From dfe8047f60dfc7fe85592c8cf21fde65e79ac55c Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: gferg <> Date: Tue, 27 Feb 2001 14:28:30 +0000 Subject: [PATCH] new; SGML from HTML-only document --- LDP/howto/docbook/SLIP-PPP-Emulator.sgml | 931 +++++++++++++++++++++++ 1 file changed, 931 insertions(+) create mode 100644 LDP/howto/docbook/SLIP-PPP-Emulator.sgml diff --git a/LDP/howto/docbook/SLIP-PPP-Emulator.sgml b/LDP/howto/docbook/SLIP-PPP-Emulator.sgml new file mode 100644 index 00000000..cd8a6ac7 --- /dev/null +++ b/LDP/howto/docbook/SLIP-PPP-Emulator.sgml @@ -0,0 +1,931 @@ + + +
+ + + + + + SLIP/PPP Emulator mini-HOWTO + + + Irish + +
irish@eskimo.com
+ + + + 2001-02-21 + + + 3.1 + 21 February 2001 + GCR + + + + + + 3.0 + 7 August 1997 + Irish + + + + + Glen + Reesor + + Converted document from HTML to DocBook v4.1 (SGML) + + + + + + + This document will describe how to get your Linux box to connect + to a generic site via a SLIP/PPP emulator, such as SLiRP or TIA. I take no + responsibility for your use of this information, but corrections are + welcome. + + + + I will not attempt to describe all that can be done over this + connection once established, but I will refer you to other documents or + sites that will contain the relevant information. + + + + That done, let's do it! + + + + + + + + + + + Introduction + + + I am Irish, irish@eskimo.com, available for comment on + Linux almost everyday, when I'm not petting my cat or hugging my kid. + + + + This HOWTO is available in the following places: + + + + + http://www.linuxdoc.org + + + + + + ftp://ftp.eskimo.com/u/i/irish + + + + + + ftp://sunsite.unc.edu/pub/Linux/docs/HOWTO/mini/SLIP-PPP-Emulator + + + + + + + + + + Copyright Information + + + This document is copyrighted (c) 2001 Irish and is + distributed under the terms of the Linux Documentation Project + (LDP) license, stated below. + + + + Unless otherwise stated, Linux HOWTO documents are + copyrighted by their respective authors. Linux HOWTO documents may + be reproduced and distributed in whole or in part, in any medium + physical or electronic, as long as this copyright notice is + retained on all copies. Commercial redistribution is allowed and + encouraged; however, the author would like to be notified of any + such distributions. + + + + All translations, derivative works, or aggregate works + incorporating any Linux HOWTO documents must be covered under this + copyright notice. That is, you may not produce a derivative work + from a HOWTO and impose additional restrictions on its + distribution. Exceptions to these rules may be granted under + certain conditions; please contact the Linux HOWTO coordinator at + the address given below. + + + + In short, we wish to promote dissemination of this + information through as many channels as possible. However, we do + wish to retain copyright on the HOWTO documents, and would like to + be notified of any plans to redistribute the HOWTOs. + + + + If you have any questions, please contact + irish@eskimo.com + + + + + + + Disclaimer + + + No liability for the contents of this documents can be accepted. + Use the concepts, examples and other content at your own risk. + As this is a new edition of this document, there may be errors + and inaccuracies, that may of course be damaging to your system. + Proceed with caution, and although this is highly unlikely, + the author(s) do not take any responsibility for that. + + + + All copyrights are held by their by their respective owners, unless + specifically noted otherwise. Use of a term in this document + should not be regarded as affecting the validity of any trademark + or service mark. + + + + Naming of particular products or brands should not be seen + as endorsements. + + + + You are strongly recommended to take a backup of your system + before major installation and backups at regular intervals. + + + + + + + New Versions + + + The latest version number of this document can be found at: + + + + + + http://www.linuxdoc.org + + + + + + ftp://ftp.eskimo.com/u/i/irish + + + + + + ftp://sunsite.unc.edu/pub/Linux/docs/HOWTO/mini/SLIP-PPP-Emulator + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Feedback + + + Feedback is most certainly welcome for this document. Without + your submissions and input, this document wouldn't exist. Please + send your additions, comments and criticisms to the following + email address : irish@eskimo.com. + + + + + + + + + + + + How Does an Emulator Work? + + + It is important to understand how a SLIP/PPP emulator works in + general, to be aware of its limitations. First, you do not need to install + the emulator on your machine. It runs on your remote host only. What you + need on your machine is the TCP/IP and SLIP or PPP protocols installed in + your kernel (more on that in a bit), and some clients. + + + + Here's what happens: you send network requests from your machine + to your remote host over the SLIP/PPP link. The emulator grabs them and + sends them out to the Net at large. Then, incoming data is sent back from + the Net to your account on the remote host, where the