ADSL CONNECTION PROBLEMS

[Peter Whittaker]

On Mon, 2007-09-04 at 10:09 -0400, Maurice Murphy wrote:
> plugs into an RJ45 socket... SpeedStream 5360... storm.ca...

Interesting: There are known issues with the 5360 set of modems, at
least with some ISPs; refer to [1]. It may be that Windows has a
workaround for this hardware that Linux lacks. Just a guess....

According to [1], for one type of 5360 there is a workaround involving
rapid power cycling, and a fix involving a firmware update. You'd have
to determine which modem he has, but...

>  He is deeply involved in a high priority project to April 19
> he's not overly enamoured with the inner workings of computers!

...given the above, I'd let him work under XP until he has some
breathing room (and/or until you can next get to TO and assist him
directly).

One potential way to solve his woes is with a router that can mediate
between the computer and the modem; perhaps you can take him one on
your next visit. I have a Compaq iPaq router and wireless access point
you're welcome to have - make me an offer! (Be warned it does WEP[2]
only, no WPA [3], and the WAP[4] cannot be disabled (though if you put
a tin can over the antenna it might do the trick). It will also have a
Senators sticker on it if it travels to Leaf country.)

When the two of you have some time, he might consider attempting to
connect to the modem using his web browser, e.g., by entering
192.168.1.1 in the address bar, and seeing if you/he can't twiddle
settings from there.

Of course you might also ask the folks at storm if they have any ideas
(I could not find anything useful on their web site... ...they're a bit
on the pricey side....).

pww


[1]
http://www.dslreports.com/faq/amfaq/2.1_Alcatel___Efficient_Legacy_Equipment#4803

[2] WEP - Wired Equivalent Privacy, the original wireless security
mechanism. Broken and useless.

[3] WPA - Wi-Fi Protected Access, real, effective wireless security.

[4] WAP - Wireless Access Point - the "base station" your wireless
computer talks to.

-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: signature.asc
Type: application/pgp-signature
Size: 189 bytes
Desc: This is a digitally signed message part
URL: <https://lists.ubuntu.com/archives/ubuntu-ca/attachments/20070409/5c5ff25d/attachment.pgp>