DSL Modems and Cable modems with Linux
If you are new to Linux, you probably always wondered how to use your DSL or Cable modem to surf at high speed and it may probably be just the right time; if that is the case congratulations you just got the perfect book that will help you connect your internet connection successfully. Plain modems (DSL or Cable) are usually connected via PPPoE or DHCP, normally your ISP sends you a modem and a CD with the required application to connect a windows system, but in Linux we don't use those CDs instead we use build in application that allows us to quickly and easily connect a Linux system to the internet. To make it much easier to understand, it is most likely that a DSL provider will use a PPPoE protocol and a cable company will use DHCP, but be aware that they may use either of these protocols. This is usually the case in plain modems for residential service. Note: Get as much information about your internet connection as possible to make it easier when you get to the actual configuration. Be informed that I use the word Plain modems, which means regular modems no built in routers.
Configuring the Internet connection with a Plain DSL modem
Make sure you have connected everything Ethernet cable, power adapter, the phone line, filters, or coax for cable (for cable modem). When ready, to start your configurations launch the Mandrake Control Center Before you start this wizard you should set your NIC to DHCP, which will make it easy to go through the following settings.
Click on Network and Internet. Click on DrakConnect or Connection (Depending on your Mandrake version)
Once you click on this icon, a wizard will start. See the following picture.
Fig. 2.16 On the first screen of the wizard, you should see the net card status “UP” and interface eth0.
Click on wizard to continue
Fig. 2.17
Click on expert Click on Next to Continue
The next step is very important; select your connection type. Note. If you are using static IP for your DSL, select LAN instead of ADSL (for modemrouter, see the section routers).
Fig. 2.18 For example:
If you are using any XDSL connection, you should select ADSL on this menu.
Fig. 2.19 For DSL select the appropriate protocol, PPPoE is very often used but you should verify this with your ISP. If you are using PPPoE, you should have all the information required such as the DNS provided by your ISP, but mainly your account user name (account login) and password.
Fig. 2.20
Click on Next
Once you click on next, your network interface card should be detected. My recommendation is whenever you try to connect a computer to a network; you should always install only one NIC in your system, so when you run a wizard like this you don't get confused on the installation. If you need a second net card, you can always add it later.
Fig. 2.21
Click on next
You are prompted with a question; do you want to start the connection at boot time? The answer is Yes.
Click on Next
Next the network needs to be restarted; do you want to restart it now? Again the answer is Yes.
Select yes and click Next
The next question is -do you want to connect to the internet now? The answer to this question does not really matter, but you should answer No.
Click next
The wizard is completed
Click Finish
You should apply all changes, exit the control center and restart your computer. When your system fully restarted, open the web browser to test your connection and enjoy your internet connection.