Continuing the discussion from Ethernet Switch - 2.5G or 10G:
Your statement reminded me of this amusing product:
WiFi RETROMODEM V3 – TattlerSolutions
This is a device with a Wi-Fi interface and a serial port. You connect it to an old computer (or a terminal) and you can use modified AT-style commands to connect to your Wi-Fi network and establish SSH login sessions with remote devices.
And to complete the nostalgia, you can (should) replace the circuit board in an old Hayes Smartmodem (not included) with it. It will look like the original modem, complete with blinking status lights and a speaker that plays simulated dialing/connecting sounds.
They also make a version to mount in a USR Sportster-series modem enclosure: Sportster WiFi Retromodem – TattlerSolutions