Inability to connect to the Internet

**johnbb** · 09-10-2006, 01:21 PM

I am new to Linux, but am endeavouring to understand the jargon and complexities.

I have a Dell Inspiron 6000 laptop. I have also managed to download Knoppix 5.0.1 and burn a CD using Windows XP and Nero.

My ISP is part of a cable TV setup requiring from me with XP, an ID and a password to access the broadband service theoretically working at 100Mbps, no dialing, no modem just a cable plugged into the computer at a socket named "Network Connector-(RJ-45)". They state that they have no Linux support for connection software.

I have tried Xandros and Mepis Linux distributions, and have the same problem as with Knoppix, an inability to configure a connection to the Internet. Probably due to my lack of Linux knowledge.

In Knoppix, and the other distributions, it seems to connect to the Internet one is expected to have a dial up system and other systems with cards that don't seem to be for me. Everything else works fine, or seems to so far.

Can someone advise me what to do please to connect.

My ISP details are:

Device type: PPPoE (WAN Miniport)
Server type:PPP
Transports:TCP/IP
Authentication:PAP
Compression:None
PPP Multilink framing:Off

I am not required to enter any address of any kind, or or dialup, just my ID and password. I hope I have given the correct information about my ISP to get a helpful answer.

Hopefully waiting

**Harry Kuhman** · 09-10-2006, 01:42 PM

I don't really know your situation, in most countries PPPoE is used for DSL, not for cable access. Knoppix does have a PPPoE client, but if you log in with PPPoE then you should really read my stock answer #4.

**johnbb** · 09-10-2006, 02:37 PM

Thank you for your quite prompt reply, but I sorry to have to say I am still none the wiser.

In Windows XP I don't need any special software to connect, all I do initially is to go to "network connections", then there is listed "Broadband connection", I then enter my ID and password. I am then connected without any bother. I then use a short cut to connect next time.

I have no router as mentioned in your answer #4, only the ISP "box", that has all labels removed, to connect the TV and the computer, and as I only have one computer, this is not a problem.

You say:"I don't really know your situation". What do I need to tell you to make things more clear ? Ask, and I'll try to clarify the situation.

**rusty** · 09-10-2006, 03:14 PM

Have you tried the utility for DSL/PPOE, it can be found at K->Knoppix->Network/Internet->ADSL/PPOE Configuration

**johnbb** · 09-11-2006, 05:41 AM

Yes, I've tried that with the result that it says the connection has been triggered.

However, using either browser supplied, there is no Internet connection.

In the 'Command Console' I have tried the command "ifconfig" the result is :

Ethernet HWaddr: 00 14 22 f2 c0 e1
INET6 addr: fe80 214 22ff fef2 c0e1 /64 Scope:Link
UP BROADCAST RUNNINGMUTICAST MTU:1500 Metric: 1
Rx Packets 101 Errors 0 Dropped 0 Overruns 0 Frame 0
TX Packets 87 Errors 0 Dropped 0 Carrier 0 Collisions 0 TXqueuelen 1000
Rx Bytes 6554 Tx Bytes 6474
Interrupt 19

Which to my novice's eyes looks as though I am connected BUT.... not to the browser

The commands "plog" suggested to be used to show the status, states:
"Tail cannot open /var/log/log/syslog for reading. Permission denied"

Which to me is gibberish, being a novice in Linux.

If however, this makes sense to someone more well informed, and can give me some plain English instructions as to how to get connected, I would be most grateful.

As I have said previouly, in Windows XP on this computer, getting connected is no problem. In this distribution of Linux it seems to be another matter.

**malaire** · 09-11-2006, 10:53 AM

Originally Posted by johnbb

In the 'Command Console' I have tried the command "ifconfig" the result is :

Ethernet HWaddr: 00 14 22 f2 c0 e1
INET6 addr: fe80 214 22ff fef2 c0e1 /64 Scope:Link
UP BROADCAST RUNNINGMUTICAST MTU:1500 Metric: 1
Rx Packets 101 Errors 0 Dropped 0 Overruns 0 Frame 0
TX Packets 87 Errors 0 Dropped 0 Carrier 0 Collisions 0 TXqueuelen 1000
Rx Bytes 6554 Tx Bytes 6474
Interrupt 19

Which to my novice's eyes looks as though I am connected BUT.... not to the browser

You could try commands ping 72.36.188.40 and ping www.knoppix.net to check if you are connected or not. Sometimes there have been reports that computer was connected to the Internet but Firefox still wasn't working. You could also try Konqueror instead of Firefox.

(ping-command checks if a certain internet-address can be reached from your computer)

**johnbb** · 09-12-2006, 09:45 AM

Thank for the Ping suggestion, I'll try it and let you know the outcome.

As for the browsers, I have used BOTH browsers and the don't appear to be connected.

From the information I gave above from the "ifconfig" command, could you explain as to what it all means.

Regards

**malaire** · 09-12-2006, 10:43 AM

Originally Posted by johnbb

From the information I gave above from the "ifconfig" command, could you explain as to what it all means.

I don't really understand that well enough to explain it properly.

**johnbb** · 09-12-2006, 02:41 PM

Thank you for coming back, even though you can't explain. It is appreciated.

I haven't yet had the opportunity to try the "Ping". I will let you know the outcome in due course, probably tomorrow.

I have tried DSL(Damn Small Linux) and also get the same problem. No ability to connect to the Internet with either browser supplied. The "ifconfig" command produces similar results to those previously given with Knoppix.

Lets hope someone will come forward with some practical advise and perhaps some authoritative explanations.

Regards