Tweaking internal 56k modem for better data throughput in MEPIS

craftybytes · 01-16-2006, 11:49 PM

Hi all,
Running MEPIS 3.3.1-test02, KDE, Opera/Mozilla/Konquera, Kppp (for internal conexant HSF 56k modem - works fine) and other sundry packages.
System - VIA motherboard - AMD Athlon XP 1800Mhz - 768MB DDR Ram - 20GB WD HDD (Windows XP Pro & Windows 98) + 15GB Seagate HDD (MEPIS Linux) - CANON MP110 Multifunction printer/scanner/copier (under Linux printer works - scanner doesn't as yet) - internal PCI Conexant HSF 56k modem - Compaq 15" svga monitor.

I know that under that other OS 'W*nders'- there are several utilities available for tweaking a modem - to improve data throughput [mtu, mru, etc] and other tweaks - anybody know if such a utility is available for Linux?
Or if not - any pointers on tweaking the modem via Kppp (i.e.. maybe in the /etc/ppp/options file)?

Have studied the man8/pppd.8.gz file - but except for the mru & mtu settings - am none the wiser as to what could be tweaked to get the most from my modem. The options currently set in the file are as follows:

---------------------
/etc/ppp/options

asyncmap 0
noauth
crtscts
lock
hide-password
modem
mru 1280
mtu 1280
noipdefault
passive
deflate 15,15
proxyarp
lcp-echo-internal 30
lcp-echo-failure 4
noipx
usepeerdns

----------------------

Any suggestions or pointers - maybe to other files to edit, please?

Oz-Rod

JZL240I-U · 01-18-2006, 10:36 AM

For KPPP there is this:
http://gershwin.ens.fr/vdaniel/Doc-L...kppp.html#toc1

Here are the Hayes commands:
http://www.inetdaemon.com/tutorials/..._commands.html

Is that what you were looking for?

craftybytes · 01-18-2006, 11:17 PM

Hi JZL240I-U,
Thanks for the links - I'll have a good look thru the docs from them and hopefully find some helpful answers.

Appreciate your help.

Oz-Rod

JZL240I-U · 01-19-2006, 06:25 AM

Umm, I just remembered: It's a distinct possibility, that KPPP uses wvdial for the actual connecting to the net. If that's the case, search for wvdial.conf on your machine and also do a

Code:

man wvdial
man wvdial.conf

craftybytes · 01-20-2006, 05:17 AM

Hi JZL240I-U,
No - with MEPIS it's actually pppd - the ppp daemon - so have to do any changes in the /etc/ppp/ folder.

I don't know how much of a difference there is between wvdial and Kppp
but maybe someone can tell us????

Thanks anyway.

Oz-Rod

JZL240I-U · 01-20-2006, 05:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by craftybytes

No - with MEPIS it's actually pppd - the ppp daemon - so have to do any changes in the /etc/ppp/ folder.

G'morning craftybytes

.

That is a misunderstanding. wvdial uses pppd too...

Sometimes there are a lot of programs calling the next one until at least some poor daemon does the dirty work

. I'm not sure what sequence KPPP really uses, but KPPP has a nice protocol feature, have a look there to see, whether there are hints of other programs called (just to be on the secure side).

Quote:

Originally Posted by craftybytes

I don't know how much of a difference there is between wvdial and Kppp

Quite a lot. wvdial is a command line tool but KPPP is AFAIK a graphical front-end. That's why I meant KPPP might call wvdial (after all, KPPP is "only" the "K" ppp tool

).

If you are looking for an alternative to KPPP try Kinternet (which accidentally calls wvdial as well...).

You can even issue "wvdial" on the command line, wait for the messages until you see that you are connected, and then use your browser or whateven in an other window...

craftybytes · 01-21-2006, 02:02 AM

Hi JZL240I-U,
Thanks for pointing out my misunderstanding!! Anyway - Kppp is what my MEPIS is using - so thanks to all those who have kindly provided answers and suggestions / links etc - will follow up all and see if there is any success. Pity there isn't any Linux based utils for tweaking a modem for on-line performance improvements.

Thanks for your help.

Oz-Rod

RanDrake10 · 01-21-2006, 07:56 AM

Have a look at http://lartc.org/wondershaper/ this should help with your speed also. It is also in the Debian repos.

craftybytes · 01-22-2006, 08:34 PM

Hi RanDrake10,

Thanks for the link - will have a look.

Oz-Rod

JZL240I-U · 01-23-2006, 06:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by craftybytes

...Pity there isn't any Linux based utils for tweaking a modem for on-line performance improvements...

There is probably not only one but many, I just don't know them either

.

But then, did you search

http://sourceforge.net/index.php
http://freshmeat.net/

Both their repositories are positively giantic, maybe you can land a hit there...

Good luck

.

craftybytes · 01-25-2006, 10:44 PM

Hi JZL240I-U,
Thanks for the links - hadn't thought of those - will follow up.

Oz-Rod