Chapter 5. Connecting to the
Internet
Perhaps the most important change in communication since the
telephone, the Internet is a large part of our world today. Red Hat
Enterprise Linux has the tools necessary to allow you to connect to
that world.
There are many types of Internet connections, including:
- ISDN Connection
-
An ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) connection uses
high-speed, high-quality digital telecommunication lines as opposed
to an analog modem connection. This special phone line must be
installed by a phone company.
- Modem Connection
-
A modem connection uses a normal phone line to establish a
connection to the Internet. Digital data is modulated into analog
signals and sent over phone lines.
- Wireless Connection
-
A wireless connection uses a wireless access point (WAP) or
peer-to-peer network with a wireless network card.
- xDSL Connection
-
An xDSL (Digital Subscriber Line) connection uses high-speed
transmissions through telephone lines. There are different types of
DSL such as ADSL, IDSL, and SDSL. Internet
Configuration Wizard uses the term xDSL to mean all types of
DSL connections.
- Ethernet Connections
-
Some xDSL and cable modem connections require users to set up
their connections via Ethernet. The ethernet card in your Red Hat
Enterprise Linux system communicates with the xDSL or cable modem,
which communicates in turn with your ISP.
This chapter discusses setting up a modem (or dial-up)
connection in detail. The procedures for creating connections of
the remaining types is similar, but may require additional steps or
information from your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
Your own ISP may have specific connection requirements for their
service which differ from the instructions in this chapter. Before
connecting, check with your ISP for any specific instructions that
they provide, including the following information:
-
The phone number that your modem must dial to connect to your
ISP if you are using a modem.
-
Your login name and password for your account if you are using
an xDSL or modem connection.
-
A gateway address. Some ISPs may
require you to configure a master address (called the gateway) that
authenticates your computer and allows it to connect to the
Internet.
-
DNS entries: DNS means Domain Name System. DNS servers act as a road map
for the Internet. When you use the Internet, the DNS tells your
machine where to send its traffic. DNS tracks IP (Internet Protocol) addresses; each computer
connected to the Internet must have an IP address, which is a
unique set of numbers like 2xx.2xx.2x.2. You may receive one or more
DNS entries from your Internet provider when you sign up.
5.1. The Internet
Configuration Wizard
Red Hat Enterprise Linux includes the Internet Configuration Wizard. The Internet Configuration Wizard is available from
the (the main menu on the
panel) => sub-menu, or from
a shell prompt via the command internet-druid. This tool guides you step-by-step
through the process of establishing a new Internet connection.
When you first start the Internet
Configuration Wizard, you are required to enter your root
password.
Each of the types of connections are listed in the left pane of
the window. Select the type of connection to establish, then follow
the steps of the wizard.
The next section of this chapter goes through the details of
creating a dial-up connection as an example.
