Internal ADSL modem for Linux?
 

Hi all...

I'm in the process of putting together a machine that'll serve as my firewall, router (with wireless), web server and hopefully ADSL modem all in one. Additionally, it'll be a great learning environment for me. I'm really wanting an internal ADSL modem to cut down on clutter and wiring.

Has anyone had success using an internal ADSL modem on Linux? I'll likely be running Fedora 9 or 10, if that matters. I have several DSL modems ranging from basic to ones with wireless routers integrated, I'd just prefer an internal unit. The connection will be made via PPPoE.

Any input will be appreciated.

Thanks,
~jp

Hi, jonrpick,

For what it's worth, an external modem might be a better choice; I've had several get zapped by lighting and other surges, while the linux or *BSD routers they're connected to remain untouched... made it much easier to get the site running again with a simple swap of the external modem.

(Your mileage may vary, of course. A big enough hit on a phone line usually makes it past the modem and into other equipment...)

I would not recommend running anything on your router other than iptables/pf etc. I'm of the opinion that it makes things much safer to secure your other services on a completely separate box altogether. It's best to run the least number of services on a box facing the 'net in order to lessen the possibilities of something in your configuration allowing a security gap somewhere...

Additionally, if you're learning routing and firewall rules for the first time it's entirely likely you will make a mistake or two, and you really don't want to allow your all-in-one box to become compromised. :)

I'd also be interested in hearing any good experiences with ADSL modems.

Currently I'm using a BeWAN PCI ST however the drivers are no longer updated, and so I'm stuck using any kernel version below 2.6.20. This is a little unhelpful as I'm looking to try some of the wireless improvements in mac80211.

Sangoma sell Linux ADSL cards, with frequently updated drivers but they are quite pricey. Occasionally a good one will popup on ebay, although I haven't got around to purchasing one yet.

There is also some talk of Connexant modems being good, however the linux compatible ones don't seem to be being produced anymore.

First off, thanks for the reply and the advice.

I'm not too concerned with the actual effectiveness of the security on this box since it IS intended to be a learning device. I understand what you mean about running multiple services, but it still can be made secure, correct?

I plan to eliminate the HDD and use a CF card (or similar flash disk) that has a physical write-protect switch on the side. If anything were to happen, a simple reboot would restore everything. I could unlock it and make changes as needed.

I actually would prefer to make some mistakes here. It'll help me learn how to avoid them in the future. I plan on using Backtrack's suite of goodies (and anything else I can find) to test the system and implement changes as needed.

Re: the possibility of lightning strikes/power surges... Point taken, but I have probably 10-12 Ethernet DSL modems, so if an internal gets popped, I have spares. And like you said, if it's a good enough strike/surge, the PC would end up being toast anyway.

I just like the idea of one power cord... :D As I type this, I'm looking down at SIX cords... :cry:

Hmm... I wish the ones I'm familiar with were supported. So far, I haven't seen anything positive. I'm even looking at OLD units that are no longer produced--mainly because I figured that by now someone would've created a driver.

So the old Efficient Networks 3060's and 3coms apparently won't work. I've *heard of*, but not seen an Alcatel Speedtouch internal. No idea on compatibility. It seems that I saw where the Speedtouch USB can be made to work, but I don't recall the details. It'd solve the "one power cord" issue. But...I used to support those modems when I was tech support at an ISP. They were finicky. Granted, that was on Win98, Me and 2k, but still...they left a bad taste in my mouth.

Plus they're hideous to look at. At least I can look at an old Speedtouch Home (Ethernet) without feeling undignified about the cute little sea-green, stingray-shaped dealio sitting on my desk. :p