I currently have AOL ADSL (Based on BT Home500) and use a Alcatel
Speed Touch USB Modem attached to a single computer.

I wish to access the Internet from two (or possible more) computers in
my home.  I have an Ethernet hub (Netgear DS104).

I am about to dump AOL ADSL and move to an alternate supplier with a
wires only product (but will retain the USB Speed Touch).

I have recently purchased a Netgear FR114P Firewall and Router which
requires a connection to an ADSL modem but has an Ethernet (RJ-45)
connector (i.e. no USB connection so I can't plug the Speed Touch modem
in directly).


Question:

Can I "convert" the USB plug on the Speed Touch Modem to Ethernet
RJ-45?  Where can I get such a converter?  If this is not possible,
can I source a low cost ADSL external modem with an Ethernet port?

Do I still need microfilters on the telephone (ADSL) connection?

Hello paulch-ga,
with BT Home500 and all pre 'Wires Only'  12 month contracts, the USB
modem is on loan, (check your small print). So if you terminate with
AOL they will take back the modem and the face plate that they
installed.
 - So the good news is you won't have to worry about finding that
connection to convert your USB modem output to ethernet.
You just buy a new device!

- But that's not the question you asked, I appear to be side stepping
the issue :-) So assuming you are purchasing a new USB modem one way
to convert the output into a ethernet presentation is using the Vigor
2200 USB router from Seg Communications £129 ex VAT
http://www.seg.co.uk/products/a_vigor2200usb.html
However the functionality of this product is so complete that you will
not
'need' your Netgear Firewall router. The Vigor 2200 USB comes with
firewall, dedicated router, and 4 port 10/100Base T Ethernet switch.
The diagrams on the web page are very clear and self explanatary.

- Unfortunately there is no simple 'adaptor' which converts a USB plug
to ethernet plug, as it wouldn't work even if they physically plugged
in, ethernet is more complex than that.

- With that information in mind, it would probably be more beneficial
to buy an ADSL ethernet modem as it is cheaper than the Vigor 2200 USB
option. e.g the DSLW 906E from DSL-Warehouse
https://www.dsl-warehouse.co.uk/acatalog/Single_Port_Ethernet.html
priced at £76.65 inc VAT to feed the internet connection into your
Netgear router. The ethernet devices are more stable than a USB, the
USB is powered by the computer, and sucks typically 5-10% of
performance and pings are slightly higher, USB devices also suffer
from occasional disconnections.

- Or perhaps the SAR703 ADSL/Modem router from Solwise @ £58.69 inc
VAT is more competively priced and about the same price as a USB
modem.
http://www.solwise.co.uk/modems.htm

- Prices for 'all in one' modem, router and 4 port ethernet devices
are 'almost' the same price e.g. the AMX 64 @ £89.99 inc VAT from
ADSLnation
http://www.adslnation.com/products/index.php
This doesn't have a firewall, but has NAT (Network Address
Translation) which is fairly secure. This would double up on the
functionality you already have with the Netgear device, but saves
having two boxes on the desktop.

- Once the Engineer has come around to remove the face plate to your
telephone socket you will still need the micro filters for 'Wires
Only'.
If you chose to stay with an 'Engineer Install' package,- instead of
'terminating' your contract you can 'migrate' to one of the few ISP's
which supports migration e.g. Nildram. This is supposedly a  much
smoother process as the new ISP simply takes over the service and you
continue using the same loaned USB modem and face plate. The downside
is the cost of the monthly subscription @ £29.99 is higher than wires
only. Some wires only packages are very low now, like ET Global
Solutions at £18.95 per month
http://www.etglobalsolutions.com
(At such a low price there must be some corners cut somewhere)

- When you transfer to Wires Only there is a process called a 'Cease
and Provide' where your ADSL service is terminated and then provided
for again by the new ISP. This may take a couple of weeks or more
(depending on the ISP's involved) to reinstate your ADSL service so
there will be down time.
I hope that helps,
kind regards
lot-ga

As usual from lot-ga, a full and comprehensive answer.