Re: [SLUG] Wireless Broadband?
On 02/06/2010 06:29 PM, Del wrote: Hello Del, The BigPond Elite network gateway is of real interest to me. As I'm not knowledgeable with wireless, I was wondering if you, or anyone, could provide a run down on how to get this thing to work on my linux system, which is Fedora 12 ... a desktop box? I have a home network of 3 computers connected by ethernet and I'm on dial-up in a rural location. I would only want one computer connected to the internet with the wireless network gateway. It's relatively easy because it's just a wireless modem/router. The instructions come with the router, but it's a matter of connecting to the wireless or the ethernet network (it has a 4 port switch in it), pointing your web browser at the gateway, log in using the default admin login password, configure it to talk to bigpond (provide your bigpoind user name password) and then you're away. Nothing to configure on the Linux end, other than normal networking or wireless LAN stuff. Thanks for that ... normal networking with ethernet I can do. Ben. -- SLUG - Sydney Linux User's Group Mailing List - http://slug.org.au/ Subscription info and FAQs: http://slug.org.au/faq/mailinglists.html
Re: [SLUG] Wireless Broadband?
On 01/22/2010 05:38 PM, Del wrote: Amos Shapira wrote: Since this became a discussion of broadband modems - I got an OK from my workplace to buy the Telstra Turbo USB pre-paid modem (currently costs $149) but so far Google, whirlpool and ubuntuforums failed to provide a positive answer about the hardware compatibility to linux (Ubuntu 9.10). Can anyone here have positive experience with this moddem? No, I can not. :) You're better off buying their network gateway for $399, which is the BigPond Elite network gateway on this page: http://www.bigpond.com/internet/plans/wireless/wireless_devices/ It works flawlessly, and since it has an internal wifi gateway and 4 port switch it doesn't require any configuration with Linux. I use mine on the boat with a 12v lead in from the house batteries but I've also run it while travelling off a 12v plug pack powered by a 7Ah sealed battery of a reasonably common type (Jaycar will have them). Bigpond are the biggest wunch(*) on the planet, so you have to be aware. One issue is that although all of their devices are essentially compatible, your internet plan is tied to the device so if you get one of their plug in modems and decide later you want the gateway, you have to cancel (and pay out) your old plan and buy a new plan. No other internet provider makes you do this -- e.g. iinet don't make you cancel your plan if you buy a new ADSL modem. (*) -- collective term for a group of bankers. Hello Del, The BigPond Elite network gateway is of real interest to me. As I'm not knowledgeable with wireless, I was wondering if you, or anyone, could provide a run down on how to get this thing to work on my linux system, which is Fedora 12 ... a desktop box? I have a home network of 3 computers connected by ethernet and I'm on dial-up in a rural location. I would only want one computer connected to the internet with the wireless network gateway. Ben -- SLUG - Sydney Linux User's Group Mailing List - http://slug.org.au/ Subscription info and FAQs: http://slug.org.au/faq/mailinglists.html
Re: [SLUG] Wireless Broadband?
Hello Del, The BigPond Elite network gateway is of real interest to me. As I'm not knowledgeable with wireless, I was wondering if you, or anyone, could provide a run down on how to get this thing to work on my linux system, which is Fedora 12 ... a desktop box? I have a home network of 3 computers connected by ethernet and I'm on dial-up in a rural location. I would only want one computer connected to the internet with the wireless network gateway. It's relatively easy because it's just a wireless modem/router. The instructions come with the router, but it's a matter of connecting to the wireless or the ethernet network (it has a 4 port switch in it), pointing your web browser at the gateway, log in using the default admin login password, configure it to talk to bigpond (provide your bigpoind user name password) and then you're away. Nothing to configure on the Linux end, other than normal networking or wireless LAN stuff. -- Del Babel Com Australia http://www.babel.com.au/ ph: 02 9966 9476 fax: 02 9906 2864 -- SLUG - Sydney Linux User's Group Mailing List - http://slug.org.au/ Subscription info and FAQs: http://slug.org.au/faq/mailinglists.html
Re: [SLUG] Wireless Broadband?
Ben Sand wrote: I'm pretty sure this is the model I use now: http://maxon.com.au/shop/product_info.php?cPath=21products_id=47 expensive from the manufacturer, but should work on Linux, you can check with them, but they are somewhat Linux aware: $495 This is a rather elegant solution - I have been using ever since the I-burst network was shutdown (December 2008). Virgin Branded/Optus network Modem (was the best capped/shaped deal at the time) http://www.tomw.net.au/blog/2008/12/virgin-mobile-broadband.html 3 Router: with 1 ethernet port and wifi. I had to replace the router after accidentally plugging my kogan power supply into it. The price went upto $160) http://www.tomw.net.au/blog/2008/12/huawei-d100-3g-router.html By far the most simple guaranteed solution for everyone though would be a MiFi 2372: http://bit.ly/NBjB7 They are around $300-400 and are probably the best device, configuration wise, as the computer connects via WiFi. They share their 3G connection with up to 5 devices via WiFi. They are battery powered with around 4 hours use, but I'm fairly sure they can just charge / operate from USB (check with manufacturer on that one). Internode are selling them for use on the Optus network for $329, but these are the 900/1900/2100 verson On Sun, Jan 24, 2010 at 8:52 PM, Amos Shapira amos.shap...@gmail.com wrote: On 24 January 2010 10:44, Ben Sand b...@bensand.com wrote: Missed the start of this, but, FWIW: I have: 100MB/month: Next G Telstra Prepaid wireless running on Maxon BP3 USB Dongle + modem originally used with Bigpond) + it uses the prepaid phone system because the 100MB data blocks are cheaper than on the prepaid broadband plan. It's actually easier to register the sims that way. Thanks for the details. Does anyone know what chipset the Telstra turbo dongle uses? --Amos -- Marghanita da Cruz http://ramin.com.au Tel: 0414-869202 -- SLUG - Sydney Linux User's Group Mailing List - http://slug.org.au/ Subscription info and FAQs: http://slug.org.au/faq/mailinglists.html
Re: [SLUG] Wireless Broadband?
http://geobray.com/2010/01/19/broadband-3g-from-the-beach/ Marghanita -- Marghanita da Cruz http://ramin.com.au Tel: 0414-869202 -- SLUG - Sydney Linux User's Group Mailing List - http://slug.org.au/ Subscription info and FAQs: http://slug.org.au/faq/mailinglists.html
Re: [SLUG] Wireless Broadband?
On Mon, Jan 25, 2010 at 4:10 PM, Del d...@babel.com.au wrote: Still - so far I haven't heard that it works with Linux so I'm not sure it's an option, unless I manage to test it successfully in the shop somehow (my own company issued laptop's display died this week so I'll have to buy a new one before I can do that). It will work with Linux for certain values of Linux. That means that certain distros and certain kernel versions will have the right bits and pieces so that you can, in most cases, cobble together a working device and a working driver. If you're tied into a specific Linux distro then you're probably stuffed. Having said that I got mine working OK with CentOS 5.4 when it absolutely refused to play with CentOS 5.2. I've had it working briefly with Ubuntu 9.10 with the kernel that came with the distro just to try it out, it failed again once I did a kernel upgrade, then I switched back to the gateway because I need something that works all of the time (and in particular, I need something low power that will allow the VoIP phone to connect and my android phone to get wifi when the laptop is switched off). I tried about 4 different versions and models of the device, including 2 different objects that had the same model number and appeared to have the same chipset, albeit probably different internal firmware, and could only be differentiated by the serial numbers -- one failed to work at all under any version of Linux, one worked fine on all versions with no problems. Some of the different models worked on some kernels and not others, and vice-versa. Your kilometerage may vary a whole lot. In nautical terms that's called cross-track error (XTE). The following works for me using an ASUS eeePC 701 running Puppy Linux (Boxpuppeee) Edit the file /etc/wvdial.conf as follows [Dialer Defaults] Modem = /dev/ttyUSB2 Init1 = ATZ Init2 = ATQ0 V1 E1 S0=0 C1 D2 +FCLASS=0 Modem Type = Analog Modem ISDN = off New PPPD = yes Baud = 9600 Phone = *99# Dial Prefix = Dial Attempts = 1 Dial Command = ATDT Ask Password = off Password = off Username = na Auto Reconnect = off Abort on busy = off Carrier Check = off Check Def Route = off Abort on No Dialtone = off Stupid Mode = on Then when you want to connect to the internet you insert the USB thingy and wait. A led in the modem will light up green at first and then blue. In Puppy a CD drive icon will then appear. In a terminal window do eject /dev/sr0 The CD drive icon will disappear and the blue led will be extinguished. Wait until first the green and then the blue led is illuminated and then do wvdial Wvdial will establish the connection and you can start your browser etc. To close the connection when you are finished type Ctrl-C in the terminal window where wvdial is running. Wait a little while then remove the USB. I'm sure there is a more elegant solution but the above worked for me. One downside of this method is that because you are not running the Telstra connection program you cant see how much credit you have left on the account. cheers, Ken -- SLUG - Sydney Linux User's Group Mailing List - http://slug.org.au/ Subscription info and FAQs: http://slug.org.au/faq/mailinglists.html
Re: [SLUG] Wireless Broadband?
I'm pretty sure this is the model I use now: http://maxon.com.au/shop/product_info.php?cPath=21products_id=47 expensive from the manufacturer, but should work on Linux, you can check with them, but they are somewhat Linux aware: $495 By far the most simple guaranteed solution for everyone though would be a MiFi 2372: http://bit.ly/NBjB7 They are around $300-400 and are probably the best device, configuration wise, as the computer connects via WiFi. They share their 3G connection with up to 5 devices via WiFi. They are battery powered with around 4 hours use, but I'm fairly sure they can just charge / operate from USB (check with manufacturer on that one). Internode are selling them for use on the Optus network for $329, but these are the 900/1900/2100 verson On Sun, Jan 24, 2010 at 8:52 PM, Amos Shapira amos.shap...@gmail.com wrote: On 24 January 2010 10:44, Ben Sand b...@bensand.com wrote: Missed the start of this, but, FWIW: I have: 100MB/month: Next G Telstra Prepaid wireless running on Maxon BP3 USB Dongle + modem originally used with Bigpond) + it uses the prepaid phone system because the 100MB data blocks are cheaper than on the prepaid broadband plan. It's actually easier to register the sims that way. Thanks for the details. Does anyone know what chipset the Telstra turbo dongle uses? --Amos -- SLUG - Sydney Linux User's Group Mailing List - http://slug.org.au/ Subscription info and FAQs: http://slug.org.au/faq/mailinglists.html
Re: [SLUG] Wireless Broadband?
On 24 January 2010 10:44, Ben Sand b...@bensand.com wrote: Missed the start of this, but, FWIW: I have: 100MB/month: Next G Telstra Prepaid wireless running on Maxon BP3 USB Dongle + modem originally used with Bigpond) + it uses the prepaid phone system because the 100MB data blocks are cheaper than on the prepaid broadband plan. It's actually easier to register the sims that way. Thanks for the details. Does anyone know what chipset the Telstra turbo dongle uses? --Amos -- SLUG - Sydney Linux User's Group Mailing List - http://slug.org.au/ Subscription info and FAQs: http://slug.org.au/faq/mailinglists.html
Re: [SLUG] Wireless Broadband?
On Sun, Jan 24, 2010 at 8:52 PM, Amos Shapira amos.shap...@gmail.comwrote: On 24 January 2010 10:44, Ben Sand b...@bensand.com wrote: Missed the start of this, but, FWIW: I have: 100MB/month: Next G Telstra Prepaid wireless running on Maxon BP3 USB Dongle + modem originally used with Bigpond) + it uses the prepaid phone system because the 100MB data blocks are cheaper than on the prepaid broadband plan. It's actually easier to register the sims that way. Thanks for the details. Does anyone know what chipset the Telstra turbo dongle uses? Mine uses an MF626 from zte. cheers, Ken -- SLUG - Sydney Linux User's Group Mailing List - http://slug.org.au/ Subscription info and FAQs: http://slug.org.au/faq/mailinglists.html
Re: [SLUG] Wireless Broadband?
Still - so far I haven't heard that it works with Linux so I'm not sure it's an option, unless I manage to test it successfully in the shop somehow (my own company issued laptop's display died this week so I'll have to buy a new one before I can do that). It will work with Linux for certain values of Linux. That means that certain distros and certain kernel versions will have the right bits and pieces so that you can, in most cases, cobble together a working device and a working driver. If you're tied into a specific Linux distro then you're probably stuffed. Having said that I got mine working OK with CentOS 5.4 when it absolutely refused to play with CentOS 5.2. I've had it working briefly with Ubuntu 9.10 with the kernel that came with the distro just to try it out, it failed again once I did a kernel upgrade, then I switched back to the gateway because I need something that works all of the time (and in particular, I need something low power that will allow the VoIP phone to connect and my android phone to get wifi when the laptop is switched off). I tried about 4 different versions and models of the device, including 2 different objects that had the same model number and appeared to have the same chipset, albeit probably different internal firmware, and could only be differentiated by the serial numbers -- one failed to work at all under any version of Linux, one worked fine on all versions with no problems. Some of the different models worked on some kernels and not others, and vice-versa. Your kilometerage may vary a whole lot. In nautical terms that's called cross-track error (XTE). -- Del Babel Com Australia http://www.babel.com.au/ -- SLUG - Sydney Linux User's Group Mailing List - http://slug.org.au/ Subscription info and FAQs: http://slug.org.au/faq/mailinglists.html
Re: [SLUG] Wireless Broadband?
2010/1/22 Dean Hamstead d...@fragfest.com.au: the down side of pre-paid is that the data expires fairly quickly. a few gigs typically only has a 30 day expiry. larger data blocks tend to last longer (up to 90 days on optus) you can just whip out your credit card and buy a data block. that may not sit well with the on call person... heres a usb 3g modem, just add your CC# and expiry date as needed Of course there is a down side, just as is the matter of higher cost per megabyte. I usually hardly manage to use up 4 Gb/month from my home (including two computers and a couple of WiFi phones), so I'd feel comfortable with a 5Gb cap over a course of a weekend. On the other hand, in the long term there would be very little use of this modem if at all. So far we managed without it and it'll be there just for a reassurance that it's possible to connect if absolutely needed. I can pre-charge them with a company CC if required. Still - so far I haven't heard that it works with Linux so I'm not sure it's an option, unless I manage to test it successfully in the shop somehow (my own company issued laptop's display died this week so I'll have to buy a new one before I can do that). Cheers, --Amos -- SLUG - Sydney Linux User's Group Mailing List - http://slug.org.au/ Subscription info and FAQs: http://slug.org.au/faq/mailinglists.html
Re: [SLUG] Wireless Broadband?
Just a thought, being techy people these people are going to have mobiles with data plans no? If they need to use a laptop to do something why not just tether it? virgin has bolt on data $5 for 50mb and $10 for 300 $15 for 1gb keep in mind virgin/optus has typically hideous latency and jitter. Worst I got was a ping to google of 15 seconds. Amos Shapira wrote: 2010/1/22 Dean Hamstead d...@fragfest.com.au: the down side of pre-paid is that the data expires fairly quickly. a few gigs typically only has a 30 day expiry. larger data blocks tend to last longer (up to 90 days on optus) you can just whip out your credit card and buy a data block. that may not sit well with the on call person... heres a usb 3g modem, just add your CC# and expiry date as needed Of course there is a down side, just as is the matter of higher cost per megabyte. I usually hardly manage to use up 4 Gb/month from my home (including two computers and a couple of WiFi phones), so I'd feel comfortable with a 5Gb cap over a course of a weekend. On the other hand, in the long term there would be very little use of this modem if at all. So far we managed without it and it'll be there just for a reassurance that it's possible to connect if absolutely needed. I can pre-charge them with a company CC if required. Still - so far I haven't heard that it works with Linux so I'm not sure it's an option, unless I manage to test it successfully in the shop somehow (my own company issued laptop's display died this week so I'll have to buy a new one before I can do that). Cheers, --Amos -- SLUG - Sydney Linux User's Group Mailing List - http://slug.org.au/ Subscription info and FAQs: http://slug.org.au/faq/mailinglists.html
Re: [SLUG] Wireless Broadband?
On Saturday 23 January 2010 09:00:07 slug-requ...@slug.org.au wrote: the down side of pre-paid is that the data expires fairly quickly. a few gigs typically only has a 30 day expiry. larger data blocks tend to last longer (up to 90 days on optus) you can just whip out your credit card and buy a data block. that may not sit well with the on call person... heres a usb 3g modem, just add your CC# and expiry date as needed Of course there is a down side, just as is the matter of higher cost per megabyte. I usually hardly manage to use up 4 Gb/month from my home (including two computers and a couple of WiFi phones), so I'd feel comfortable with a 5Gb cap over a course of a weekend. On the other hand, in the long term there would be very little use of this modem if at all. So far we managed without it and it'll be there just for a reassurance that it's possible to connect if absolutely needed. I can pre-charge them with a company CC if required. Still - so far I haven't heard that it works with Linux so I'm not sure it's an option, unless I manage to test it successfully in the shop somehow (my own company issued laptop's display died this week so I'll have to buy a new one before I can do that). After looking at all the 'If you stand on a mountain top, in a copper vase of water, during a storm saying all gods are bastards' then ... pre-paid plans and because of coverage up the west coast my friend used a telstra 3G phone with data connection which gave him the cheapest in-frequent internet access, and with a masthead antenna had coverage in the Abrolhaus islands 60Km out to sea from Geraldton. I was not specifically involved in the setup, but there were no anguished cries for help. James -- SLUG - Sydney Linux User's Group Mailing List - http://slug.org.au/ Subscription info and FAQs: http://slug.org.au/faq/mailinglists.html
Re: [SLUG] Wireless Broadband?
