RE: DSL modem recommendation
What is your DSL provider, what telephone company are they using? Are you running bridged or ppp mode DSL? DSL modems all use proprietary implementations of the DMT protocol, while many will interoperate with different DSL providers and DSLAMS, not all will. Ted -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of markzero Sent: Tuesday, February 22, 2005 5:32 PM To: freebsd-questions@freebsd.org Subject: DSL modem recommendation Hello, Could anybody recommend a good, solid DSL modem that is supported nicely by FreeBSD? An internal modem would be preferred but I would consider otherwise. My main requirements are stability and a lack of any kind of external management (I want my box to be solely in control, not a proprietary web or telnet interface). I have suffered for far too long with an awful DSL router/firewall that goes down at the slightest provocation and offers no real authentication! Cheers, Mark -- PGP: http://www.darklogik.org/pub/pgp/pgp.txt B776 43DC 8A5D EAF9 2126 9A67 A7DA 390F DEFF 9DD1 ___ freebsd-questions@freebsd.org mailing list http://lists.freebsd.org/mailman/listinfo/freebsd-questions To unsubscribe, send any mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: DSL modem recommendation
What is your DSL provider, what telephone company are they using? Are you running bridged or ppp mode DSL? DSL modems all use proprietary implementations of the DMT protocol, while many will interoperate with different DSL providers and DSLAMS, not all will. Ted Hi Ted, the relevant info: ISP: Pipex UK - www.pipex.net TelCo: British Telecom I am currently connecting to them via PPPoA (I assume this is what you're referring to, I'm not as knowledgeable as I'd like to be about DSL). Cheers, Mark -- PGP: http://www.darklogik.org/pub/pgp/pgp.txt B776 43DC 8A5D EAF9 2126 9A67 A7DA 390F DEFF 9DD1 pgpels71s8CqU.pgp Description: PGP signature
RE: DSL modem recommendation
-Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of markzero Sent: Wednesday, February 23, 2005 1:56 AM To: Ted Mittelstaedt Cc: freebsd-questions@freebsd.org Subject: Re: DSL modem recommendation What is your DSL provider, what telephone company are they using? Are you running bridged or ppp mode DSL? DSL modems all use proprietary implementations of the DMT protocol, while many will interoperate with different DSL providers and DSLAMS, not all will. Ted Hi Ted, the relevant info: ISP: Pipex UK - www.pipex.net TelCo: British Telecom I am currently connecting to them via PPPoA (I assume this is what you're referring to, I'm not as knowledgeable as I'd like to be about DSL). Hi Mark, OK, pipex is one of those ISP's that doesen't give support to non-customers so your going to have to do a bit of legwork for me. First, are we talking PIPEX Xtreme Solo, or PIPEX Xtreme Business? Next, log into the Pipex support site for the appropriate service you have: https://www.mypipex.net/solo/ or https://www.mypipex.net/solo/ and go to the support section on DSL modems. Let me know what the DSL modem models are that are listed as supported. If there isn't a listing there, then go to the online ordering https://secure.pipex.net/cgi-bin/products/xtreme/modem-mf-order.pl and make an order like you are ordering another modem, go almost all the way through then abort the order, and in the middle of the order it should give you a selection of modems that are available from them for ordering. Lastly, if you get nothing either of those methods, CALL them at 0845 077 2455 / (0845 077 BILL) and ask for tech support and ask for a list of supported modems. ALSO, very important, if you do call them ask what the VPI/VCI the modem is supposted to be set at. Usually 1/1, or 0/32, or 0/35, those are commonly used ones. If you have administrative access to the modem you have now, it should show this. Also ask them if it's regular DMT issue or G.Lite DMT? Adminstrative access to the modem you have now should also tell this. Also, please post the modem model that you are currently using now (the piece of junk one that isn't working well) I need to get an idea of the DSL modem chipsets they have their service setup for. Ted ___ freebsd-questions@freebsd.org mailing list http://lists.freebsd.org/mailman/listinfo/freebsd-questions To unsubscribe, send any mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: DSL modem recommendation
