Linux on the NTL cable?

Sandro · 12-04-2006, 15:38

Does anyone run Linux on the NTL cable? Any problems?
I've thought I'd seen a Linux thread in this forum, but can't find it...

Willc0 · 12-04-2006, 15:47

I have done in the past. Depends what your doing tho. I was only use it as a workstation.

MovedGoalPosts · 12-04-2006, 15:53

Linux is just an operating system for your PC. It's independent of any broadband service. Many people use Linux succesfully as an alternative to windoze.

It's not the operating system that is of concern, it's the applications that might require broadband that if of greater interest.

Virtual Snorker · 12-04-2006, 16:10

Yes i have easily accessed my NTL BB service from Linux.

I have a dual boot laptop with XP and Ubuntu.

Ubuntu seemed to sort everything on its own and i could connect wired via ethernet cable to the modem immediately. I pulled out the cable and connected wirelessly without any setup required at all.

I think it does depend on which distribution of Linux you use. When i used Mandriva i couldn't connect wirelessly at all - it should be said however that i am a complete novice with Linux and like many wanted to have the opportunity to have a go with something that was free and not Microshaft

Sandro · 12-04-2006, 17:42

Thanks, all! I actually put my question rather badly. I was interested if there was any issue with the hardware NTL supply their customers, in particular their cable-modems. Virtual Snorker rightly pinpointed what I wanted to ask and never asked...

There are always some problems with winmodems on a copper line under Linux, so that was the reason I was asking.
Looks like I can use the NTL cable modem under Linux. I am running SUSE 10 which is rather choosy about modems on copper BB and doesn't like quite a lot of them.
Thanks, again.

James Henry · 12-04-2006, 18:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sandro

Thanks, all! I actually put my question rather badly. I was interested if there was any issue with the hardware NTL supply their customers, in particular their cable-modems. Virtual Snorker rightly pinpointed what I wanted to ask and never asked...

There are always some problems with winmodems on a copper line under Linux, so that was the reason I was asking.
Looks like I can use the NTL cable modem under Linux. I am running SUSE 10 which is rather choosy about modems on copper BB and doesn't like quite a lot of them.
Thanks, again.

You misunderstand, the cable modem connects to the PC via ethernet and just works the same as any other ethernet connected device. Nothing interesting about it.

The Winmodem is a completely different class of hardware, it's software based with very little hardware at all so requires extensive driver support. The cable modem requires no drivers at all, so long as there's a driver for your ethernet card and an IP stack present all is fine.

MovedGoalPosts · 12-04-2006, 18:07

Ah I think you are confusing the technologies then.

Broadband requires an ADSL modem if you get service via a BT type telephone line, or a Cable Modem if you get service from ntl:telewest.

Broadband is transmitted completely differently to the analogue dial up service which just used a standard telephone line. ADSL does use a copper phone line but uses addditional frequencies on that line, separate to the analogue signals.

An analogue dial up and / or fax modem can be fitted externally to your PC connected via a serial or sometimes USB lead, or frequently, the cheaper ones are fitted inside the PC as a PCI type card. These internal modems are frequently the win modem type and have some of the hardware missing that most standard external analogue modems would have. Simply put the winmodem, relies on the windows operating system for some of it's task performance. Some Linux, and indeed some windows software has difficulty working around thes missing bits of hardware.

slowcoach · 12-04-2006, 18:58

I am running SUSE 10 64bit, plug n go.

Sandro · 19-04-2006, 11:58

Thanks everybody for the replies and your time, I keep you all responsible,

as I've just ordered a NTL cable connection and waiting for the NTL staff to tell me the day the engineer is coming ...

slowcoach, I managed to make my ASDL Alcatel/Tompson 330 USB modem to run on SUSE, but it was really a pain to do, had to copy some files from windows. Can't wait to see the moment when I can just hook a cable modem to it!

Thanks

slowcoach · 20-04-2006, 02:47

Sandro, you will have to register your modem online when you get it installed, this is a one time event, the details are stored in the modem afterwards. You should get your registration details in your welcome pack which should hopefully arrive a day or two before the installation date, if it doesn't arrive you will have to phone Customer Service to get the details

Go here now to read how to autoregister online http://www.cableforum.co.uk/forum/article.php?a=13

The installer will supply the modem, USB and Ethernet cables (plus a Windows CD which is just for Windows/USB connection). It will be up to you to register the modem, the installer will just set the modem signal strengths.

You register the modem using Windows, USB and the CD or alternatively autoregister online without the CD.

Once the modem is registered by either method you can just re-install your OS in the future and your computer will connect.