Re: Starband && OpenBSD

[hostmaster@ntnation.com]

Yes, just to add two more cents, it does seem that around middle of the
Fall last year, Starband really started to get its act together. Again,
though, if a cable modem or DSL is a viable option, do those -- but if
not, then Starband is the way to go.

Re: the ports issue below.... Actually, I believe that's just their
interface for the proxy server they have, but you're right, without the
proprietary software, it significantly slows down the connection.

> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-misc@openbsd.org [mailto:owner-misc@openbsd.org] 
> On Behalf Of Tom Broome
> Sent: Monday, February 11, 2002 2:54 PM
> To: misc@openbsd.org
> Subject: Re: Starband && OpenBSD
> 
> 
> I have a model 360.
> Yes it is usb or Ethernet.
> The software is winblows only.
> My understanding, there is a program running on a certain 
> port that gives the "acceleration". And if you plug direct 
> into a machine w/o that software running the sat is equal to 56k. 
> At the house I run a 2k pro with an older version of zone 
> alarm to share. I have mixed feelings about it. When I first 
> got it (5-6 months ago) it was down more than up. When you 
> call support and wait 1-2 hours to talk to some one they 
> really did not care to help or make up some bs. But in the 
> last 2 months it has been screaming.
> 
> Just my $.02
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-misc@openbsd.org [mailto:owner-misc@openbsd.org] 
> On Behalf Of Stephane Matis
> Sent: Monday, February 11, 2002 2:38 PM
> To: 'hostmaster@ntnation.com'; Stephane Matis; 'Marina 
> Brown'; misc@openbsd.org
> Subject: Re: Starband && OpenBSD
> 
> > Actually, this isn't correct.
> 
> Can you send proof ?
>  
> > A) The newest Starband models are ETHERNET and USB. In 
> fact, the docs 
> > indicate that Ethernet is the preferred method (standard 
> 10baseT RJ45
> > connectioin) of connection. The old models used USB only 
> (they are no 
> > longer sold).
> 
> The old models were Ethernet router with USB bridges. I 
> checked. I was hoping they were still like this but no. The 
> only thing I cannot cofirm is the newset Model 360 modem. It 
> says either USB or Ethernet. 
> http://www.starband.com/join/order_now.htm#  > and click on PC 
> Requirements
> 
> 
> 
> > B) The software IS Windows-only. However, I believe if you do some 
> > Google searches, you'll find how-tos on doing Linux, and 
> they'd likely 
> > work just fine with OpenBSD -- it's purely TCP/IP 
> configuration. The 
> > Windows software basically just acts as a (good) proxy server for 
> > caching, including DNS caching. So, you might want to 
> actually put a 
> > Windows box in to act as a gateway machine, then put an OpenBSD or 
> > Linux box behind that....
> 
> Thats what I was told.
>  
> > C) The docs regarding VPN are simply talking about ping 
> times... Since 
> > they are a sat connection, you're looking at big-block asymmetric 
> > transfers (around 300-600K downloads, around 50-75K uploads) with 
> > lousy ping times. So if you're playing some online games, then
> this
> won't
> > work. But business apps, including most VPN-type apps I've 
> seen, work 
> > just fine.
> 
> I recon easy IPSec over this is good. 
> 
> > I ENTHUSIASTICALLY recommend Starband -- I don't work for 
> the company, 
> > and I'm not an installer -- but I've spec'd three 
> installations of it, 
> > and the users all love it. Plus, in the right geographic 
> situations, 
> > it's the ONLY solution (that, and DirecPC).
> 
> 
> I would like to know more. This is good generic knowledge to 
> have. Can anyone else confirm a non-windows installation ?
> 
> Cheers,
> 
> Stephane