Stories (RSS)
EVDO (and UMTS) on openSUSE 11.0
(3 votes, average: 5 out of 5)
Loading ...
This week I’m working off an EVDO connection while I wait for Verizon to get FIOS set up in the townhome I’m moving to. (Just moving across town.) Now, a few weeks ago I blogged about setting up EVDO using wvdial on openSUSE 10.3, so I thought I would mention the process for 11.0.
I hadn’t used the EVDO card in a few weeks, so I plugged it in on my big green laptop that I’m running openSUSE 11.0 RC 1 on. Under GNOME, when I plugged in my EVDO card and went to NetworkManager, it had already recognized the card and all I had to do is click “connect.” No need to give any information (I guess the card stores it all?) — just plug it in and go.
This isn’t just “user friendly,” this is significantly easier than using the same card under Mac OS X or Windows. No (extra) software to install (the management software is a PITA on OS X), it just dials up and goes. Beautiful!
It’s unbelievable how far Linux has come since I went to using a Linux desktop full-time in 1999. From “stable but hard to use,” to “stable and easier than other OSes,” in just nine years.
Update: Should point out that NetworkManager works the same way for users with UMTS, so the network goodness is not limited to EVDO. Anyone have a UMTS card that they’d like to lend me next time I’m in Europe? I think I should test this extensively… (and having a convenient network connection while I travel would just be an added bonus…)
Strange - I’ve used wireless data cards from both Sprint and Verizon under OS X and never had to install any software at all. They were both recognized and worked without a hitch. I’d be curious what additional features the painful management software gives you.
What about USB modem supporting EVDO. ZTE have come out with some models, of which i am using AC8700 model. The options module still doesnt have this model added, and adding this manually in options.c and crating a module has failed for me. Any suggestions on this?
Umesh