absolute beginner looking for modem driver
 

Hello to everyone. I am so new I'm still shiny. I have installed Ubuntu 2.6.20-15 out of idle curiosity and it looks like something I want to get into. I have only the vaguest idea of what writing code is all about. I need to find and install a driver for my Dynalink V1456VQE Conexant/Rockwell chipset. I'm writing this from my Windows partition connection.

I think I've established that this modem works with Linux; I've downloaded a generic serial modem driver from dynalink.com.au that's supposed to work with Linux; I've attempted to install on Ubuntu but am stalling at the unzip/extract stage where I get a message saying something like I'm not authorised to perform this task. I've checked I'm logged on as administrator, but from what I can work out the driver files are zip files, and were encrypted upon compression. I don't know the encrytion code,it's not on the website, and I don't know whether I'm way off course...

If someone can recommend a driver link or a solution I can start exploring. Thanks.

You don't need any special driver for that modem, you just need to set it up properly. Linux comes with a serial driver.

Read the information provided here: http://www.dynalink.com.au/support/linux.htm

Scroll down a little and you'll see instructions for your modem.

Thanks Mason. I did see those instructions, but must have been confused between linking the modem to the right port, which I have done, and actually installing the modem driver. Still not sure where to enter the code but I'll have a close look today and see how I go.

I've finally managed to get Ubuntu to recognise and initialise my modem using wvdial.conf, wvdial dials and sends through my details but then hangs up and dials again. Something about losing carrier signal. While I'm still signed in and try to access email I receive the message host lookup failed pop3.orcon.net.nz name or service not known. I've checked and rechecked all the details (pop and smtp addresses)and they are the same as my Windows connection.

Where to from here? Any advice much appreciated.

Ok, if it's dialing and getting a connection that means you've configured the modem itself correctly.

Post your wvdial.conf (blank out your user name and password).

You can try adding Stupid Mode to wvdial.conf. It's needed for some screwy ISPs.

Thanks Mason. I'll copy down the wvdial.conf details, try turning Stupid Mode on and post a reply.

This is the script from wvdial.conf
Init1 = ATZ
Init2 = ATQ0 V1 E1 S0=0 &C1 &D2 +FCLASS=0
Modem Type = Analog Modem
ISDN = 0
New PPPD = yes
Phone = <>
Modem = /dev/ttyS1
Username = <>
Password = <>
Baud = 115200

I've tried Stupid Mode = on, but it stopped the modem from sending username and password. With Stupid Mode off I see the modem sending username and password, a few seconds pass, then I'm dropped again. I see the message 'connected, but carrier signal lost'. I've also tried Carrier Check = no, to no avail.

The other thing that may be worth mentioning is that the modem starts beeping the moment I boot, and this stops wvdial, which states that the modem is busy. I wait until there's a pause, hit enter then wvdial does its thing.

I've checked and rechecked all my ISP connection details, they remain the same as my Windows connection.

I sense that I'm almost there. I've certainly enjoyed the challenge of getting to where I am (as low as that position may be...)

Thanks for the support.

A lot of Broadband carriers don't support Linux, but if you install a router between the modem and the computer you regain absolute control. I use a D-Lynk. You configure it from the browser. You gain a Hardware Firewall, they cannot 'drop' your connection, they have more trouble 'chocking it', etc. Give it a try.

A lot of Broadband carriers don't support Linux, but if you install a router between the modem and the computer you regain absolute control. I use a D-Lynk. You configure it from the browser. You gain a Hardware Firewall, they cannot 'drop' your connection, they have more trouble 'chocking it', etc. Give it a try. Besides that Linux recognizes the connection automatically.

It could be an authentication problem with your isp.

Have a look at the page I link here and try some of the alternatives for creating a chat client and peers file.

Also, just as a side thought, are you sure you have pppd installed?

http://www.davidpashley.com/articles...-pppd-dod.html

Make sure the device node /dev/ppp exists. If it doesn't, run this command in a root console, and then try the dialout again:
If it all works now, then ppp or pppd is possibly not set up properly, or for whatever reason, it is not creating/keeping the ppp device node (over reboots)..

Well I don't quite believe it yet but I'm typing this from my Ubuntu partition. Thanks to masonm, GrapefruitTgirl and Pumalite for the assistance and link recommendations. All your suggestions proved fruitful in one way or another. Through various circuitous means I established that gnome-ppp was not installed, and neither was kppp. I downloaded the relevant version of gnome, filled in the blanks, turned stupid mode on and the thing connected! Easier than Windows! Though God only knows the havoc I have created on my system that's lying in wait for me.

Evolution still can't access my email, same message received: host lookup failed, name or service not known. I'll have a fiddle around with the settings and see if I can solve it, but any further suggestions welcome.

I'm so excited I'm off to the pub. Thanks again.

That was quick! Changed authentication protocol (after reading error message properly) and it worked like a charm. All sorted.