Direct Serial Connections between Linux and NT?
scobiej asks: "I've been trying for some time now to get a direct serial connection between my Linux laptop and an NT workstation box running RAS to work but to no avail.
I've read the documentation etc. but I cann't get PPP (Linux client) to work. I've recompiled the PPP package (Version 2.3.5) with MS-CHAP enabled but I still cann't get it to work.
The scenario is like this. The office network consists of NT workstations, servers, unix boxes etc. all running on token ring (!!!) and all I want to do is get my laptop connected to it somehow so I can transfer files etc. (or even use VNC). I'm NOT splashing out on a token ring card as I would never use it anywhere else. "
With MS-PPP there is an extra step before PPP acually begins. One side (the server, I think) sends the text string CLIENTSERVER and the client is expected to respond with CLIENT. I had the same problems using a null modem and a Powerbook.
Try running tip on the linux side, and see what the NT sends down the line.
your cable and null modem terminator is probably bought from radio shack (most are). If so then radio shack doesnt give 8 bit clean serial cables/modem terminators. you need an 8 bit clean line to do PPP. Alternatively if you can get the NT system to dual boot linux try using 6 bit SLIP..works great...