DSL support

[Gary S. Terhune]

Win98ME probably means the same thing as what we call Win9x (Win95, 98, 98SE
and ME), only without the support for Win95. Just the programmer's shorthand
for files used for supported 9x kernel systems.

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS-MVP Shell/User
www.grystmill.com

"Tiffany S." <NiceTiffany@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:18346-4759C887-81@storefull-3232.bay.webtv.net...
> On Fri, Dec 7, 2007, 12:12pm (EST-1) philo@privacy.net (philo) wrote:
>
>>Windows 98 has two versions: just plain Windows98
>>and Windows98 Second Edition (se).
>
>> Also, if you see something called "ME" That would
>>probably be Windows Millennium...
>
> Yes, that has always been my understanding. However, the setup CD has a
> folder labelled Win98ME, so I have to figure out the understanding of
> whoever labelled it.
>

 

[Gary S. Terhune]

It sounds as if I was right, that to use the USB connection you'd need the
USB drivers, and there aren't any for Win9x. You only need the NIC (LAN)
drivers to make the card work, and no, the LAN divers do not do ANYTHING to
the modem. They don't make it work, they aren't involved in the DSL
configuration, username, password, etc. That is all separate from the LAN
card drivers and installation.

Use a LAN connection and go through the setup and activation with the tech.
Let us know how it goes.

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS-MVP Shell/User
www.grystmill.com

"Tiffany S." <NiceTiffany@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:18345-4759D113-484@storefull-3232.bay.webtv.net...
On Fri, Dec 7, 2007, 9:55am (EST-3), none (Gary S. Terhune) wrote:

>A LAN card (or NIC), is the most common way to
>connect to a DSL modem.

Okay, I'll buy one. A LAN card is just another name for an ethernet
card, right? My brother told me to buy a token ring card, but I think
he was pulling my leg. He knows less about computers than I do.

>No, the LAN card drivers aren't going to activate
>your DSL account. Last time I tried a 2-Wire, it was
>a simple case of connecting and then letting the
>modem do its thing. It activated the account and
>gave instructions for finishing the setup. (The LAN
>card drivers *do* need to be installed before connecting
>up the modem.) As I understand it, you are now
>waiting for a USB modem?

Yeah, it arrived a couple of hours ago. A reconditioned Westell
E-90-610030-06. It says I have to install the drivers with the setup
wizard before I plug it into the USB port. As I previously mentioned,
the setup wizard does not work with Win98se. I spent a lot of time
unsuccessfully searching the Internet for the right driver to download.
Someone told me that the setup wizard and driver are only necessary when
connecting through the USB port, not the ethernet port. Do you agree?

So, I'm going to buy an ethernet card.

>No, the LAN card drivers aren't going to activate
>your DSL account.

I was told that I can activate the account by phone. The Tech Support
department will not talk to me knowing that I have Win98. Hopefully the
Activation department will.

I had read that part of the setup requires me to program my username and
password into the modem. Does the NIC software do that?

 

[98 Guy]

"Tiffany S." wrote:

> > A LAN card (or NIC), is the most common way to connect to a
> > DSL modem.
>
> Okay, I'll buy one.

When you install it, based on what Franc posted, follow these
instructions:

You should see a "network neighborhood" icon on your desktop.

If yes, right-click on it, select properties.

You will see a list of items in a box. Slide the list down. Near the
bottom you should see something like "TCP/IP -> (ethernet device)"
where "(ethernet device)" will be your ethernet card. Select it, then
hit the Properties button. Another window will open.

There are a number of tabs across the top. It should open on a tab
called "IP address".

Click the radio button that says "Specify an IP address". Then in the
box called "IP Address" enter 192.168.1.123.

Subnet mask should be 255.255.255.0

Click on the Gateway tab. If there is anything listed in "installed
gateways" then select it and remove it. Then in the New gateway box
enter 192.168.1.1. Then click the Add button.

Click the DNS configuration tab. Hit the radio button "Enable DNS".
Under host, enter some cute name, or just type the word "hello". In
the box "DNS server search order", enter 4.2.2.2 and hit add. Then
hit the "Bindings" tab.

You should have a check-box that says "client for microsoft
networks". Make sure there is a checkbox in that box.

Then hit the OK button. That should take you back to the Network
window. Hit the OK button on that window. Windows will want to
restart, so let it.

