• After 15+ years, we've made a big change: Android Forums is now Early Bird Club. Learn more here.

Connect a Chromebook to the internet with a USB Modem?

googled

Lurker
Jan 19, 2019
1
0
Main question: The Chromebook is definitely recognizing the dongle as an internet device because an "Ethernet" option becomes available in the Network settings as soon as I plug in the USB, and when I take it out it disappears. It seems that the Chromebook is only having a problem configuring the proper settings, but if I know which settings to change seems like it should be able to work.

Additional details: When I connect the dongle an "Ethernet" option comes up with many options available that I'm not familiar with. I called Sprint but they are not familiar with this. I did see the article about PPP authentication but unsure how to proceed.

This is what happens when I connect the dongle to the Chromebook with screenshots. A "Ethernet" option comes up: https://i.imgur.com/cGuFBKd.jpg?1

Then if I click the "Configure" box option as seen here: https://i.imgur.com/GWuTCgf.jpg?1, this pop-up opens: https://i.imgur.com/FDiqi9H.jpg

Depending which EAP method I choose as seen here: https://i.imgur.com/WpxmGhe.jpg, the following options are available: https://i.imgur.com/kGrIalx.jpg.

I did see that OTG cables are able to connect USB dongles to smartphones but the Chromebook doesn't have the mini usb ports. Perhaps there's a way to use an OTG cable with a Chromebook?

Another thing to consider here: https://i.imgur.com/GWuTCgf.jpg?1.

If I switch off "Configure IP address automatically", the status then said "Connected" and it was green, it has some IP address info, but still was not able to connect to the internet.

Came across a "PPP authentication" article from Google, https://support.google.com/chromebook/answer/3463300?hl=en is anyone familiar with this?
 
What you're attempting is to use a modem to do something it's not designed for. A modem is what a landline ISP will be using to provide you with online connectivity, not a cellular service carrier. The modem (modulator/demodulator) is the device that takes in an online signal from your ISP, translates it, and puts out a signal, typically through an Ethernet port, that you use to get online access. This requires that you have an account with the ISP, and it requires some fundamental configuration (provided by the ISP) for you to use it -- those screen shots you posted indicate some of those config settings that are necessary.

This sounds more like you want a mobile hotspot instead? If not, try configuring that modem using a computer to get your ISP account set up on it through a web interface first. then be sure your Chromebook's firewall is implemented:
http://www.tomsguide.com/faq/id-2394870/configure-firewall-settings-chromebook.html
It's pretty dangerous to connect directly to a modem, without the something like NAT functionality in a router to at least give you basic protection.
 
  • Like
Reactions: MoodyBlues
Upvote 0

BEST TECH IN 2023

We've been tracking upcoming products and ranking the best tech since 2007. Thanks for trusting our opinion: we get rewarded through affiliate links that earn us a commission and we invite you to learn more about us.

Smartphones