Sun Solaris Tip: Resources on Solaris Software Modem Configuration
Configuring modems is one potential source of great frustration for people setting up UNIX or Solaris software servers. Each version of the Solaris, UNIX, or Linux platform might have different configuration requirements. Luckily, an abundance of information exists on this topic, if you know where to find it. This tip checks out some great sources of community information that enable configuration or set up of the following:
Outbound, cable, or dial-in modems
Fax
PPP
Pager notification
ISDN
xDSL information
Before getting started with a modem on any Solaris, UNIX, or Linux platform, it is important to understand a little about modems. To work properly, systems based on UNIX architecture require a Hayes-compatible serial modem. At the expense of main CPU utilization, many modem companies have cut manufacturing costs by removing parts from inside the modem. This forces third-party software programs, such as Microsoft Windows, to do the work of missing hardware components. These modems will not work with UNIX platforms, such as the Solaris operating environment or Linux. The Solaris and Linux platforms will work only with a standard Hayes-compatible modem, not a modem designed to work with Microsoft Windows.
For additional information on modems, an excellent resource is http://www.idir.net/~gromitkc/winmodem.html. After you select a Hayes-compatible serial modem, explore the Stokely Consulting site(http://www.stokely.com/unix.serial.port.resources/index.html), which covers all aspects of how to configure modems, fax servers, serial terminal servers, and system configuration files. This site also lists both commercial and free software packages for accomplishing various tasks.
The Inside Solaris site(http://www.elementkjournals.com/sun/9905) also has an excellent article explaining how systems can share a cable modem or DSL line to the Internet. The article details how to use the noncommercial IP filters, such as a network address translation (NAT) and firewall package, to configure a secure home network on a Solaris software system. A final resource is the Kempston site(http://www.kempston.net/solaris/), which includes sections on configuring dial-in or PPP servers, as well as instructions on how to dial out or connect to an ISP of your choice.
With all these information resources, your modem endeavors should be successful.