Nithin Kamath’s Weblog

I recently got a internet connection from Tata Indicom (CDMA Wireless). I purchased the Huawei EC325 modem which uses a USB cable to connect to the PC. My inital reaction was since it was a USB connection and was using a custom software to connect to the net, it would not be possible to connect to the net in Linux using this modem.

After full two months, I finally gave up my laziness and did a quick search. I tried out the first solution offered and it worked out in the first try itself, how often does that happen. It took me a total of 10 mins including searching, restarting and configuring to get connected to the net in Linux.

Here is the procedure to get Huawei EC325 Data Modem in Linux:-

1. Open a terminal window.
2. Log in as root, i.e. type “su -” sans the quotes and enter the root password.
3. Then use vi to edit/create the following file “/etc/wvdial.conf”.
4. Enter the following text into it.
   [Modem0]
   Modem=/dev/ttyUSB0
   Baud=115200
   SetVolume=0
   Dial Command = ATDT
   init1=ATZ
   init2=AT+CRM=1
   FlowControl= Hardware (CRTSCTS)
   [Dialer tata]
   Username= internet
   Password= internet
   Phone=#777
   Stupid Mode= 1
   Inherits = Modem0
5. In the above change the Modem=/dev/ttyUSB0 to what ever your device name is, you should be able to see it while the OS is booting, else give the “dmesg” command and search in that.
6. Final step is give the command “wvdial tata”, and if everything is proper you should now be connected to the net.
7. Press “Ctrl+c” when you want to disconnect.

I have tried this on SuSE 10.1 and it should work on any latest release of any Linux system. Also I had this system configured for net access for BSNL dataone service before, so am not absolutely sure if you have to do any DNS settings or not. But it should work regardless of it.

Great to be back into the Linux world again.

The India Online 2006 report, prepared by Juxt Consult is out and, here are some of interesting points which the report makes:

• Only 60% users have English as their preferred language. Rest prefer Indian language websites. 40% visit Indian language websites.
• Only 50% users come from metros, 22% come from Urban uptowns, 15% from emerging towns and 13% from other towns.
• The proportion of women net users is now has increased from 15% to 26%.
• checking blogs has become second most preferred online activity after e-mailing.
• 51% Indian users come from low-middle class with less than 10k monthly income.

I am mainly surprised by the last two points, that checking blogs is the second most preferred online activity, strange considering not many people whom i know check blogs regularly, but you know it depends on the awareness about technology that matters, obviously people who use internet more find interesting sites and blogs and visit it.

On the other hand the last point mentioned truly shows how the scenario is changing very fast, now almost everyone uses internet. Cost is no longer a barrier, i still remember the days when internet browsing was a real costly affair and was too slow. Now the rates have come down and the speeds have increased leaps and bounds when you consider what providers offer. Things change pretty fast huh! or is it that I am getting old really fast!!! I hope it is not the latter.

Source: thehoot.org