PPP (Paul's PPP Package)

PPP, or Paul's PPP Package, is a cool open-source command-line tool made to help you use the Point-to-Point Protocol on any GNU/Linux system, plus Solaris. Even though not many folks use dial-up Internet anymore, this software can still connect to an ISP using the command: pppd call apex. Just remember, you'll need to set up the /etc/ppp/peers/apex file first before diving in!

Setting Up Your Connection

If you're ready to start that dial-up connection from your Linux machine, you’ll need to add a few lines to your /etc/ppp/peers/apex file. Here’s what it should look like:

ttyS0 38400 crtscts

  connect '/usr/sbin/chat -v -f /etc/ppp/chat/apex'

  defaultroute

  user softpedia

  remotename apex

Your Chat Script

The software also comes with a chat script found at /etc/ppp/chat/apex. It helps manage the connection. A simple version might look like this:

ABORT "NO CARRIER"

  ABORT "NO DIALTONE"

  ABORT "ERROR"

  ABORT "NO ANSWER"

  ABORT "BUSY"

  TIMEOUT 90

  REPORT CARRIER

  "" at

  OK "atw1&d0&c1"

  OK

  atdt62485791

  "~"

PAP Authentication Setup

If your ISP uses PAP authentication, you’ll want to configure your /etc/ppp/pap-secrets. Here’s a quick setup:

# Secrets for authentication using PAP

  # client     server        secret               IP addresses

  softpedia       apex       "notmypassword"

Do You Need PPP?

If you're using something like fiber optic T1 and your ISP doesn’t rely on modems, then no, you probably don’t need PPP. But if you do need it, installing the PPP package will help you dial into your ISP from your GNU/Linux or Solaris box.

You can grab the software as a universal source archive or easily install it from your operating system's default software repositories. For more details and download options, check out this link: Download PPP here!