[RESOLVED] Re: Intrinsic problem with netinst.iso?
On 10/13/2021 10:16 AM, Richard Owlett wrote: It appears to me that netinst.iso assumes that there are *exactly* two choices for internet connectivity: an ethernet device *OR* WiFi However, I use a USB device [ an Alcatel Linkzone from T-Mobile ] The installer is unable to see the internet. As of Debian 11.1 netinst.iso my Lenovo T510 operates as desired. The Dell E6410 does not. As the Lenovo has the larger screen I'm not going to spend further significant time on the Dell. Based on using that device on all of my Debian machines, I believe the problem is how Debian negotiates with a USB device and that the Linkzone resembles a disk drive until the negotiations have been completed. My evidence is how GParted responds to a USB flash drive. If the flash drive is inserted first, it is /dev/sdb . Else if the Linkzone is inserted first, the flash drive is identified as /dev/sdc . Is there any workaround? TIA
Re: Intrinsic problem with netinst.iso?
On Jo, 14 oct 21, 06:38:41, Richard Owlett wrote: > On 10/14/2021 01:54 AM, Andrei POPESCU wrote: > > On Mi, 13 oct 21, 13:18:07, Richard Owlett wrote: > > Clarifying observed sequence of states/events: > 1. Computer power off. > 2. Alcatel Linkzone powered up and connected to cellular network. > 3. Independent of whether or not the Linkzone is plugged into the >computer, turning on computer power results in Grub menu appearing. > 4. With the Linkzone plugged in, select a Grub menu entry. > 5. "reset high-speed usb device number 3 using ehci-pci" is displayed >in an infinite loop until Linkzone is unplugged. > 6. Debian then comes up normally. > 7. Internet available as soon as Linkzone is connected. > > > On the final install the switching between storage and modem mode is > > done by the usb-modeswitch package. For many devices this is just a > > simple 'eject' command, others may need something more convoluted. > > Does that consistent with what I just described? Difficult to guess without logs. > > In any case, you might be able to replicate the switch during the > > install, assuming d-i doesn't already do this. > > How? > *or* > Is there another question to be asked? apt show eject The package does also have a udeb, so it should be available in d-i (even if only by loading additional components in expert mode). Kind regards, Andrei -- http://wiki.debian.org/FAQsFromDebianUser signature.asc Description: PGP signature
Re: Intrinsic problem with netinst.iso?
On Thu 14 Oct 2021 at 16:34:48 (-), Curt wrote: > On 2021-10-14, Richard Owlett wrote: > > > > Clarifying observed sequence of states/events: > > 1. Computer power off. > > 2. Alcatel Linkzone powered up and connected to cellular network. > > I'm under the impression the Linkzone is intended principally to be used > as a wifi hotpot. Have you tried connecting to the thing wirelessly > rather than tethering your computer to the device via USB? I'm > relatively certain this method must violate some constraint enumerated > earlier (there always seems to be one), but you can't have everything. Two, I think. The first is "I _actively_ abhor activating *any* WiFi device. [long OT story]". The second is more subtle. The goal is not to get Debian onto the machine and move on. Rather, the aim is to generate a minimal, optimal, custom Debian installation method that will cope with whichever machine and whatever obstacles are thrown in its path. It's interesting that most people make things simple by installing their basic netinst system on ethernet, and then configuring wifi for normal use, whereas with this Linkzone the simple path (being avoided) appears to be just the opposite. Let's hope that the progress made with USB modeswitching in the d-i continues. Cheers, David.
Re: [SUCCESS] Re: Intrinsic problem with netinst.iso?