emulator grabs it + and sends it back over the SLIP/PPP link to your machine. So, to the Net + it appears as if you are working out of your account on the remote host, + but to you it looks like you are really connected right to the Net. + + + + As you can see, this can confuse stuff that is incoming from the + Net. For example, talk doesn't work via an emulator, because the incoming + talk request tries to start the remote hosts talk daemon, not yours. + + + + The other big difference between an emulator and real SLIP/PPP is + you are NOT assigned your own IP address; remember, you are only + converting a dialup account to a SLIP/PPP connection. + + + + What is TIA? + + + The Intenet Adaptor + was written by the fine folks at marketplace.com. They have + quit working on it now, and consider it a 'mature' product. The last + version is 2.05; if you are going to use TIA, please get this version. + + + At last report, marketplace.com have gone out of business. + + + + + + What is SLiRP? + + + This is a freeware application, covered under the GNU Public + License. It is out of beta, and is real stable. It sports a few more + features than TIA, and is (reportedly) easier on host resources. + Available at fine Linux FTP sites everywhere. + + + + + What about Term? + + + If you don't have root access to your machine for one reason or + another, and you can't persuade someone who does to install SLIP and dip, + then you won't have much choice except to use Term. If you want to know + more about Term, please read the HOWTO on Sunsite. + + + + + What about real SLIP/PPP? + + + Hey, a lot of places are offering real SLIP/PPP at reasonable + prices for non-dedicated dialup nowadays. If you can afford it, or feel + the need, go for it. The Real Thing is always better than emulation. + However, one of the things an emulator provides is security; it acts as + an impregnable firewall, and with it you are pretty much as bulletproof + as your provider is. You'll pay for it though, emulation is slower, and + does not fully support every protocol. Still and all, emulation is good + enough for most people, and is a fine way to connect to the Net. + + + + + + + + + Prerequisites + + Enough already! How do I set it up? + + + + Alright hotrod, we're getting there, but first there's some info + you need to get, and a couple of explanations. + + + + First, you need to get the IP address of your provider, if you don't + have it already. You can do this by typing 'who' at a shell prompt there, + or reading their /etc/hosts, or even just asking + them. While your getting + that, get the IP address of the POP/SMTP host and the NNTP server (if you + don't know what those are, trust me and ask for them anyway, you'll need + 'em). + + + + Next, let me explain quickly about hostnames and domain names. + The hostname is the first part of a machines name, the domain is the rest + of it. Like this: hostname.domain.name (a four parter would be + hostname.do.main.name). Together, they make a Fully Qualified Domain + Name (FQDN). + + + + The name of your Linux machine is stored in + /etc/HOSTNAME, and + yes, you can change it. In fact, please do (if you're using Slackware, + it'll be "darkstar.frop.org" by default). Just edit the + /etc/HOSTNAME + file to be whatever you want - remember, if you are using an emulator, + you are essentially invisible to the Net at large, so you can be + creative. However, if you plan to get a real SLIP/PPP connection down the + road sometime, you'll probably want to conform to being a sub-host of + your provider. For example, if your provider is "info.superhiway.com", + the domain is "superhiway.com" and the hostname is "info". So you could + either be "offramp.info.superhiway.com" or just "offramp.superhiway.com". + Either would work, and in either case your hostname is "offramp". + + + + + + + + Preparing your Linux Machine + + In a nutshell, here's what's required. I'll explain the first three +in detail. + + + + + Compile your kernel to include SLIP and TCP/IP + + + + Edit some files in /etc + + + + Install and configure dip + + + + Install pppd (optional, for PPP only) + + + + + You will also need to get an emulator binary appropriate for your + remote host and install it. SLiRP is available at + Sunsite + and other + fine Linux FTP sites. All of the relevant info for TIA is available at + TIAs home site. + + + + + That's it! Let's get started. + + + + Compiling your Kernel + + + If you have never done this, you should. And you should read the + FAQ first, but don't worry, it's easy. If you want, you can e-mail me and + I'll help. + + + + I'll assume that you have here, for the sake of brevity. When you + 'make config', look for "Network Devices". Say 'y', of course, then say + 'y' to SLIP, CSLIP, (or PPP) and TCP/IP and 'n' to everything else, unless + you have ethercards or need some other protocol for something else. + If + you don't do this, it won't work! Finish compiling and + installing + the new kernel, then, + + + + + Edit some files in <filename>/etc</filename> + + + These files will set up your routes to your remote