Latest News

Python 2.3 and GTK2 port released shortly (13 March 2004)
It's taken longer than I'd hoped, but a new Python 2.3 compatible version of LANdialler is now available from CVS (scroll down to the "Anonymous CVS Access" section). I've not made packages yet as there's quite a bit of work to do on the installation and packaging, and it is not yet tested on Windows. If you'd like to try it check it out from CVS and run both the client and server from within their current directories. I've uploaded a screenshot to tempt you into it.

What is LANdialler?

LANdialler enables several computers on a LAN (Local Area Network) to share control of a dial up connection to the Internet.

If you have a small home or office network (a LAN) that connects to the Internet via a dial up link on a Linux computer, then LANdialler could be of real use to you. If you haven't got a Linux router yet find out how to set one up. The LANdialler client software should run on most operating systems, including Windows and Linux.

LANdialler is released under the terms of the GNU General Public License.

How does it work?

LANdialler consists of two programs:

The client is run on all desktop computers that require Internet access. It talks to the server, requesting Internet connectivity for as long as the user requires it. The interface is very simple, which is officially a "good thing".
The server runs on the router and manages the state of the dial up connection. It keeps track of the number of people who have asked to go online and keeps the Internet connection up until the last user disconnects.

Because the dial up connection is handled by your Linux router your desktop computers can remain safely protected from prying eyes by your router's firewall (assuming you have configured it - if not why not?).

The client and server communicate with one another over the local network through the XML-RPC protocol.

Feedback

If you find LANdialler useful, have some suggestons for possible new features, or just can't make it work, I'd love to hear about it. Please either drop into the forum, add a feature request or simply email me.