I’m having trouble connecting to my ISP that is using PPPoE
(This is a common problem with Sympatico customers and DSL bPPPoE* is a new standard for authentication and control of the connection from the ISP and it can cause problems with both hardware and software routers. Manufacturers of these products are updating them to try to work with this new protocol, but in the meantime, try the information below.
Tip: Vicomsoft has an easy to understand overview of PPPoE in their Knowledgeshare section.
ased connections).
How do I know if I’m using PPPoE?
Here are a few things you can check:
You are a customer of the following DSL ISPs:
Sympatico
Bell Canada
Bell Atlantic Infospeed DSL
SNET
SBC
PacBell DSL
You have a cable modem, but your ISP has told you to use Dial-up networking to connect.
You are using a program one of the following programs:
WinPOET
Access Manager
EnterNet (by Network Telesystems [NTS])
PPPoE Help
- If you’re using a hardware router, you’ll have to check your router specs to see it supports PPPoE operation. If the router does support PPPoE, you must uninstall any PPPoE client software from your computers and configure the router with your PPPoE logon information. The router must handle all PPPoE session management.
- If you’ve been tearing your hair out trying to get PPPoE based connection to work with a dynamically assigned IP address, see if you can get a static IP address. It might cost you more, but it also might be worth it!
- 5/29/00 Another “it’s not working with ICS and Enternet hint (Thanks to “Duck” Moore)
– Symptom: EnterNet performs logon, authentication, and
connection ok, but it does not communicate or transfer data.
– Solution: Go to the Enternet System Information
program (under Accessories) and access the “Automatic skip driver agent” under the “Tools” menu.
If there are any files listed and not checked, just check them. Let the computer restart and you should be up and running. - If you have PacBell DSL service, are using ICS, and can’t connect
you may have the Enternet PPPoE program set incorrectly.
– First, make sure you have Enternet 1.3
– Under Connections ->Settings, click the Advanced button.
– Under IP configuration, change from default “Private API” to “Use DHCP“.
[Thanks to Mike Berrow for this tip!] - Vicomsoft’s SoftRouter Plus and Internet Gateway Version 6.6 support PPPoE without needing to use 3rd party applications like WinPOET.
Sympatico users with PPPoe problems may find help here, since the SympaticoUsers.org site has been shut down.
To get Sygate working to share an internet connection with Sympatico HSE, you must follow the following step by step instructions. Please note that you should uninstall Access Manager before installing WinPoET, as some people have reported conflicts when both are installed on the same system.
1. Install WinPoet and reboot.
2. Connect to the net with WinPoet and stay connected.
3. Install Sygate 3.1 (build 5.38). There is a 30 day trial download at http://www.sygate.com
4. After installing Sygate, with WinPoet still connected, run the Sygate diagnostic, it will detect the WinPoet Dial up connection.
5. Configure Sygate to Start as a service on startup and enable the DHCP server.
6. Do not enable the Enhanced Security on Sygate
7. Reboot the gateway computer
8. Connect via WinPoet on the gateway to make sure your connection is working well.
If you’re not using Sygate, but are using some other sort of sharing software, try connecting to your ISP first (including logging in if that’s required by your ISP), then installing the software while you are logged in.
A user with an internal DSL adapter fixed their PPPoE problems with ICS by specifying the Dial-up Adapter instead of the DSL card as their Network adapter.
If you’re interested in learning more about PPPoE, check these pages:
4/244/00 If you’re having problems with NTS’ Enternet, you can check their Windows FAQ page.
This press release from Routerware/Ivasion/Wind River Systems (makers of WinPoet) gives a basic “features and benefits” explanation of PPPoE.
This White Paper from Redback networks does a good job of explaining what PPPoE is (it’s not in layperson’s terms however).
The WinPoet product page contains more info about PPPoE.
If you really want to get into the technical details, read the PPP Over Ethernet, IETF RFC #2516