On 23 January 2010 10:55, Jake Anderson ya...@vapourforge.com wrote: Just a thought, being techy people these people are going to have mobiles with data plans no? If they need to use a laptop to do something why not just tether it? virgin has bolt on data $5 for 50mb and $10 for 300 $15 for 1gb keep in mind virgin/optus has typically hideous latency and jitter. Worst I got was a ping to google of 15 seconds. All I read from online forums and my little personal experience tells me that anything but Telstra eventually runs out of coverage/speed/usability. None of us is with Telstra (two are with 3, one is with Optus and can't wait to finish his contract with them to move on). Also it's much easier to manage the expenses on a separate device. Thanks for the idea, though. --Amos -- SLUG - Sydney Linux User's Group Mailing List - http://slug.org.au/ Subscription info and FAQs: http://slug.org.au/faq/mailinglists.html
Re: [SLUG] Wireless Broadband?
2010/1/21 Ben Donohue donoh...@icafe.com.au: From memory you can get them in two general packages... time online or monthly download. you really have to watch the downloads of these... Thanks for the warning but unless Telstra completely redefined the meaning of pre-paid I shouldn't be concerned about over-charges - as soon as I run out of credit the connection should drop, end of story. Or should I? The modem is meant to be rotated between people on call which might need it to get away from their home computer while on duty. Luckily all our ops guys have Ubuntu on their laptops so it limits the search for support. Cheers, --Amos -- SLUG - Sydney Linux User's Group Mailing List - http://slug.org.au/ Subscription info and FAQs: http://slug.org.au/faq/mailinglists.html
Re: [SLUG] Wireless Broadband?
I have a laptop with a Sierra Wireless modem built-in. Stuffed if I can get the sodding thing to work on Ubuntu Karmic. The SIM (3 prepaid) works fine with other modem dongles on Ubuntu and also works with the PC modem on Windoze. I guess the moral is - check before you buy :) BTW the 3 prepaid is a very good deal - $149 for 12GB and 12 months to use it. If you don't use it in 12 months, you can rollover the balance. I'm mobile between the CBD, western suburbs, south western suburbs and southern suburbs and the coverage is pretty good. Also the network is not as congested as, say, Optus which can be unusable during normal online time. Pete Ben Donohue wrote: From memory you can get them in two general packages... time online or monthly download. you really have to watch the downloads of these... If you go over, you get slugged quite heavily. They are not capped at whatever and then shaped. You get hit for every additional MEGABYTE! (unless their plans have changed recently...) If you are not careful, you'll have the finance dept. knocking on your door. Also useful to record the IMEI number and serial number and anything else you can, 'cause if you lose it you want to disable it ASAP before someone else uses it to death and you get the $$$ bill at the end of the month. Treat it like a credit card with the PIN written on it. Anyone else who finds/steals it can simply plug it in and use it. Ben Amos Shapira wrote: Since this became a discussion of broadband modems - I got an OK from my workplace to buy the Telstra Turbo USB pre-paid modem (currently costs $149) but so far Google, whirlpool and ubuntuforums failed to provide a positive answer about the hardware compatibility to linux (Ubuntu 9.10). Can anyone here have positive experience with this moddem? Thanks -Amos On 1/21/10, j blrown gonz...@fastmail.fm wrote: I've been looking at getting a wireless Broadband Prepaid kit from either Vodaphone,Optus or Bigpond. I just want it to use in addition to my ADSL Broadband connection, and will use it with either my Laptop or Netbook. I'm running Ubuntu in one form or another, from 8.10 to 9.04. Any advice Pros/Cons re the above providers and their supplied modems? I've had no experience with wireless connectivity. Thanks Bill -- j blrown gonz...@fastmail.fm -- http://www.fastmail.fm - The way an email service should be -- SLUG - Sydney Linux User's Group Mailing List - http://slug.org.au/ Subscription info and FAQs: http://slug.org.au/faq/mailinglists.html -- SLUG - Sydney Linux User's Group Mailing List - http://slug.org.au/ Subscription info and FAQs: http://slug.org.au/faq/mailinglists.html
Re: [SLUG] Wireless Broadband?
A variety of responses. I would like to ask - why have a tricky device-dependant USB driver at all? The Optus Huwei, Bigpond whatever-it-is hub or a 3rd party device like an Ericsson W25/W35 is a network device. Sure it's not so handy since it requires a power supply and it's a bit lumpier for cruising the M4, but if you had a back-seat passenger wanting internet access too you would go for it. I used to have to keep a remote site Bigpond Asiasat modem going, that had a USB interface. It was a frabjous day when Telstra replaced it with a new modem with ethernet. There was just a single Windows machine hanging off it, causing all sorts of driver heartache. Now it runs through a wireless hub with several people using it trouble-free. In my book USB is in the same camp as Bluetooth as a 'solution' to avoid. Kevin. On Wed, 2010-01-20 at 20:44 -0800, j blrown wrote: I've been looking at getting a wireless Broadband Prepaid kit from either Vodaphone,Optus or Bigpond. I just want it to use in addition to my ADSL Broadband connection, and will use it with either my Laptop or Netbook. I'm running Ubuntu in one form or another, from 8.10 to 9.04. Any advice Pros/Cons re the above providers and their supplied modems? I've had no experience with wireless connectivity. Thanks Bill -- j blrown gonz...@fastmail.fm -- http://www.fastmail.fm - The way an email service should be -- SLUG - Sydney Linux User's Group Mailing List - http://slug.org.au/ Subscription info and FAQs: http://slug.org.au/faq/mailinglists.html
Re: [SLUG] Wireless Broadband?
Amos Shapira wrote: 2010/1/21 Ben Donohue donoh...@icafe.com.au: From memory you can get them in two general packages... time online or monthly download. you really have to watch the downloads of these... Thanks for the warning but unless Telstra completely redefined the meaning of pre-paid I shouldn't be concerned about over-charges - as soon as I run out of credit the connection should drop, end of story. Or should I? The modem is meant to be rotated between people on call which might need it to get away from their home computer while on duty. Luckily all our ops guys have Ubuntu on their laptops so it limits the search for support. snip The virgin (post-paid) deal is not a drop dead but a shaped response (ie slow down of bandwidth) once you meet your monthly limit (5G, which I haven't yet). I have heard horror stories from people on post-paid - not to mention living a life of fear. The worst one was Telstra, where I think the download limit was met once you viewed the Telstra homepage a couple of timesand that was the default homepage for their browser. With regard to the pre-paid you still get stung as you are paying a premium rate for what you do downloadthough this looks like a reasonable deal...for the infrequent user... BTW the 3 prepaid is a very good deal - $149 for 12GB and 12 months to use it. If you don't use it in 12 months, you can rollover the balance. I'm mobile between the CBD, western suburbs, south western suburbs and southern suburbs and the coverage is pretty good. Also the network is not as congested as, say, Optus which can be unusable during normal online time. but maybe the 12GB will be gone in 3 months and you are really looking at $600 a year compared to 12x40=$480/year capped shaped from Virgin (and I think Optus directly now also). Marghanita -- Marghanita da Cruz http://ramin.com.au Tel: 0414-869202 -- SLUG - Sydney Linux User's Group Mailing List - http://slug.org.au/ Subscription info and FAQs: http://slug.org.au/faq/mailinglists.html
Re: [SLUG] Wireless Broadband?
Amos Shapira wrote: Since this became a discussion of broadband modems - I got an OK from my workplace to buy the Telstra Turbo USB pre-paid modem (currently costs $149) but so far Google, whirlpool and ubuntuforums failed to provide a positive answer about the hardware compatibility to linux (Ubuntu 9.10). Can anyone here have positive experience with this moddem? No, I can not. :) You're better off buying their network gateway for $399, which is the BigPond Elite network gateway on this page: http://www.bigpond.com/internet/plans/wireless/wireless_devices/ It works flawlessly, and since it has an internal wifi gateway and 4 port switch it doesn't require any configuration with Linux. I use mine on the boat with a 12v lead in from the house batteries but I've also run it while travelling off a 12v plug pack powered by a 7Ah sealed battery of a reasonably common type (Jaycar will have them). Bigpond are the biggest wunch(*) on the planet, so you have to be aware. One issue is that although all of their devices are essentially compatible, your internet plan is tied to the device so if you get one of their plug in modems and decide later you want the gateway, you have to cancel (and pay out) your old plan and buy a new plan. No other internet provider makes you do this -- e.g. iinet don't make you cancel your plan if you buy a new ADSL modem. (*) -- collective term for a group of bankers. -- Del Babel Com Australia http://www.babel.com.au/ -- SLUG - Sydney Linux User's Group Mailing List - http://slug.org.au/ Subscription info and FAQs: http://slug.org.au/faq/mailinglists.html
Re: [SLUG] Wireless Broadband?
