phone scripts would be found, so your only choice would be the Generic script unless the modem came with and installed new scripts.

OK,

The USB727 modem is a broadband modem. Everything that follows assumes that you have a broadband internet service.

Not quite sure why you bought a USB broadband modem, if you can return it, do so and get an Ethernet / Wireless modem instead. USB broadband modems are about as useful as a chocolate teapot.

Otherwise, if you're going to stay with it, pick Null Modem 19200 or similar and use any number to dial - usually '0' is used. No number is actually dialled,

The only high speed option that's available where I am is verizon's USB-connected wireless broadband service. I've been using an old HP LaserJet printer via my ethernet connection (thru an AsanteTalk converter). The Verizon software seems to have taken over my ethernet and now I can't get my printer to connect. I've re-started Apple Talk and tried to re-set my ethernet but no luck. Is there such thing as an ethernet switch box? Or is there an alternative to Verizon's USB option?

Honestly,

Ditch the USB modem, or return it if you can. If it came from Verizon, ask them for an Ethernet modem (it's DSL isn't it?). It should come with two or more Ethernet ports, more than enough to plug your printer into it.

If you have to buy your own (about $30 for Ethernet, about $60 for Ethernet and wireless), you have loads of choice from Netgear, Linksys, Belkin, Zyxel, and more. Did you get any other kit from the ISP ? Or is it cable, rather than DSL ?

Well, that's the thing. There's no DSL or cable available here, so wireless is the only way I can get anything other than dial-up. Verizon sells a router (that receives their wireless signal) that has a few ethernet outputs. Would that help? Wouldn't I still need an ethernet switch or hub?

wireless ? so where does the signal come from ?

If you have neither cable nor DSL, is it satellite (very expensive) ?

I too live where dial-up and wireless are the only options. No physical cable (TV, fiber optic, DHL, etc.) has ever been strung up on our hill. The Verizon USB modem receives a wireless signal wherever Verizon cellphones work. My neighbors are using it on their PCs with great success.

I'm also trying to find out whether using this modem will be as simple as plugging it into the port (it does fit, I've confirmed that) and configuring the software Verizon supplies with it. My HP printer is connected directly to the G4 via Ethernet crossover cable (no router, no hub) and I'm hoping the Network Prefs will keep things straight once they are configured for the USB modem.

Anyone have working experience with successfully using this modem on a G4 desktop (or similar)?

SueL,
We both seem to be in the same boat. At first I was able to use my printer if the USB modem and the Verizon software were inactive. Now I can't seem to get the printer to communicate with my G4 "no way, no how."

My guess is to try getting a wireless router with ethernet ports and an ethernet switch, but that's getting into a lot of money during this recession!

Maybe somebody out there has already solved this.

Sue, and others,

I'm beginning to see the light now, Is this WiMax ? Still expensive, but maybe not as expensive as I thought.

It's just the USB modem discussed in the first post is definitely a DSL modem / router. Do you have model numbers for your Verizon USB modems ?

SueL might have something different, but my service is called "Verizon NationalAccess (sic) BroadbandAcess" The model # of the USB device is Novatel USB 727. I called their tech support and they sort of shrugged it off as "some sort of Mac problem. A coincidence. Not connected to the use of their device."

I'm not so sure.

JD,

I see it now, it's a minute stick EDGE / GPRS modem designed for laptops on the go.

From what I've seen of this USB stick modem and Macs, it appears OSX 10.5 users can use the built-in support in the Network System Preference, selecting WWAN and one of the 10.5 supplied Verizon modem scripts.
10.4 users appear to use the supplied Verizon Manager software to use the modem.
I've not found any 10.3 users with success.

But do any of you run the Setup Wizard ? or use VZAccess Manager ?

Verizon's modem works wherever their cellphones pick up service. It sounds like the tech reps are right, it's the Mac OS preferences that are causing problems if you already know you get Verizon cell service. You do need to run the VZAccess Manager software to configure, and check for updates on the Verizonwireless website.

As far as losing the Ethernet printer connection, I recently had a similar problem when I upgraded my dial-up software. Even though that connection is through the internal modem, it was automatically trying to configure through the Ethernet settings, ignoring and overriding the printer connection, and disabling AppleTalk. I was able to straighten that out by manually adjusting the settings in the Network preferences.

SueL,

Sounds like you solved the printer problem. Do you have any advice for me as how to set the Network Settings so I can use both the Verizon modem and my ethernet printer? Or is it a question of choosing one or the other?

Okay . . . not exactly sure what settings to advise, but here goes:

1. do update to 10.4.11 (you're listed as being at 10.4.10)

2. Is your HPprinter an Ethernet printer? The ONLY Ethernet peripheral connected to your Mac? If so, try a simple crossover cable, it links Ethernet-to-Ethernet without any hubs, routers, etc.

3. The fun part: With your printer turned on, you want to make sure you have at least 2 Locations set up under System Preferences_Network references. One for the "National Access - Broadband Access" which should be fine (since you've got the high-speed connection).

The other Location should be for your Built-In Ethernet port. If you don't have a Location set up just for that, create one (Location_New Location). Below that click Show_Built in Ethernet. Now you have the 5 tabs to work through. This is how mine is set up:

TCP/IP: Configure IPv4: OFF, everything else blank, or filled in by the OS
PPPoE is all blank
AppleTalk: Make it Active, configure Automatically
Proxies: Configure Manually, all blank with a check for Use Passive FTP Mode
Ethernet: Configure Automatically

Good luck. Let us all know if this works. . .

SueL et. al.,

Thanks for helping. Your advice solved the problem, but I've landed in another. I've upgraded to 10.4.11 and got my printer to work, but I had to cancel the Verizon service and uninstalled their software. Now when I try to go into my Network preferences, I keep getting a drop down box that says "Your network settings have been changed by another application." When I hit OKAY, the box disappears for a nano-second and keeps returning and returning ad infinitum. I have to force quit system preferences. Any idea what's screwed up?