You should have access to the modem when your computer restarts
(assuming you have an ethernet cable connected between your modem and
ethernet card). Most ethernet cards have a few led's visible on the
back bracket of the card. One (or more) of them should be on or
flashing.

Open a browser and enter this address:

http://192.168.1.1

That should take you to the configuration interface of the modem. You
may be faced with having to provide login credentials at that point,
or you may automatically be given the ability to configure most
generic functions of it's router component, such as entering pppoe
login information. There will no doubt be other settings, which you
could post here if you want to know what they are and what they should
be set to.

> A LAN card is just another name for an ethernet card, right?
> My brother told me to buy a token ring card, but I think
> he was pulling my leg. He knows less about computers than
> I do.

He might have been serious, but you do NOT want a token ring card (but
no retailers would be selling them anyways these days - not for the
past 10 years).

> wizard before I plug it into the USB port. As I previously
> mentioned, the setup wizard does not work with Win98se.

As has already been mentioned (and which I would have also told you)
is that you would not have been able to find win-98 USB drivers for it
(or the search would not have been worth it compared to simply
installing an ethernet card).

> Someone told me that the setup wizard and driver are only
> necessary when connecting through the USB port, not the
> ethernet port. Do you agree?

Once you establish a connection to the modem via your ethernet card
(and the settings I gave you above) you will be configuring the modem
via a web browser like IE. Not a setup wizard or driver.

> > No, the LAN card drivers aren't going to activate
> > your DSL account.
>
> I was told that I can activate the account by phone.

It most likely has already been activated on your phone line. In
other words, there is now an ADSL service on your phone line. Your
modem will not connect to that service unless it knows the user ID and
password your ISP assigned to you. The modem will use that
information during the pppoe login process.

> The Tech Support department will not talk to me knowing
> that I have Win98. Hopefully the Activation department will.

You will not have to talk to them unless your modem is unable to
connect to your ISP's network. Possible reasons why your modem may
not be able to connect include:

- adsl service not yet provisioned on your phone line
- your phone line was erroneously listed as being able to
support ADSL
- your modem is not properly connected to your phone line,
or you have not installed line filters at the proper
points in your house's telephone wiring
- the user ID and password are incorrect, or you haven't entered
them properly into the modem's configuration settings

> I had read that part of the setup requires me to program my
> username and password into the modem. Does the NIC software
> do that?

No, you will do that via a web browser as mentioned above.

 

[Franc Zabkar]

On Fri, 07 Dec 2007 20:50:21 -0500, 98 Guy <98@Guy.com> put finger to
keyboard and composed:

>Click on the Gateway tab. If there is anything listed in "installed
>gateways" then select it and remove it. Then in the New gateway box
>enter 192.168.1.1. Then click the Add button.

That should be 192.168.1.254

>Open a browser and enter this address:
>
>http://192.168.1.1

The correct address is http://192.168.1.254 or http://launchmodem

>That should take you to the configuration interface of the modem. You
>may be faced with having to provide login credentials at that point,
>or you may automatically be given the ability to configure most
>generic functions of it's router component, such as entering pppoe
>login information. There will no doubt be other settings, which you
>could post here if you want to know what they are and what they should
>be set to.

The "Easy Login" process is explained at the link that I posted:
http://www.dslreports.com/faq/7342

- Franc Zabkar
--
Please remove one 'i' from my address when replying by email.

 

[Tiffany S.]

Now that I have decided to get an ethernet card, I don't necessarily
have to use this Westell E90 USB-capable modem. Remember, I am also in
temporary possession of a Motorola 2210-02 and a 2-Wire 4200-001053-000.

The 2-wire is obviously the best because it is also a 4-port wireless
router -- probably similar to the Linksys that was recommended to me.
However, I have only one PC, no need for wi-fi, and my philosophy is to
keep it simple.

The Westell is more solidly constructed than the Motorola, but it is a
reconditioned unit and most probably an obsolete model.

Do you think that either the Westell or Motorola is good enough, or am I
being extremely foolish if I do not use the 2-wire?

Is the 2-wire as easy to set up as the Westell? Will I be able to
defeat the wi-fi so that my activity can't be monitored by my neighbors?

I'm sorry to be such a PITA.