On Thu, Oct 14, 2021 at 03:58:27PM -0500, Richard Owlett wrote: > On 10/14/2021 09:40 AM, Richard Owlett wrote: > > On 10/14/2021 09:26 AM, Andrew M.A. Cater wrote: > > > On Thu, Oct 14, 2021 at 09:15:07AM -0500, Richard Owlett wrote: > > > > On 10/13/2021 03:22 PM, Tixy wrote: > > > > > On Wed, 2021-10-13 at 10:16 -0500, Richard Owlett wrote: > > > > > > It appears to me that netinst.iso assumes that there are *exactly* > > > > > > two > > > > > > choices for internet connectivity: > > > > > > an ethernet device > > > > > > *OR* > > > > > > WiFi > > > > > > > > > > > > However, I use a USB device [ an Alcatel Linkzone from T-Mobile ] > > > > > > The installer is unable to see the internet. > > > > > > > > > > I just downloaded the latest netinst [1] and booted that with my > > > > > ethernet cable disconnected and my phone connected to USB for 'USB > > > > > Tethering'. The installer first tries automatically configuring the > > > > > 'eno1' interface (wired ethernet) then after failing moves on to > > > > > 'usb0' > > > > > (my phone) which succeeds in configuring a network connection using > > > > > DHCP. > > > > > > > > > > So it seems the installer will work fine with a USB wireless network > > > > > device if it presents itself as a CDC device to the kernel, supporting > > > > > the Remote NDIS protocol. It make work in other cases, that's just > > > > > what > > > > > my phone does and what I tested. > > > > > > > > > > [1] > > > > > https://cdimage.debian.org/debian-cd/current/amd64/iso-cd/debian-11.1.0-amd64-netinst.iso > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > That version did an install without any problems. > > > > I just discovered that one of my problems [selecting a Grub menu entry > > > > resulting in an infinite loop until Linkzone unplugged] had been > > > > solved at > > > > Debian 10.7 or earlier. > > > > > > > > > > Hi Richard, > > > > > > There's a good reason why I keep suggesting that people use the latest > > > versions of Debian and Debian installers. Each version brings its own > > > bugs but alos bug fixes. Bugs are always with us but the asymptotic > > > trend is that the bug fixes outnumber the newly introduced bugs. > > > > > > All the very best, as ever, > > > > > > Andy Cater > > > > > > > > > I was just setting up to download Debian 10.1 DVD1 to see if some other > > a annoyances have been resolved. > > Things worked as desired on a Lenovo Thinkpad T510 > BUT NOT ON > a Dell Latitude E6410 > > I have some trouble shooting in my future ;/ > Richard, To save time: I'd suggest that you use the netinst with included firmware: this might save us the game of 20 questions over what firmware the Dell Latitude needs - if this is the one that has the Nvidia graphics - there are specific ways to deal with this. All the very best, as ever, Andy Cater > > >
Re: [SUCCESS] Re: Intrinsic problem with netinst.iso?
On 10/14/2021 09:40 AM, Richard Owlett wrote: On 10/14/2021 09:26 AM, Andrew M.A. Cater wrote: On Thu, Oct 14, 2021 at 09:15:07AM -0500, Richard Owlett wrote: On 10/13/2021 03:22 PM, Tixy wrote: On Wed, 2021-10-13 at 10:16 -0500, Richard Owlett wrote: It appears to me that netinst.iso assumes that there are *exactly* two choices for internet connectivity: an ethernet device *OR* WiFi However, I use a USB device [ an Alcatel Linkzone from T-Mobile ] The installer is unable to see the internet. I just downloaded the latest netinst [1] and booted that with my ethernet cable disconnected and my phone connected to USB for 'USB Tethering'. The installer first tries automatically configuring the 'eno1' interface (wired ethernet) then after failing moves on to 'usb0' (my phone) which succeeds in configuring a network connection using DHCP. So it seems the installer will work fine with a USB wireless network device if it presents itself as a CDC device to the kernel, supporting the Remote NDIS protocol. It make work in other cases, that's just what my phone does and what I tested. [1] https://cdimage.debian.org/debian-cd/current/amd64/iso-cd/debian-11.1.0-amd64-netinst.iso That version did an install without any problems. I just discovered that one of my problems [selecting a Grub menu entry resulting in an infinite loop until Linkzone unplugged] had been solved at Debian 10.7 or earlier. Hi Richard, There's a good reason why I keep suggesting that people use the latest versions of Debian and Debian installers. Each version brings its own bugs but alos bug fixes. Bugs are always with us but the asymptotic trend is that the bug fixes outnumber the newly introduced bugs. All the very best, as ever, Andy Cater I was just setting up to download Debian 10.1 DVD1 to see if some other a annoyances have been resolved. Things worked as desired on a Lenovo Thinkpad T510 BUT NOT ON a Dell Latitude E6410 I have some trouble shooting in my future ;/
Re: Intrinsic problem with netinst.iso?
On Thu 14 Oct 2021 at 13:14:32 -0500, Richard Owlett wrote: > (*ROFL*) * 6.23 * 10**23 > > > > On 10/14/2021 11:34 AM, Curt wrote: > > On 2021-10-14, Richard Owlett wrote: > > > > > > Clarifying observed sequence of states/events: > > > 1. Computer power off. > > > 2. Alcatel Linkzone powered up and connected to cellular network. > > > > I'm under the impression the Linkzone is intended principally to be used > > as a wifi hotpot. > > By whom? ?? By the manufacturer, perhaps? Do you think they got it wrong? > Engineering or marketing? Both. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Alcatel-MW40V-2AALGB1-LINKZONE-MIFI-150MBPS-Black/dp/B07791Y58K > Hint: > Marketing ASSUMES a one person household requires a dozen independent > computers connected to web at *ALL* times. Really? You think that is not a useful technical facility? -- Brian.
Re: Intrinsic problem with netinst.iso?
