Date: Tue, 08 Aug 2000 07:34:13 -0400 From: John Turner <john@drexeltech.com> To: "David J. Kanter" <djkanter@northwestern.edu>, FreeBSD questions <freebsd-questions@FreeBSD.ORG> Subject: Re: Getting DSL for FreeBSD? Message-ID: <4.3.2.7.0.20000808072141.00b0f890@mail.johnturner.com> In-Reply-To: <20000807221723.A48000@localhost.localdomain>
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At 10:17 PM 8/7/2000 -0500, David J. Kanter wrote: >I'm thinking of getting a DSL but am a bit confused on what to ask the >companies to ensure that the line will work with FreeBSD. I assume that even >if they don't advertise it to work with FreeBSD, in some cases it probably >does. DSL works with any OS. The output of any DSL modem/router/bridge is a standard RJ-45 Ethernet jack (at least, it should be this way in the USA). This will plug into any network card. Non-windows users who want DSL merely need: 1) a working network card 2) the ability to change the IP address bound to that network card >If a company doesn't explicitly advertise "works with UNIX" (Telocity is the >only one I've seen that does this), what questions can I ask that will >convince me that it does? It works. Period. There are no DSL drivers or anything like that. It's a standard ethernet connection. If you have only one machine, you plug into the DSL router/bridge/modem using the cable they supply, change the IP/netmask/gateway/DNS on your FreeBSD machine, and away you go. If you have a LAN, you'll need two NICs in your FreeBSD box, one setup with a private IP and using ipfw/natd or similar. Search the archives for more information/how-to. >Do I just have to be sure that the NIC card they want to install has a >driver that can be added to the kernel config? Also, I've read that the >local telco (Ameritech) "will only work with Windows" and uses an ATM NIC. >Is that bad? I would get your own NIC. Several months back, when I switched from ISDN to DSL, I purchased 10/100 SMC ethernet cards from CompUSA for $12 each (and there was a 5-foot CAT5 cable in each box). Worked perfectly in my FreeBSD box that I'm using as a gateway. For what it's worth, I live in Michigan, and Ameritech is the local Baby Bell here as well. They have almost nothing to do with DSL other than providing the copper pair that is your physical connection (the same type of connection as an ISDN line or a POTS line...DSL just connects to a different point back at the telco switch). >And I guess I could throw this in: And DSL company recommendations? I've personally dealt with four in the Detroit Metro area. I would avoid Flashcom. I personally use Concentric, and have found them to be the most reliable and the most "bang for the buck": ADSL 1.0Mbps/384Kbps, 4 legal IPs (bridged) for $89/month, servers are no problem. Others I've dealt with are Rhythms and Ameritech. The Ameritech DSL is OK on bandwidth, but very spotty on reliability. If I wasn't on Concentric, I would probably be on Rhythms. Your mileage may vary. As others have said on the list, you won't regret switching to DSL...it rocks, and puts cable modems to shame. - John Turner To Unsubscribe: send mail to majordomo@FreeBSD.org with "unsubscribe freebsd-questions" in the body of the message
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