I found out my ISP is using CDMA technology for the connection between
the computers. is there a Router out there that can use this
technology to connect to them and then provide access to a standard
wired LAN network?

---

Request for Question Clarification by aht-ga on 27 Feb 2004 16:59 PST

kitramos-ga:

Can you clarify what you mean, by your "ISP is using CDMA technology"?
The common definition of CDMA can be found through Google's definition
feature, by searching on "define: CDMA". This produces many online
definitions, including this one:

"Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) is one of several digital
wireless transmission methods in which signals are encoded using a
pseudo-random sequence - which corresponds to a different
communication channel - that the receiver also knows and can use to
decode the received signal. CDMA is one of several "spread spectrum"
techniques. CDMA offers improvements over analogue transmission in the
areas of reduced call dropping, battery power conservation, more
secure transmission and increased service options."
www.telestial.com/glossary.htm

So, one way I could read your question is that you are saying that
your ISP is using the cellular network to provide connectivity to its
customers. Current (ie. non 3G) CDMA networks have a practical maximum
throughput of about 384 kbps, so it isn't much.

Is there another technology that you are thinking of? If so, can you
please give us its full name rather than its acronym? With that, I
should be able to help answer your question.

Regards,

aht-ga
Google Answers Researcher

---

Clarification of Question by kitramos-ga on 28 Feb 2004 01:15 PST

that is all they told me unfortunetly.  however I can get you the
contact info for my isp and you might know better what questions to
ask then I do to get all the info you need out of them.

Email: support@monetmobile.com
Phone: 1-866-AT MONET (1-866-286-6638)
Fax: 605.988.3681
7:00 AM (CT) - 10:00 PM (CT), Monday through Friday and 8:00 AM (CT) -
7:00 PM (CT) Saturday.

also after a bit of digging I found the current modem device I'm using
is one of these two
http://www.gtranwireless.com/products/dotsurfer6000_english.php
http://www.gtranwireless.com/products/dotsurfer6200_english.php

so I either need a way to be able to use the modem card its self to
plug into something (other then a computer) that I can use my router
on, or has a built in one; OR a device that can serve the same
critical functions as the card so that I can access the isp's network
though it and provide either nat in the device or plug it in to my
router for that.

---

Request for Question Clarification by aht-ga on 28 Feb 2004 10:20 PST

kitramos-ga:

You are on the bleeding edge of technology. :) Monet Broadband uses
the latest CDMA iteration, 1xEV-DO (Evolution - Data Optimized) to
power their service. EV-DO is theoretically capable of up to 500 kbps
throughput; actual performance depends on the environment around you,
of course. Your practical speeds should be 256-384 kbps.

The challenge here is that your modem is a PC Card. The current crop
of home routers/gateways are designed for cable, DSL, or even dial
connections. The simplest way to achieve what you are looking for,
then, is to use a PC to bridge between the PC Card and another network
adapter that feeds your home network. Since the GTRAN DotSurfer is so
unique a product, support is limited. So, the biggest obstacle in
using a PC as your bridge is the operating system; only Microsoft OSes
are supported, and the one that will work best in this application is
XP which is not cheap.

Please allow me some time to research this for you; it intrigues me. I
will let you know what I find!

Regards,

aht-ga
Google Answers Researcher

---

Request for Question Clarification by aht-ga on 28 Feb 2004 10:22 PST

Can you also provide me with a description of your home network, ie.
the computers that you wish to connect to this Internet service? In
the description, please tell me the operating system, the available
slots (PC Card for Laptops and PCI slots for Desktops), details about
the processor, memory, hard-drive space, and what the PC is mostly
used for.

Thanks!

aht-ga
Google Answers Researcher

---

Clarification of Question by kitramos-ga on 28 Feb 2004 11:32 PST

okay I got 3 computers. (all of wich can normaly support the card)
and I have them connected together using 802.11b
My access point can also function as a router. (though it only takes
an eithernet connection to that "internet" port)
One computer has a wired connection to the Access point, and is
currently providing NAT services.

Now I'm trying to do this with out making one of those 3 computers act
as a bridge or nat server as I run into problems when I can't have the
right one up, or if it crashes.

---

Request for Question Clarification by aht-ga on 28 Feb 2004 12:11 PST

OK, so you already have one of the PCs acting as a network bridge. 

That is actually the easiest way to tackle this problem, the issue
here is that you happen to use that PC for other purposes, purposes
that sometimes cause it to crash or hang.

One other option for you is to find the cheapest PC available that has
an operating system that can support both the GTRAN card, and a
software network bridge, and dedicate the PC to supporting your home
network. The EV-DO technology is targeted at mobile users, so there
are currently no router manufacturers that have announced any products
that incorporate EV-DO support for the WAN connection.

If you are indeed looking for a hardware-based solution, what is your budget?

Thanks,

aht-ga
Google Answer Researcher

---

Clarification of Question by kitramos-ga on 29 Feb 2004 14:33 PST

Well I could afford to buy a pocket pc and the accessorys neededed.  I
was thinking that might be an option since it also supports my card
and would be a computer I could dedicate to the task and have enought
room for. as I don't have the room for another full sized computer but
could handle sinking a arround $200-250 espicaly if it can serve a
dual purpose like that.  even though it would be primaly used for the
bridging. I also don't mind getting the parts used as long as they are
still in good working condition.

