[Nottingham] Talk Talk Broadband

[Michael Leuty]

On 03/05/07, Dan Robertson <stempswood_dan at yahoo.co.uk> wrote:
> I'm also about to set up an internet connection with
> Ubuntu for the first time. Excuse my ignorance if this
> is a bit of a simple question, but can anyone go into
> more detail about how you would connect via ethernet?

Don't even try to use a USB modem with Linux. I don't know why they
are always supplied by ISPs, I suppose it is because some older
computers may have a USB socket but no network (ethernet) socket. And
because the devices are cheap.

I use Virgin (was NTL) and their (latest) cable modems have both
ethernet and USB sockets. If going this route, ask the engineer how to
set up the connection using Linux (or use their Windows setup CD in a
Windows machine if you have one. Advice was given about this on this
mailing list many months ago, but I've forgotten the details.)

I presume you are going for an ADSL connection. As Martin says, ask
your new ISP if they will supply you with an ethernet modem. If not,
then just buy one - they are very cheap. You want an ADSL
modem/router, or if you might want to set up a wireless network later
- an ADSL modem/wireless router.

Plug everything in and boot up your Ubuntu computer. Ubuntu will find
the ethernet connection automatically. Start up Firefox and type in
the IP address of the modem/router in the address bar (where you
usually type www.bbc.co.uk or whatever). This will be something like
192.168.0.1 and will be specified in the setup instructions that come
with the modem/router. Press Enter. You will now be looking at the
setup page of the modem/router, and you can set up all the connection
details including your password. These will have been supplied to you
in a letter from your ISP. Two necessary parameters are VPI and VCI,
which are usually 0 and 38 respectively, but your ISP should tell you.
While you are there, make sure the firewall and other security stuff
is turned on.

Everything should now work - but if you have problems ring the ISP's
helpline while you are sitting at the computer and looking at the
modem/router setup page.

Mike

-- 
Michael Leuty
Nottingham, UK