It is possible to run your local network on Ethernet and use a standard modem to dial the internet, giving all devices on the lan access to the internet. This allows installation of a network card in your Tivo and prevents the requirement of setting-up a PPP/serial connection. Users who do not have a local Tivo access number will find this feature very helpful.
A PC with an internal modem can accomplish this same task using specific software on an existing Windows machine. It is also possible to dedicate a PC to LAN routing and dail-up functions by using a customized distribution such as E-Smith. It functions as a dial-up or broadband gateway, and the server functions can be either public or private. It has http/ftp/SMB/Appletalk services. After the initial setup, everything can be configured from the web interface.
However, it is much easier and more robust to purchase a broadband router with a serial port that allows for connection of an external modem. The broadband router will handle all client configuration, DHCP configuration, internet dialing, and hanging-up. It has the additional benefit of placing all devices on your LAN behind a firewall.
The suggested broadband router for this purpose is the SMC 7004ABR or the older version, the 7004BR. I purchased one of these routers for $60 after rebate. Check techbargains.com or bensbargains.net for the latest deals.
You will also need an external modem. Any external modem should work, but I recommend a US Robotics V.Everything modem if you can find one. I purchased one for $30 off of E-bay. V.92 capability is recommended but it is definitely not requried.
Configuring the SMC 7004ABR for dial-up:
Use your web browser to connnect to the IP address of your Barricade router. Log on and click on the "Setup" menu. From there, click on the "WAN Configuration" link on the left. If you are using a 7004BR, the menus will be slightly different.
If you are accessing the Internet via an ISDN TA or PSTN modem attached to the serial port on the Barricade, then you must specify your account information on this screen as described below.
For the checkbox entitled "Check if you only use a dial-up modem to connect to the Internet.":
–If the serial port is used for primary Internet access, then mark this item. If not marked, then this connection will only be used for backup access if the primary WAN link fails.
Dial-Up Service Phone Number – Enter the phone number your service provider has given to you for Internet access.
Dial-Up Account Information – Enter your ISP account user name and password.
CONFIGURING THE BARRICADE
Modem Initialization string – Enter the initialization string
provided by your modem manufacturer. The following is a sample
initialization string: “ATQ1S0=1&D0&K0&W” as defined below:
Q1 : Inhibit result codes to DTE
S0=1 : Auto answer on first ring
D0 : Don’t care DTR
K0 : Disables DTE/DCE flow control
W : Write command to modem memory
Maximum Idle time – Enter the maximum idle time for the
Barricade (in seconds).
Has your Internet Service Provider given you an IP address?
If you are assigned a dynamic IP address every time you dial up, mark “No” for this item.
However, if your ISP has assigned a fixed IP address for you to use, mark “Yes” for this item and enter the IP address and subnet mask. (This is not common.)
Note: If your ISP has given you a secondary phone number, or if you have a secondary Internet service account, then fill in the relevant fields under “Secondary Dial-up.”
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