DSL - Broadband problems

[Newlife]

Not sure where to post this problem, nor how to describe...
I am running a Dell Latitude D620, with PCLOS 2011 fully updated, and XP dual boot.
Since last couple of updates, after I connect to the internet, I have periods of a few minutes and longer when I cannot get connected to any site.

I can see the dsl modem (Westall 6100) flash properly but go nowhere.

All may be OK for an hour or more, and whamo, I cannot go anywhere.

I don't have the problem if I bootup XP.

CL has checked their service and say there is no problem on the line, unless the line is working at the time they check it.

Being I am unfamiliar with the Linux software for broadband I do not know what to check.
newlife

[T6]

broadband software?

what software?

all you can set is ip if possible, dns and gateway, if exist for the service you pay, most services won't give you any of this info

other than that, it has to work all the time without problems

some companies are known to be problematic with linux but this is really weird now

most times the modem is the problem so ask the company to give another to you, sometimes just put a wireless router between the modem and your machine is simpler and offers better results while offering more services

[pags]

Are you connected to your DSL modem through a network (cat5) cable, possibly with a router or switch between the PC and the modem, or are you connected directly (via USB)?

For the former, then T6 is correct, and no software should be required.

If the latter, than possibly research rp-pppoe (Roaring Penguin? - it's in Synaptic).  It's been a loooong time since I've even thought about that, so I'm not sure what advice to give at the moment, other than to do some reading...

[Newlife]

broadband software?
I only have whatever software came with PCLOS2011 KDE
what software?
same as above
all you can set is ip if possible, dns and gateway, if exist for the service you pay, most services won't give you any of this info

other than that, it has to work all the time without problems

some companies are known to be problematic with linux but this is really weird now
Century Link has been very good in helping to trouble shoot. The best suggestion they have is to exchange the modem. If nogo, then have their tech thoroughly check the line.
most times the modem is the problem so ask the company to give another to you, sometimes just put a wireless router between the modem and your machine is simpler and offers better results while offering more services
I did have a wireless router hooked but thought it was causing the problem. BUT even with cable straight from modem to pc there is the sporadic problem.

What is puzzling, there was no problem last night. Every site popped up and downloads OK. Then this AM I had no access to any site, but the modem blinked properly. I then tried XP and all OK. Then back to Linux and NOGO. So I booted another pc with Linux, and NOGO. So, I changed kernel from 2.6.38.8 to 2.6.27.4  All seems OK but I don't know if that's the problem since my daughter's ACER with XP has similar problem.

IF problem continues I will exchange the modem.....
n

[T6]

you didn't mentioned two pcs

have you modified the ethernet adapter configuration?

are you sharing the modem directly, by unplugging one pc and connecting the other?

if that is the case, you need a router, a switch won't help here, the modem is having problems to give ip to the machine when you change from one Ethernet adapter to the other

[YouCanToo]

broadband software?
I only have whatever software came with PCLOS2011 KDE
what software?
same as above
all you can set is ip if possible, dns and gateway, if exist for the service you pay, most services won't give you any of this info

other than that, it has to work all the time without problems

some companies are known to be problematic with linux but this is really weird now
Century Link has been very good in helping to trouble shoot. The best suggestion they have is to exchange the modem. If nogo, then have their tech thoroughly check the line.
most times the modem is the problem so ask the company to give another to you, sometimes just put a wireless router between the modem and your machine is simpler and offers better results while offering more services
I did have a wireless router hooked but thought it was causing the problem. BUT even with cable straight from modem to pc there is the sporadic problem.

What is puzzling, there was no problem last night. Every site popped up and downloads OK. Then this AM I had no access to any site, but the modem blinked properly. I then tried XP and all OK. Then back to Linux and NOGO. So I booted another pc with Linux, and NOGO. So, I changed kernel from 2.6.38.8 to 2.6.27.4  All seems OK but I don't know if that's the problem since my daughter's ACER with XP has similar problem.

IF problem continues I will exchange the modem.....
n

I take it from your mention of CL that you are referring to CenturyLink?  FWIW the Westel 6100 modem is a very hardy and stable unit. I have had one now for 7 year without any issues. The only thing I have done is made sure that my DNS is set to OpenDNS as I find I have the same type of issues that you are having if I use CenturyLink DNS numbers.  Windows do not seem to have issues with their DNS numbers, Linux does.  It is really simple and easy to change your DNS in Linux. I would give it a shot and see if your problems vanish.  Let use know if changing your DNS numbers cures your problems.

[T6]

"I only have whatever software came with PCLOS2011 KDE"

that is not software, that is linux

in windows what you call software, could be a special driver or a dial up program, software for broadband is not required on windows or linux, just the configuration of the ethernet adapter communicating with it and off you go

the change to opendns and add a router sounds like a perfect solution, first, try the opendns so you can avoid go and buy stuff, anyway i would buy a wireless router, it is a lifesaver

[jwt873]

If the original poster's DSL service uses PPoE, then the 'software' would be the rp-pppoe package.  That's where all the configuration is done..  (But that's only if his provider does use PPoE)...

I'm with you 100% on the router...   That's what I use..  I do all the DSL setup on the router.  It connects to my DSL provider and then I connect to the router using plain old DHCP.