2010/1/22 Del d...@babel.com.au: Amos Shapira wrote: Since this became a discussion of broadband modems - I got an OK from my workplace to buy the Telstra Turbo USB pre-paid modem (currently costs $149) but so far Google, whirlpool and ubuntuforums failed to provide a positive answer about the hardware compatibility to linux (Ubuntu 9.10). Can anyone here have positive experience with this moddem? No, I can not. :) You're better off buying their network gateway for $399, which is the BigPond Elite network gateway on this page: http://www.bigpond.com/internet/plans/wireless/wireless_devices/ Thanks for the pointer but since the main point of having this device is to allow our people to travel while on call duty (two of them happen to be motorcyclists too), it's not practical. Bigpond are the biggest wunch(*) on the planet, so you have to be aware. One issue is that although all of their devices are essentially compatible, your internet plan is tied to the device so if you get one of their plug in modems and decide later you want the gateway, you have to cancel (and pay out) your old plan and buy a new plan. No other internet provider makes you do this -- e.g. iinet don't make you cancel your plan if you buy a new ADSL modem. Part of the motivation for buying a modem out-right and use pre-paid is that it doesn't tie us to any plan, plus we expect to use the pre-paid modem very sporadically - in emergencies which happen when the guy on call is out and just must access the network. --Amos -- SLUG - Sydney Linux User's Group Mailing List - http://slug.org.au/ Subscription info and FAQs: http://slug.org.au/faq/mailinglists.html
Re: [SLUG] Wireless Broadband?
Part of the motivation for buying a modem out-right and use pre-paid is that it doesn't tie us to any plan, plus we expect to use the pre-paid modem very sporadically - in emergencies which happen when the guy on call is out and just must access the network. the down side of pre-paid is that the data expires fairly quickly. a few gigs typically only has a 30 day expiry. larger data blocks tend to last longer (up to 90 days on optus) you can just whip out your credit card and buy a data block. that may not sit well with the on call person... heres a usb 3g modem, just add your CC# and expiry date as needed Dean -- SLUG - Sydney Linux User's Group Mailing List - http://slug.org.au/ Subscription info and FAQs: http://slug.org.au/faq/mailinglists.html
[SLUG] Wireless Broadband?
I've been looking at getting a wireless Broadband Prepaid kit from either Vodaphone,Optus or Bigpond. I just want it to use in addition to my ADSL Broadband connection, and will use it with either my Laptop or Netbook. I'm running Ubuntu in one form or another, from 8.10 to 9.04. Any advice Pros/Cons re the above providers and their supplied modems? I've had no experience with wireless connectivity. Thanks Bill -- j blrown gonz...@fastmail.fm -- http://www.fastmail.fm - The way an email service should be -- SLUG - Sydney Linux User's Group Mailing List - http://slug.org.au/ Subscription info and FAQs: http://slug.org.au/faq/mailinglists.html
Re: [SLUG] Wireless Broadband?
Hey hey. On Wed, 2010-01-20 at 20:44 -0800, j blrown wrote: I've been looking at getting a wireless Broadband Prepaid kit from either Vodaphone,Optus or Bigpond. I have experience with Vodafone and Bigpond post-paid wireless broadband on Ubuntu 9.04. The Vodafone dongle works fine. Plugged it in, it was properly detected, I was able to set up a new wireless broadband connection using the Network Manager applet. Using it is simple, just plug it in, and connect using Network Manager. My mother regularly uses a Bigpond dongle on her Eee running the 9.04 netbook remix. I think it's one of the newer style dongles Telstra are using. Setting it up was a little bit more complicated - I had to install and configure the usb_modeswitch tool ( http://www.draisberghof.de/usb_modeswitch/ ), and then wvdial to dial out and set up a PPP session through it. Now that's done, though, actually using it is as simple as the Vodafone dongle. Plug in, wait until the light turns blue, double click the wvdial icon. Hope that helps, -- Pete -- SLUG - Sydney Linux User's Group Mailing List - http://slug.org.au/ Subscription info and FAQs: http://slug.org.au/faq/mailinglists.html
Re: [SLUG] Wireless Broadband?
I've done a skype call over one of those USB modems before, i think the company was 3. I've got to say it was pretty good, the skype call didn't drop out at all at any time, very impressive for such a small device. I've also heard that you can go and get your own wireless USB modem and just use one of the ISPs accounts instead of buying/renting one of their usb modems. Now i was on my macbook at the time but i had installed win XP on it because it was pretty much plug and play like that - as for plugging one of those modems into a linux box I wouldn't say that a plug and play option would be impossible to find but i'd recommend doing some research to see what works and how to get it working, plug and play, doing a kernel mod etc... On Thu, Jan 21, 2010 at 3:44 PM, j blrown gonz...@fastmail.fm wrote: I've been looking at getting a wireless Broadband Prepaid kit from either Vodaphone,Optus or Bigpond. I just want it to use in addition to my ADSL Broadband connection, and will use it with either my Laptop or Netbook. I'm running Ubuntu in one form or another, from 8.10 to 9.04. Any advice Pros/Cons re the above providers and their supplied modems? I've had no experience with wireless connectivity. Thanks Bill -- j blrown gonz...@fastmail.fm -- http://www.fastmail.fm - The way an email service should be -- SLUG - Sydney Linux User's Group Mailing List - http://slug.org.au/ Subscription info and FAQs: http://slug.org.au/faq/mailinglists.html -- SLUG - Sydney Linux User's Group Mailing List - http://slug.org.au/ Subscription info and FAQs: http://slug.org.au/faq/mailinglists.html
Re: [SLUG] Wireless Broadband?
The Optus dongles 'just work', as the huawei modems are well supported in more recent kernels and network-manager. They are also trivial to get going using wvdial (which i use) or other ppp tools. Virgin, Dodo, 3 and Voda dongles which are from Huawei are no doubt just as trivial to configure. Dean Peter Hardy wrote: Hey hey. On Wed, 2010-01-20 at 20:44 -0800, j blrown wrote: I've been looking at getting a wireless Broadband Prepaid kit from either Vodaphone,Optus or Bigpond. I have experience with Vodafone and Bigpond post-paid wireless broadband on Ubuntu 9.04. The Vodafone dongle works fine. Plugged it in, it was properly detected, I was able to set up a new wireless broadband connection using the Network Manager applet. Using it is simple, just plug it in, and connect using Network Manager. My mother regularly uses a Bigpond dongle on her Eee running the 9.04 netbook remix. I think it's one of the newer style dongles Telstra are using. Setting it up was a little bit more complicated - I had to install and configure the usb_modeswitch tool ( http://www.draisberghof.de/usb_modeswitch/ ), and then wvdial to dial out and set up a PPP session through it. Now that's done, though, actually using it is as simple as the Vodafone dongle. Plug in, wait until the light turns blue, double click the wvdial icon. Hope that helps, -- http://fragfest.com.au -- SLUG - Sydney Linux User's Group Mailing List - http://slug.org.au/ Subscription info and FAQs: http://slug.org.au/faq/mailinglists.html
Re: [SLUG] Wireless Broadband?
j blrown wrote: I've been looking at getting a wireless Broadband Prepaid kit from either Vodaphone,Optus or Bigpond. I just want it to use in addition to my ADSL Broadband connection, and will use it with either my Laptop or Netbook. I'm running Ubuntu in one form or another, from 8.10 to 9.04. Any advice Pros/Cons re the above providers and their supplied modems? My 3 pre-paid worked out of the box on Ubuntu 8.10 the problem was limited coverage. It must have been easy because I can't remember what i had to do, except that it utilised settings in the network manager. There were definitely no special installs/drivers/kernel stuff. One small problem, if you run out of credit on a prepaid.. you need a connected computer to recharge. Not sure why, or if it was just me. David. -- SLUG - Sydney Linux User's Group Mailing List - http://slug.org.au/ Subscription info and FAQs: http://slug.org.au/faq/mailinglists.html
Re: [SLUG] Wireless Broadband?
From Optus (and its resellers), the 7.2mbps modems are definitely faster than their 3.6meg cousins and do hold the network better. These are supposedly using two frequency's. Most likely their more advanced antennas and radios make them more robust as well. Ive browsed the net (as a passenger) the length of the M4 (emu plains to parramatta road) without any drop outs using the Huawei E1762 ($250), this was during peak hour traffic and it was 300kb/s+ Youll also find that 3g is much slower (50-100kb/s) in the evenings (peak net usage) than first thing in the morning (600kb/s). Grabbing something big off mirror.optusnet.com.au is usually a good way to see what you 'should' be getting, without border congestion etc Dean Mark Walkom wrote: The Huawei were the easiest I tried too. The Telstra was a bit of a hassle but not too bad. Coverage wise 3 is the worst, then Vodafone, Optus and then Telstra at the opposite end of the scale. 2010/1/21 Dean Hamstead d...@fragfest.com.au mailto:d...@fragfest.com.au The Optus dongles 'just work', as the huawei modems are well supported in more recent kernels and network-manager. They are also trivial to get going using wvdial (which i use) or other ppp tools. Virgin, Dodo, 3 and Voda dongles which are from Huawei are no doubt just as trivial to configure. Dean -- http://fragfest.com.au -- SLUG - Sydney Linux User's Group Mailing List - http://slug.org.au/ Subscription info and FAQs: http://slug.org.au/faq/mailinglists.html
Re: [SLUG] Wireless Broadband?