(*ROFL*) * 6.23 * 10**23 On 10/14/2021 11:34 AM, Curt wrote: On 2021-10-14, Richard Owlett wrote: Clarifying observed sequence of states/events: 1. Computer power off. 2. Alcatel Linkzone powered up and connected to cellular network. I'm under the impression the Linkzone is intended principally to be used as a wifi hotpot. By whom? ?? Engineering or marketing? Hint: Marketing ASSUMES a one person household requires a dozen independent computers connected to web at *ALL* times. Have you tried connecting to the thing wirelessly rather than tethering your computer to the device via USB? When purchasing original device that was pretty much the spec I gave the salesperson [who horrors of horrors was technically competent] I'm relatively certain this method must violate some constraint enumerated earlier (there always seems to be one), but you can't have everything. you lose *GRIN*
Re: Intrinsic problem with netinst.iso?
On 2021-10-14, Richard Owlett wrote: > > Clarifying observed sequence of states/events: > 1. Computer power off. > 2. Alcatel Linkzone powered up and connected to cellular network. I'm under the impression the Linkzone is intended principally to be used as a wifi hotpot. Have you tried connecting to the thing wirelessly rather than tethering your computer to the device via USB? I'm relatively certain this method must violate some constraint enumerated earlier (there always seems to be one), but you can't have everything.
Re: [SUCCESS] Re: Intrinsic problem with netinst.iso?
On 10/14/2021 09:26 AM, Andrew M.A. Cater wrote: On Thu, Oct 14, 2021 at 09:15:07AM -0500, Richard Owlett wrote: On 10/13/2021 03:22 PM, Tixy wrote: On Wed, 2021-10-13 at 10:16 -0500, Richard Owlett wrote: It appears to me that netinst.iso assumes that there are *exactly* two choices for internet connectivity: an ethernet device *OR* WiFi However, I use a USB device [ an Alcatel Linkzone from T-Mobile ] The installer is unable to see the internet. I just downloaded the latest netinst [1] and booted that with my ethernet cable disconnected and my phone connected to USB for 'USB Tethering'. The installer first tries automatically configuring the 'eno1' interface (wired ethernet) then after failing moves on to 'usb0' (my phone) which succeeds in configuring a network connection using DHCP. So it seems the installer will work fine with a USB wireless network device if it presents itself as a CDC device to the kernel, supporting the Remote NDIS protocol. It make work in other cases, that's just what my phone does and what I tested. [1] https://cdimage.debian.org/debian-cd/current/amd64/iso-cd/debian-11.1.0-amd64-netinst.iso That version did an install without any problems. I just discovered that one of my problems [selecting a Grub menu entry resulting in an infinite loop until Linkzone unplugged] had been solved at Debian 10.7 or earlier. Hi Richard, There's a good reason why I keep suggesting that people use the latest versions of Debian and Debian installers. Each version brings its own bugs but alos bug fixes. Bugs are always with us but the asymptotic trend is that the bug fixes outnumber the newly introduced bugs. All the very best, as ever, Andy Cater I was just setting up to download Debian 10.1 DVD1 to see if some other a annoyances have been resolved.
Re: [SUCCESS] Re: Intrinsic problem with netinst.iso?
On Thu, Oct 14, 2021 at 09:15:07AM -0500, Richard Owlett wrote: > On 10/13/2021 03:22 PM, Tixy wrote: > > On Wed, 2021-10-13 at 10:16 -0500, Richard Owlett wrote: > > > It appears to me that netinst.iso assumes that there are *exactly* two > > > choices for internet connectivity: > > > an ethernet device > > > *OR* > > > WiFi > > > > > > However, I use a USB device [ an Alcatel Linkzone from T-Mobile ] > > > The installer is unable to see the internet. > > > > I just downloaded the latest netinst [1] and booted that with my > > ethernet cable disconnected and my phone connected to USB for 'USB > > Tethering'. The installer first tries automatically configuring the > > 'eno1' interface (wired ethernet) then after failing moves on to 'usb0' > > (my phone) which succeeds in configuring a network connection using > > DHCP. > > > > So it seems the installer will work fine with a USB wireless network > > device if it presents itself as a CDC device to the kernel, supporting > > the Remote NDIS protocol. It make work in other cases, that's just what > > my phone does and what I tested. > > > > [1] > > https://cdimage.debian.org/debian-cd/current/amd64/iso-cd/debian-11.1.0-amd64-netinst.iso > > > > That version did an install without any problems. > I just discovered that one of my problems [selecting a Grub menu entry > resulting in an infinite loop until Linkzone unplugged] had been solved at > Debian 10.7 or earlier. > Hi Richard, There's a good reason why I keep suggesting that people use the latest versions of Debian and Debian installers. Each version brings its own bugs but alos bug fixes. Bugs are always with us but the asymptotic trend is that the bug fixes outnumber the newly introduced bugs. All the very best, as ever, Andy Cater > > >
[SUCCESS] Re: Intrinsic problem with netinst.iso?
