[ale] CLEAR wireless on Linux?

Michael Trausch mike at trausch.us
Thu Mar 24 01:44:27 EDT 2011


AFAIK, the only WiMax chipset directly supported is one from Intel
that is built-in to select models of laptop/notebook/netbook type
computer systems.  I do not believe that any drivers for other WiMax
hardware currently exist in the kernel, though it's been a few months
since I have looked.

Clear does provide equipment that provides a standard Ethernet port
and WiFi network.  I've heard that they have equipment that speaks the
ACM protocol via USB as well, pretending that it is Ethernet
networking that way; if that is true, then that should also work.

However, none of the dongles that I am aware of are supported, so if
she needs truly portable connectivity, she'd be out of luck with
Clear.  I would recommend using an Android phone (rooted, of course)
and tethering that via USB.  That will work on everything from GPRS to
CDMA to current 3G and 4G, all hidden behind the phone.  As long as
she isn't using more than 5 to 10 GB of transfer on the mobile phone
in a month, it should all be good.  However, it is *technically* a
violation of most cell phone carrier's terms of service, so the usual
disclaimers apply here: RTFP, IANAL, YMMV.  I have been known to
tether my phone to my laptop, but only when I have no other means of
access; I probably transfer less than 20 MB/month average via
tethering.

    --- Mike

On Wed, Mar 23, 2011 at 20:56, Aaron Ruscetta <arxaaron at gmail.com> wrote:
>
> I have a friend who has been running Linux (Mint) on her laptop
> for a couple of years and really likes it.   She needed more portable
> connectivity and has signed on with CLEAR based on the sales
> person's claim that it will work with Linux.  Of course, the tech
> people don't actually support Linux, though they assure her that
> there are Linux Gurus using CLEAR for their internet connectivity.
>
> Does anyone know of a path to making CLEAR useful with a
> Linux system??   I've promised my expertise and would be handling
> the install / set-up / config for her IF we can find a method.
>
> Any help appreciated!
> peace
> aaron
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