[ale] ISDN

[Tom Wiencko]

Todd R. Palmer wrote:
> 
> > I use ISDN (basic rate, one or two B channels) for my ISP link.  I love
> > it.  Most reliable phone line I've ever used.  I'm using a Motorola
> > BitSurfer Pro.  Other than making sure you get the network interface
> > configured properly for the switch you are attached to, it is a dream
> > to connect and use.
> 
> Tom,
> If you don't mind.  Is the Motorola ISDN modem in a linux box or
> external?  Does Motorola support drivers for Linux?
> 
> We are consider this option also, but using Linux boxes to
> masquerade our home networks (we all work at home).
> 
>

The one I'm using is outboard.  It's connected to the Linux box via
a high-speed serial link (the stock serial port on the box could not
keep up).  

No "drivers" were needed.  Linux thinks this is a standard, AT command
set modem that runs very fast.  I never asked Motorola if they supported
it since their interface was supposed to be a straight async interface
out (you can get sync if you want to get fancy).  By the way, the box
also
supports multilink PPP if you need 128K and your ISP (or whomever your
target is) supports it.

Configuring this was simplicity itself.  Once I got the basic PPP 
configuration correct on a standard dialup line, I just switched out
the dialup modem for the ISDN modem, changed the target phone number,
increased the DTE speed, and I was in business.  The only glitch is that
originally BellSouth told me that I was connected to a 5ESS (correct) 
which I configured into the modem.  Nothing worked.  Then, after some
grief I got somebody on the phone from BellSouth who told me that their
5ESS was configured for NI-1, not for the 5ESS interface.  Change the
configuration parameter, and it works on the first try.

-Tom


----------------------------------------------------------------------
Tom Wiencko                                            tew at wiencko.com
President - Wiencko & Associates, Inc.