* Stephen Walsh writes to All, on Tuesday September 30 1997
   at 22:21:

 SW> Arghhhhh, I've tryed all sort's of different things and options, and
 SW> now I'm at my wit's end. The problem is that when I get the bsd
 SW> machine to call my isp, the modem connect's and after a short while
 SW> the line drop's. Can anyone give me any tips? Here's a few of the
 SW> config files that I've setup.

Did you try what I suggested with pppd?

 SW> I've been calling ppp like this 'ppp -auto qonline'. the isp use's
 SW> the
 SW> logon/password system (no chap/pap) and then print's a few things (a
 SW> message with mail waiting or not, your accoutn status, and ten your
 SW> ip. After that the PPP session is started.)

Are you 100% sure they don't need PAP authentication? If they do need it,
and you're not providing it, the connection will drop within a second or
two of the PPP negotiation being started. This was a big stumbling block
when I was first trying to get my BSD box to dial aussie.net about a year
ago.

Here's what I suggest... ppp and pppd are a love/hate thing, some people
prefer one over the other, and some people can't get one WORKING even. :)
I've used both semi-successfully and I tend to prefer pppd. Give pppd a go:

/etc/ppp/options:

modem
crtscts
defaultroute


/etc/ppp/qonline.scr (all one line):

ABORT BUSY ABORT "NO CARRIER" ""
"ATDT53343009" CONNECT "" login: \d\r\d\r\dcurl word:
xxxxxxxx


/etc/ppp/pap-secrets:

curl    *   


commandline:

pppd cuaa0 115200 connect `chat -v -f /etc/ppp/qonline.scr` name curl


This is basically what I use to dial my home permanent link into Richmond
Sensation, changed to suit your needs.

The script is deliberately simplified. Build on it once you get things working.

/etc/rc.conf:

 SW> ### Network routing options: ###
 SW> defaultrouter="203.103.236.3"   # My isp's gateway

Change this to "NO" and let ppp/pppd set and drop the default
route as your link goes up and down.

Cheers.


... rowan{at}sensation.net.au  |  http://www.rowan.sensation.net.au/
---