Hi there!
AOL is notoriously fussy about allowing access through anything but
their proprietary client. There is a perfectly simple way to set up a
home network that would allow both your Linux and Windows machines to
share your DSL connection.
Except with AOL Plus. AOL Plus makes the whole situation ugly, as
discussed here:
AOL-DSL Router Setup?
[ http://www.computing.net/networking/wwwboard/forum/5461.html ]
and here:
Sharing Internet Connections with AOL- Is it possible?
[ http://www.homenethelp.com/web/howto/aol-share.asp ]
Note this:
" NOTES ON AOL-DSL PLUS
It is my understanding that AOL implemented a custom form of PPPoE for
its DSL connections to keep them from being shared with a broadband
router. You can NOT share AOL-DSL plus with a router. You CAN share
it with connection sharing software."
You can get around it using methods detailed here:
Software Based Connection Sharing
[ http://www.homenethelp.com/sharing/software.asp ]
...or with this product:
PPPShar
[ http://www.pppindia.com/intl/pppshar/index.html ]
...and a large bottle of Excedrine Migraine formula.
Alternatively, if you're not terribly attached to AOL "content", and
have a regular broadband provider available, you might consider
getting rid of AOL and going with a straight DSL solution - in which
case, I have detailed instructions for setting up a network easily
right at my fingertips. If you'd like, I'll happily post these as
well, as a clarification, so you can compare the degrees of
difficulty.
Wishing you much luck and patience,
missy-ga |
Request for Answer Clarification by
dmt2005-ga
on
03 Jun 2002 21:49 PDT
I already know that AOL plus cannot be used with a router and that I
can use a proxy server like the one in the link you listed, but that
was not my question. I already know how to use a proxy server as I
have used them before on my two windows machines. My question, if I
didn't make it clear, pertains to sharing my AOL plus connection with
a LINUX computer.
|
Clarification of Answer by
missy-ga
on
04 Jun 2002 09:23 PDT
My apologies, dmt.
I've been told that it *is* possible to set up a proxy server through
your Windows box - I'm still waiting for a contact to get back to me
with instructions. It may take a day or two, I just wanted to let you
know that you're not being ignored. I'll have a further clarification
soon.
Again, my apologies.
missy-ga
|
Request for Answer Clarification by
dmt2005-ga
on
04 Jun 2002 09:38 PDT
Thanks for the update, no rush, I'm sure you'll find what I need
|
Clarification of Answer by
missy-ga
on
04 Jun 2002 10:50 PDT
Hello again!
My contact, a networking specialist at a local computer shop, suggests
using WinRoute Pro to set up a Proxy server on your Windows box. (It
was awarded a 5-star rating by ServerWatch:
[ http://serverwatch.internet.com/proxyserver-winroute.html ])
You'll need two NIC's installed on the WinBox - one to connect to your
AOL DSL, and one to connect to your Linux box.
WinRoute needs only to be installed on the WinBox, and you'll need to
be certain to have TCP/IP installed on the Linux box - the operating
system your client computer is running does not matter to WinRoute.
You can download WinRoute Lite or WinRoute Pro here for a 30 day
trial:
WinRoute Downloads
[ http://www.tinysoftware.com.br/download.php ]
If this does meet your needs, you may purchase it here:
WinRoute Purchase
[ http://www.tinysoftware.com.br/purchase.php ]
(NOTE: The images on these pages are currently broken, but I did call
the Customer Service number (1-888-709-8799), and all information is
current.)
There are detailed instructions for setting up WinRoute here:
Example of Setting up WinRoute Pro for sharing a Broadband Internet
Connection
[ http://203.147.200.74/winroute/ ]
If you find WinRoute not to your liking, you can try MidPoint, which
works similarly to WinRoute, and also offers a free trial:
MidPoint
[ http://www.midpoint.com/midpoint_new/index_us.htm ]
Rob, my contact person, stresses that AOL Plus does not like proxies,
and *may* interfere with proper operation of the software. AOL Plus
uses a proprietary PPoE protocol that does not like to play nicely
with anything but AOL Plus approved setups. You might have to try
several different software proxy solutions before hitting on one that
AOL Plus will cooperate with. It seems to vary from box to box,
though the problem does not lie with the hardware, rather it lies with
AOL Plus' protocol.
Fortunately, most solutions offer a free trial period, specifically to
ensure that you can find one that works for you, without wasting
money.
DSL Reports discusses specific AOL Plus related headaches here:
[ http://www.dslreports.com/faq/aolplus/all#3048 ]
...and offers forums where you can go for additional help here:
[ http://www.dslreports.com/forums ]
A couple others to try, should WinRoute or MidPoint not work out:
WinGate
[ http://www.deerfield.com/download/wingate/ ]
WinProxy (detailed setup instructions are also available here)
[ http://www.ositis.com/english/downloads/dl_intro_en.asp ]
(Again, the OS of the client computer doesn't matter, as long as
TCP/IP is installed - which you'd need to have installed for Internet
access in any case.)
I know you probably don't want to hear this, but as the builder and
maintainer of a three machine home network, I cannot urge you strongly
enough to look into a non-AOL DSL solution if at all possible. I feel
obliged to try to save you the hassles involved with setting up a
software proxy solution - a simple router solution with a regular DSL
provider takes about 10 minutes to configure (not counting running the
cabling), where mucking about with a software solution to make AOL
Plus happy might keep you busy for days, and may not be as dependable
as a hardware solution once you do get it up and running. (Just my
somewhat biased opinion here. I'm a real fan of solid and simple
networks.)
Whichever you choose, I do wish you lots of luck and an abundance of
patience.
Best regards,
missy-ga
|
Clarification of Answer by
missy-ga
on
06 Jun 2002 09:29 PDT
Oh, HUZZAH! I'm so glad it's working for you!! I was really worried
that AOL was going to make things difficult for you!
When you're out from under the parental roof and want to do the
network right, come back and see us again, OK? I keep detailed
instructions on file.
Happy everything worked out!
missy-ga
|
