I just wondering if anyone had tried this.
Take a unmodified WS, replace the Modem with a serial card.
Make the mods to the software that change the dialup number and login stuff.
Set up a PPP server on a linux box, and try to connect the two via null modem.
It may not be the fastest connection, but it May be an easy way to connect the WS to the net, especially if the LINUX box is connected to a cable modem.