 

[98 Guy]

"Tiffany S." wrote:

> I don't necessarily have to use this Westell E90 USB-capable
> modem. Remember, I am also in temporary possession of a
> Motorola 2210-02 and a 2-Wire 4200-001053-000.

I don't know who or where the "2-wire" term came from, but it's not a
common or useful way to refer to a modem or modem/router.

> The 2-wire is obviously the best because it is also a 4-port
> wireless router -- probably similar to the Linksys that was
> recommended to me.

You want to keep which-ever device has NAT-router functionality built
into it. That would mean any of them that has more than 1 ethernet
port (aka LAN port).

> However, I have only one PC, no need for wi-fi, and my
> philosophy is to keep it simple.

If the only modem with NAT-router functionality also has wifi, or
multiple LAN ports, then don't reject the modem on that basis.

The wifi can be turned off, and you're not forced to buy more PC's to
connect to the unused LAN ports.

> The Westell is more solidly constructed than the Motorola,
> but it is a reconditioned unit and most probably an obsolete
> model.

If you are at all interested in the relative performance of the
various modems, then you should read about them in the hardware formus
of DSLReports.com. You won't be able to judge how well they work by
how well their external cases are constructed.

> Do you think that either the Westell or Motorola is good enough,
> or am I being extremely foolish if I do not use the 2-wire?

Again, the use of the term "2-wire" is not appropriate in this
context.

Use which-ever modem has built-in NAT-router functionality as a bare
minimum criteria. Above that, use which-ever modem has 4 LAN ports.

> Is the 2-wire as easy to set up as the Westell?

Your questions about ease of use should be posted to DSLReports forums
pertaining to either your ISP or the appropriate hardware forum.

> Will I be able to defeat the wi-fi so that my activity can't
> be monitored by my neighbors?

Most likely yes, the wifi component can be disabled.

> I'm sorry to be such a PITA.

You are on the virge of becoming a PITA if you don't stop staring at
the modems and instead plug one of them in and turn it on and connect
it to your soon-to-be-installed ethernet card.

 

[98 Guy]

Franc Zabkar wrote:

> That should be 192.168.1.254

Thanks Franc. I guess I read just far enough to see the 192.168.1 and
assumed the modem would be located at 192.168.1.1.

 

[98 Guy]

Full-Quoter and Top-poster "Gary S. Terhune" wrote:

> Suggest you ignore him, also, since he is obviously piling on
> stuff that is totally irrelevant to your problem.

Don't be such an ass Gary.

My posts have gotten Tiffany further, faster, than yours.

> Yes, you *should* have a router in addition to the DSL modem,
> for enhanced security of NAT.

And you piss all over me for giving her the same advice.

 

[Tiffany S.]

On Sat, Dec 8, 2007, 10:16am, 98@Guy.com (98 Guy) wrote:

>I don't know who or where the "2-wire" term
> came from, but it's not a common or useful
> way to refer to a modem or modem/router.

I believe it's the brand name. It's etched as a huge logo in the
modem's case.

>Use which-ever modem has built-in
>NAT-router functionality as a bare minimum
> criteria.

I never would have known that if I hadn't posted numerously here.

>Above that, use which-ever modem has 4 LAN
> ports.

I never would have known THAT if I hadn't posted numerously here. I
need only ONE port, so that is one thing I would not have asked about.

>Your questions about ease of use should be
> posted to DSLReports forums

Thank you. Now I know THAT. I *am* getting pretty good advice here,
though.


>You are on the virge of becoming a PITA if
> you don't stop staring at the modems and
> instead plug one of them in and turn it on and
> connect it to your soon-to-be-installed
> ethernet card.

Up to this point, I have nothing to plug them into. I know I can't
evaluate a modem by the appearance of its outer case. That's why I'm
attempting to ask people who have used them.

 

[Gary S. Terhune]

The USB might be useful in the future, but then, so might wireless. My bet
is on the wireless. I wouldn't want the Motorola, since it has no NAT
routing like the other two. Yes, you can disable the wi-fi on the 2-Wire. In
my experience, the 2-Wire you describe is easy as pie to set up, but don't
hit me if it isn't, OK?

