Some years ago we got an IDSL (modified ISDN) setup throught ATG because we were too far from Carson City's only DSLAM by about 2,000 feet. We have an internal LAN running RFC 1918 addresses, with a Linux based firewall/NAT. ATG said, "well, then, all you need is an adapter which connects to the ISDN line on one side and has a 10bT port on the other" - and they gave us that, it's worked for years. Downside: speed is 144Kbps up/down.
Recently, SBC set up a new DSLAM, and we're in range! I call up SBC, and one of their reps actually comes out to visit to set us up They've tested the lines and everything, we're good for at least 384Kbps downstream! Here's how it went:
SBC: DSL is great, blah blah blah.
Me: I know. Here's the phone closet - which pair do you want to use?
SBC: Wow, you've got network cables! Are your computers networked already?
Me: Yep, as I explained. Don't worry about that. I suggest this pair.
SBC: Well, which workstation is going to use the DSL?
Me: All of them.
SBC: <pause> What operating system do you use?
Me: It depends: Win98/NT/2K, MacOS, Linux - depends which computer. Why?
SBC: That's too many operating systems!
Me: Well, the computer connecting to the DSL modem runs Linux.
SBC: DSL is not compatible with any form of Unix.
Me: Sure it is. You use PPPoE - I'll just set the firewall up so it can bring up the PPPoE link, I don't need EnterNet (or whatever it is you use) to set up PPPoE.
SBC: You use DSL for the Internet! (EnterNet, Internet - same thing)
At this point I figured out that, despite what I've heard, SBC can only deal with single workstation Windows connections. So now I'll have to drag some old P133 with Windows 98 on it into the phone closet, tell him that's what we're going to use, and do the self install (requesting an external modem) and nobody's the wiser.
Just wanted to save anyone else the aggravation.
--
Ed Jaeger, President & CFO, Bohlender Graebener Corporation
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://www.bgcorp.com
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"No pessimist ever discovered the secret of the stars, or sailed to an uncharted land, or opened a new doorway for the human spirit."
- Helen Keller
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