Since this became a discussion of broadband modems - I got an OK from my workplace to buy the Telstra Turbo USB pre-paid modem (currently costs $149) but so far Google, whirlpool and ubuntuforums failed to provide a positive answer about the hardware compatibility to linux (Ubuntu 9.10). Can anyone here have positive experience with this moddem? Thanks -Amos On 1/21/10, j blrown gonz...@fastmail.fm wrote: I've been looking at getting a wireless Broadband Prepaid kit from either Vodaphone,Optus or Bigpond. I just want it to use in addition to my ADSL Broadband connection, and will use it with either my Laptop or Netbook. I'm running Ubuntu in one form or another, from 8.10 to 9.04. Any advice Pros/Cons re the above providers and their supplied modems? I've had no experience with wireless connectivity. Thanks Bill -- j blrown gonz...@fastmail.fm -- http://www.fastmail.fm - The way an email service should be -- SLUG - Sydney Linux User's Group Mailing List - http://slug.org.au/ Subscription info and FAQs: http://slug.org.au/faq/mailinglists.html -- SLUG - Sydney Linux User's Group Mailing List - http://slug.org.au/ Subscription info and FAQs: http://slug.org.au/faq/mailinglists.html
Re: [SLUG] Wireless Broadband?
j blrown wrote: I've been looking at getting a wireless Broadband Prepaid kit from either Vodaphone,Optus or Bigpond. Something you might like to consider is the coverage. I'm in the inner west of Sydney, using a Virgin (Post Pay $40-5GB capped/shaped/month) branded modem, on the Optus Network as my primary Internet connection, it has been reliable and provides sufficient bandwidth for my needs. Though in the last few months the service was down a couple of mornings - but it has stabilised now. However, in Canberra the Optus coverage doesn't seem as good - an external antenna helps. When you get to Tassie, outside Hobart and Launceston - it is only Telstra. I have a Vodafone telephone and it didn't work outside Hobart and Launceston in tasmania - it is fine between Sydney and Canberra - probably along most highways. I just want it to use in addition to my ADSL Broadband connection, and will use it with either my Laptop or Netbook. I'm running Ubuntu in one form or another, from 8.10 to 9.04. Any advice Pros/Cons re the above providers and their supplied modems? I use the modem via a Router/ethernet cable, from 3. The router has one ethernet port and WiFi. I've had no experience with wireless connectivity. Thanks Bill -- Marghanita da Cruz http://ramin.com.au Tel: 0414-869202 -- SLUG - Sydney Linux User's Group Mailing List - http://slug.org.au/ Subscription info and FAQs: http://slug.org.au/faq/mailinglists.html
Re: [SLUG] Wireless Broadband?
I got a Vodafone prepaid one the other day, not much luck on my 64 bit system so far though. The current usb stick model is K3765 which doesn't seem to be supported by the available kernels in Ubuntu at least, or maybe it needs some fiddling. It's not been much fun so far trying to get it working without an alternate network connection. There are drivers and utilities available but they seem to be intel 32bit only, although it looks like source might be available for some of it. http://www.betavine.net/bvportal/resources/datacards/os -- Felix On Thu 21/01/10 3:14 PM , j blrown gonz...@fastmail.fm sent: I've been looking at getting a wireless Broadband Prepaid kit from either Vodaphone,Optus or Bigpond. I just want it to use in addition to my ADSL Broadband connection, and will use it with either my Laptop or Netbook. I'm running Ubuntu in one form or another, from 8.10 to 9.04. Any advice Pros/Cons re the above providers and their supplied modems? I've had no experience with wireless connectivity. Thanks Bill -- j blrown gonz...@f astmail.fm -- http://www.fastmail.fm - The way an email service should be -- SLUG - Sydney Linux User's Group Mailing List - http://slug.org.au/Subscription info and FAQs: http://slug.org.au/faq/mailinglists.html ) -- SLUG - Sydney Linux User's Group Mailing List - http://slug.org.au/ Subscription info and FAQs: http://slug.org.au/faq/mailinglists.html
Re: [SLUG] Wireless Broadband?
From memory you can get them in two general packages... time online or monthly download. you really have to watch the downloads of these... If you go over, you get slugged quite heavily. They are not capped at whatever and then shaped. You get hit for every additional MEGABYTE! (unless their plans have changed recently...) If you are not careful, you'll have the finance dept. knocking on your door. Also useful to record the IMEI number and serial number and anything else you can, 'cause if you lose it you want to disable it ASAP before someone else uses it to death and you get the $$$ bill at the end of the month. Treat it like a credit card with the PIN written on it. Anyone else who finds/steals it can simply plug it in and use it. Ben Amos Shapira wrote: Since this became a discussion of broadband modems - I got an OK from my workplace to buy the Telstra Turbo USB pre-paid modem (currently costs $149) but so far Google, whirlpool and ubuntuforums failed to provide a positive answer about the hardware compatibility to linux (Ubuntu 9.10). Can anyone here have positive experience with this moddem? Thanks -Amos On 1/21/10, j blrown gonz...@fastmail.fm wrote: I've been looking at getting a wireless Broadband Prepaid kit from either Vodaphone,Optus or Bigpond. I just want it to use in addition to my ADSL Broadband connection, and will use it with either my Laptop or Netbook. I'm running Ubuntu in one form or another, from 8.10 to 9.04. Any advice Pros/Cons re the above providers and their supplied modems? I've had no experience with wireless connectivity. Thanks Bill -- j blrown gonz...@fastmail.fm -- http://www.fastmail.fm - The way an email service should be -- SLUG - Sydney Linux User's Group Mailing List - http://slug.org.au/ Subscription info and FAQs: http://slug.org.au/faq/mailinglists.html -- SLUG - Sydney Linux User's Group Mailing List - http://slug.org.au/ Subscription info and FAQs: http://slug.org.au/faq/mailinglists.html
[SLUG] Wireless Broadband for Net Book
Greetings SLUG, Can anyone advise if there is a USB Wireless Broadband device from any of the ISPs which will work with a PC based Net Book running Linux? Regards, Tim Bayfield -- Network Planning and Quality Assurance Coordinator Information Technology Division Mob:0419-430-519 University of Technology, SydneyTel: +61 2 9514-2144 PO Box 123 Broadway NSW 2007Fax: +61 2 9514-1994 UTS CRICOS Provider Code: 00099F DISCLAIMER: This email message and any accompanying attachments may contain confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient, do not read, use, disseminate, distribute or copy this message or attachments. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete this message. Any views expressed in this message are those of the individual sender, except where the sender expressly, and with authority, states them to be the views of the University of Technology Sydney. Before opening any attachments, please check them for viruses and defects. Think. Green. Do. Please consider the environment before printing this email. -- SLUG - Sydney Linux User's Group Mailing List - http://slug.org.au/ Subscription info and FAQs: http://slug.org.au/faq/mailinglists.html
Re: [SLUG] Wireless Broadband for Net Book
??? Not sure I'm understanding you correctly but, my eeePC running eeebuntu NR2.0 works flawlessly with vodafone's USB wireless modem. Kind Regards Kyle Tim Bayfield wrote: Greetings SLUG, Can anyone advise if there is a USB Wireless Broadband device from any of the ISPs which will work with a PC based Net Book running Linux? Regards, Tim Bayfield -- SLUG - Sydney Linux User's Group Mailing List - http://slug.org.au/ Subscription info and FAQs: http://slug.org.au/faq/mailinglists.html
Re: [SLUG] Wireless Broadband for Net Book
Tim Bayfield wrote: Greetings SLUG, Can anyone advise if there is a USB Wireless Broadband device from any of the ISPs which will work with a PC based Net Book running Linux? * Telstra Series 7. Model: MF636 You need to turn off the device's functionality as a thumb drive and not as a modem. From here (and other places): http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1005910 *You can try the following steps: 1. on WinVista through control panel ADD the extra init command *AT+ZCDRUN=8* 2. try to connect once with the providers s/w (WinVista) 3. remove the above command through control panel (WinVista) * Sending this command to the device is essential to un-paperweight it: **AT+ZCDRUN=8* * Then you have to make sure that usb_serial is loaded for the device. http://www.draisberghof.de/usb_modeswitch/ Then just plug it in (to Ubuntu) and it gets found and enter your pin and you're off. We use these for all our staff's laptops running ubuntu. Big Note: DO THIS **AT+ZCDRUN=8 first (and only once). Sounds a pain but it should only be done once. Cheers P ** * -- SLUG - Sydney Linux User's Group Mailing List - http://slug.org.au/ Subscription info and FAQs: http://slug.org.au/faq/mailinglists.html
Re: [SLUG] wireless broadband?
