In reply to a post by RobertoS:

I expect a WAP could also be used connected direct to the modem?

Indeed, yes. I am waiting for someone to write-up that is just what they have done.

I don't know anything about WAPs (never used one) but it would seem to be a sensible route to follow if, for example, all the computers in the house were laptops.

But can a WAP handle the PPPoE login to the ISP? Otherwise I'm not sure how this would be handled with multiple laptops coming in and out of use.

But can a WAP handle the PPPoE login to the ISP?

That is a very good point, Bill and something that needs to be looked into. Not being a "stand alone" WAP user, I don't have a definite answer.

I believe that bottom of the range devices would not be suitable, however I strongly suspect that more "up market" devices would have the necessary functionality available. (Another item on my list "to research", when I eventually get "a round tuit".)

In reply to a post by billford:

If you only need to connect a single computer to the internet (ie you have no LAN) you can just connect the computer's Ethernet port direct to the OR modem.

The BT engineer who did my install did not know this and thought it impossible.

DrT

In reply to a post by DrTeeth:

The BT engineer who did my install did not know this and thought it impossible.

Far be it from me to comment on BT engineers

Seriously, he probably had no idea how to set up the PPPoE except on a router, and I've got some sympathy there. I know how to set my Macs, but if it were Linux or any flavour of Windows I'd be making heavy use of the Help screens

In reply to a post by billford:

But can a WAP handle the PPPoE login to the ISP? Otherwise I'm not sure how this would be handled with multiple laptops coming in and out of use.

The Airport Express (essentially a WAP) can do PPPoE, and its tiny. Could work for some people. I don't know if the ethernet socket is any use in that mode, never tried as I don't have a suitable ISP

http://www.apple.com/uk/airportexpress/specs.html

Its neater in the US with the smaller power pins:
http://www.apple.com/airportexpress/specs.html

I've got an Airport Express, but didn't think of it .

I use it for streaming music from iTunes to the audio kit- I think it should work in this context but I'm afraid I have no intention of tearing my system apart to find out

In reply to a post by billford:

In reply to a post by DrTeeth:

The BT engineer who did my install did not know this and thought it impossible.

Far be it from me to comment on BT engineers

Seriously, he probably had no idea how to set up the PPPoE except on a router, and I've got some sympathy there. I know how to set my Macs, but if it were Linux or any flavour of Windows I'd be making heavy use of the Help screens

The difference is that YOU would know it *is* possible and have to find the details. He thought it *impossible*. There is a big difference .

Regards

DrT

In reply to a post by DrTeeth:

The difference is that YOU would know it *is* possible and have to find the details. He thought it *impossible*. There is a big difference .

Where there's a Bill there's a way.

The difference is that YOU would know it *is* possible and have to find the details. He thought it *impossible*. There is a big difference

...or possibly not.
It's easy to be smug, but I bet the engineer can do stuff that many couldn't. Cut off a 100pr heat shrink joint, clear the fault and reclose it, all whilst doubled over in the rain.