Using Optus DSL on Mandriva 2006 Linux

Optus do not provide support to set up their DSL with Linux. After lots of trial and error, these are the settings that worked for me. I am not a Linux expert so I can't answer any questions - I just know this works!

My setup for Optus DSL

• Acer Aspire P4 computer with 1 network card
• Stand alone computer (no network)
• Dual boot - Linux Mandriva 2006 and Windows XP
• Siemens Speedstream 4200 Ethernet/USB ADSL modem
• Internet connected through network card

Optus DSL with Windows XP

Optus supplied the modem and setup CD to make a "user install" arrangement, which worked fine in Windows. When you install using the CD, the modem is programed with all the correct settings. I was able to test the installation on Windows and verify all settings were correct. The set up program installs a task bar icon for quick access to DSL settings (data used, log on, log off etc.) which is useful but not essential.

Optus DSL with Mandriva 2006

Ethernet settings using Mandriva Control Center

Select SET UP A NEW NETWORK INTERFACE

Note that you do not set up the Internet in Mandriva Control Center, you only set up the network card to see the modem - the modem takes care of the Internet DSL settings! The only way I could make it work was to use a fixed IP address for the network card.

Press NEXT to complete the setup.

When you select RECONFIGURE A NETWORK INTERFACE it should look like this:

Loop-back settings using Mandriva Control Center

Change the device selected to "unknown (sit0)" and enter the settings below:

Technical settings

If you have problems, I have included copies of config files, which is a more technical way of configuring the network settings.

/etc/host.conf

/etc/hosts

/etc/sysconfig/network

/etc/resolv.conf

/etc/sysconfig/network-scripts/ifcfg-eth0

/sbin/ifconfig -a

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