---

Request for Question Clarification by aht-ga on 29 Feb 2004 18:28 PST

Unfortunately, Pocket PCs cannot support network bridging in the way
that you need, the operating system is limited. At a minimum, you
require a device with:

- hardware support for a PC Card or PCI adapter for PC Cards;
- hardware support for a 10/100Base-T Ethernet adapter;
- an operating system that has driver support from GTRAN for your DotSurfer;
- software or operating system support for network bridging between
the GTRAN DotSurfer and a 10/100Base-T Ethernet adapter;

Normally, an old, third-hand PC running Linux would be ideal for this
sort of scenario, but GTRAN does not provide Linux drivers for the
DotSurfer. So, you are limited to devices that support MS Windows 98,
NT4, ME, 2000, or XP. Devices that support CE 3.0 or PPC2002 are
handheld devices that cannot support network bridging. The only MS OS
that natively supports network bridging is XP; the others require
additional software, along with driver support (again a problem with
the GTRAN).

So really, your only option using currently-available technology is a
Windows XP machine, which is exactly what you have got set up already!

What you can do, is find the cheapest, smallest PC deal (surprisingly,
Dell is often good for this), completely stripped of everything except
for a hard drive with XP pre-installed. You can use an existing
monitor, keyboard, and mouse with this computer while setting it up;
once it is set up, you should be able to just leave it alone, perhaps
use it as a file server if the hard drive has the space. All you would
do is configure it to auto-connect with the Monet Broadband service
upon boot-up, bridge it to the Ethernet port, and optionally serve as
your DHCP server. You would also set it up to accept Remote Desktop
Assistance connections from the LAN side only, plunk a decent firewall
program on there, then simply leave it alone. If you find the right
deal, this would squeeze in under $250 + taxes, and has incremental
value if you use it as a file/print server for your other PCs.
Basically, you are creating for yourself a router with built-in
network storage, print server, and firewall.

The direct answer to your Question, unfortunately, is "No, there is no
commercially-available router out there that will support CDMA 1xEV-DO
as the WAN connection for distribution to a standard home network".
However, given that you have priced this Question at $30.50, we should
explore the options that ARE available to you, before I post an
Answer. Would you like me to examine the options around a
dedicated-purpose stripped-down PC as I've described above, and post
those options as your Answer?

Regards,

aht-ga
Google Answers Researcher

---

Clarification of Question by kitramos-ga on 01 Mar 2004 12:00 PST

well, beeing as I just managed to get my hands on a spare copy of xp,
for rather cheep. I don't need a system with the os pre installed, I
do suspose your right getting a cheep computer and using it as that
over all server would probly be my best option.

so in that case I think what I would like for an answer is where can I
get a resonbably cheep and Preferbly small compy that has the parts I
need for this.

---

Clarification of Question by kitramos-ga on 01 Mar 2004 12:08 PST

I just thought of this a little after I hit post. but what would also
help is you could tell me where I can get the additional handy
software for this cheeply. (such as the firewall)

---

Request for Question Clarification by aht-ga on 01 Mar 2004 17:26 PST

kitramos-ga:

I would be happy to advise on a possible source of the computer that
you can use as your router.

First, though, I have several clarification requests that will help
immensely in providing the right advise.

- Which part of Monet's coverage area do you reside in? The name of
the city will do.

- What is your level of skill/experience in working with computer
hardware? Have you ever built your own PC, or performed a major
hardware upgrade on an existing PC?

- Do you have access to any computer discount programs through a club,
association, or other group?

Thanks,

aht-ga
Google Answers Researcher

---

Clarification of Question by kitramos-ga on 01 Mar 2004 22:25 PST

well before we get gooing again
I've beenn dooing some looking into your last sugestion using off-line
resources; and I was able to get one of those third hand compys free,
and I can put xp on it. thought not much else and xp, but since I
don't need anything but xp on it I'm set.

so managed to find the cure off line, but  I do thank you for the
effort,   thought I don't think this is a $30 answer to stop here, and
I don't need any more help with my harware issue as this box is just
small enough to fit. (man did I luck out) so what I was thinking could
fix this problem is if you can find me a good and cheep firewall
program. and also if you can find out for me how to set up port
fowarding in xp's net sharing.

but to answer your questions anywase,
I'm pretty advaced in computers (almost finished training for A+ cert)
I'm in the city of Duluth

---

Request for Question Clarification by aht-ga on 02 Mar 2004 00:23 PST

Port forwarding in XP's Internet Connection Sharing service is quite
easy to configure.

After you activate ICS (Control Panel>Network Connections, select the
GTRAN DotSurfer connection, right-click and select Properties, go to
the Advanced tab, check the ICS checkbox), the Settings... button will
activate. Click on it, and you then have the ability to either
configure one of the pre-defined service types, or 'Add...' your own.
Either way, you get to specify the local IP address or name of the PC
you wish the port to be forwarded to.

