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Old 09-17-2004, 10:59 AM   #1
vharishankar
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ADSL Connection: USB modem vs. Ethernet


I want to know whether using a USB modem or a ethernet modem is easier to configure within Linux.

I am going to get an ADSL connection for my internet and I have to decide very quickly because the ISP only provides USB modem on request. I have to decide whether to take his offer or buy my own modem.

So which is easier to configure within Linux: USB modems or ethernet?
 
Old 09-17-2004, 12:09 PM   #2
scapade
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I would choose the ethernet modem.

It is more common and thus also more tested on the Linux platform. There are more how-to's if you run into problems. From what I've been reading in this forum, some seem to have problems with Linux and USB modem drivers.

-Scapade
 
Old 09-18-2004, 10:48 AM   #3
tricky_linux
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i got a 2wire 1000hw when i got my sbc dsl service.
the modem support both usb and ethernet.
i can't even get usb working in window.
so, ethernet is definite the best choice.
there is a cheap dsl modem on ebay selling for around $29 with model # 2wire 1000 i think .
also, best place you can look is at www.morestuff4less.com
 
Old 09-18-2004, 10:52 AM   #4
mirradric
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Though I use a usb modem (alcatel speedtouch usb) I would still cast my vote with a ethernet modem.
 
Old 09-18-2004, 10:57 AM   #5
tricky_linux
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how did u get our usb modem working in linux?
was it hard?
can you explain it to us.
so the person who asked have a general idea and for us. we can get some knowledge about setting up an usb modem in linux.

thanx
 
Old 09-18-2004, 11:06 AM   #6
mirradric
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alcatel speedtouch usb is quite well supported actually.
The manufacturer provides linux drivers and there are several open source projects at www.sourceforge.net; including one (speedtouchconf I think) that contains setup scripts that asks you for the required information and sets up the modem + pppd for you.

The only fault is that there are two versions of drivers-- kernel drivers and user space driver-- so I got somewhat confused at first.
 
Old 09-18-2004, 11:13 AM   #7
Proud
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Same as mirradric here, with Mandrake 10 including packages to install the modem without the kernel and script solutions. I didnt use the Control Center wizard though. I'd recomend the Speedtouch 330 (rev4/silver)

Last edited by Proud; 09-18-2004 at 11:21 AM.
 
Old 09-18-2004, 11:14 AM   #8
mirradric
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As a sidenote, my ISP stopped giving this model of usb modem, replace it with another with is giving me headaches and hindering with my conversions of friends to linux....
sad


hence i still cast my votes with ethernet modems
 
Old 09-18-2004, 08:04 PM   #9
vharishankar
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Thanks for all those kind suggestions. Well, I have demanded from my ISP that he support Linux. Well, my ISP asked me:

"What is Linux?"

That's really got me worried. These guys here don't even know the difference between two operating systems. How much secure would their servers really be, I wonder.

However, going back to the original topic, I think that I'll get an ethernet modem. My mobo has an onboard ethernet port and I'll use that to connect to the net. And I'll use my other network card for my LAN at home.
 
Old 09-19-2004, 04:50 PM   #10
fastvfr
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Angry

Actually asked you, "What is LINUX....."

Wow. You just can't get decent help these days (for under $7 an hour, anyway)!

Hopefully their System Admin is a little more on the ball than that!

Heck, even my lowly butt is sending this message out through a Smooth Wall router box!! You'd hope the ISP would be just as efficient....

Probably too much to hope for, though.

Best regards,

FastVFR

PS. I have a SpeedStream 5200 ADSL modem, which works for both Ethernet and USB connectivity, and, as I said, even though this modem started out attached to an XP Pro box, it now runs on my converted Linux SW box just fine with the USB.

It did not like its new home at first, though, so after installing SW and not finding it there I used Knoppix to HotPlug it and then I transferred everything into the SmoothWall config. Worked well after recompiling the kernel.
 
Old 09-19-2004, 07:54 PM   #11
Linux.tar.gz
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I used a lot both of them, and i say:
Ethernet >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> usb.
 
Old 09-23-2004, 05:00 AM   #12
vharishankar
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Thanks for everybody's feedback here. I really appreciate it.

Well, I have got the ethernet modem (router) and set it up easy-peasy in Linux without any hassles. I doubt if could have configured the USB stuff.

Again, thanks.
 
Old 10-02-2004, 12:02 PM   #13
frandalla
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hey fastvfr, how did you get your speedstream 5200 working on USB? I have the same modem (kernel 2.6.8.1) and I would appreciate a little help on getting it working
thank you in advance

P.S.: If any of you could help me out in any way I'd appriciate that a lot
 
  


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