On 10/13/2021 03:22 PM, Tixy wrote: On Wed, 2021-10-13 at 10:16 -0500, Richard Owlett wrote: It appears to me that netinst.iso assumes that there are *exactly* two choices for internet connectivity: an ethernet device *OR* WiFi However, I use a USB device [ an Alcatel Linkzone from T-Mobile ] The installer is unable to see the internet. I just downloaded the latest netinst [1] and booted that with my ethernet cable disconnected and my phone connected to USB for 'USB Tethering'. The installer first tries automatically configuring the 'eno1' interface (wired ethernet) then after failing moves on to 'usb0' (my phone) which succeeds in configuring a network connection using DHCP. So it seems the installer will work fine with a USB wireless network device if it presents itself as a CDC device to the kernel, supporting the Remote NDIS protocol. It make work in other cases, that's just what my phone does and what I tested. [1] https://cdimage.debian.org/debian-cd/current/amd64/iso-cd/debian-11.1.0-amd64-netinst.iso That version did an install without any problems. I just discovered that one of my problems [selecting a Grub menu entry resulting in an infinite loop until Linkzone unplugged] had been solved at Debian 10.7 or earlier.
Re: Intrinsic problem with netinst.iso?
On 10/14/2021 01:54 AM, Andrei POPESCU wrote: On Mi, 13 oct 21, 13:18:07, Richard Owlett wrote: What I see when Debian boots does not have any obvious conflict with what I see. If the Linkzone is already plugged in when boot begins it appears to be caught in a loop. As soon as the Linkzone is unplugged the boot completes as expected. Plug it back back in and I have immediate internet access. This is to be expected if the device presents itself as a storage device and your computer is configured to try booting from USB first. Clarifying observed sequence of states/events: 1. Computer power off. 2. Alcatel Linkzone powered up and connected to cellular network. 3. Independent of whether or not the Linkzone is plugged into the computer, turning on computer power results in Grub menu appearing. 4. With the Linkzone plugged in, select a Grub menu entry. 5. "reset high-speed usb device number 3 using ehci-pci" is displayed in an infinite loop until Linkzone is unplugged. 6. Debian then comes up normally. 7. Internet available as soon as Linkzone is connected. On the final install the switching between storage and modem mode is done by the usb-modeswitch package. For many devices this is just a simple 'eject' command, others may need something more convoluted. Does that consistent with what I just described? In any case, you might be able to replicate the switch during the install, assuming d-i doesn't already do this. How? *or* Is there another question to be asked? Kind regards, Andrei
Re: Intrinsic problem with netinst.iso?
On Wednesday, October 13, 2021 03:27:02 PM Tixy wrote: > Resending with quoting fixed... I didn't complain, but thank you, that makes it much easier to read / follow!
Re: Intrinsic problem with netinst.iso?
Hello, if your device does not appear as an ethernet or usb network interface and there is no trivial way to recognize it so in the installer, an option could be perhaps to use a USB-to-ethernet adaptor? It could also mean that the device is recognized in a ordinary Debian setup (not the Debian installer) from the boot stage without fuss.
Re: Intrinsic problem with netinst.iso?
On Mi, 13 oct 21, 13:18:07, Richard Owlett wrote: > > What I see when Debian boots does not have any obvious conflict with what I > see. If the Linkzone is already plugged in when boot begins it appears to be > caught in a loop. As soon as the Linkzone is unplugged the boot completes as > expected. Plug it back back in and I have immediate internet access. This is to be expected if the device presents itself as a storage device and your computer is configured to try booting from USB first. On the final install the switching between storage and modem mode is done by the usb-modeswitch package. For many devices this is just a simple 'eject' command, others may need something more convoluted. In any case, you might be able to replicate the switch during the install, assuming d-i doesn't already do this. Kind regards, Andrei -- http://wiki.debian.org/FAQsFromDebianUser signature.asc Description: PGP signature
Re: Intrinsic problem with netinst.iso?
On Wed, Oct 13, 2021 at 01:59:34PM -0500, Richard Owlett wrote: > On 10/13/2021 01:31 PM, Reco wrote: > > On Wed, Oct 13, 2021 at 01:18:07PM -0500, Richard Owlett wrote: > > > Where would I descriptive information about "CDC Ethernet"? > > > > The usual place - kernel documentation. > > Specifically, it's Documentation/networking/cdc_mbim.rst.gz. > > No such file on my system. apt install linux-doc Reco
Re: Intrinsic problem with netinst.iso?