On Thu, 10 Jul 2008 at 18:16, Tony Cosentino [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi Del, I use mobile broadband with the 3 network. It was by far the best value 18 months ago when I got it. I have been very happy with the speed, availability. Its had about 3 major outages in that period of 1-4 hours. None in the last 6 months though. 3 is good value... but _only_ if only use it when you're connected via 3G. Their coverage isn't crash-hot, and it's not uncommon for you to end up roaming onto the Telstra network, where you get charged something in the order of $4 per MB. You can set your modem to only connect if it detects a 3G signal, but that might mean that you can't connect at all in some places. -- The threat to cancel Mac Office 97 is certainly the strongest bargaining point we have, as doing so will do a great deal of harm to Apple immediately. - Ben Waldman, Microsoft manager of Mac Development, in an e-mail to Bill Gates, 1997-06-27 signature.asc Description: This is a digitally signed message part. -- SLUG - Sydney Linux User's Group Mailing List - http://slug.org.au/ Subscription info and FAQs: http://slug.org.au/faq/mailinglists.html
[SLUG] wireless broadband?
So, who uses wireless broadband here? I'm currently researching the available alternatives and although Virgin appears the cheapest they also appear to have limited coverage and none of the vendors provide (a) Linux support or (b) an offer of your money back if you can't get it working on Linux. My contenders at the moment are Virgin, Optus, and Telstra (Bigpond). The limitation is that I need it working on a boat, and I only have one limited 240v supply. So I'd prefer it to be a USB stick type approach. I'm interested in any success/failure stories if anyone has them. -- Del Babel Com Australia http://www.babel.com.au/ ph: 02 9966 9476 fax: 02 9906 2864 -- SLUG - Sydney Linux User's Group Mailing List - http://slug.org.au/ Subscription info and FAQs: http://slug.org.au/faq/mailinglists.html
Re: [SLUG] wireless broadband?
Del wrote: So, who uses wireless broadband here? Have used. Don't currently use (it was an experiment that we decided not to go ahead with). I'm currently researching the available alternatives and although Virgin appears the cheapest they also appear to have limited coverage and none of the vendors provide (a) Linux support or (b) an offer of your money back if you can't get it working on Linux. My experience was that it was pretty simple: http://www.mega-nerd.com/erikd/Blog/Tech/telstra_nextg.html My contenders at the moment are Virgin, Optus, and Telstra (Bigpond). Normally i would advise against getting internet connectivity from a telephone company but in the case of wireless broadband that can't be helped :-). The limitation is that I need it working on a boat, and I only have one limited 240v supply. So I'd prefer it to be a USB stick type approach. Even the USB devices are usually serial modems inside so they can be set up like the telstra nextg device I played with. Cheers, Erik -- - Erik de Castro Lopo - Will the last person leaving Redmond please turn off all the lights. -- SLUG - Sydney Linux User's Group Mailing List - http://slug.org.au/ Subscription info and FAQs: http://slug.org.au/faq/mailinglists.html
Re: [SLUG] wireless broadband?
Del wrote: So, who uses wireless broadband here? I'm currently researching the available alternatives and although Virgin appears the cheapest they also appear to have limited coverage and none of the vendors provide (a) Linux support or (b) an offer of your money back if you can't get it working on Linux. My contenders at the moment are Virgin, Optus, and Telstra (Bigpond). The limitation is that I need it working on a boat, and I only have one limited 240v supply. So I'd prefer it to be a USB stick type approach. I'm interested in any success/failure stories if anyone has them. I am very happy with my I-Burst bridge which plugs into a router or provides ethernet directly so, no issue about linux. It is Wireless but not claiming mobility. I have used the device/account in Sydney and Canberra but it may not work when travelling at speed. There is a PCMCIA option, not sure about USB or coverage out at sea or elsewhere. I gave up on Unwired a few years back...in the interests of the environment you would be welcome to the modem, replacement modem they sent me and the attena I bought to try to improve reception. This equipment might be useless anyway as they have been promising WiMax but I don't know if this has happened or will happen since the company and its spectrum were bought by Channel 7 recently. Info on both at http://www.bigair.com.au/ Marghanita -- Marghanita da Cruz http://www.ramin.com.au Phone: (+61)0414 869202 -- SLUG - Sydney Linux User's Group Mailing List - http://slug.org.au/ Subscription info and FAQs: http://slug.org.au/faq/mailinglists.html
Re: [SLUG] wireless broadband?
Hi Del, I use mobile broadband with the 3 network. It was by far the best value 18 months ago when I got it. I have been very happy with the speed, availability. Its had about 3 major outages in that period of 1-4 hours. None in the last 6 months though. I got have the PCI Express modem and originally was using it on a windoze laptop. I have since seen the light and converted to Ubuntu and mainly use a regular PC with a WIFI card. I bought a Wireless router from Netcomm that takes the PCI express card. They now have releases a new model that accepts USB modems and PCI express card modems. Make: Netcomm Model is N3G002W http://www.netcomm.com.au/products/3g/n3g002w They sell for under $200 and I think are a good option, I realise you have power issues though. Is there anyway you can rig up a solot panel to trickle feed a dry cell battery to power your laptop as the laptop battery could handle that lifestyle better than the router. Food for thought. Tony On Thu, Jul 10, 2008 at 4:01 PM, Del [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: So, who uses wireless broadband here? I'm currently researching the available alternatives and although Virgin appears the cheapest they also appear to have limited coverage and none of the vendors provide (a) Linux support or (b) an offer of your money back if you can't get it working on Linux. My contenders at the moment are Virgin, Optus, and Telstra (Bigpond). The limitation is that I need it working on a boat, and I only have one limited 240v supply. So I'd prefer it to be a USB stick type approach. I'm interested in any success/failure stories if anyone has them. -- Del Babel Com Australia http://www.babel.com.au/ ph: 02 9966 9476 fax: 02 9906 2864 -- SLUG - Sydney Linux User's Group Mailing List - http://slug.org.au/ Subscription info and FAQs: http://slug.org.au/faq/mailinglists.html -- Tony Cosentino m: 0407 156 210 -- SLUG - Sydney Linux User's Group Mailing List - http://slug.org.au/ Subscription info and FAQs: http://slug.org.au/faq/mailinglists.html
Re: [SLUG] wireless broadband?
On Thu, Jul 10, 2008 at 7:50 PM, Andrew Cowie [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: On Thu, 2008-07-10 at 16:01 +1000, Del wrote: So, who uses wireless broadband here? Not telco, but I can put in a brief mention of Unwired. One of the cafes in town just got an access point (yeay) provisioned by Unwired (oh). It's only been installed for a couple weeks, but I am rather underwhelmed. It's ok for email, but I was trying to to get some remote systems administration done this morning, and it was a most unpleasant experience - poor latency and worse, dropping connections. This has also been my experience with Unwired. jml -- SLUG - Sydney Linux User's Group Mailing List - http://slug.org.au/ Subscription info and FAQs: http://slug.org.au/faq/mailinglists.html
Re: [SLUG] wireless broadband?
On Thu, 2008-07-10 at 16:01 +1000, Del wrote: So, who uses wireless broadband here? Not telco, but I can put in a brief mention of Unwired. One of the cafes in town just got an access point (yeay) provisioned by Unwired (oh). It's only been installed for a couple weeks, but I am rather underwhelmed. It's ok for email, but I was trying to to get some remote systems administration done this morning, and it was a most unpleasant experience - poor latency and worse, dropping connections. The limitation is that I need it working on a boat It may seem overkill, but depending how far offshore you're heading don't screw around, just get an Inmarsat terminal. [I've got an old Nera Worldphone Mini-M terminal for sale, if anyone wants it :) I used it quite successfully in remote locations in Europe. You'd need your own service provider account, of course] AfC Sydney -- Andrew Frederick Cowie Operational Dynamics is an operations and engineering consultancy focusing on IT strategy, organizational architecture, systems review, and effective procedures for change management. We actively carry out research and development in these areas on behalf of our clients, and enable successful use of open source in their mission critical enterprises, worldwide. http://www.operationaldynamics.com/ Sydney New York Toronto London signature.asc Description: This is a digitally signed message part -- SLUG - Sydney Linux User's Group Mailing List - http://slug.org.au/ Subscription info and FAQs: http://slug.org.au/faq/mailinglists.html
Re: [SLUG] wireless broadband?
$quoted_author = Tony Cosentino ; I use mobile broadband with the 3 network. It was by far the best value 18 months ago when I got it. It still is one of the best value wise with the caveat that you are only going to be using it in metro areas with 3 coverage. Once you start roaming it's no longer included in your cap and the per MB charge can add up quickly. If I know Del, he'll be sailing outside of 3's coverage because the fish bite better in those kinds of places. :-) cheers Marty -- SLUG - Sydney Linux User's Group Mailing List - http://slug.org.au/ Subscription info and FAQs: http://slug.org.au/faq/mailinglists.html
[SLUG] Wireless Broadband
I'm currently using Virgin Broadband/Home Phone bundle. Not the best I'm afraid. Service is very flaky. The router admin console is web based, so OS is not a problem. their customer service is woeful. Check whirlpool. - Regards Phil I Like to take on my problems one at a time, but, they refuse to line up -- SLUG - Sydney Linux User's Group Mailing List - http://slug.org.au/ Subscription info and FAQs: http://slug.org.au/faq/mailinglists.html
Re: [SLUG] wireless broadband?
