Linux Kernel and USB

[bobetko]

First of all I am beginner. Please with your answer try to get back to my level.

I found this on some website:

In order to get the USB to work on the modem you will need these options in your kernel. Whether you use modules or compile it into the kernel.

CONFIG_USB=y
CONFIG_USB_USBNET=y
CONFIG_USB_CDCETHER=y


So, what does this mean? How do I make this changes? Do I add this to .bashcs

 

[rzs0502]

These are options in your .config file in /usr/src/linux
=y means build into the kernel
=m means build a module
=n means do not build support

Once these options are changed, the kernel can be re-compiled and installed.

This doc might explain things a bit more...

http://www.linux-sxs.org/upgrading/migration26.html

"If you always do what you've always done, you will always be where you've always been."

 

[zeland]

Think in terms of Window drivers. In order to use USB or USB devices, your OS needs a driver to be loaded. Drivers for the linux kernel can be configured in 2 ways, built-in or as a loadable module.

If your USB drivers are configured as modules, then the first thing you need to do is load the driver for your USB controller. This can usually be done by using this command: modprobe module_name. module_name can be any one of ehci-hcd (USB2), ohci-hcd (USB1) or uhci-hcd (USB1). Next, to get USB modem support up, use the command: modprobe cdc-acm.

If none of the modprobe commands work, it could mean that the modules are already built into the running kernel (most unlikely) or you'll need to get the kernel source code and compile the modules on your own.

A lot of modem in the market now are usually software modems that are not supported under linux. You may need to search around to see if your modem is supported.

BTW, what distro are you using?


--== Anything can go wrong. It's just a matter of how far wrong it will go till people think its right. ==--

 

[LawnBoy]

A lot of modem in the market now are usually software modems that are not supported under linux.

Very important point. In my experience, most usb modems are winmodems (softmodems).

 

[rzs0502]

True!
I've been fortunate enough that all my usb modems are suppored with the SmartLink slmodemd software

"If you always do what you've always done, you will always be where you've always been."

 

[bobetko]

I'm using Mandrake 10.0 distribution. I am trying to connect to roadrunner broadband internet. I am struggling for few days to find a way to do it.

For some reason I can't make my ethernet card to work with modem, so I thought maybe USB will work. I can see modem listed (MCC -> hardware) as unknow device, with all specifications listed.

Please, see my thread thread619-1118306

If your USB drivers are configured as modules, then the first thing you need to do is load the driver for your USB controller. This can usually be done by using this command: modprobe module_name. module_name can be any one of ehci-hcd (USB2), ohci-hcd (USB1) or uhci-hcd (USB1). Next, to get USB modem support up, use the command: modprobe cdc-acm.

Plz, translate above to english...

Here are my questions:
1) ehci-hcd, ohci-hcd, uhci-hcd??? How would I use this info you gave me?
2) can I put statement modprobe cdc-acm. into my .bashcs so usb modem support is enbabled everytime I log in?
3) cdc-acm? What does it stands for?
4) After I enable USB modem support, will that be enough? It's not clear to me how would browser know to communicate with my cable modem...
5) what if I plug in a memory stick? What would be a module name?
6) what about USB printer?

I apologize, but I simply have to many questions...

Thanks in advance