On Wed, 2021-10-13 at 10:16 -0500, Richard Owlett wrote: > It appears to me that netinst.iso assumes that there are *exactly* two > choices for internet connectivity: > an ethernet device > *OR* > WiFi > > However, I use a USB device [ an Alcatel Linkzone from T-Mobile ] > The installer is unable to see the internet. I just downloaded the latest netinst [1] and booted that with my ethernet cable disconnected and my phone connected to USB for 'USB Tethering'. The installer first tries automatically configuring the 'eno1' interface (wired ethernet) then after failing moves on to 'usb0' (my phone) which succeeds in configuring a network connection using DHCP. So it seems the installer will work fine with a USB wireless network device if it presents itself as a CDC device to the kernel, supporting the Remote NDIS protocol. It make work in other cases, that's just what my phone does and what I tested. [1] https://cdimage.debian.org/debian-cd/current/amd64/iso-cd/debian-11.1.0-amd64-netinst.iso -- Tixy
Re: Intrinsic problem with netinst.iso?
On Wed 13 Oct 2021 at 14:29:00 (-0500), Richard Owlett wrote:
> On 10/13/2021 02:06 PM, David Wright wrote:
> > On Wed 13 Oct 2021 at 13:59:34 (-0500), Richard Owlett wrote:
> > > On 10/13/2021 01:31 PM, Reco wrote:
> > > > On Wed, Oct 13, 2021 at 01:18:07PM -0500, Richard Owlett wrote:
> > > > > Where would I descriptive information about "CDC Ethernet"?
> > > >
> > > > The usual place - kernel documentation.
> > > > Specifically, it's Documentation/networking/cdc_mbim.rst.gz.
> > >
> > > No such file on my system.
> > > Using DuckDuckGo to search for "cdc_mbim.rst.gz" or "cdc_mbim.rst"
> > > gives hits for either term :{
> >
> > Don't trust the extension, and use apt-file:
> >
> > $ apt-file find Documentation/networking/cdc_mbim
> > linux-doc-4.19:
> > /usr/share/doc/linux-doc-4.19/Documentation/networking/cdc_mbim.txt.gz
> > $
> >
> > (buster)
>
> I'm in over my head. I get:
>
> richard@defaultinstall:~$
> richard@defaultinstall:~$ apt-file find Documentation/networking/cdc_mbim
> linux-doc-4.9:
> /usr/share/doc/linux-doc-4.9/Documentation/networking/cdc_mbim.txt.gz
> richard@defaultinstall:~$
>
> What is it trying to tell me? The apt-file manpage leaves confused.
The Debian package linux-doc-4.9 contains the file
/usr/share/doc/linux-doc-4.9/Documentation/networking/cdc_mbim.txt.gz
Cheers,
David.
Re: Intrinsic problem with netinst.iso?
On 10/13/2021 02:06 PM, David Wright wrote:
On Wed 13 Oct 2021 at 13:59:34 (-0500), Richard Owlett wrote:
On 10/13/2021 01:31 PM, Reco wrote:
On Wed, Oct 13, 2021 at 01:18:07PM -0500, Richard Owlett wrote:
Where would I descriptive information about "CDC Ethernet"?
The usual place - kernel documentation.
Specifically, it's Documentation/networking/cdc_mbim.rst.gz.
No such file on my system.
Using DuckDuckGo to search for "cdc_mbim.rst.gz" or "cdc_mbim.rst"
gives hits for either term :{
Don't trust the extension, and use apt-file:
$ apt-file find Documentation/networking/cdc_mbim
linux-doc-4.19:
/usr/share/doc/linux-doc-4.19/Documentation/networking/cdc_mbim.txt.gz
$
(buster)
Cheers,
David.
I'm in over my head. I get:
richard@defaultinstall:~$
richard@defaultinstall:~$ apt-file find Documentation/networking/cdc_mbim
linux-doc-4.9:
/usr/share/doc/linux-doc-4.9/Documentation/networking/cdc_mbim.txt.gz
richard@defaultinstall:~$
What is it trying to tell me? The apt-file manpage leaves confused.
Re: Intrinsic problem with netinst.iso?
