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Connecting Linux + PPP <--> NT + RAS...

This page is a bit old. I recommend you look at my PPP patch page. The scripts there are set up to connect to a RAS server already.

Another note: I have not done any RAS callback. I will look into this soon. Check back soon :)

This is a relatively simple task, however the following information may make it even easier. I will assume you are administering the Linux end of the link, but this information may be helpful to both ends. As the PPP howto explains, there is some information you need to obtain regarding Phone Numbers, DNS hosts and IP addresses. I recommend you look at it first, then when you get stuck, read this.

Part 1... The easy bit

Use minicom or your favourite terminal program to dial the NT RAS Server. Once you have a connection you can proceed to Part 2. Make sure you can quit your terminal without resetting the modem.

Part 2... The harder bit

Setting up the /etc/ppp/options file may be a bit tricky. The important things to do are...

Make sure you do not have any of the following entries:

  • auth #This will demand that the NT machine authenticate it's self to your machine, this is generally not possible, or needed

  • +pap #This will demand that the NT machine authenticates it's self using PAP, see above

  • -pap #This says that you won't agree to use PAP

  • +chap #This will demand that the NT machine authenticates it's self using CHAP, see above

Make sure the RAS server will accept plain text passwords. You need this to use PAP authentication. This can be set by going to Control Panel -> Network -> Services -> Remote Access Service -> Properties. Select the modem or dial up device, go to Network -> Server Settings -> Encryption Settings and select "allow any authentication including plain text". Then hit OK, Save etc. to close it all.

Part 3... The hardest bit (without this document)

NOTE: If you use my pppd patch, you will not have to do this

in the /etc/ppp/pap-secretes file, add the following lines:

"" * ""
"jn" * "MyPassword"

Where jn is your user name on the NT machine. But what if you are a member of a domain? Then use this instead (where csse-mm is replaced with your domain name)

"" * ""
"csse-mm\\jn" * "MyPassword"

Note that you must escape the "\" character as "\\". then, back to the /etc/ppp/options file and add the following line:

name "jn"
or
name "csse-mm\\jn"

depending what you put in the pap-secretes file.

Part 4... Another easy bit

Dial in to the server, like in step one, or using your custom script. Start ppp with the following line:

pppd 115200 /dev/cua1

or whatever your settings might be.

You may want to enable debug information if something does not work, but everything should.

Run "ifconfig" and you should see an entry for ppp0. If you do then you are cooking with gas. Restart pppd using the "defaultroute" option and start surfing the internet.

If you are still having trouble, or can't understand any of these instructions, drop me an e-mail

Written by John Newbigin. 25 September 1997

Last modified 26/02/01
Maintained by John Newbigin

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