Hi Mark, Well, looks like I was able to bypass that login thingie, here's the info: Settings: http://www.pipexsupport.com/main/pipex.php Modems: http://www.pipexsupport.com/main/hardware/ From the looks of it, they are using standard DMT issue, not G.Lite, with the Alcatel chipset, VPI/VCI 0/38 This is a really good universal combination. Many DSL modems will work fine. But there's 1 modem that I would strongly recommend in this instance over any other modem: Westell C90-36R516-01 Why? Here's why: 1) These are dumb bridged modems so they aren't interfereing with your BSD box. 2) Westell has updated firmware and a diagnostic utility that talks to the modem, and has a secret command key sequence that will tell all of the good line stats (signal to noise ratio, received and transmitted power, etc.) which are vital to troubleshooting. 3) Since these modems were obsoleted and were used by Bell Atlantic, there are tons of them on the used market for very cheap. 4) Other ISP's I've talked to have said these things are rock solid reliable. I have never had one of them fail in service for any of our customers either. 5) It has an honest-to-god Alcatel DSL chipset in it, not the globespan which is becoming more popular (primariarly because it's cheaper) Now, note the following: if you have a very spotty DSL line, then get the following: Westell B90-36R515 NOT the B90-36R515-01!!! Why? Because the 36R515 has a design flaw in it- it massively overexceeds the transmitted power allowable for DSL - this is why Bell Atlantic quickly switched over to the -01 model - that will sometimes allow you to punch though a crummy line and get a stable connection. But the downside is it's DSP microcode is non-upgradable. You don't want to use it unless you have to. Now because this is NOT a PPPoA modem, you must run PPP on your FreeBSD box. The big advantage is that since your FreeBSD box is the PPP terminator - not the DSL modem/router - you get a legal public number on the ppp interface in the BSD box, which means if you want to set it up as a server your in business. The only possible problem is that these Westells were sold only in the US, they take 24 volt AC (NOT DC!) and come with a 24 volt AC adapter. But, you can just go to any junk store and buy a 24 volt UK style AC adapter and cut off the useless US-style adapter from it's cord and solder the cord onto your adapter. (or use a voltage converter from 220-to-110) The adapter is NOT AUTOSENSING so don't attempt to just plug into UK power or you will blow the modem up. The modem isn't particular about 50-60 hertz so no worries there. I also don't think you would have a problem with the UK/US phone line voltage difference either. You also will need to change the VPI/VCI setting to 0/38 it is normally 0/35, westell has a utility for that. If you are a bit sqeamish about this, then looking at the PIPEX recommendation page, go for a ZyXEL Prestige 630 STAY AWAY from ANY dsl modem that does NOT have an ethernet jack on it!!! Such as the USB speedtouches that Pipex was handing out for free!! There's a reason they are free!! You can't pay people (who know anything) to take them!!! Ted -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of markzero Sent: Wednesday, February 23, 2005 1:56 AM To: Ted Mittelstaedt Cc: freebsd-questions@freebsd.org Subject: Re: DSL modem recommendation What is your DSL provider, what telephone company are they using? Are you running bridged or ppp mode DSL? DSL modems all use proprietary implementations of the DMT protocol, while many will interoperate with different DSL providers and DSLAMS, not all will. Ted Hi Ted, the relevant info: ISP: Pipex UK - www.pipex.net TelCo: British Telecom I am currently connecting to them via PPPoA (I assume this is what you're referring to, I'm not as knowledgeable as I'd like to be about DSL). Cheers, Mark -- PGP: http://www.darklogik.org/pub/pgp/pgp.txt B776 43DC 8A5D EAF9 2126 9A67 A7DA 390F DEFF 9DD1 ___ freebsd-questions@freebsd.org mailing list http://lists.freebsd.org/mailman/listinfo/freebsd-questions To unsubscribe, send any mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: DSL modem recommendation
This is a really good universal combination. Many DSL modems will work fine. But there's 1 modem that I would strongly recommend in this instance over any other modem: Westell C90-36R516-01 Why? Here's why: 1) These are dumb bridged modems so they aren't interfereing with your BSD box. 2) Westell has updated firmware and a diagnostic utility that talks to the modem, and has a secret command key sequence that will tell all of the good line stats (signal to noise ratio, received and transmitted power, etc.) which are vital to troubleshooting. 3) Since these modems were obsoleted and were used by Bell Atlantic, there are tons of them on the used market for very cheap. 4) Other ISP's I've talked to have said these things are rock solid reliable. I have never had one of them fail in service for any of our customers either. 