[NCLUG] Cable @home questions

Aaron Johnson adj at ccltd.com
Wed Oct 11 21:50:06 MDT 2000


> I got @home installed (my wife wanted it) and cannot seem to get it
> working.  It came with the Surfboard 3100 modem.  Since I live and
> work in a Microsoft free zone so their software doesn't help me at
> all.

Sounds like a step up from bob's uucp connection.

I don't have that modem, so can't comment specifically on the blinking
lights thing, but check the work order the installer should have left
for an IP address assignment.  I've got a static IP address listed on
mine, never had to use any dhcp or such stuff.  It's not clearly
marked, though.

> If I understand things correct the modem is trying to acquire it's
> IP address from the upstream DHCP server and cannot.  It this correct?
> If yes then it isn't my problem, right?
> 
> I've let the modem set up my nic card via DHCP and surfed to it's

In my experience, the modem itself doesn't get an address from
upstream.  Think of it as an ethernet bridge.  Not sure why the modem
would need an IP address.

> I get it this:
> 
> 	Acquire Downstream Channel			Done
> 	Obtain Upstream Parameters			Done
> 	Establish IP Connectivity using DHCP		In Progress

Weird.  I guess I'd call the service number what's up with it.
Someone ought to put together an NCLUG cable modem FAQ/HOWTO.  I'll
put something together if people with working setups want to send me
details of their configurations.

> And the logs say things like this:
> 
> 	5-Warning	D520.2		DHCP Attempt# 1 BkOff: 4s Tot DSC:1
> 					OFF:0 REQ:0 ACK:0
> 
> Then I though for awhile. "Dang, does the Winders software provide
> DHCP service to the modem?"  I've spend the last hour or so proving
> to myself that it doesn't because, using tcpdump, I never saw a
> bootp packet head to my machine from the modem.  I did see the other
> direction from the dhcpcd I was running.

If tcpdump isn't seeing anything, I'd guess it's sending stuff over
the cable line.  The installer should have at least stuck around long
enough to make sure the modem thought it was talking to the cable
plant OK.

> What am I doing wrong?  

Maybe you should see if you can get one of the standalone RCA modems.
Assuming the oh-so-helpful @home guys think it ought to be working.

Aaron
--
MTS, tummy.com, ltd.
Linux and UNIX Consulting and Software



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