Date: Tue, 8 Aug 2000 10:41:37 -0400 From: "SILVER, MICHAEL A" <MSILVER@scana.com> To: "'FreeBSD questions'" <freebsd-questions@FreeBSD.ORG> Cc: "'David J. Kanter'" <djkanter@northwestern.edu>, "'John Turner'" <john@drexeltech.com> Subject: RE: Getting DSL for FreeBSD? Message-ID: <DBB3921EFE2AD211A81500A0C9B5FE760579455A@msg04.scana.com>
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Keep in mind the latest fad around here is USB DSL Routers. You will need USB drivers for the router in this case, and I don't know if they exist for FreeBSD. My advice: Try not to get the USB router, as it seems to be less reliable. My brother sometimes has to reboot a few times for it to work (win98). This could just be a configuration problem, however, I would stick with what is tried and true: Ethernet (i.e. a non-USB Router). It is compatible with (almost) everything. ...Michael... > -----Original Message----- > From: owner-freebsd-questions@FreeBSD.ORG > [mailto:owner-freebsd-questions@FreeBSD.ORG]On Behalf Of John Turner > Sent: Tuesday, August 08, 2000 7:34 AM > To: David J. Kanter; FreeBSD questions > Subject: Re: Getting DSL for FreeBSD? > > > 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 > To Unsubscribe: send mail to majordomo@FreeBSD.org with "unsubscribe freebsd-questions" in the body of the message
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