Resending with quoting fixed... On Wed, 2021-10-13 at 13:18 -0500, Richard Owlett wrote: > On 10/13/2021 12:35 PM, Tixy wrote: > > On Wed, 2021-10-13 at 17:09 +, Andrew M.A. Cater wrote: > > > On Wed, Oct 13, 2021 at 08:51:28AM -0700, Peter Ehlert wrote: > > > > > > > > On 10/13/21 8:16 AM, Richard Owlett wrote: > > > > > It appears to me that netinst.iso assumes that there are > > > > > *exactly* two > > > > > choices for internet connectivity: > > > > > an ethernet device > > > > > *OR* > > > > > WiFi > > > > > > > > > > However, I use a USB device [ an Alcatel Linkzone from T- > > > > > Mobile ] > > > > > The installer is unable to see the internet. > > > > > > > > are you using the nonfree firmware ISO? > > > > > > > > I have had no troubles with multiple installs, but I only use > > > > the nonfree > > > > > > > > > > Firmware iso is what I would suggest. > > > > I suspect firmware isn't an issue. The device probably works as CDC > > Ethernet (don't know if installer kernel has the cdc_ether driver), > > but > > sounds like the device initially presents itself as a USB mass > > storage > > device and needs some way to force it to change modes. > > > > I've never heard of "CDC Ethernet" and what I found with a quickie > web > search wasn't very useful. > > What I see when Debian boots does not have any obvious conflict with > what I see. If the Linkzone is already plugged in when boot begins it > appears to be caught in a loop. As soon as the Linkzone is unplugged > the > boot completes as expected. Plug it back back in and I have immediate > internet access. > > Where would I descriptive information about "CDC Ethernet"? > I found bits of discussion about it but nothing educational. > TIA > I don't know anything to be useful, sorry. It's just part of the USB protocols for devices that want to look like ethernet and the Linux kernel has drivers for that. When I plug my Android phone into a PC via USB, I get to select on the phone what it should use USB for. If I select 'USB tethering' then the 'dmesg' output on the PC shows usbcore: registered new interface driver cdc_ether rndis_host 2-2:1.0 usb0: register 'rndis_host' at usb-:00:14.0-2, RNDIS device, 6a:28:cd:07:4f:f1 usbcore: registered new interface driver rndis_host Then running 'ip link' from a command-line shows I've gained and ethernet device called 'usb0' which I can select in Network Manager if I choose. I suspect your Linkzone device is effectively an Android phone without a screen. But this doesn't help you, because you can't tell your device what USB protocol to select, unless the App for controlling the device that Alcatel's web site mentions lets you do that. There again, if you had an phone to run the app you wouldn't need the Linkzone, you could just use your phone for mobile internet access. Perhaps more relevantly, a previous phone of mine would always show up first as a USB mass storage device, and the contents looked like some Windows software (presumable so a Windows could automatically install something). If I remember correctly. I would have to unmount that before I could connect to it properly for file transfer via MTP or as a USB network device. -- Tixy
Re: Intrinsic problem with netinst.iso?
On Wed, 2021-10-13 at 13:59 -0500, Richard Owlett wrote:
> On 10/13/2021 01:31 PM, Reco wrote:
> > Hi.
> >
> > On Wed, Oct 13, 2021 at 01:18:07PM -0500, Richard Owlett wrote:
> > > Where would I descriptive information about "CDC Ethernet"?
> >
> > The usual place - kernel documentation.
> > Specifically, it's Documentation/networking/cdc_mbim.rst.gz.
> >
> > Reco
>
> No such file on my system.
> Using DuckDuckGo to search for "cdc_mbim.rst.gz" or "cdc_mbim.rst"
> gives
> hits for either term :{
Google does. It's part of the documentation in the Linux source code
for the "Driver for CDC MBIM Mobile Broadband modems".
Perhaps that is what your Linkzone implements and no Ethernet as I
speculated? You can check by looking at the kernel logs when you plug
the device in on a computer.
--
Tixy
Re: Intrinsic problem with netinst.iso?
On Wed, 2021-10-13 at 13:18 -0500, Richard Owlett wrote: On 10/13/2021 12:35 PM, Tixy wrote: > On Wed, 2021-10-13 at 17:09 +, Andrew M.A. Cater wrote: > > On Wed, Oct 13, 2021 at 08:51:28AM -0700, Peter Ehlert wrote: > > > > > > On 10/13/21 8:16 AM, Richard Owlett wrote: > > > > It appears to me that netinst.iso assumes that there are > > > > *exactly* two > > > > choices for internet connectivity: > > > > an ethernet device > > > > *OR* > > > > WiFi > > > > > > > > However, I use a USB device [ an Alcatel Linkzone from T-Mobile > > > > ] > > > > The installer is unable to see the internet. > > > > > > are you using the nonfree firmware ISO? > > > > > > I have had no troubles with multiple installs, but I only use the > > > nonfree > > > > > > > Firmware iso is what I would suggest. > > I suspect firmware isn't an issue. The device probably works as CDC > Ethernet (don't know if installer kernel has the cdc_ether driver), > but > sounds like the device initially presents itself as a USB mass > storage > device and needs some way to force it to change modes. > I've never heard of "CDC Ethernet" and what I found with a quickie web search wasn't very useful. What I see when Debian boots does not have any obvious conflict with what I see. If the Linkzone is already plugged in when boot begins it appears to be caught in a loop. As soon as the Linkzone is unplugged the boot completes as expected. Plug it back back in and I have immediate internet access. Where would I descriptive information about "CDC Ethernet"? I found bits of discussion about it but nothing educational. I don't know anything to be useful, sorry. It's just part of the USB protocols for devices that want to look like ethernet and the Linux kernel has drivers for that. When I plug my Android phone into a PC via USB, I get to select on the phone what it should use USB for. If I select 'USB tethering' then the 'dmesg' output on the PC shows usbcore: registered new interface driver cdc_ether rndis_host 2-2:1.0 usb0: register 'rndis_host' at usb-:00:14.0-2, RNDIS device, 6a:28:cd:07:4f:f1 usbcore: registered new interface driver rndis_host Then running 'ip link' from a command-line shows I've gained and ethernet device called 'usb0' which I can select in Network Manager if I choose. I suspect your Linkzone device is effectively an Android phone without a screen. But this doesn't help you, because you can't tell your device what USB protocol to select, unless the App for controlling the device that Alcatel's web site mentions lets you do that. There again, if you had an phone to run the app you wouldn't need the Linkzone, you could just use your phone for mobile internet access. Perhaps more relevantly, a previous phone of mine would always show up first as a USB mass storage device, and the contents looked like some Windows software (presumable so a Windows could automatically install something). If I remember correctly. I would have to unmount that before I could connect to it properly for file transfer via MTP or as a USB network device. -- Tixy
Re: Intrinsic problem with netinst.iso?
