AirPort Extreme & USB Telstra Dongle

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Level 1

0 points

AirPort Extreme & USB Telstra Dongle

Need some help....I have an AirPort Extreme and now have a Telstra USB Dongle (?) that I plug directly into my Mac BookPro to connect to the net.
Can I use this in the AirPort Extreme to set up wireless in my house? I have brought a MiniMac to connect with my Cinema Screen so I can then have a desktop and a laptop - is there a way I can do this?

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.5.8)

Posted on Nov 29, 2009 11:02 PM

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Answer 1

Duane

Level 10

124,293 points

Nov 30, 2009 10:56 AM in response to MJPA

MJPA, Welcome to the discussion area!

Sorry but no a USB device can not be used with the AirPort Extreme base station (AEBS) to access the Internet.

The USB port on the AEBS only supports USB printers and USB hard drives.

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Answer 2

Jan Hedlund

Level 7

24,235 points

Nov 30, 2009 2:03 PM in response to MJPA

The normal solution in a situation like this would be to use a dedicated (3G) mobile broadband router with Wi-Fi capabilities, and with support for the USB mobile broadband modem in question. There are router models from a number of manufacturers to choose from.

Alternatively, it ought to be possible to use a special adapter similar to this one between a USB mobile broadband modem and the WAN port of an AirPort Extreme base station. However, do check with the adapter supplier whether your specific modem is supported.

Jan

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Answer 3

MJPA Author

Level 1

0 points

Nov 30, 2009 9:39 PM in response to Jan Hedlund

Hi,
Has this actually been tried? Does it work?
SO I plug the USB into the Broadband Adapter hen that goes into the Airport Extreme and it should work??

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Answer 4

Jan Hedlund

Level 7

24,235 points

Dec 2, 2009 12:40 PM in response to MJPA

Hello,

Has this actually been tried? Does it work?

I have not tested the CBA250 cellular broadband adapter (link above). However, I have no reason to believe that it does not work, providing that supported modems and networks are used. The web page says that the unit is compatible with Windows 2000/XP/Vista, Linux and Mac OS X. Unfortunately, the supported devices list does not specifically mention any Australian networks, so it would probably be wise to ask the manufacturer about your modem/network combination.

Regarding mobile broadband routers/gateways, this and this could possibly be of interest to you. Also, the lists for the (example) routers here seem to contain at least one supported modem model for Australia.

Jan

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