Topic: BigPond Broadband 2-way satellite

[George Grisancich]

Hi,

I'm working in East Timor, setting up SME servers.  

I'm looking into using Telstra's 2-way satellite which provides 512kb download with 256kb upload.  Telstra do not support, or provide drivers for linux for the PCI card, but they do also provide a USB modem instead.

Does anyone know if the USB modem will work with SME 5.5, or has someone managed to get hold of some linux drivers for the PCI card?

iHug could be an option, but they only provide a 1-way service, which means we'd have to use the PTSN for a back channel.  The problem here is that the PTSN only provides 33.6Kbs, and it is very unreliable. It's also very expensive, at USD$5.00 per hour.

Cheers

[Gordon]

Hello George

Sorry I do not have an answer to yours & my problem. I operate from Cairns and do Torres Strait Islands council's networks. Telstra is giving them (as I write) free dishes and installation, so I am very interested in a solution for SME.
What I do know
The system is entirely Hughes Network Systems (www.hns.com) version Diectway 4000 and it uses the USB port, there are no modems but instead a TX & RX boxes attached. Hughes only support Win98 SE --> up and do not indicate Linux. I believe someone in the US has done a Debian box that will connect but again no nothing more.
We are going to try a Win98SE box on the external interface (eth1) using Internet Connection Sharing unless we can find a cleaner solution.
Apart from that Ursys have built a router at about $4400 and up that connects. I believe there is one of those working in Mt Isa. Busibox is the name of the product which marketed by Ericsson. Info at www.urnet.com.au/busibox
But would still prefer to do it straight from the box!!!

What do you think.

Regards

Gordon

[George Grisancich]

Thanks Gordon.

By the way.  Good to hear from you.

I think using a Windoze box with internet sharing is the current logical solution.  I'm sure at some later stage someone will get the USB modem working with SME.

Might try and catch up when I head back to OZ.

Cheers