is it possible to connect Linux box to DSL or cable internet?

[aux]

I have the following setup: several computers on my local network and a Linux box that acts as an router etc. and gets a routable IP address via DHCP (on an University network). I've never used DSL or cable broadband internet so here is the probably stupid question:

Is is possible to use the same setup with DSL (SBC) or cable internet (Comcast)? The problem is that it seems that they require the installation of some Windows or Mac-only software.

Yes, I know that they supply some routers or modems and I should be able to connect several computers using their router, but I prefer to have the Linux box between my local network and the internet.

 

[Cooky]

The installation software is just to activate your account / modem. You can use one Windows/Mac PC to do that, and then switch back to your original set up. I know this is true for Comcast, but not sure how it works w/ SBC.

 

[Yellow Dog]

Comcast requires software? Wonder how they get away with that. I have Charter cable, and they 'offer' some software packages, but nothing is manditory.

The connection to an ISP follows the rules of TCP/IP and is NOT dependent on the OS. Linux will aquire a TCP/IP address, gateway, DNS, etc. exactly in the same manner as Windows or Apple.

 

[Lordicus]

Take a look at Freesco, I think you will be happy. There are modules available to help you out.

Good luck!

 

[aux]

@ Cooky: I assume that the modem is used just for transport and whatever box is behind the modem will get a routable IP address, is this correct? If so, do they (Comcast) use DHCP or something else? I checked their help pages and it seems that they use DHCP. I wanted to be sure so I called them but none of the 2 sales people that I spoke to knew what DHCP is. Not being a customer I couldn't reach any of the tech support people.

@ Yellow Dog: None of the sales people that I spoke to knew anything, looks like their script says that the people should use the software, could be that it is for activating the modem as Cooky said, it is possible that the software includes some troubleshooting functions.

@ Lordicus: I used to use Freesco, but now it seems outdated. I use a customized Linux distro with functionality similar to Smoothwall.

 

[lapierrem]

Comcast = cable, no software required.
SBC = DSL, and PPPoE, so yes, you'd need some software, but just a PPPoE client, and there are lots available for linux.
If software was required, people wouldn't be able to use routers.

Pretty much the only isps that require proprietary software are the ones like netzero, AOL, etc, and there are ways around it most times.

 

[aux]

Originally posted by: lapierrem
Comcast = cable, no software required.
SBC = DSL, and PPPoE, so yes, you'd need some software, but just a PPPoE client, and there are lots available for linux.
If software was required, people wouldn't be able to use routers.

Pretty much the only isps that require proprietary software are the ones like netzero, AOL, etc, and there are ways around it most times.

thanks

 

[BurnItDwn]

I've never had to install any third party software on any of my boxes to get online.

I currently run my Linux box as a NAT-Router-IP Masquerade box and it works great.

Currently I get my cable internet thorugh Wide open West, however, I've used it with Comcast, ATT broadband, TCI @home (kept gettin bought out), as well as with an SDSL provider for a short term.

You will most likely have to enable DHCP, however, your iptables script shouldn't be too hard to set up. I'd recommend reading up on the Linux "IP Masquerade" Howto's.

 

[Yellow Dog]

Originally posted by: BurnItDwn
I've never had to install any third party software on any of my boxes to get online.

I currently run my Linux box as a NAT-Router-IP Masquerade box and it works great.

Like wise, but I sure have had people wearing headsets try and tell me that it was required or "highly recommendd" Mostly dolts reading scripts.

I have Linux, M$ boxes, and Novell behind a NAT router and all access the internet without issue. I also run Virtual PC, and "virtual" machines aquire IP address and access the internet without any problems.

 

[Cooky]

Yes I believe Comcast assigns IP through DHCP and yes, I totally agree that it seems very odd to require software to activate account, but that was my personal experience 2 years ago. Maybe you can get away w/ it now.