host. + /etc is + the directory for system configurations. Replace everything in double + quotes with the appropriate values, naturally (but don't include the + quotes - they are there for reference). There are three files you need to + edit, they are: + + + + + + /etc/hosts + +#The next line is required to be EXACTLY as below. +127.0.0.1 localhost + +#Note at the end of the next two entries the hostname is repeated. +#This abbreviation is an alias, and is required for the first entry. +#If you're on a LAN, you'll need to substitute your IP address for +#the first one below. +192.0.2.1 "yourhostname.domain.name yourhostname" +"XXX.XXX.XX.XX" "remotehostname.domain.name remotehostname" + + + + + /etc/host.conf + +order hosts, bind +multi on + + + + + /etc/resolv.conf + +domain "yourdomain.name" +#The next line usually uses the same remote IP address that's in /etc/hosts +nameserver "XXX.XXX.XX.XX" + + + + + To use an NNTPserver, put this line in your + /etc/profile + +export NNTPSERVER="remote.hosts.nntpservername" + + + + + + + + DIP + + DIP (Dialup Internet Protocol) is what you will use to dial up the + remote host, start the emulator, and convert the line to SLIP/PPP. It + comes in the "N" set of Slackware, along with a bunch of clients and + utilities, some of which you may want to install also =). It is also + available at + Sunsite + in an individual tar file + + + + Once you have it installed, you will need to have a dip script, + Here's a sample, just plug in the appropriate stuff where the double + quotes are (but don't include the quotes, they are there for reference). + + + +main: + get $local "yourhostname.domain.name" + get $remote "remotehostname.domain.name" + +#Your port here + port cua"?" + +#Use 115200 for 28.8 modems + speed 57400 + reset + +#don't use spaces in your AT command string! + init AT "string of commands" + wait OK 5 + +# This will redial. If it doesn't work, play with the wait time (listen +# to your modem). If it still doesn't work, mail me. +# See also; the note at the bottom of the script re: error codes. + +dial: + dial "phonenumber" + print Dialing... + if $errlvl != 0 goto error + +#You may need to change this wait time to suit your modem + wait BUSY 20 + if $errlvl == 0 goto dial + +login: + print Connected and Logging in... + +#This wait and send gets me past my hosts Annex. Change for your site! + wait ==> 60 + send 4\n + wait ogin: 60 + if $errlvl != 0 goto login_error1 + send "LOGIN"\n + wait assword: 60 + if $errlvl != 0 goto login_error2 + send "PASSWORD"\n + +loggedin: + wait "SYSTEM PROMPT" 60 + if $errlvl != 0 goto shell_error + print Logged in! + send "emulator startup command"\n + wait "emulator startup response" 60 + if $errlvl != 0 goto emu_error + +#The recommended mtu setting is 1500, but this is faster interactively. +#Ftp may be slower, so adjust to taste. + get $mtu 296 + default + +done: + print CONNECTED to $remote with address $rmtip + mode CSLIP + goto exit + +error: + print Dialing Error + +login_error1: + print No Login + +login_error2: + print No Password prompt + +shell_error: + print No shell prompt + +emu_error: + There was a problem starting the emulator + +exit: + +#This will error out when the -v flag is used, but work when run normally +#(ends dip at a local prompt). + \r + + + + + DIP Notes + + Newer versions of dip don't return modem status codes (BUSY, NO + CONNECT, etc.), they use numbers instead. Here's a table: + + + 0 = OK + + + + 1 = CONNECT + + + + 2 = ERROR + + + + 3 = BUSY + + + + 4 = NO CARRIER + + + + + + This would make your dial section look like this: + +dial: + dial "phonenumber" + print Dialing... + if $errlvl != 0 goto error + wait 1 20 + if $errlvl != 1 goto dial + + + + + Thanks to Lee Olds lee@eskimo.com for that bit. + + + + \n = newline, \r = carriage return. You may require one or + the other (or both) in the appropriate places. If the ones provided don't + work, experiment. + + + + A word about the form of the wait and sends. If it isn't clear by + the example, here's what's happening: + + + + wait ogin: 60 + + The script will wait for the remote to send 'ogin:' for 60 + seconds. When it gets it, the script advances. If it doesn't get + it, it will advance after the timeout of 60 seconds. + + + + + if $errlvl != 0 goto login_error + + (This whole line is optional.) + If the script is advancing because it got what it was waiting for, + this gets skipped. if the script is advancing because it timed out, + it will go to where you tell it to ('login_error1' in this case. + + + + + send "LOGIN"\n + + DIP will send 'LOGIN' and a newline + + + + + + + You can put in sleep statements if you need to, like this: + "sleep 10" This will make the script pause for 10 seconds. + + + + After editing this file, rename it, say, remote.dip and put it in + /root. Then, as root, run + 'dip remote'. Use the -v flag the first + time to debug it ('dip -v remote'), this will show you all the steps + dip takes. + + + + Dip will only run as root, but there is a way to make it run from + a user account. For now, if you need this info, ask. I may include it in + this file later if enough people want it. + + + + If dip errors out right away, try removing the comments from the + script. + + + + + + + + PPP + + + The above gets you rolling with CSLIP, which is really fine + most of the time. It truly is easy to get working, since the protocol is + supported at the kernel level - just make sure it's in there and it + works. + + + + However, some of you will want PPP, for what reasons, only you can + say. I'm not going to tell you how to set it up here, there's a whole + other HOWTO written just for that. What I will do is tell you what the + gotchas are when using PPP with an emulator. + + + + First, the latest version of DIP says you can use it to start PPP, + and you can, BUT it only starts the PPP daemon - no flags, nothing. So if + you want to use DIP to start PPP, be sure to put all of your startup info + in the /etc/ppp/options file, or it won't work. + + + + Speaking of the options file, one of the things that MUST be in + there no matter how you start pppd is this: '192.0.2.1:XXX.XXX.XX.XX'. + What this is is 'localIPaddress:remoteIPaddress'. You need it there + because normally pppd can fill in the blank itself, but fails when + connecting to an emulator. + + + + Be sure to get the latest and greatest pppd package. It seems + there were a few versions recently that had a bit of trouble. + + + + Lastly, unless you have a good reason to use PPP, or just want to + learn how it works, you really don't need it. I have tried them both, and + didn't notice any performance difference with the standard set of + clients. Of course, Your Mileage May Vary. :) + + + + + + + + + + Now What? + + + Hey, if all went well, you are now connected to the Net! Try a + 'telnet remotehostname' (remember that abbreviation in your hosts file?). + You should get the remotes telnet login prompt. Go on, try it! You can now + telnet/FTP/etc. anywhere on the Net from your local machine. How? Your + machine is using the remote as a nameserver to resolve addresses + (resolv.conf). Experiment, find out what works and + what doesn't. + + + + You will not be able to use services that are not provided + already on your remote host! For example, if your server doesn't allow + telnets, chances are you can't do it either. Why? Because the emulator is + only re-directing what is already available. + + + + Mail + + + The obvious text based solution is Pine, you can get it from + The University of Washington . + + + + My pick for 'Best Mail Reader, X Based' has to go to XFmail. This + has now gotten out of beta, and rocks. Easy to install; requires no local + mail system be installed (but will work with local spools) because it has + POP built in - no more popclient/fetchpop! Easy to use; totally + customizable + from the GUI. Also supports MIME. Get it from + The XFmail Homesite. + + + + + + News + + + The text based News Reader + SLRN is fairly simple to + install and use. It is a true NNTP newsreader, which means + no local news transport is required to make it work + (you don't have install + Cnews or INN). It does require that you have access to an NNTPserver, + naturally, but most ISPs have this. It is text based, but has + color and mouse support, and runs fine in an rxvt window. + + + + The X based News Reader + KNews is + almost perfect. As with SLRN above, no local transport is required, but + an NNTP server is. It's at least worth a look. + + + + + Mosaic/Netscape + + + Obviously, you will need to have X running for this to work, but + it's a simple matter of FTPing the binary, unpacking it, + and installing it. + + + + + + + + + + Miscellaneous + + + If I've left anything out, or you still have questions, I read my + mail daily. This information gets updated fairly regularly, so keep + checking + back every so often (I'll change the version numbers). Naturally, the more + you contribute, the more info will be included here, so don't hesitate to + tell me about whatever you have to offer. + + + + If you would like some help, or are having trouble with your + setup, I'll help + but you must send me the following info: + + + A copy of your three /etc files. + + + + A copy of your script output, run with the -v flag + (please remove your password from this!) + + + + + + Even if you don't have anything to contribute, but used this info + sucsessfully, please mail me. I want to know how + useful this really is. + + + + References + + + Sunsite is the FTP site + sunsite.unc.edu, a + veritable plethora of everything Linux, including almost every FAQ, HOWTO, + and README written. + + + + Marketplace.com is the home + of TIA, the only place it is available. + Marketplace.com appears to be out of business. + + + + + I am Irish, irish@eskimo.com, available for comment on + Linux almost everyday, when + I'm not petting my cat or hugging my kid. + + + + This HOWTO is available in the following places: + + + + + http://www.linuxdoc.org + + + + + + ftp://ftp.eskimo.com/u/i/irish + + + + + + ftp://sunsite.unc.edu/pub/Linux/docs/HOWTO/mini/SLIP-PPP-Emulator + + + + + + + + +
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