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS-MVP Shell/User
www.grystmill.com

"Tiffany S." <NiceTiffany@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:18345-475A9653-539@storefull-3232.bay.webtv.net...
> Now that I have decided to get an ethernet card, I don't necessarily
> have to use this Westell E90 USB-capable modem. Remember, I am also in
> temporary possession of a Motorola 2210-02 and a 2-Wire 4200-001053-000.
>
> The 2-wire is obviously the best because it is also a 4-port wireless
> router -- probably similar to the Linksys that was recommended to me.
> However, I have only one PC, no need for wi-fi, and my philosophy is to
> keep it simple.
>
> The Westell is more solidly constructed than the Motorola, but it is a
> reconditioned unit and most probably an obsolete model.
>
> Do you think that either the Westell or Motorola is good enough, or am I
> being extremely foolish if I do not use the 2-wire?
>
> Is the 2-wire as easy to set up as the Westell? Will I be able to
> defeat the wi-fi so that my activity can't be monitored by my neighbors?
>
> I'm sorry to be such a PITA.
>

 

[dadiOH]

98 Guy wrote:

> You are on the virge of becoming a PITA if you don't stop staring at
> the modems and instead plug one of them in and turn it on and
> connect it to your soon-to-be-installed ethernet card.



The difference between success and failure is... ACTION!

(Note - sometimes disaster enters in too

--

dadiOH
____________________________

dadiOH's dandies v3.06...
....a help file of info about MP3s, recording from
LP/cassette and tips & tricks on this and that.
Get it at http://mysite.verizon.net/xico

 

[Tiffany S.]

I installed the ethernet card, plugged in the 2-Wire (sorry about the
"incorrect" term, but *I* am not the one who named it) modem, and it is
working.

Thank you, everyone, for your help.

98 Guy, are you gonna miss me when I'm gone?

 

[Gary S. Terhune]

Glad to hear of your success, Tiffany.

FYI, that thing is a "modem" (translates signals from a telco line into
signals usable by the computer) It's also a "gateway" (provides an interface
between your LAN and the ISP), and it's also a "router" with NAT (routes
signals from one LAN component to another, provides individual addresses for
each component, and "translates" signals from the outside to the appropriate
inside address.)

All three in one.

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS-MVP Shell/User
www.grystmill.com

"Tiffany S." <NiceTiffany@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:11641-475B8EC9-612@storefull-3234.bay.webtv.net...
>I installed the ethernet card, plugged in the 2-Wire (sorry about the
> "incorrect" term, but *I* am not the one who named it) modem, and it is
> working.
>
> Thank you, everyone, for your help.
>
> 98 Guy, are you gonna miss me when I'm gone?
>

 

[Tiffany S.]

>FYI, that thing is a "modem" (translates
> signals from a telco line into signals usable by
> the computer) It's also a "gateway" (provides
> an interface between your LAN and the ISP),
> and it's also a "router" with NAT (routes
> signals from one LAN component to another,
> provides individual addresses for each
> component, and "translates" signals from the
> outside to the appropriate inside address.)

I know that. But when I'm talking about three of them, and one is
branded Motorola, one is branded 2Wire, and one is branded Westell, is
it really wrong to refer to them as the Motorola, the 2Wire, and the
Westell?

 

[Gary S. Terhune]

Not at all. I just thought you were confused about what was what.

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS-MVP Shell/User
www.grystmill.com

"Tiffany S." <NiceTiffany@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:11641-475C41D9-651@storefull-3234.bay.webtv.net...
> >FYI, that thing is a "modem" (translates
>> signals from a telco line into signals usable by
>> the computer) It's also a "gateway" (provides
>> an interface between your LAN and the ISP),
>> and it's also a "router" with NAT (routes
>> signals from one LAN component to another,
>> provides individual addresses for each
>> component, and "translates" signals from the
>> outside to the appropriate inside address.)
>
> I know that. But when I'm talking about three of them, and one is
> branded Motorola, one is branded 2Wire, and one is branded Westell, is
> it really wrong to refer to them as the Motorola, the 2Wire, and the
> Westell?
>

 

[98 Guy]

"Tiffany S." wrote:

> one is branded Motorola, one is branded 2Wire, and one is branded
> Westell, is it really wrong to refer to them as the Motorola, the
> 2Wire, and the Westell?

Oh bloody hell.

If the thing actually has "2 wire" stamped on it, then yes of course
you can call it 2-wire.

I've never seen a phone line that wasn't 2-wires, so why anyone would
want to name a modem "2-wire" makes no sense.