Upping The Softmodem Code Bounty -- To $20,000

Alex Pilosov writes: "I've announced a bounty for completion of softmodem code (20k$) on linmodems-discuss list. If this is successfully completed, we'll have a completely universal driver for any kind of winmodem without any proprietary code which result in all sorts of kernel version problems." Here's the full text of the announcement and conditions.

Comments

Reasons why this would be interesting!

[denisb]

Can't people figure out the following reasons for such a project being interesting ?

- Low cost internet station for places out of reach of xDSL / cable modem connections.
- Viable internet connection for legacy hardware / second hand hardware
- Excellent solution for development countries where xDSL is faar away yet.

The keywords here are LOW and COST.. Did you ever consider that Linux and second hand hardware might be the ultimate combination for places where they don't have as much cash as yourselves ?

d9s

Re:high price for a modem

[Kraft]

think laptops...

I have a thinkpad t21, and from what I have read, one of the common linux problems with this laptop is bad modem support. As I use this machine on the road from time to time, I want that modem to work (hotels, friends house etc.) and if it doesn't it will be a deterrent to install linux.

I do think you are right in suposing that many linux fans are early adopters, but what I find interesting is the possibility of more "regular" users switching to linux, because of proper hardware support and thus: ease of use.

Re:restrictions?

[krokodil]

You MUST have background in signal processing

Dear Mr. Torvalds,

We could not permit your so-called "operating system" to use GNU license because you do not have proven experience in the operating system design and your background is not sufficient. In order to satisfy our customers,
and maintain high project code quiality, we accept contributions only from candidates who have experience in the particular area and passed interview with some of our managers.

(signed)
Free Software Foundaiton

How do we know that this is genuine?

[HuskyDog]

I don't want to be rude, but how do we know that this guy will produce the money? Can anyone we trust vouch for him?

Perhaps if he placed a deposit with some trusted third party (Mad Dog, Eric Raymond etc) people might be happier to devote the time.

Re:Bounty won't matter much.

[pjrc]

A couple years ago I designed a product with an embedded modem (H8800-1 at this page). I used a rockwell chip and associated components, which is a hardware modem.

Device is the keyword here, and the device (winmodem) has already been certified. The software driving the device doesn't need certification.

This may not true. When we tested the H8800-1 for FCC part 68 compliance, the test was for the whole system. We had to provide ways for them to access the modem to test both originate and answer modes (though the H8800-1 only answers and never originates). We had to do this, despite the fact that the signals were all generated by the Rockwell chip.

However, the majority of the trouble with FCC part 68 is the surge tests. The basic idea behind these tests is to apply a massive surge on the line which is certain to destroy the modem. The modem is required to fail in a manner where it does not conduct, so it looks like it's on-hook (not in use) to the phone network. This is purely a function of the hardware. The lab we sent the prototypes to did many other tests, but they were all pretty easy to pass (using the rockwell chip).

Reading through these regularity requirement documents is a mind-numbing experience (if you can stay awake). If you're feeling maschoistic, here is the page for requesting the Part 68 technical requirements. If anyone takes the time to actually read and make some sense out of this stuff, please post your informed opinions. Part 68 applies only to the US, so repeat for whatever other countries you're interested in...