5) It has an honest-to-god Alcatel DSL chipset in it, not the globespan which is becoming more popular (primariarly because it's cheaper) Now, note the following: if you have a very spotty DSL line, then get the following: Westell B90-36R515 NOT the B90-36R515-01!!! Why? Because the 36R515 has a design flaw in it- it massively overexceeds the transmitted power allowable for DSL - this is why Bell Atlantic quickly switched over to the -01 model - that will sometimes allow you to punch though a crummy line and get a stable connection. But the downside is it's DSP microcode is non-upgradable. You don't want to use it unless you have to. Now because this is NOT a PPPoA modem, you must run PPP on your FreeBSD box. The big advantage is that since your FreeBSD box is the PPP terminator - not the DSL modem/router - you get a legal public number on the ppp interface in the BSD box, which means if you want to set it up as a server your in business. The only possible problem is that these Westells were sold only in the US, they take 24 volt AC (NOT DC!) and come with a 24 volt AC adapter. But, you can just go to any junk store and buy a 24 volt UK style AC adapter and cut off the useless US-style adapter from it's cord and solder the cord onto your adapter. (or use a voltage converter from 220-to-110) The adapter is NOT AUTOSENSING so don't attempt to just plug into UK power or you will blow the modem up. The modem isn't particular about 50-60 hertz so no worries there. I also don't think you would have a problem with the UK/US phone line voltage difference either. You also will need to change the VPI/VCI setting to 0/38 it is normally 0/35, westell has a utility for that. If you are a bit sqeamish about this, then looking at the PIPEX recommendation page, go for a ZyXEL Prestige 630 STAY AWAY from ANY dsl modem that does NOT have an ethernet jack on it!!! Such as the USB speedtouches that Pipex was handing out for free!! There's a reason they are free!! You can't pay people (who know anything) to take them!!! Ted Thanks for the recommendations and the detailed info! I will probably give both a try and I definitely not be touching those sorry USB things (I've recently been trying to get one up and running on my friends BSD box and have pretty much given up in disgust). I'll be trawling eBay within the hour. :) Thanks again, Mark -- PGP: http://www.darklogik.org/pub/pgp/pgp.txt B776 43DC 8A5D EAF9 2126 9A67 A7DA 390F DEFF 9DD1 pgpKm0G7MdFcn.pgp Description: PGP signature
Re: DSL modem recommendation
[snip] STAY AWAY from ANY dsl modem that does NOT have an ethernet jack on it!!! Such as the USB speedtouches that Pipex was handing out for free!! There's a reason they are free!! You can't pay people (who know anything) to take them!!! Ted What is so wrong with USB DSL modems? I have an Alcatel Speedtouch modem that has been absolutely rock solid since I bought it on ebay for £8.50. It was very easy to setup. I just installed the pppoa port and set up the ppp.conf file and plugged it in. Takes about 30secs to 1minute to start-up on a boot but once it is running I have no problems at all. Using it for my home server and I route all of my home network traffic out through it. No problems at all. Chris -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of markzero Sent: Wednesday, February 23, 2005 1:56 AM To: Ted Mittelstaedt Cc: freebsd-questions@freebsd.org Subject: Re: DSL modem recommendation What is your DSL provider, what telephone company are they using? Are you running bridged or ppp mode DSL? DSL modems all use proprietary implementations of the DMT protocol, while many will interoperate with different DSL providers and DSLAMS, not all will. Ted Hi Ted, the relevant info: ISP: Pipex UK - www.pipex.net TelCo: British Telecom I am currently connecting to them via PPPoA (I assume this is what you're referring to, I'm not as knowledgeable as I'd like to be about DSL). Cheers, Mark -- PGP: http://www.darklogik.org/pub/pgp/pgp.txt B776 43DC 8A5D EAF9 2126 9A67 A7DA 390F DEFF 9DD1 ___ freebsd-questions@freebsd.org mailing list http://lists.freebsd.org/mailman/listinfo/freebsd-questions To unsubscribe, send any mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ freebsd-questions@freebsd.org mailing list http://lists.freebsd.org/mailman/listinfo/freebsd-questions To unsubscribe, send any mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: DSL modem recommendation
