Planning for the PPP Link (Tasks)
Setting up a PPP link involves a set of discrete tasks, including planning tasks and other activities that are not related to PPP. This chapter explains how to plan for the most common PPP links, for authentication, and for PPPoE.
The task chapters that follow Chapter 30, Planning for the PPP Link (Tasks) use sample configurations to illustrate how to set up a particular link. These sample configurations are introduced in this chapter.
Topics that are covered include the following:
Overall PPP Planning (Task Map)
PPP requires planning tasks before you actually can set up the link. Moreover, if you want to use a PPPoE tunneling, you first have to set up the PPP link and then provide tunneling. The following task map lists the large planning tasks that are discussed in this chapter. You might need to use only the general task for the link type to be configured. Or you might require the task for the link, authentication, and perhaps PPPoE.
Table 30-1 Task Map for PPP Planning
Task | Description | For Instructions |
|---|---|---|
Plan for a dial-up PPP link | Gather information that is required to set up a dial-out machine or a dial-in server | |
Plan for a leased-line link | Gather information that is required to set up a client on a leased line | |
Plan for authentication on the PPP link | Gather information that is required to configure PAP or CHAP authentication on the PPP link | |
Plan for a PPPoE tunnel | Gather information that is required to set up a PPPoE tunnel over which a PPP link can run |
Planning a Dial-up PPP Link
Dial-up links are the most commonly used PPP links. This section includes the following information:
Planning information for a dial-up link
Explanation of the sample link to be used in Chapter 31, Setting Up a Dial-up PPP Link (Tasks)
Before You Set Up the Dial-out Machine
Before you configure a dial-out machine, gather the information that is listed in the following table.
Note - The planning information in this section does not include information to be gathered about authentication or PPPoE. For details on authentication planning, refer to "Planning for Authentication on a Link". For PPPoE planning, refer to "Planning for DSL Support Over a PPPoE Tunnel".
Table 30-2 Information for a Dial-out Machine
Information | Action |
|---|---|
Maximum modem speed | Refer to documentation that was provided by the modem manufacturer. |
Modem connection commands (AT commands) | Refer to documentation that was provided by the modem manufacturer. |
Name to use for dial-in server at the other end of the link | Create any name that helps you identify the dial-in server. |
Login sequence that was required by dial-in server | Contact the dial-in server's administrator or ISP documentation, if dial-in server is at the ISP. |
Before setting up a dial-in server, gather the information that is listed in the next table.
Before You Set Up the Dial-in Server
Before you configure a dial-in server, gather the information that is listed in the following table.
Note - The planning information in this section does not include information to be gathered about authentication or PPPoE. For details on authentication planning, refer to "Planning for Authentication on a Link". For PPPoE planning, refer to "Planning for DSL Support Over a PPPoE Tunnel".
Table 30-3 Information for a Dial-in Server
Information | Action |
|---|---|
Maximum modem speed | Refer to documentation that was provided by the modem manufacturer. |
User names of people who are permitted to call the dial-in server | Obtain the names of the prospective users before you set up their home directories, as discussed in "How to Configure Users of the Dial-in Server". |
Dedicated IP address for PPP communications | Obtain an address from the individual at your company responsible for delegating IP addresses. |
Example-- Configuration for Dial-up PPP
The tasks to be introduced in Chapter 31, Setting Up a Dial-up PPP Link (Tasks) execute a small company's requirement to let employees work at home a few days a week. Some employees require the Solaris operating environment on their home machines. They also need to log in remotely to their work machines on the corporate intranet.
The tasks set up a basic dial-up link with the following features:
The dial-out machines are at the houses of employees who need to call the corporate intranet.
The dial-in server is a machine on the corporate intranet that is configured to receive incoming calls from employees.
UNIX-style login is used to authenticate the dial-out machine. Stronger Solaris PPP 4.0 authentication methods are not required by the company`s security policy.
The next figure shows the link that is set up in Chapter 31, Setting Up a Dial-up PPP Link (Tasks).
Figure 30-1 Sample Dial-up Link
In this figure, a remote host dials out through its modem over telephone lines to Big Company's intranet. Another host is configured to dial out to Big Company but currently is inactive. One at a time, the calls from remote users are answered by the modem that is attached to the dial-in server at Big Company. A PPP connection is established between the peers. Then the dial-out machine can remotely log in to a host machine on the intranet.
Where to Go For More Information About Dial-up PPP
Task | For Information |
|---|---|
Set up a dial-out machine | |
Set up a dial-in machine | |
Get an overview of dial-up links | |
Get detailed information about PPP files and commands |
Planning a Leased-Line Link
Setting up a leased-line link involves configuring the peer at one end of a switched or unswitched service leased from a provider.
This section includes the following information:
Planning information for a leased-line link
Explanation of the sample link that is shown in Figure 30-2
Before You Set Up the Leased-Line Link
When your company rents a leased-line link from a network provider, you typically configure only the system at your end of the link. The peer at the other end of the link is maintained by another administrator. This individual might be a system administrator at a remote location in your company or a system administrator at an ISP.
Hardware That Is Needed for a Leased-Line Link
In addition to the link media itself, your end of the link requires the following hardware:
Synchronous interface for your system
Synchronous unit (CSU/DSU)
Your system
Some network providers include a router, synchronous interface, and a CSU/DSU as part of the customer premises equipment (CPE). However, necessary equipment varies, based on the provider and any governmental restrictions in your locale. The network provider can give you information about the unit that is needed, if it is not provided with the leased line.