Linux STB's

[215liverpool]

Hi there,

I looking at getting a linux based reciever as I think I'm ready to take the next step up from my trusty TM1500.

I appreciate that talking about this takes things onto dodgy ground so I'll be vague.

For me to have a linux box which talks to another box/server does my box have to be looped through my computer to talk to the other receiver/server or is the linux box plugged directly into my broadband enabled phone port?

I'm a complete newbie to linux boxes and I was wondering how my cabling around my house would work as my PC is upstairs.

Any knowledge would be gratefully recieved
Many Thanks

[Jimdefruit]

Hi 215liverpool.

You can link through your pc but it will be very restricted. What you really need is a router to form a network and link the network to the internet.

[215liverpool]

Cheers mate thanks for the reply.

So does that mean my linux box will plug straight into my BT telephone socket ?

I thought a router was one of those things that you plug into you bt socket so you can plug your land line and broadband into one socket. Or am I being thick.

Thanks

[Robbo]

Originally Posted by 215liverpool

Cheers mate thanks for the reply.

So does that mean my linux box will plug straight into my BT telephone socket ?

I thought a router was one of those things that you plug into you bt socket so you can plug your land line and broadband into one socket. Or am I being thick.

Thanks

No you cant plug a network cable straight into your BT telephone socket.

I take it that you have a modem for your broadband?
A router needs one too, and they are usually in-built for broadband down a BT line.

A router enables you to share your internet connection between other computers, and effectively creates a network.

You need an ADSL modem router.

Here's a wireless one:-
Wireless Broadband Routers: DG834G

Heres a wired one:-
Broadband Routers DG834 - ADSL Modem Firewall Router

I assume that you can get routers that plug into an existing modem,
but since I have cable broadband I'm not sure.


Robbo

[Jimdefruit]

I wouldn't say that.

No your pc and linux box plug into the router and then your router connects to your modem and then to the internet. That is the simple explanation. There are combined routers/modems and there are wireless routers. There are different types of routers for BT lines and cable connections.

[215liverpool]

Okay cheers guys, it's starting to make a bit more sense now.

My only difficulty is that as I mentioned before is that my my stb box would be downstairs and that my pc will be upstairs. You guys mentioned that my pc and linux box need to be connected to the router and then the router is connected to the internet. I don't have a wireless set up so I can't logistically see how my pc and linux box can be on two different floors yet be connect to a router which is connected to my bt socket.

Apologies if there really is an obvious solution to this but I really am a newbie to networking.

Thanks in advance

[Jimdefruit]

From what you say, I assume your modem and BT socket are located next to your PC.

You can by using a wireless router connect your system wirelessly but the best option is to have your linux box connected by lan cable. It all really depends upon the stb that you get as to which option you choose.

Getting away form a permanent internet connected stb, provided you have the stb connected via lan to your pc you can transfer files by ftp.

There are serial connections but we wont go there will we, if your systems are on different floors.

[215liverpool]

Cheers you've helped alot.

I think I might have to go via the wireless route as there is no way I can have any cabling linking the linux box to my computer as the distance is too great.

I do have a telephony socket next to my computer for the broadband connection and I also have a telephony socket in easy reaching distance of my current stb.

I'm understanding this in laymans terms but how realistic is it for someone like me who has no experience in anything like this setting it up ? I'm quite resourceful in terms of looking for info on the net.

Also what linux stb would you recommend for someone like me?

Thanks

[Jimdefruit]

If it was me, I would connect the broadband modem to the BT point next to the stb and put a wireless router next to it and connect then two.

If can afford it, I would recommend the Dreambox 7020s or 7025s both of which have very good support and lots of options.

Connect the linux stb by lan cable to the router. Fit a wireless lan card or usb stick in the PC and connect wirelessly to the internet. Make sure any wireless system you have connects at a minimum speed of 54 mbps. You can get cheaper components that only connect at 11 mbps.

[215liverpool]

I only have 3meg download speed on my internet, would setting up a router and running a linux stb on this make normal surfing very slow ? I appreciate it would have some effect on this but just wondering how much.