-Original Message- From: Chris Hodgins [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, February 23, 2005 3:51 AM To: Ted Mittelstaedt Cc: markzero; freebsd-questions@freebsd.org Subject: Re: DSL modem recommendation [snip] STAY AWAY from ANY dsl modem that does NOT have an ethernet jack on it!!! Such as the USB speedtouches that Pipex was handing out for free!! There's a reason they are free!! You can't pay people (who know anything) to take them!!! Ted What is so wrong with USB DSL modems? The USB port was designed for use with joysticks, keyboards, mice, etc. Not ethernet speeds. If you ever have an opportunity to do a side-by-side comparison between an ethernet modem and a USB you will see your CPU utilization much lower on the ethernet. Ethernet controllers are far superior and efficient than USB chipsets. Now of course, DSL is not high bandwidth (compared to Ethernet) so there is that argument that it makes no difference. Another argument is that if you have no need to run a server, USB means you have to waste CPU on translation. Of course the counter to that is that with a modem/router, you can't get a public IP address. And yet another is that if the hardware changes in the future, a day might come when a new motherboard with a new USB chipset is not detected and usable by some version of FreeBSD. Ethernet your pretty much guarenteed will be around forever. But, speaking as an ISP I can tell you the biggest reason we recommend against USB for our customers - most of our customers are windoze users, and if you put a USB modem on their windows boxes, when they connect in, they get a public IP address assigned to their Windows box. And if they aren't currently patched (few 'doze user are ever) within an hour their machine will be compromized by someone's trojan and their machine will then become a menace and a problem on the network. Our network. We do not see the advantage to us to have a couple dozen 'doze users on our 1.5x1M DSL circuits, infected with the latest virus and attempting to reinfect the rest of the Internet. Maybe you do? Certainly the cable Internet providers in the US seem to think there's an advantage, that is why the cable networks all run like dog crap. Ted ___ freebsd-questions@freebsd.org mailing list http://lists.freebsd.org/mailman/listinfo/freebsd-questions To unsubscribe, send any mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: DSL modem recommendation
Ted Mittelstaedt wrote: -Original Message- From: Chris Hodgins [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, February 23, 2005 3:51 AM To: Ted Mittelstaedt Cc: markzero; freebsd-questions@freebsd.org Subject: Re: DSL modem recommendation [snip] STAY AWAY from ANY dsl modem that does NOT have an ethernet jack on it!!! Such as the USB speedtouches that Pipex was handing out for free!! There's a reason they are free!! You can't pay people (who know anything) to take them!!! Ted What is so wrong with USB DSL modems? The USB port was designed for use with joysticks, keyboards, mice, etc. Not ethernet speeds. If you ever have an opportunity to do a side-by-side comparison between an ethernet modem and a USB you will see your CPU utilization much lower on the ethernet. Ethernet controllers are far superior and efficient than USB chipsets. Now of course, DSL is not high bandwidth (compared to Ethernet) so there is that argument that it makes no difference. I was just thinking that. :) Another argument is that if you have no need to run a server, USB means you have to waste CPU on translation. Of course the counter to that is that with a modem/router, you can't get a public IP address. I guess generally most would not require to run a server so thats a fair point. And yet another is that if the hardware changes in the future, a day might come when a new motherboard with a new USB chipset is not detected and usable by some version of FreeBSD. Ethernet your pretty much guarenteed will be around forever. Why would I buy a computer with a motherboard not supported by FreeBSD? I guess if we are speaking about the general user that may apply but you could also argue the general user would most likely be using windows and pretty much guaranteed a working proprietary driver. Of course by the time this new chipset is out, Windows may be dead and FreeBSD is the new ruler of the free world. You just never know. ;) But, speaking as an ISP I can tell you the biggest reason we recommend against USB for our customers - most of our customers are windoze users, and if you put a USB modem on their windows boxes, when they connect in, they get a public IP address assigned to their Windows box. Yeah, I can understand why that might be a problem. And if they aren't currently patched (few 'doze user are ever) within an hour their machine will be compromized by someone's trojan and their machine will then become a menace and a problem on the network. Our network. Indeed...bad user...bad! We do not see the advantage to us to have a couple dozen 'doze users on our 1.5x1M DSL circuits, infected with the latest virus and attempting to reinfect the rest of the Internet. Maybe you do? You come across as being a very smart guy so why ask this question? I am asking a general why not USB?, not USB modems are awesome and you should all convert!. Certainly the cable Internet providers in the US seem to think there's an advantage, that is why the cable networks all run like dog crap. Ted Well they have made there bed and now they have to lie in it. :) Chris ___ freebsd-questions@freebsd.org mailing list http://lists.freebsd.org/mailman/listinfo/freebsd-questions To unsubscribe, send any mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: DSL modem recommendation
