Newsgroups: comp.protocols.tcp-ip.ibmpc
Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!clarkson!grape.ecs.clarkson.edu!nelson
From: nelson@sun.soe.clarkson.edu (Russ Nelson)
Subject: Re: TCP/IP over modem (I need SERIOUS help here)
Reply-To: nelson@clutx.clarkson.edu (aka NELSON@CLUTX.BITNET)
Organization: Clarkson University, Potsdam NY
Date: 26 Mar 91 20:15:47
Message-ID: <NELSON.91Mar26201547@sun.clarkson.edu>
In-Reply-To: Alan.Gallatin@samba.acs.unc.edu's message of 26 Mar 91 16:04:05 GMT
References: <3108@beguine.UUCP>
Sender: usenet@grape.ecs.clarkson.edu

In article <3108@beguine.UUCP> Alan.Gallatin@samba.acs.unc.edu (Alan Gallatin) writes:

   I've been told by several people that there is a way (ways?) to send
   TCP/IP packets over a modem thereby allowing an IBM (such as my 386)
   which has no ethernet access to the internet to run such utilities as
   telnet, ftp, etc.  I would be MOST GRATEFUL for answers to the
   following:

   1)  Is there any truth to what I've heard?  Can I run TCP/IP over a
   modem?

Yes.  You can do TCP/IP over *any* medium, even carrier pigeon.
In fact, I believe there is even an RFC describing how to do it.
There are two standard protocls for transporting TCP/IP packets
over a serial link: SLIP and PPP.

   2)  Aside from speed, what differences will I notice between this
   implementation and an "ethernet-ed" IBM running "TELBIN / TN3270" and
   "FTP"?

None.

   3)  What software do I need and what's the installation process like?

You need a TCP/IP package that can communicate using SLIP or PPP.
For example, MIT's PC-IP package can use SLIP.

   4)  Do I need the cooperation of a current internet machine for me to
   access the internet and, if so, what does that machine need to provide
   me with?

They need to set up a router that can use SLIP (or PPP).  The cheapest
way to do this is using Phil Karn's (KA9Q) NOS.  The only hitch with it
is that only educational or amateur radio users can use it.

   5)  Do I need any TECHNICAL knowledge of TCP/IP packet structure,
   ethernet, internet, etc. or is a good working knowledge of IBM and
   internet USAGE sufficient?

You need to know a bit about IP routing.

--
--russ <nelson@clutx.clarkson.edu> I'm proud to be a humble Quaker.
It's better to get mugged than to live a life of fear -- Freeman Dyson
I joined the League for Programming Freedom, and I hope you'll join too.
