PPP Setup Log

To set up PPP first we set up the modem to work on ttyd2

To do this following the following simple instructions:

• Edit /etc/inittab
  Look for the line
  t2:23:off:/sbin/getty -N ttyd2 co_9600 # port 2
  Change it to
  t2:23:off:/usr/lib/uucp/getty -N ttyd2 co_38400 # port 2
  for a 28.8KB modem.
  

• Edit /usr/lib/uucp/Devices
  Add the lines
  ACU ttym2 null 38400 212 x usr
  ACUSLIP ttym2 null 38400 212 x usr # Slip setup
  

  The first one of these allows for use of cu to dial out to other machines.
  The second sets up a SLIP connection.
  

  Now type
  telinit q
  Make sure the modem is connected and turned on and type
  cu
  ie: for telesys from UT-phones
  cu 59996
  

  If it dials out and you can connect you have a working modem setup.
  Now hangup and end the cu process.
  

• Edit /etc/uucp/Systems and add the line
  utslip Any ACUSLIP 38400 59996 name: word: Tele terminal\sdownload Tele ppp\sdefault PPP
  

  Look at the documentation on ppp and uucp configuration files in insight.
  

• Edit /etc/ppp.conf
  
  • Add the entry
    utslip send_username=
    send_passwd=
    add_route outdevs=1
    debug=4
    

    NOTE that debug=4 initially so that we can debug the connection step by step. This enables to see if the login is occuring correctly and if the commands are getting through. If all works then comment out the debug line so that ppp does not stay verbose...
    

• Next
  • Make sure all nfs mounted filesystems are unmounted. Check to make sure no one is mounting filesystems on the machine you are working on.
  • edit /etc/fstab and comment out nfs entries. You probably don't want NFS to try to mount through a modem connection... (SLOW)
  • Take the computer off the network (if you are directly on via the ethernet port.) Do this by turning off the network in the System Administrations tools network section in the System Manager under toolchest.
  • Reboot
• After logging as root type
  /usr/etc/ppp -d -r utslip
  The debug=4 option should show you everything that is going on with the connection. If you do have a connection at the end use ping to test it.
  ping einstein.ph.utexas.edu
  

  If you get packets through then the connection is set up.

Things to watch out for:

• Telesys is oversubscribed and can tend to be busy towards the evening hours. Often you will get a busy signal. Perhaps using cron to setup ppp around say 5pm or so might be wise.
• Telesys does seem to keep track of activity on the connection and does disconnect inactive lines.
• There are a limited number of 28.8K modems on Telesys and so you may not always get a 28.8K connection.