I know.. This is a google question... But anyone know the speed of USB??? I am considering modifying our wireless modem pcmcia to usb instead... X Robert Kim, Wireless Internet Wifi Hotspot Advisor http://evdo-coverage.com http://wireless-internet-broadband-service.com https://evdo.sslpowered.com/wifi-hotspot-router.htm 2611 S Pacific Coast Highway 101 Cardiff by the Sea CA 92007 : 206 984 0880 Wireless Internet Service Is ONLY Broadband with Broadband Customer Service(tm) OUR QUEST: To Kill the Cubicle! (SM) ---Shalo -;-) ___ freebsd-questions@freebsd.org mailing list http://lists.freebsd.org/mailman/listinfo/freebsd-questions To unsubscribe, send any mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: DSL modem recommendation
[EMAIL PROTECTED] skrev: Another argument is that if you have no need to run a server, USB means you have to waste CPU on translation. Of course the counter to that is that with a modem/router, you can't get a public IP address. Of course you can get a public IP address. The standard ADSL equipment here (Denmark) is a Siemens modem. You connect the modem to your computer over Ethernet, and get a public IP using DHCP... Best regards, Mikkel C. Simonsen ___ freebsd-questions@freebsd.org mailing list http://lists.freebsd.org/mailman/listinfo/freebsd-questions To unsubscribe, send any mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: DSL modem recommendation
-Original Message- From: Chris Hodgins [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, February 23, 2005 4:40 AM To: Ted Mittelstaedt Cc: markzero; freebsd-questions@freebsd.org Subject: Re: DSL modem recommendation You come across as being a very smart guy so why ask this question? I am asking a general why not USB?, not USB modems are awesome and you should all convert!. Sorry. I'm just ranting. USB ethernet is an abomination and I cannot forgive the morons in the industry that did away with RS232 serial ports in favor of USB. Espically since I have tons of equipment I service that have serial ports on them. Ever have the pleasure of working with one of those USB-to-serial port adapter POSs? Seriously, if what the PC industry had done was when USB came out, just completely did away with the keyboard port and the PS/2 mouse port, and tied those interrupts to the USB controller, so that the new PC motherboards required USB mice and keyboards, then I would not be so disgusted with it. Instead, they just layered it into the PC architecture. I have PCs here that when you put 2 nics in them, you lose one of the on-board serial ports, and this is without even a sound chip in the system. Ted ___ freebsd-questions@freebsd.org mailing list http://lists.freebsd.org/mailman/listinfo/freebsd-questions To unsubscribe, send any mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: DSL modem recommendation
-Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Mikkel C. Simonsen Sent: Wednesday, February 23, 2005 3:56 PM To: freebsd-questions@freebsd.org Subject: Re: DSL modem recommendation [EMAIL PROTECTED] skrev: Another argument is that if you have no need to run a server, USB means you have to waste CPU on translation. Of course the counter to that is that with a modem/router, you can't get a public IP address. Of course you can get a public IP address. The standard ADSL equipment here (Denmark) is a Siemens modem. You connect the modem to your computer over Ethernet, and get a public IP using DHCP... Only if the Siemens modem is in bridged mode, and most DSL providers ship these devices in routed mode, not in bridged mode. If Network Address Translation (NAT) is turned on, which it is by default when these devices are in routed mode, then the IP address you get is a private address handed out by the Siemens modem, something like a 192.168.1.x number. Ted ___ freebsd-questions@freebsd.org mailing list http://lists.freebsd.org/mailman/listinfo/freebsd-questions To unsubscribe, send any mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
DSL modem recommendation
Hello, Could anybody recommend a good, solid DSL modem that is supported nicely by FreeBSD? An internal modem would be preferred but I would consider otherwise. My main requirements are stability and a lack of any kind of external management (I want my box to be solely in control, not a proprietary web or telnet interface). I have suffered for far too long with an awful DSL router/firewall that goes down at the slightest provocation and offers no real authentication! Cheers, Mark -- PGP: http://www.darklogik.org/pub/pgp/pgp.txt B776 43DC 8A5D EAF9 2126 9A67 A7DA 390F DEFF 9DD1 pgpR0QTiHukTq.pgp Description: PGP signature