Tony Cosentino wrote: Hi Del, I use mobile broadband with the 3 network. It was by far the best value 18 months ago when I got it. I have been very happy with the speed, availability. Its had about 3 major outages in that period of 1-4 hours. None in the last 6 months though. I got have the PCI Express modem and originally was using it on a windoze laptop. I have since seen the light and converted to Ubuntu and mainly use a regular PC with a WIFI card. I bought a Wireless router from Netcomm that takes the PCI express card. They now have releases a new model that accepts USB modems and PCI express card modems. Make: Netcomm Model is N3G002W http://www.netcomm.com.au/products/3g/n3g002w They sell for under $200 and I think are a good option, I realise you have power issues though. Is there anyway you can rig up a solot panel to trickle feed a dry cell battery to power your laptop as the laptop battery could handle that lifestyle better than the router. Yes, I already have an 85W solar cell and a 120W wind generator which will probably be upgraded to 2 x 90W and 400W respectively, and I have a 12V laptop charger so I can run the laptop and USB hub from the 12V. There are 4 x 105Ah deep cycle batteries on board so plenty of 12V power. The problem is that I have *one* 240V outlet and the inverter is only rated to 400W, so I don't want to go powering routers and things with it as I will almost certainly need it for other things (charging the shaver and electric drill batteries, for example, which I don't have 12V chargers for). I may look at 3, but the N3G002W is only an option if I can run it off 12V. Del -- SLUG - Sydney Linux User's Group Mailing List - http://slug.org.au/ Subscription info and FAQs: http://slug.org.au/faq/mailinglists.html
Re: [SLUG] wireless broadband?
Marghanita da Cruz wrote: I am very happy with my I-Burst bridge which plugs into a router or provides ethernet directly so, no issue about linux. It is Wireless but not claiming mobility. I have used the device/account in Sydney and Canberra but it may not work when travelling at speed. There is a PCMCIA option, not sure about USB or coverage out at sea or elsewhere. Heh. At speed for me means 10 knots. 20km/h or thereabouts. That's running downwind with a couple of knots of current. I couldn't find any info about the bridge hardware. What sort of power adapter does it have? It probably has a 240v plug pack that plugs into a small round power connector on the back of the bridge unit itself. Can you look at that and tell me what voltage output it is and whether it's AC or DC? Thanx for the info so far, Del -- SLUG - Sydney Linux User's Group Mailing List - http://slug.org.au/ Subscription info and FAQs: http://slug.org.au/faq/mailinglists.html
Re: [SLUG] wireless broadband?
This one time, at band camp, Del wrote: The problem is that I have *one* 240V outlet and the inverter is only rated to 400W, so I don't want to go powering routers and things with it as I will almost certainly need it for other things (charging the shaver and electric drill batteries, for example, which I don't have 12V chargers for). I'm assuming you're using a laptop then. If it takes the mini-PCI cards, there are internal HDSPA (3G) cards. Otherwise the little USB ones. I've heard they work okay, but never used one. I may look at 3, but the N3G002W is only an option if I can run it off 12V. As has been said, once you roam out of capital cities you're on Telstra at bend-over-and-take-me rates. You might be better going with Telstra direct on their NextG. It does get longer distance. If all you want is email, there are packet radio options on HF radio. Not gonna be watching any YouTube though. -- Rev Simon Rumble [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.rumble.net The Tourist Engineer Because geeks travel too. http://engineer.openguides.org/ Patriotism is your conviction that this country is superior to all other countries because you were born in it. - George Bernard Shaw -- SLUG - Sydney Linux User's Group Mailing List - http://slug.org.au/ Subscription info and FAQs: http://slug.org.au/faq/mailinglists.html
Re: [SLUG] wireless broadband?
Andrew Cowie wrote: It may seem overkill, but depending how far offshore you're heading don't screw around, just get an Inmarsat terminal. I'm still waiting for the prices to drop on these. Typically you're paying $1/kb for traffic which is unreasonable. I'm happy with HF radio offshore and that gives me text email with no attachments. I'm looking for something I can use inshore, at marinas and the such like and mostly in coverage zones, as well as while travelling (e.g. on a train or vehicle, on-shore). Del -- SLUG - Sydney Linux User's Group Mailing List - http://slug.org.au/ Subscription info and FAQs: http://slug.org.au/faq/mailinglists.html
Re: [SLUG] wireless broadband?
Rev Simon Rumble wrote: I'm assuming you're using a laptop then. If it takes the mini-PCI cards, there are internal HDSPA (3G) cards. Otherwise the little USB ones. I've heard they work okay, but never used one. Yes, I am, and I should have pointed out earlier that it doesn't take PCMCIA cards at all. It's an older model Panasonic toughbook, hence waterproof, and the PCMCIA slots aren't waterproof. It does have an external USB hub (only one USB port) and that's got a spare slot, so I'll look at a USB modem. It's also got wifi on board as well as an ethernet port. As has been said, once you roam out of capital cities you're on Telstra at bend-over-and-take-me rates. You might be better going with Telstra direct on their NextG. It does get longer distance. I'm beginning to come to that conclusion, but I'm wary of the fact that NextG is 30c/MB for downloads over the limit. I'd prefer a capped/throttled plan such as Virgin offer, but comments have been made about their customer service and useability. If all you want is email, there are packet radio options on HF radio. Not gonna be watching any YouTube though. Yeah, I'm familiar with the packet radio thing. To be honest, while at sea I've never found that much use for it (bouncing around too much), but it's good to have as a backup. Even for weather data files I find I'm better off just taking notes on the HF weather via voice channel and drawing lines and circles on my charts to represent the fronts and H/L systems that they mention. Thanks for the info though. Del -- SLUG - Sydney Linux User's Group Mailing List - http://slug.org.au/ Subscription info and FAQs: http://slug.org.au/faq/mailinglists.html
Re: [SLUG] wireless broadband?
Quoting Del [EMAIL PROTECTED]: So, who uses wireless broadband here? I'm currently researching the available alternatives and although Virgin appears the cheapest they also appear to have limited coverage and none of the vendors provide (a) Linux support or (b) an offer of your money back if you can't get it working on Linux. I actually don't have any wired internet - going only on 3's mobile internet. No complaints about the service or cost ([EMAIL PROTECTED]/m) and it works fine at 110km/h while the wife is driving. For using with Linux, one thing you should be aware of is that the vendors/carriers will know not much about the technology they are selling. There are actually big changes here (in the last few months) technology wise, with new 3G routers becoming available. They work just like an adsl router only you plug in the sim card from your mobile phone. So I wouldn't imagine any difficulties running linux. here is a link... to one example... http://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/index.php/taxid;345396484;pid;5301 Cheaper ones (generic) ones are available in Shenzhen/China and Taiwan. Good thing about 3 is the roaming.. you can use the internet in HongKong, UK, Germany, France, Malaysia etc and it is s ss much cheaper than pumping 1 euro coins into and internet cafe for 3 mins.. omg... how i hate that... even with roaming rates on 3 for me it's only 25-50c at a time... but don't go over the download limit... then they hit ya real easy for an extra coupla hundred bucks. oh well tax-deductible anyway Good Luck David -- SLUG - Sydney Linux User's Group Mailing List - http://slug.org.au/ Subscription info and FAQs: http://slug.org.au/faq/mailinglists.html
Re: [SLUG] wireless broadband?
