Topic: Multi-tech MULTIMODEMISI

[Bob]

Has anyone had any experience using Multi-tech or orher modem pools with SME. Multi-tech does support linux. I just purchased a fractional T1 line and would like to become a mini ISP, mainly for a few of my clients that still use dial up. Any thoughts or suggestions would be helpful.

Bob

[Gregory Baird]

Take a look on Ebay for modem pools mainly Lucent PM3's --search for portmaster-- on small box that you just plug your T1 into
they are really cheap and can handle up to 2 T1 lines built - in routing then you can use your sme server for Authication

PM3's use to be about $12000 now you can get one for about $ 200
they only will do 56k V.90 or isdn though I don't think they will go to the new V.92 standards which has only a few new features anyway

Your T1 incoming must be "channelized" 24 lines You will also need a "Frame Relay" outgoing line same as a T1 but not channelized it has to go to a upstream provider like Pacific Bell or Pac-West or Inreach for your internet bandwidth

[Bob]

I looked at the PM3's, but they require ISDN lines. I am getting analog lines. Any other sugestions?

Thanks

Bob

[Gregory Baird]

Bob

they can use isdn lines but

the are mainly for 56k dial up look at the info with them
it will tell you that it has ? modems on ? cards

they can have 8 or 10 modems per card

good info site

http://www.portmasters.com/

also ebay example  first one was a heck of a buy

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3057329716&category=11186

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3057289390&category=20316
this one has good info dial-up is analog but you can see what I mean

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3057466061&category=11186
this one you can see the back where the up to 6 modemcards go & the T1 and network connections are

remember a channelized T1 will only support 24 modems but a cool thing about PM3's is if you have 3-10 modem cards 10 modems per card total 30 modems it is not really a waste as the PM3 has rollover if a modem on one of the cards dies it will disable it and pick-up one of the "un-used" ones

Greg

gbaird@cox.net