For the firewall, given that you wish to use port forwarding your best
option is actually the Internet Connection Firewall in XP. The reason
I say this is because the ICF shares the same port map as ICS, making
it easier to manage the two. As well, if you have any ports forwarded,
your machine can be port-scanned and identified regardless of the
firewall you are using. So, best to use ICF on the routing machine,
then use ZoneAlarm (Free Edition) on any of your client PCs that are
NOT running a full-time server application. ZoneAlarm (Free Edition)
can be found here:

http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/company/products/znalm/freeDownload.jsp

If this is the sort of information you are looking for, I can post it
as the Answer.

Regards,

aht-ga
Google Answers Researcher

---

Clarification of Question by kitramos-ga on 02 Mar 2004 07:05 PST

yep that works.

kitramos-ga:

For the purposes of posting this Answer, I am going to summarize our
discussion to date.

First, in discussing your requirement for a routing device that is
compatible with the 1xEV-DO based broadband Internet service from
Monet Broadband, described how the only viable option for you today is
to use a dedicated PC as a network bridge/router between the GTRAN
DotSurfer and the wired Ethernet port that your current access point
would be connected to. Fortunately, you were able to obtain a suitable
PC at no cost to yourself!

I also described how the built-in capabilities of XP were best suited
for this task; again, fortunately, you happen to have a spare copy of
XP.

Finally, you inquired about how to set up the firewall and port
mapping functions within XP. As both the Internet Connection Sharing
and Internet Connection Firewall share a common port map, the easiest
way to handle this is by:

- Activate ICS (Control Panel>Network Connections, select the GTRAN
DotSurfer connection, right-click and select Properties, go to the
Advanced tab, check the ICS checkbox);
- Click the Settings... button that lights up;
- Edit any existing service type, or 'Add...' your own;
- For each activated service type, specify the local IP address of the
machine that will be serving for that incoming port;

Notes: ICF by default blocks all incoming ports, except for those
opened using the port map. ICF, by default, allows all outgoing
traffic.

Primarily because of the fact that the ICF allows all outgoing
traffic, I also recommend that you download and install ZoneAlarm on
your other PCs so that you can see what traffic is going out from each
one. ZoneAlarm (Free Edition) can be found at:

http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/company/products/znalm/freeDownload.jsp


I hope this was all helpful to you!

Regards,

aht-ga
Google Answers Researcher

Great Response Time, Useful information. Verry helpful.

kitramos-ga:

Sigh... I guess all of our work on this Question was for nothing... I
just read (http://www.unstrung.com/document.asp?doc_id=48914 ) that
Monet is shutting down and filing for bankruptcy.

aht-ga
Google Answers Researcher

yea, and while it does mention another company posibly getting on to
the bandwagon they aren't going to stop arround here any more. now I
gotta figure out what to do withi this modem hardware that I can't use
anymore. *sigh*

Hi kitramos-ga and aht-ga,

Although Monet may be closing its door, I think your EV-DO modem will
get back to live soon.

Verizon Wireless is expanding their EV-DO networks (called
"BroadbandAccess" http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/mobileoptions/broadband/index.jsp?action=broadbandAccess)
from DC and San Diego to the whole US within this year. It's possible
that Verizon will just buy out the Monet network so they don't need to
build their own in this area. Even if Verizon choose to not buy but
build their own EV-DO network in your area, you can still use your
modem hardware on the Verizon's own EV-DO network in the future.

If you cannot wait that long and want to use it now, you may use the
Korea-made GTRAN EV-DO modem card on Verizon's slower 1xRTT network,
called "Express Network" and "NationalAccess," if they are available
in your place.
(http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/mobileoptions/nationalaccess/index.jsp?action=nationalAccess)

CDMA2000 1xRTT offers peak 144kbps and average 60-80kbps, and your
GTRAN EV-DO modem card should be able to use 1xRTT network since it's
backward compatible by CDMA standard.
(http://www.qualcomm.com/technology/1x.html)

One side note: CDMA2000 1xEV-DO is theoretically up to 2.4Mbps, not
only 500 kbps. The average connection speed should be higher than
256-384 kbps. The whole CDMA2000 family (1xRTT and EV-DO) are also one
of the several 3G (3rd Generation)wireless telecommunications
technology standards.
(http://www.qualcomm.com/technology/1xev-do.html)

Could you please also post your comments, if you remember what speed
you were used to have on Monet ISP?

Best Regards,
Jack Lai

well my comments are this.
as far as speed goes I got about the same average speed as a cheep dsl line.

and as for the wireless broadband form Verizon, it's twice as much as
monet charged.  and defently outside what I make at this point.

I can't find a price for their 1xRTT network on the site. though I
think your right about me beeing with in range of it.
btw I already got rid of the modem.

after having to deal with the only other company I know arround here
that sells broadband for $40  I think they probly did something
underhanded to monet to kill it as I'm guessing they where becomming
to big of a danger to them since monet broke their monoply on us. and
gave better service to boot, even if you discount the plus monet had
for beeing wireless, monet was still the better isp.