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:
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 36-1.
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 31-1 Task Map for Setting Up the Dial-up PPP Link
Task | Description | For Instructions |
|---|---|---|
1. Gather preconfiguration information | Gather data that is needed prior to setting up the link, such as peer host names, target phone numbers, and modem speed. | |
2. Configure the dial-out machine | Set up PPP on the machine that makes the call over the link. | |
3. Configure the dial-in server | Set up PPP on the machine that receives incoming calls. | |
4. Call the dial-in server | Type the pppd command to initiate communications. |
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 dialing in from home scenario that was introduced in Figure 30-1. You can perform the tasks at your company before passing on the machine to a prospective user. Alternatively, you can instruct experienced users so that they can set up their own 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 31-2 Task Map for Setting Up the Dial-out Machine
Task | Description | For Instructions |
|---|---|---|
1. Gather preconfiguration information | Gather data that is needed prior to setting up the link, such as peer host names, target phone numbers, and modem speed. | |
2. Configure the modem and serial port | Set up the modem and serial port. | "How to Configure the Modem and Serial Port (Dial-out Machine)" |
3. Configure the serial line communication | Configure the characteristics of the transmission across the serial line. | |
4. Define the conversation between the dial-out machine and the peer | Gather communications data and use the information to create the chat script. | |
5. Configure information about a particular peer | Configure PPP options to call an individual dial-in server. | |
6. Call the peer. | Type the pppd command to initiate communications. |
Dial-up PPP Template Files
Solaris PPP 4.0 provides template files, each of which 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.
Template File | PPP Configuration File | For Instructions |
|---|---|---|
/etc/ppp/options.tmpl | /etc/ppp/options | |
/etc/ppp/options.ttya.tmpl | /etc/ppp/options.ttyname | |
/etc/ppp/myisp-chat.tmpl | File with the name of your choice to contain the chat script | |
/etc/ppp/peers/myisp.tmpl | /etc/ppp/peers/peer-name |
If you decide to use one of the template files, be sure to rename it 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 30-2.
How to Configure the Modem and Serial Port (Dial-out Machine)
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 31-3 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".
Attach the modem cables to the serial port on the dial-out machine and to the telephone jack.
Become superuser on the dial-out machine.
Run admintool, as explained in "Setting Up Terminals and Modems" in System Administration Guide: Advanced Administration.
Click the port where you have attached the modem, either port a or port b.
The Modify Serial Port window is displayed.
Specify modem direction as dial-out only.
Although you can set up the modem as bidirectional (the default template for admintool). The dial-out-only choice is more secure against possible intruders.
Note - You can set the baud rate and timeout from admintool, however, the pppd daemon ignores these settings.
Click Okay to convey the changes.
Configuring Communications on the Dial-out Machine
The procedures in this section show how to configure communications over the serial line of the dial-out machine. Before you can use these procedures, you must have configured the modem and serial port, as described in "How to Configure the Modem and Serial Port (Dial-out Machine)".
The next tasks show how to enable the dial-out machine to successfully initiate communications with the dial-in server, based on options that are defined in the PPP configuration files. You need to create the following files:
/etc/ppp/options
/etc/ppp/options.ttyname
Chat script
/etc/ppp/peers/peer-name
Solaris PPP 4.0 provides templates for the PPP configuration files, which you can change to suit your needs. Refer to "Dial-up PPP Template Files" for detailed information about these files.