EnterNet General FAQ General Questions
Q: Does EnterNet increase security risk with my broadband connection?
A: No. However file and printer resources can be easily shared through the Internet opening a serious security threat. This threat exists regardless of how the TCP connection is configured (Dialup, EnterNet, static, or DHCP). Through the Windows Control Panel, Network check to see if file and printer sharing is enabled from the File and Printer Sharing tab. Make sure the feature is disabled if you do not want the ability to share your PCs resources over the Internet connection. Also check the properties on all your TCP/IP protocols and make sure file and print sharing is disabled. EnterNet does not modify the binding between Microsoft File and Print Sharing and TCP/IP.
Q: What networking protocols work over EnterNet?
A: Typically, this requires a VPN connection. Using PPPoE or L2TP the EnterNet client supports NetWare IPX, TCP/IP, NetBIOS over TCP, NetBEUI, and AppleTalk. However, for an end-end connection the server must also support routing of these protocols. In combination with your service provider's support of PPPoE logon, you might look to the TunnelMaster server for enterprise tunneling of non-IP protocols.
Q: Does EnterNet PPPoE slow down my network connection
A: No. Access Manager / EnterNet uses PPP for upstream authentication and assignment of IP configuration. Windows workstations are configured using DHCP. Once configured the local workstation operates in a native LAN configuration over an Ethernet connection. Benefits include better performance, general application reliability, and more flexible support for VPN and other advanced configurations. A residential DSL connection should not show any measurable performance difference between static, standard DHCP, or EnterNet.
Q: What happens when I start a new session while one is already active?
A: EnterNet 100 and 300 will only allow a single session. Tango Access for Windows can support multiple simultaneous sessions.
Q: How do I allow PPPoE through my firewall?
A:Open the firewall for frames EType 8863 and 8864, which are used for PPPoE discovery and payload. Remember that PPPoE is an Ethernet (bridged) , not an IP protocol.
Q: Does EnterNet support Network Address Translation (NAT)
A: Yes, the current release of EnterNet supports Windows 98 and Windows 2000 Internet Connection Service (ICS). There maybe issues with your service provider that could make a NAT unusable, such as only one active connection per username. Because only one PPPoE session is terminated, all downstream NAT users will be using the same network destination and service level.
Q: Why is PPPoE better than DHCP for ISP billing integration?
A: Maybe best answered in a recent email received by Efficient Networks from someone trying to manage a DHCP-based broadband provisioning system "I don't need to be told about how (expletive) bad DHCP/SQL etc. I've worked here xx months and troubleshooting, billing and authentication are all held together with shoestrings. I asked once why PPPoE was better than DHCP and now working in broadband I see why. I have mentioned PPPoE to the xxx group, think of the man-hours that have gone into the systems. Think of the jobs you would cause to be lost."
Q: What servers support PPPoE?
A: EnterNet has been tested with BRAS servers from Redback Networks, Nortel/Shasta, Alcatel/Assured Access, Pulsecom, Ascend, Siemens/Redstone, Cisco, Spring Tide Networks/Lucent, and Cosign.
Q: Can PPPoE always replace static address assignment?
A: No. PPPoE is designed for consumer access to single or multiple network service providers and service levels. The architecture includes subscriber validation and the ability to dynamically select between service/price level including support new pay-per-view services in the future. Some EnterNet models include features to behave more like a fixed address connection, for example "Launch EnterNet on auto startup", "Persistent Connection", and "Auto Connect". Unlike dial-up, PPPoE connections are nearly immediate and may be left on or disabled when not required (depending on security protections in place and the subscriber's own preference).
However, the PPPoE model is not yet able to replace all of the characteristics of a static IP service. In particular, static addressing through a router connection may be more appropriate for business services, those hosting always-on server-side resources, and for support of legacy, niche, or embedded operating systems.
Q: How do I get support for EnterNet?
A: For technical support, end-users should contact their Internet access or service provider who supplied the software. Technical support is only available to primary resellers and customers who have a support contract directly with Efficient Networks.
If you're experiencing problems, you can follow these 4 steps in troubleshooting Enternet:
Some customers have been calling Efficient directly because their service provider was not responsive. All we can suggest is that if you're having problems with the version of EnterNet they sent you, check our Download page to see if a later evaluation version exists, and if so, try it instead. The Eval product will give you 30 days. By then your provider should have the full product moved into their release channels. If not you may purchase a version directly.
You may also find your answers in the FAQs or the manuals
Some users have been told if they're having problems with EnterNet 300, to try downloading the EnterNet 500 version instead. This is a false rumor. Unless you need additional features, stick with the product number your service provider has given you, and watch for later versions.
If your Service provider is unresponsive, get the name of the support person and phone number. If you email it to the Efficient Networks Support team, along with your filled out EnterNet Electronic Support form, we'll try to resolve the problem through the proper channels. Please do not complain about your service provider unless you have specific information (ie helpdesk support persons, times and dates) to back it up.
A: EnterNet is licensed by client, or the end system the software is installed on. The software is typically purchased in volume by service providers as a right to copy for any mix of Windows, Macintosh, or Linux clients. A branded version of the client is then distributed along with the license to service providers on CD or for validated download.
