Im a networking idiot

If you can lose the Voyager, this is the way to go. Unfortunately, the Voyager is USB as is designed for connectivity only to one PC. Using the Wireless G router with built-in modem will allow you to share your internet connection without having to setup Internet Connection Sharing.

Here's a great link for setting up a Linksys router for use with AOL:
http://www.linksys.com/support/support.asp?spid=100

You should be able to find a document like this for any router manufacturer.

You may need to contact AOL and provide your modem information to their tech support.
-Mojo

Thanks, however AOL dont seem to want to help as the wireless modem i have isn't supported by them. I have managed to access the routers setup and i cant see anything that would not allow the router to connect other than the Host name, and Domain name. Do you know is AOL require this information for connection? If so at least i have a more direct question for them.

Other options are: -

WAN IP address.
PPPoE Login.
PPTP Dial-Up
UPNP

Would any of these effect connection?

Here are a couple related links that might help.

https://www.experts-exchange.com/questions/20784488/USB-Modem-to-ethernet-router.html?query=usb+modem&clearTAFilter=true

https://www.experts-exchange.com/questions/20749658/Wireless-with-USB-modem.html?query=usb+modem&clearTAFilter=true

https://www.experts-exchange.com/questions/20448552/ADSL-USB-Modem.html?query=usb+modem&clearTAFilter=true

To summarize, you have 2 options:

1)  Setup up ICS - the links above have links to instructions.  Just remember that you need 2 NICs in the ICS 'server' machine - Microsoft leaves that part out of it's documentation.

2)  Somehow make your router work instead.  Unfortunately, I don't know anything about AOL Broadband, but if it's a PPPoE connection, you need to add those settings on your router.  

I've done this for SBC PPPoE connections and it's pretty straightforward.  Basically, input your username and password from your dialing software and input it into your router.  Uninstall the dialing software and that's all you need to know for PPPoE.

If that doesn't work, poke around your dialing software and see if you can get some information about the type of connection you have or maybe just ask AOL.  BTW, it's possible that even if you configure everything correctly it still may not work if AOL is checking the MAC address of your modem/router.  If that's the case, you must use their modem.

I have had occasion to work with AOL I did not notice you mention if you had their multi-system package.  AOL makes it difficult to network through their system.  One configuration only allows one machine with AOL software installed and when you connect to the internet all network throughput is blocked by the software. I have heard of a home package for AOL but I am unaware of the cost, Im sure it is much more than the basic subscription.  This may not be an option for you but most DSL providers excluding AOL do not require anything other than your operating system to use DSL In a normal setup you would have a ethernet DSL modem then connect your router, and between them hopefully a firewall. once you have this setup you would setup your router to make the connection to the modem and then to the internet.  the rest of the setup is to just get the routers ip address and set that as the default gateway on your computers.

>Question Title: Im a networking idiot

LOL!  I don't think you are as much of an idiot as AOL wants you to be, hence your problem.

Since you are paying AOL for your connection, you should take advantage of that and get them to answer one simple question:

"Is it necessary to run AOL software on the connecting equipment in order to establish a connection?"

They may try to give you the run-around and tell you that it is not supported, but you are not interested in what they support - only what is possible.  If it is possible to establish a connection without running AOL software on the connectiing equipment, then I think we can figure out how to make this work.

Cheers,
-Jon

One problem I noticed that I didn't see brought up is: "In the 'Network Connections' tab it shows two LAN connections a Network bridge and a Internet connection."  That bridge connection means you probably told it to set up that PC as a gateway.  If so, and ICS isn't on, then you're not going to be able to get to the internet since all packets will drop at your PC.

Delete the bridge connection.

For now, put the Voyager back on the WAN connection.  Connect the LAN side of it to the WAN side of the wireless G router.  Connect your PC to the LAN port on the wireless G.  Tell the wireless G to get a IP from the network.  Also tell it to use DHCP to assign addresses to the other computers.

Check your PC, see if you can connect to AOL now.  If you can't, go to a command prompt and type 'route print' and past the output of the routing table here.  If you can, now try to connect one of the wireless devices.  If you can't, check that PC's routing table and paste it here.  I'll explain how to read it.

AutoSponge, the bridge connection is probably for his wireless connection.  Also, he has a USB modem which is why he can't plug it into his router, hence his problem.

Ah yes, USB modems are evil.  

Hi all, ive been very busy so ive ignored my faltmates whining about not been able to connect to internet bu there getting annoyed so im gonna ring AOL tommorow and ask the questions you suggested. I do know that it is possiable to connect to AOL straight from the router without dialer software.

jhealy01 are you sure that AOL block multipule connection networking because they do actually support networking for specific models. Here the tech guide for a model they do support (wish id bought it) i wonder if this will help u help me.

http://www.aolsvc.co.uk/help/broadband/speedtouch570.html

The last time i rang AOL they wouldnt help because they didnt support my model, but i dont need to know what buttons to click and how to turn my computer on etc :-). But im gonna need more specific questions to ask them.

Thanks, Chris.

icb01co1 says (in the original question):

>Also AOL requires its dialer software to connect to the internet.

icb01co1 says (directly above):

>I do know that it is possiable to connect to AOL straight from the router without dialer software.

Ummm - I'm confused...  Can you confirm whether or not dialer software is necessary?  If dialer software is not necessary, where did you get that information (that it is not necessary)?  Is it possible to query the source of that info for more connection specific data?

Cheers,
-Jon

I said:

>Can you confirm whether or not dialer software is necessary?
 
Seems to be a silly question, since the link you provided shows that the dialer software is not necessary.  My bad...

Cheers,
-Jon

Assuming you have a linksys wrt54g (had the most matches from a google of "wireless-g router"), I think you're screwed - on page 16 of ther user guide it states you can configure the router for PPPoE or PPTP (Europe only?!) - the configuration guide at the link you provided indicates you need to use use PPPoA, rather than PPPoE - might that be the problem?  I'd ask AOL if they support PPPoE, or only PPPoA...

Cheers,
-Jon

I dont have that router but still im only able to configure the router for PPPoE or PPTP, so i best ring AOL and see if im screwed or not.

Hi i have found that AOL does suppot PPPoE

http://www.dslreports.com/faq/3057

As far as i can tell from what ive read alot of people with alot more networking knowladge than me are finding problems networking AOL. I think im screwed, there are advanced options in the router and i think the only way im gonna get through this is if you helpful geniuses take me through this step by step. Ive uploaded the instructions for the router to a hosted server and can be accessed here: - http://www.pitman-training.com/WR-854_B_ MANUAL-01202004 .PDF

Please help or my flatmates will all fall out with me soon :-)

Have you tried to take the credentials you are using for your dialer software and plug it into the PPPoE settings on your router and see if that works?  That is normally all you have to do to make PPPoE work with a router and eliminate the dialer software.

sure have

I don't want to see this deleted.  I think folks should know what a big pain in the rear AOL is if you have want to use anything other than dialup - sure, this will change in the future, but right now it is useful information.  Is there any way to PAQ with an "AOL sucks, avoid them" solution, and maybe refund pts in the process?

Cheers,
-Jon