Thanks for the replies.

My plan is to get the CD module running then get OS 8.6 running. I'm hoping that'll get the internet issues sorted out.

I'll try to pick up a slimline CD replacement today - I've got the module apart and it looks v. straightforward.

The WRT54G-series, released in 2002, *should* be 10-baseT compatible, but who knows the vagaries of old networking?