A: Branding options include images, icons, program title, and installation directory, default settings and sounds. EnterNet for Windows branding is externalized and can be completed with an administrator's kit, or completed by Efficient Networks for a fee. The Macintosh version includes an Administrator program which allows you to customize it quickly. The Linux version is command line and is not currently brandable.
A: EnterNet is available in volume (1000 copies or more) directly from Efficient Networks. EnterNet may also be bundled or purchased with subscriber management hardware from one of our partners.
Q: How much does EnterNet cost?
A: Depending on the model required and volume purchased current EnterNet pricing is between $3,000 and $25,000 per 1000 clients purchased.
Q: What support programs are available?
A: Efficient Networks only offers second-level support to service providers and partners with active support contracts.
Q: How does EnterNet handle cable or server disconnects?
A: EnterNet sends an LCP Echo request every 30 seconds to the Network server. The server responds with an Echo Response. If the server stops responding, we retry the echo 3 times, and wait 30 seconds each time. After 2 minutes, our driver returns an error "The server has dropped the connection".
The Network Access server usually does the same thing in reverse, sending Echo requests and waiting for responses, and disconnecting if none are detected after a time.
LCP Echo packets ensure the physical connection is reliable. It is configurable by clicking on the Network properties. Select the Efficient Networks PPPoE adapter, then the Advanced tab to display or modify the LCP Echo retries and timer values. The current values are optimal and are normally set by your Service Provider. You can only delay the LCP Echoes; they cannot be turned off. You should not change these values unless directed by your service provider.
If you're troubleshooting disconnect problems, enable the Packet Logging feature. After capturing the problem, take a look at the LCP Echo Requests going out from the client (they will match your ethernet address). If they don't receive an LCP Echo Reply after 3 retries, you should see a disconnect from the client. You should also receive an error message "Server has Disconnected".
This is different from the Idle or Inactivity timer, which is configurable from the EnterNet application. This timer enables the user to have EnterNet take down the connection if it's not being used for a configurable number of minutes, usually for security reasons. The default value is 0, meaning don't take down the connection. Activity in this case is defined by IP-related traffic, such as browsers or email.
Q: Does EnterNet coexist with Ivasion's MacPoet or WinPoet?
A: No. Uninstall the Ivasion software before installing EnterNet. The WinPoet or MacPoet drivers interfere with the Enternet software's ability to receive packets.
Q: Does EnterNet work with Search for Exterrestrial Intelligence (SETI)?
A: Yes, however we have found that some networks (Bell Canada's Sympaticol network for one) don't support it. SETI, like all internet-based applications, will work fine over EnterNet if the network will allow it.
Q: Is EnterNet 300 the
same as Sympatico Access Manager? (also)
Timeout received when connecting into Sympatico network.
A: Not quite. EnterNet 300 has many new features that aren't yet available in the Sympatico Access Manager. The key difference is that the Access Manager automatically adds the Access Concentrator server name to the username when connecting. If you're trying to use the EnterNet 300 application to connect to the Sympatico network, you must add this entry by hand, ie:
Username = user@Sympatico.CA
Q: How does EnterNet support MTU/MRU settings?
A: A: EnterNet has been modified recently to support lower MRU sizes. The MTU/MRU sizes are normally negotiated during the connection phase, and then passed up to the TCP/IP configuration to control the TCP Max Segment Size (MSS). In the case of Windows, there was no way to update the TCP protocol dynamically.
Starting with version 1.31 for Windows, and version 5.09b for Mac, the MRU size is now settable at install time to a default of 1454. The TCP MSS will be derived to 1414 (MRUsize -40 bytes for TCP header) from this value. This is the optimal setting for these platforms, and should not be modified by the user. The MTU/MRU negotiation is no longer used for this feature, so you may see some Configuration Rejects at the protocol level if you're running traces, but this can be ignored.
If your service provider recommends it, the EnterNet for WIndows TCP Max Segment Size can be changed by modifying the MaxFrameSize from the Network Adapter Properties and rebooting.
We arrived at this value after more than a year of testing over many networks and applications. We found it was best for the highest certainty of connectivity at optimal performance . By raising the value, it will not improve on performance much, but it will uncover possible problems with router limitations and network applications. We suggest consumers stick with the default value unless you find a better value for your network and customers is more appropriate.
Q: When I purchase Enternet, do I qualify for free upgrades?
A: EnterNet is priced as low as possible. We cannot offer free upgrades, bug fixes or refunds. The user should try the free evaluation demo before purchasing.
Q: What is the AMHelper application (included with Access Manager only)?
A: AMHelper is an application that is invoked when the connection is established. It's sole purpose is to access the server and check for the latest version of Access Manager. If the current version is found to be down-rev, a dialog will be displayed recommending an upgrade. Some users have complained that this slows down their connection speed. To remove it on Windows, edit the EnterNet.ini file and delete or comment out the following line: HelperApplication=amhelper.exe To remove it on the mac, delete the amhelper application file. AMHelper is not included with EnterNet 300.