Setting Up a Dial-up PPP Link (Tasks)

This chapter explains the tasks for configuring the most common PPP link, the dial-up link. Major topics include the following:

• Configuring the Dial-out Machine

• Configuring the Dial-in Server

• Calling the Dial-in Server

Major Tasks for Setting Up the Dial-up PPP Link (Task Map)

You set up the dial-up PPP link by configuring modems, modifying network database files, and modifying the PPP configuration files that are described in Table 32-1.

The next table lists the major tasks to configure both sides of a dial-up PPP link. Typically, you configure only one end of the link, either the dial-out machine or dial-in server.

Table 27-1 Task Map for Setting Up the Dial-up PPP Link

Configuring the Dial-out Machine

The tasks in this section explain how to configure a dial-out machine. The tasks use as an example the dial- in-from-home scenario that was introduced in Figure 26-1. You can perform the tasks at your company before passing on the machine to a prospective user. Alternatively, you can instruct experienced users in the setup of their home machines. Anyone setting up a dial-out machine must have root permission for that machine.

Tasks for Configuring the Dial-out Machine (Task Map)

Table 27-2 Task Map for Setting Up the Dial-out Machine

Dial-up PPP Template Files

Solaris PPP 4.0 provides template files. Each template contains common options for a particular PPP configuration file. The next table lists the sample templates that can be used for setting up a dial-up link, and their equivalent Solaris PPP 4.0 files.

If you decide to use one of the template files, be sure to rename the template to its equivalent PPP configuration file. The one exception is the chat file template /etc/ppp/myisp-chat.tmpl. You can give chat scripts any names that you want.

Configuring Devices on the Dial-out Machine

The first task for setting up a dial-out PPP machine is to configure the devices on the serial line: the modem and serial port.

Note - Tasks that apply to a modem usually apply to an ISDN TA.

Before performing the next procedure, you must have done the following.

• Installed the Solaris 9 operating environment on the dial-out machine

• Determined the optimum modem speed

• Decided which serial port to use on the dial-out machine

• Obtained the root password for the dial-out machine

For planning information, see Table 26-2.

How to Configure the Modem and Serial Port (Dial-out Machine)

1. Program the modem.

   Even though a variety of modem types is available, most modems are shipped with the correct settings for Solaris PPP 4.0. The following table lists basic settings for modems that use Solaris PPP 4.0.

   Table 27-3 Modem Settings for Dial-up PPP

   Parameter	Setting
   DCD	Follow carrier
   DTR	Low so that the modem hangs up-puts the modem on-hook
   Flow Control	RTS/CTS for full-duplex hardware flow control
   Attention Sequences	Disable

   If you have problems in setting up the link and suspect that the modem is at fault, first consult the modem manufacturer's documentation. Also, a number of sites on the World Wide Web offer help with modem programming. Finally, you can find some suggestions for clearing modem problems in How to Diagnose Modem Problems.

2. Attach the modem cables to the serial port on the dial-out machine and to the telephone jack.

3. Become superuser on the dial-out machine.

4. Run admintool, as explained in "Setting Up Terminals and Modems with Serial Ports Tool" in System Administration Guide: Advanced Administration.

   1. Click the port where you have attached the modem, either port a or port b.

      The Modify Serial Port window is displayed.

   2. Specify modem direction as dial-out only.

      You can set up the modem as bidirectional, the default template for admintool. However, the dial-out-only choice is more secure against possible intruders.

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   Note - You can set the baud rate and timeout from admintool. However, the pppd daemon ignores these settings.

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5. Click Okay to convey the changes.