Del wrote: Marghanita da Cruz wrote: I am very happy with my I-Burst bridge which plugs into a router or provides ethernet directly so, no issue about linux. It is Wireless but not claiming mobility. I have used the device/account in Sydney and Canberra but it may not work when travelling at speed. There is a PCMCIA option, not sure about USB or coverage out at sea or elsewhere. Heh. At speed for me means 10 knots. 20km/h or thereabouts. That's running downwind with a couple of knots of current. I couldn't find any info about the bridge hardware. What sort of power adapter does it have? It probably has a 240v plug pack that plugs into a small round power connector on the back of the bridge unit itself. Can you look at that and tell me what voltage output it is and whether it's AC or DC? snip My I-burst bridge gizmo is a few years old. There is more [current?] information on the modem options including a USB modem here: http://www.iburst.com.au/?deviceofferings=overview1whatisit=deviceofferingsmain=whatisitappCode=; Marghanita -- Marghanita da Cruz http://www.ramin.com.au Phone: (+61)0414 869202 -- SLUG - Sydney Linux User's Group Mailing List - http://slug.org.au/ Subscription info and FAQs: http://slug.org.au/faq/mailinglists.html
Re: [SLUG] Wireless broadband for Eee
On Tue, 2008-01-15 at 09:14 +1100, Mark Pearson wrote: One of the doctors I work for has an Eee for travel purposes and has tested his 3G usb modem (I think from Vodafone) and it seems to work OK. I must say that all this talk of the Eee has me interested, especially as it may trigger other companies to produce similar products. I'm travelling o/s with my laptop at the moment, and the idea of having a light weight linux box that's cheap enough to not be totally paranoid about is appealing. -- Sonia Hamilton http://SoniaHamilton.wordpress.com mobile in Mexico: +52-664-165-6914 (sms's preferred) celular en México: +52-664-165-6914 (prefiero mensajes cortos) -- SLUG - Sydney Linux User's Group Mailing List - http://slug.org.au/ Subscription info and FAQs: http://slug.org.au/faq/mailinglists.html
Re: [SLUG] Wireless broadband for Eee
Sonia Hamilton wrote: I must say that all this talk of the Eee has me interested, especially as it may trigger other companies to produce similar products. I'm travelling o/s with my laptop at the moment, and the idea of having a light weight linux box that's cheap enough to not be totally paranoid about is appealing. That is exactly why my colleague bought it. The replacement cost of the Eee if it goes missing while travelling is much less painful than his MacBook and the data will be on a separate usb disk anyway. -- Mark Pearson BSc (Computing) Technical Support, Dept Nuclear Medicine Concord Hospital, Hospital Road, Concord, NSW 2139, Australia Phone:+61-2-97676339 or +61-297677450; FAX:+61-2-97677451 -- SLUG - Sydney Linux User's Group Mailing List - http://slug.org.au/ Subscription info and FAQs: http://slug.org.au/faq/mailinglists.html
[SLUG] Wireless broadband for Eee
Dear List, Is there any of the USB dongel modems worth with the Eee? The 3G 1G for $29 per month seems pretty sweet. regards, Richard Hayes begin:vcard fn:Richard Hayes n:Hayes;Richard org:Nada Marketing adr:;;PO Box 12 ;Gordon;NSW;2072;Australia email;internet:[EMAIL PROTECTED] tel;work:+(61) 2 8669 9835 tel;fax:+(61) 2 9327 4908 tel;home:+(61) 2 9436 0121 tel;cell:0414 618 425 x-mozilla-html:FALSE url:http://www.nada.com.au version:2.1 end:vcard -- SLUG - Sydney Linux User's Group Mailing List - http://slug.org.au/ Subscription info and FAQs: http://slug.org.au/faq/mailinglists.html
Re: [SLUG] Wireless broadband for Eee
One of the doctors I work for has an Eee for travel purposes and has tested his 3G usb modem (I think from Vodafone) and it seems to work OK. Richard Hayes wrote: Dear List, Is there any of the USB dongel modems worth with the Eee? The 3G 1G for $29 per month seems pretty sweet. regards, Richard Hayes -- Mark Pearson BSc (Computing) Technical Support, Dept Nuclear Medicine Concord Hospital, Hospital Road, Concord, NSW 2139, Australia Phone:+61-2-97676339 or +61-297677450; FAX:+61-2-97677451 -- SLUG - Sydney Linux User's Group Mailing List - http://slug.org.au/ Subscription info and FAQs: http://slug.org.au/faq/mailinglists.html
[SLUG] Wireless Broadband for Linux
Dear SLUG, I was wondering if the SLUG knew of any ISPs that support the use of a wireless broadband service for Linux, or if there were any drivers out there for the various USB, PCMCIA and ExpressCard devices for the wireless broadband services. Whether there is support out there (for GNU/Linux) or not as yet, can anyone recommend a wireless broadband plan? I have a notebook, and would perfer to use an ExpressCard device (it has such a slot). I commute to Sydney daily, and live on the Central Coast. I update my cricket club website, so I'd like to use the time on the train to do this. Coverage is sketchy on the 'Coast with only Telstra giving a definite yes to coverage here, though some people on forums have commented they have detected 3G signals in my area on networks such as Vodafone and Optus. Regards, Bryce Robilliard -- SLUG - Sydney Linux User's Group Mailing List - http://slug.org.au/ Subscription info and FAQs: http://slug.org.au/faq/mailinglists.html
Re: [SLUG] Wireless Broadband for Linux
Bryce Robilliard wrote: I was wondering if the SLUG knew of any ISPs that support the use of a wireless broadband service for Linux, or if there were any drivers out there for the various USB, PCMCIA and ExpressCard devices for the wireless broadband services. Most of it works. In my day job, we have used : - The about to be terminated Telstra EVDO network. - The current Telstra NextG network. - Unwired. - A couple of other local services whose names I forget. - A couple of services in the US. For the second one, I blogged about getting it running here: http://www.mega-nerd.com/erikd/Blog/Tech/telstra_nextg.html Whether there is support out there (for GNU/Linux) or not as yet, can Yes. After the initial pain of setting it up for the first time with zero information form the service providers, it usually works better on Linux than it does on windows. All of the devices I have seen are either USB or PCMCIA. With either of these options, they usually show up as a USB serial port and pppd talks to them quite happily. The difficulty is figuring out the negotiation sequence for the carrier (each one seems to be slightly different). anyone recommend a wireless broadband plan? Sorry, can't hel there. I've never even *seen* any of the billing for these things, that all goes directly to accounts :-). I update my cricket club website, so I'd like to use the time on the train to do this. Do you really need to be online to do updates? Can't you tweak and review on a local test version on a local web server (ie local to your laptop) and then just push to the live server when you're happy with it and have a net connection? Cheers, Erik -- - Erik de Castro Lopo - Hey, I've re-dorkulated. -- Prof. Frink (The Simpsons) -- SLUG - Sydney Linux User's Group Mailing List - http://slug.org.au/ Subscription info and FAQs: http://slug.org.au/faq/mailinglists.html
Re: [SLUG] Wireless Broadband for Linux
On Wed, 12 Sep 2007, Erik de Castro Lopo wrote: Bryce Robilliard wrote: I was wondering if the SLUG knew of any ISPs that support the use of a wireless broadband service for Linux, or if there were any drivers out there for the various USB, PCMCIA and ExpressCard devices for the wireless broadband services. Most of it works. In my day job, we have used : - The about to be terminated Telstra EVDO network. - The current Telstra NextG network. - Unwired. - A couple of other local services whose names I forget. - A couple of services in the US. I would recommend 3's HSPDA service. There are a few SLUG people who use this service including myself. They have a really good offer at the moment $29 for 1GB per month or $49 for 2GB.. I think they are giving the USB modem away free as well with a 24month contract. Very competative with wired ADSL service with better ping times, download speeds and download quota with $29 plan. I easily get 2Mbit/s downloads and sometimes even quicker. 100 ms ping times to my home ADSL2+ account and they have good coverage within capital cities. Works a treat with linux. Regards -- Joseph Goncalves mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] 66D6 71CF 87F9 6B17 6824 C692 9FF0 1DAF 7DAE E661 -- Do you know about being with somebody? Wanting to be? If I had the whole universe, I'd give it to you, Janice. When I see you, I feel like I'm hungry all over. Do you know how that feels? -- Charlie Evans, Charlie X, stardate 1535.8 signature.asc Description: This is a digitally signed message part. -- SLUG - Sydney Linux User's Group Mailing List - http://slug.org.au/ Subscription info and FAQs: http://slug.org.au/faq/mailinglists.html
[SLUG] Wireless broadband -Linux friendly modems/providers
I am considering using wireless broadband and wondered if anyone had any experience with the Sydney providers and Linux compatibility? Is the client/login software on the wireless modem ( controlled by a browser) or do I need a client for my Debian box. Any preferred service providers? Thanks Mark -- SLUG - Sydney Linux User's Group Mailing List - http://slug.org.au/ Subscription info and FAQs: http://slug.org.au/faq/mailinglists.html
Re: [SLUG] Wireless broadband -Linux friendly modems/providers
I use Unwired. Have tried it with a few different distros and it has been automatically and successfully configured each time. Can recommend it. John. Mark O'Connor wrote: I am considering using wireless broadband and wondered if anyone had any experience with the Sydney providers and Linux compatibility? Is the client/login software on the wireless modem ( controlled by a browser) or do I need a client for my Debian box. Any preferred service providers? Thanks Mark -- SLUG - Sydney Linux User's Group Mailing List - http://slug.org.au/ Subscription info and FAQs: http://slug.org.au/faq/mailinglists.html
Re: [SLUG] Wireless broadband -Linux friendly modems/providers
On Mon, Oct 03, 2005 at 04:08:05PM +1000, Mark O'Connor wrote: ?I am considering using wireless broadband and wondered if anyone had any experience with the Sydney providers and Linux compatibility? Is the client/login software on the wireless modem ( controlled by a browser) or do I need a client for my Debian box. Any preferred service providers? Thanks Mark I set up my daughter on Unwired/OSX and it's a piece of cake. It uses simple DHCP/ethernet, so any OS or distro will work, even windows. They supply a CD but on OSX at least it's easier and quicker to set it up manually. All you need is the modem and your credit card :-) Be careful about signal though. My daughter is supposed to be in a good area, but she has to tape her modem to the window in the front room or it won't work. At least you can return the modem in the grace period if it doesn't work. I assume that other providers are similar, but I've no experience. -- SLUG - Sydney Linux User's Group Mailing List - http://slug.org.au/ Subscription info and FAQs: http://slug.org.au/faq/mailinglists.html
