PPPoE provides a method of dynamic authentication, IP address assignment and host configuration for clients connecting to an Internet Service Provider (ISP). PPPoE is commonly used as a way to assign IP addresses to users behind Cable and DSL modems as it provides a method of accounting for the ISP while giving the user a virtually configuration-free environment. While this is ideal in most situations, many users would like to connect multiple hosts behind a single Internet connection. For this reason, Netopia provides a PPPoE client in the R910 and R9100 routers. This gives users the ability to connect multiple hosts to an ISP, which would normally, only allow a single user.
This guide assumes the following:
- Firmware version 4.6.3 or later is running on your router. If not, you will first need to update your router's firmware.
- Your ISP requires a PPPoE connection for Internet access.
- PLEASE NOTE: For best results establishing a reliable PPPoE session to your ISP, first verify that the DSL or Cable Modem equipment providing a line connection is set into Bridge mode and that it is NOT doing PPPoE negotiation, Network Address Translation or DHCP. The Netopia R910/9100 is designed to handle these functions. Duplication of any of these functions may create an unstable operational environment. Please contact your ISP or the manufacturer of the "modem" device to verify proper Bridging Mode configuration. Netopia Tech Support cannot provide support to third-party devices.
- Establish a serial connection to the Netopia router's console using a communications program such as HyperTerminal or Z-Term. The settings should be 9600 Baud, 8 Data Bits, and 1 Stop Bit. Disable flow control.
- Alternatively, you can use Telnet over your LAN to get to the console screens.
- For detailed instructions on using Hyperterminal, Z-Term, or Telnet, please see Netopia Quick Guide NQG_21.
- Do not change any settings other than the ones referred to below.
- Pressing Return takes you into a page; pressing Escape takes you out.
- Pressing the tab key acts as a toggle on router settings.
- Press Return after entering each setting to save it.
- From the Main Menu, go to Easy Setup.
- Toggle Enable PPP over Ethernet to On with your tab key and hit Return/Enter. Select Next Screen to continue.
- Verify that the Remote IP Address is set to 127.0.0.2.
- Enter the Send User Name and Send Password used to authenticate your connection under PPP Authentication. Select Next Screen to continue.
- The Ethernet IP Address of you router can either be changed to reflect an IP address on a pre-configured network, or you can use the default private IP subnet of 192.168.1.0 for your network, and leave your router at the Ethernet IP Address of 192.168.1.1 with an Ethernet Subnet Mask of 255.255.255.0.
- Enter the two DNS IP Addresses provided by your ISP in the fields Primary Domain Name Server and Secondary Domain Name Server.
- Your Default IP Gateway should be set to 127.0.0.2.
- Finally, IP Address Serving is your DHCP option. By default, your router is configured as a DHCP server serving 100 client IP addresses starting at 192.168.1.100. If you do not want your router to be a DHCP server, or if you already have a DHCP server on your network, toggle IP Address Serving to Off with your tab key and hit Return/Enter. If you want your router to be a DHCP server, but you are not using the private IP subnet of 192.168.1.0 on your network, you will need to change the 1st Client Address to an IP address on your pre-configured network.
- To complete your configuration, select Next Screen, and Restart Device.
Once your router has restarted, you can test your PPP connection by selecting Quick Menus, Connection Profiles, Establish WAN Connection, and then the profile you just configured. If you connect successfully, you will see your profile listed under Current WAN Connection Status in your router's Quick View screen (located from the Main Menu). The NAT IP address listed to the far right of your Profile Name is the IP address you have been assigned by your ISP. If you need further assistance troubleshooting your PPPoE connection, please see the following Netopia Technote: