> Alternatively, get Telstra/Saturn, they give you a modem for effectively > $7/month, which will obviously work on their network and works well with > linux as it requires no linux drivers.
I can vouch for this as an option. I've had a T/S (256/128KB) cable connection for a couple of months now. Installing this to run on a linux is a no-brainer (requires dedicated 10MB NIC, which T/S supply with the initial connection setup). The monthly rental for the cable modem is actually $17 per month. In Christchurch, T/S have deployed DOCSIS CMTSs (termination equipment) with an intent to allow users to supply their own DOCSIS compliant Cable Modem. I priced the one they supply at US$180 retail from a US supplier. > The (minor) downside is you will have to provide your own NAT/firewall box, if you have your own linux > firewall box already you're set. (Same with the alcatel home btw.) If you only want to connect a single linux desktop box to the cable modem, you don't necessarily need a dedicated firewall box, just configure a firewall with iptables/ipchains on the internet facing interface (Of course, you will definitely want some sort of firewall). However, if you have several boxen on a home LAN, then a dedicated gateway/firewall server is ideal (put that old i486 to use again). An added bonus is that T/S assign you a static I/P address 'by default' making it practical to setup a server for any sort of internet services - T/S and paradise are quite happy for you to do that (since they bill you for traffic over your limit). cheers Hugh Mc