On Wed 13 Oct 2021 at 13:59:34 -0500, Richard Owlett wrote:
> On 10/13/2021 01:31 PM, Reco wrote:
> > Hi.
> >
> > On Wed, Oct 13, 2021 at 01:18:07PM -0500, Richard Owlett wrote:
> > > Where would I descriptive information about "CDC Ethernet"?
> >
> > The usual place - kernel documentation.
> > Specifically, it's Documentation/networking/cdc_mbim.rst.gz.
> >
> > Reco
>
> No such file on my system.
> Using DuckDuckGo to search for "cdc_mbim.rst.gz" or "cdc_mbim.rst" gives
> hits for either term :{
Try "cdc_mbim".
--
Brian.
>
>
>
Re: Intrinsic problem with netinst.iso?
On Wed 13 Oct 2021 at 13:59:34 (-0500), Richard Owlett wrote:
> On 10/13/2021 01:31 PM, Reco wrote:
> > On Wed, Oct 13, 2021 at 01:18:07PM -0500, Richard Owlett wrote:
> > > Where would I descriptive information about "CDC Ethernet"?
> >
> > The usual place - kernel documentation.
> > Specifically, it's Documentation/networking/cdc_mbim.rst.gz.
>
> No such file on my system.
> Using DuckDuckGo to search for "cdc_mbim.rst.gz" or "cdc_mbim.rst"
> gives hits for either term :{
Don't trust the extension, and use apt-file:
$ apt-file find Documentation/networking/cdc_mbim
linux-doc-4.19:
/usr/share/doc/linux-doc-4.19/Documentation/networking/cdc_mbim.txt.gz
$
(buster)
Cheers,
David.
Re: Intrinsic problem with netinst.iso?
On 10/13/2021 01:31 PM, Reco wrote:
Hi.
On Wed, Oct 13, 2021 at 01:18:07PM -0500, Richard Owlett wrote:
Where would I descriptive information about "CDC Ethernet"?
The usual place - kernel documentation.
Specifically, it's Documentation/networking/cdc_mbim.rst.gz.
Reco
No such file on my system.
Using DuckDuckGo to search for "cdc_mbim.rst.gz" or "cdc_mbim.rst" gives
hits for either term :{
Re: Intrinsic problem with netinst.iso?
Hi. On Wed, Oct 13, 2021 at 01:18:07PM -0500, Richard Owlett wrote: > Where would I descriptive information about "CDC Ethernet"? The usual place - kernel documentation. Specifically, it's Documentation/networking/cdc_mbim.rst.gz. Reco
Re: Intrinsic problem with netinst.iso?
On 10/13/2021 12:35 PM, Tixy wrote: On Wed, 2021-10-13 at 17:09 +, Andrew M.A. Cater wrote: On Wed, Oct 13, 2021 at 08:51:28AM -0700, Peter Ehlert wrote: On 10/13/21 8:16 AM, Richard Owlett wrote: It appears to me that netinst.iso assumes that there are *exactly* two choices for internet connectivity: an ethernet device *OR* WiFi However, I use a USB device [ an Alcatel Linkzone from T-Mobile ] The installer is unable to see the internet. are you using the nonfree firmware ISO? I have had no troubles with multiple installs, but I only use the nonfree Firmware iso is what I would suggest. I suspect firmware isn't an issue. The device probably works as CDC Ethernet (don't know if installer kernel has the cdc_ether driver), but sounds like the device initially presents itself as a USB mass storage device and needs some way to force it to change modes. I've never heard of "CDC Ethernet" and what I found with a quickie web search wasn't very useful. What I see when Debian boots does not have any obvious conflict with what I see. If the Linkzone is already plugged in when boot begins it appears to be caught in a loop. As soon as the Linkzone is unplugged the boot completes as expected. Plug it back back in and I have immediate internet access. Where would I descriptive information about "CDC Ethernet"? I found bits of discussion about it but nothing educational. TIA
Re: Intrinsic problem with netinst.iso?
On Wed, 2021-10-13 at 17:09 +, Andrew M.A. Cater wrote: > On Wed, Oct 13, 2021 at 08:51:28AM -0700, Peter Ehlert wrote: > > > > On 10/13/21 8:16 AM, Richard Owlett wrote: > > > It appears to me that netinst.iso assumes that there are *exactly* two > > > choices for internet connectivity: > > > an ethernet device > > > *OR* > > > WiFi > > > > > > However, I use a USB device [ an Alcatel Linkzone from T-Mobile ] > > > The installer is unable to see the internet. > > > > are you using the nonfree firmware ISO? > > > > I have had no troubles with multiple installs, but I only use the nonfree > > > > Firmware iso is what I would suggest. I suspect firmware isn't an issue. The device probably works as CDC Ethernet (don't know if installer kernel has the cdc_ether driver), but sounds like the device initially presents itself as a USB mass storage device and needs some way to force it to change modes. -- Tixy
Re: Intrinsic problem with netinst.iso?
On 10/13/2021 12:09 PM, Andrew M.A. Cater wrote: On Wed, Oct 13, 2021 at 08:51:28AM -0700, Peter Ehlert wrote: On 10/13/21 8:16 AM, Richard Owlett wrote: It appears to me that netinst.iso assumes that there are *exactly* two choices for internet connectivity: an ethernet device *OR* WiFi However, I use a USB device [ an Alcatel Linkzone from T-Mobile ] The installer is unable to see the internet. are you using the nonfree firmware ISO? I have had no troubles with multiple installs, but I only use the nonfree Firmware iso is what I would suggest. Based on using that device on all of my Debian machines, I believe the problem is how Debian negotiates with a USB device and that the Linkzone resembles a disk drive until the negotiations have been completed. My evidence is how GParted responds to a USB flash drive. If the flash drive is inserted first, it is /dev/sdb . Else if the Linkzone is inserted first, the flash drive is identified as /dev/sdc . Is there any workaround? TIA Is the linkzone recognised at all as a modem? I'm connected to the internet right now with it as I have been since days of Squeeze/Wheezy. Do you have wired connectivity available to you - that's also a way round "stuff" with firmware to at least get a system up and running. All best, Andy Cater
Re: Intrinsic problem with netinst.iso?
On Wed, Oct 13, 2021 at 08:51:28AM -0700, Peter Ehlert wrote: > > On 10/13/21 8:16 AM, Richard Owlett wrote: > > It appears to me that netinst.iso assumes that there are *exactly* two > > choices for internet connectivity: > > an ethernet device > > *OR* > > WiFi > > > > However, I use a USB device [ an Alcatel Linkzone from T-Mobile ] > > The installer is unable to see the internet. > > are you using the nonfree firmware ISO? > > I have had no troubles with multiple installs, but I only use the nonfree > Firmware iso is what I would suggest. > > > > > Based on using that device on all of my Debian machines, I believe the > > problem is how Debian negotiates with a USB device and that the Linkzone > > resembles a disk drive until the negotiations have been completed. > > > > My evidence is how GParted responds to a USB flash drive. > > If the flash drive is inserted first, it is /dev/sdb . > > Else if the Linkzone is inserted first, the flash drive is identified as > > /dev/sdc . > > > > Is there any workaround? > > TIA > > > > Is the linkzone recognised at all as a modem? Do you have wired connectivity available to you - that's also a way round "stuff" with firmware to at least get a system up and running. All best, Andy Cater > > >
Re: Intrinsic problem with netinst.iso?
On 10/13/21 8:16 AM, Richard Owlett wrote: It appears to me that netinst.iso assumes that there are *exactly* two choices for internet connectivity: an ethernet device *OR* WiFi However, I use a USB device [ an Alcatel Linkzone from T-Mobile ] The installer is unable to see the internet. are you using the nonfree firmware ISO? I have had no troubles with multiple installs, but I only use the nonfree Based on using that device on all of my Debian machines, I believe the problem is how Debian negotiates with a USB device and that the Linkzone resembles a disk drive until the negotiations have been completed. My evidence is how GParted responds to a USB flash drive. If the flash drive is inserted first, it is /dev/sdb . Else if the Linkzone is inserted first, the flash drive is identified as /dev/sdc . Is there any workaround? TIA
Intrinsic problem with netinst.iso?
It appears to me that netinst.iso assumes that there are *exactly* two choices for internet connectivity: an ethernet device *OR* WiFi However, I use a USB device [ an Alcatel Linkzone from T-Mobile ] The installer is unable to see the internet. Based on using that device on all of my Debian machines, I believe the problem is how Debian negotiates with a USB device and that the Linkzone resembles a disk drive until the negotiations have been completed. My evidence is how GParted responds to a USB flash drive. If the flash drive is inserted first, it is /dev/sdb . Else if the Linkzone is inserted first, the flash drive is identified as /dev/sdc . Is there any workaround? TIA
