Sakis3G on GuruPlug
GuruPlug server seems like a nice one example for illustrating how much useful Sakis3G script can be on places where size-does-matter.
GuruPlug comes pre-installed with Debian GNU/Linux 5.0 (aka. "Lenny") on its 512MB SSD. Within that little space there is no room for a graphical environment nor for usual NetworkManager/modemmanager bundle (after all, there is no display adapter at all). However, it is already pre-installed with anything required for running Sakis3G script: there is no need for installing anything more.
If you intend building Sakis3G script out of source, you need to install packages build-essential(virtual package, results into more than one packages, compiler, headers, etc. being installed) and libusb-dev as well.
I've proceed into converting my GuruPlug on a wireless router (its WiFi adapter, by default, runs on Access Point mode), which serves home with "expensive" 3G internet, thanks to Sakis3G script. Among its features are:
- There is no need to login on GuruPlug for initiating connection. Just plug USB modem and it connects, unplug for disconnecting,
- Since things are happening with no console, Sakis3G script utilizes GuruPlug's LEDs for indicating progress, error or success,
- Anyone able to connect on GuruPlug, by any means (being Ethernet, WiFi or even BNEP), is masqueraded on the outside world.
I've published a step-by-step guide on how you can do it too.
By default, GuruPlug's AP-mode is insecure (allows everyone in). Guide also provides "the-lazy" way to fix it.
Video illustrates guide's setup in action: