Re: DHCP to ISP (ntl cable settop)
"tc" == tc <tc@ipaterson.ca> writes:
tc> Has anyone actually achieved DHCP using Debian? If so, how?
Yes, DHCP works just fine on Debian, but there are many things that
might go wrong.
tc> I'd appreciate any advice, as im quite new to debian, and have
tc> enjoyed using it so far. Thanks.
First, read the man page for the interfaces file. You probably want
something like this in your /etc/network/interfaces file:
auto eth0
iface eth0 inet dhcp
to bring up the eth0 interface on startup (which is what the 'auto
eth0' line indicates). Then read the man pages for the ifup/ifdown
commands.
The first thing I'd do is figure out if my ethernet devices are
working correctly. The best way to do this is to define a static IP
(see 'man interfaces') and make sure you can ifup/ifdown the
interface.
Next, are you sure your cable modem box is a router sort of device
that has a dhcp server in it? Or is the dhcp server at your ISP? If it
is the latter, perhaps you have a bigger issue than just dhcp (you
might need to set up a pppoe session with your ISP, something I can't
help you with since I don't do this for myself).
If you believe your cable modem/router has a working dhcp client,
perhaps your kernel is not quite configured for dhclient. Look in the
log files (/var/log/syslog and friends) for messages when you
ifup/ifdown interfaces.
There are many different ways to approach this problem (e.g. you don't
have to use the interfaces file and ifup/down), but perhaps this might
help you get started.
Cheers!
Shyamal
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