How to set up a PPPoE connection on Windows and Linux

The Internet has long been a part of the life of everyone who uses gadgets or computers. But few people think about how the Internet works, which is why at some moments there are problems with its configuration. This article describes what a PPPoE connection is and how to configure it within Windows and Linux. At the same time, different ways of accomplishing the task will be presented.

What is PPPoE connection

First of all, PPPoE is a protocol for transmitting data packets. By the way, it is similar to Dial Up technology. The abbreviation itself means "from point to point", which implies that the phone used in the previously mentioned connection is replaced by routers. However, this is not the only difference. To make it easier to understand, it is worth knowing about some features of the PPPoE connection:

1. It is possible to compress data.
2. You can authenticate incoming packets.
3. It is allowed to use information encryption.
4. PPPoE can be used for calls (virtual).
5. MTU requirements are 1,492 bytes, which is below 1,500 for Dial Up.

On the whole, this is enough to draw parallels between PPPoE and other protocols on the Internet.

Windows setup

Once you understand what a PPPoE connection is, you can go directly to setting it up in Windows operating systems. However, not everything is so simple, because the setup guide for Windows XP in some moments is very different from those performed in other versions, so two methods will be discussed later.

Method 1: Configure PPPoE in Windows XP

How to configure a PPPoE connection in Windows XP?

1. You must enter the "Control Panel". To do this, open the Start menu and select the item of the same name.
2. In the window that appears, among other icons, find "Network Connections" and double-click on it with the left mouse button.
3. In the new window, click "File" and select "New Connection" from the drop-down menu.
4. The "Create Connection Wizard" opens, in which at the first stage you need to click "Next".
5. Select "Connect to the Internet."
6. Select "Install manually."
7. Make a high-speed connection.
8. Enter the name of the service provider.
9. Set a name and enter a password (check with the provider for these details).
10. At the end, click Finish.

After that, a new connection will be created. Now the Internet should appear on the computer.

Method 2: in other versions of Windows

How to configure the Internet connection in other, later versions of Windows?

1. To get started, go to the "Start" menu and in the list of all applications (in the "Accessories" folder) launch the "Control Panel".
2. In the list, find the "Network Control Center" element and run it.
3. In the new window, click on the link “Create a new connection”.
4. Select "Internet Connection."
5. Then select High Speed.
6. At this point you need to enter the user name and password. Also, do not forget to specify the name of the connection, which can be any (at your request), and specify additional parameters.
7. At the end, click "Connect."

That's all, after the manipulations done, the Internet should appear.

Linux setup

Now it’s clear how to configure the PPPoE connection on Windows, but what should Linux users do?

There are two ways for them: using the “Terminal”, through which you can configure anything on your computer, and using the Network Manager program, which has a graphical interface (unlike the first method).

Method 1: through the "Terminal"

First of all, it is worthwhile to deal with the “Terminal”. Here is an instruction on how to establish a connection using the pppoeconf :

1. To get started, open the "Terminal".
2. Run sudo pppoeconf .
3. In the first menu that appears, click Yes.
4. Then enter the username that the provider gave you.
5. Enter the password that you must also learn from the provider.
6. Then in all subsequent windows answer Yes.

After that, you can close the "Terminal" - the Internet connection should be established. For fidelity, you should restart the computer.

Method 2: Via Network Manager

Linux PPPoE can also be configured via the graphical interface. You can do this as follows:

1. Click on the Network Manager icon and select the "Change Connections" option.
2. In the window that appears, click "Add."
3. From the list, select DSL and click on "Create."
4. Click the DSL tab and enter your username and password. The remaining fields can be left as is.
5. In the "General" tab, you can specify how to connect to the network.
6. On the Ethernet tab, from the "Device" list, select the name of the network adapter.
7. Save the changes at the end.

After that you can close the utility window. If the Internet does not appear at this stage, restart the computer - this should help.

Conclusion

Now you know not only what a PPPoE connection is, but also how to configure it in various versions of operating systems, such as Windows and Linux.

It is noteworthy that when using a router, these methods are not needed, because the device automatically converts the PPPoE protocol to DHCP, and the second automatically establishes a connection with the computer. However, for this, you still have to change some parameters, but already in the router itself.