1) Install an Ethernet card in each computer and a second one in the server to connect to your DSL

modem.
2) If using Win 95, 98, or ME as the server assign an internal IP to each each Ethernet card (For the card
connecting to the modem use an address of 10.0.0.xxx and for the card in each PC use 192.168.xxx.xxx)
use these instructions.
3) Make sure you use a cross over Ethernet cable between the two PCs and a straight through Ethernet
cable to the modem.
4) If you are using XP or Windows 2000 as the server, do not set an internal IP address on the two
Ethernet card that connect each computer, make sure they are assigned to use DHCP.

1) Install an Ethernet card in each computer.

2) If using Win 95, 98, or ME as the server assign an internal IP to each each Ethernet card use these
instructions.
3) Use straight through Ethernet cables for all connections if plugging your modem in to the uplink port on
your hub. If you do not have an uplink port please use a cross over Ethernet cable.
Note: For the above method use straight through Ethernet cables for all connections.

What are the advantages to use 3rd Party PPPoE Applications instead of the native PPPoE in Windows XP?
Why would an ISP want to deploy 3rd party software on Windows XP instead of just letting their customers
use the native PPPoE?
Web browsing seems slower since installing a PPPoE application
I notice a slower boot time, or delays / Blackouts or Time-outs while waiting for web pages to load.
I can not get to all web sites or send emails with attachments
I just got a new Bell Atlantic line, and get Error 629.
I use Internet Explorer and get a "No Connection / Try Again" error
I get an error every time I try to add a new instance of TCP/IP. "Your system allows only X instances of X".
I'm using Windows Media Player 7 and it won't connect to anything.
I need help with Windows XP Native PPPoE

What are the advantages to use 3rd Party PPPoE Applications instead of the native PPPoE in
Windows XP?
Ease of use is really the only real reason from an End user perspective (IMO)

• Options menu allows for Launch at Windows Start-up (XP needs 9 steps to do this with no simple
configuration through an “options” menu).
• Launch default browser after connection with a specific URL even through options menu
• Options menu MTU adjustment. Why would one need to adjust the MTU? Well if the ISP is using
Cisco LNS for example and not Multilink PPPoE the MTU is set on the Cisco at 1452 but not auto
negotiated properly with the client side (fault in Cisco). The causes some web sites to not load and
most emails over 1 KB to not get sent out from the client side PC. Also some ISPs who resell a
wholesale service may have their connections between the wholesale provider and their network
via L2TP which add overhead causing an MTU issue also. Set the MTU to 1452 on the client side
and this problem is resolved. XP PPPoE needs a registry patch to adjust the MTU and must be
done in the registry file and can not be done in an options menu. Not being able to adjust the MTU
has been the cause for many end users not being able to get to various web sites or send out
emails over 1 KB
• Dynamic Service Name selection. In WinPoET for example you can (via drop down menu) select
the service you want to connect to if the ISP offers such an option. XP needs the service name set
manually (typed in) if the customer wants to use a service different then the one to first respond
 • WinPoET for example is Microsoft certified and Windows native PPPoE is actually not (go figure).
• In many cases a new user can not even configure the native PPPoE in XP if a dial-up modem has
not been installed. The Configure a connection via username and password option is actually
grayed out and not “clickable”. 3rd party applications bypass that support call
• Log off not share connection issue???

Why would an ISP want to deploy 3rd party software on Windows XP instead of just letting
their customers use the native PPPoE?

Brand Management
When ever 3rd party applications are launched the customer is “forced” to see the ISPs branding
on the connect screen of, WinPoET, for example
With, WinPoET, for example by default upon install you can force the browser to launch after
connect and force the user to go to your web site again reinforcing brand management

Reduce Support Costs

Anything that is easier for the customer is better for the provider. See above for that list of reasons.
Since XP is the only Windows OS to have native PPPoE a client needs to be rolled out anyway, so why
trouble shoot two clients instead of just one? If the provider supports 1 application and XP native the
provider must train it’s call center to support both, if the Provider only supports 1 application training costs
are less, as well as training time, as well as support time since only one “client” needs to be supported.

Web browsing seems slower since installing a PPPoE application

Your ISP may use a proxy server to speed up web browsing, if so follow their instructions to make sure you
have correctly entered the proxy settings in your web browser options. It could be a DHCP conflict (See I
notice a slower Boot time below)

I notice a slower boot time, or delays / Blackouts or Time-outs while waiting for web pages to load.
Generally this is Windows looking for a DHCP server, it does this every ten minutes or so, causing your web
browsing to freeze for 30 seconds or so.

Windows 95, 98 & ME

1. Right click on Network Neighborhood (My Network places)
2. Choose "Properties"
3. A new window will open
4. Highlight the TCP/IP bound to the Ethernet card that is connected to the DSL Modem
5. Click "Properties"
6. Choose the "IP Address" tab, specify, type 192.168.0.15
7. Set the subnet mask to 255.255.255.0
8. "OK"

Windows 2000
1) Right click "My Network Places" -> Choose "Properties"
2) Right click the icon for your Ethernet adapter -> Choose "Properties"
3) Highlight the "Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)" listing
4) Click "Properties"
5) Click on "Use the following IP address"
6) Type in 192.168.0.15
7) Set the subnet mask to 255.255.255.0

Windows XP
1) Go to "Start" -> "Control Panel"
2) Click on "Network & Internet Connections"
3) Click on "Network Connections"
4) Right click on the icon for your Ethernet card connected to your DSL modem _> Choose "Properties"
5) Click on "Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) -> Click "Properties"
6) In the "General" tab check off "Use the following IP address"
7) Type in 192.168.0.15
8) Enter a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0
9) Click "OK"
10) Click "OK"

You can also just disable DHCP on NT and 2000

On NT Go to Control Panel->Services -> Find the DHCP Client and Disable it
In Windows 2000 go to "Administrative tools" -> "Services" there you will find an option to disable it. Note: In
Windows 2000 I am finding out that with an internal DSL modem you can not change from DHCP or even
disable it. You have to leave DHCP as is.

I can not get to all web sites or send emails with attachments
You probably need to change the value for your MTU on the PC this can be done usually directly in the
PPPoE client, like WinPoET or you may have to do it in the router or modem that is doing your PPPoE for
you. I recommend 1452 if you are having this problem.

I just got a new Bell Atlantic line, and get Error 629.
This is because your profile has not been built yet by the ISP, contact them for further help.

I use Internet Explorer and get a "No Connection / Try Again" error
With Win '98: Go to add/remove programs Select IEx and then remove Select Repair, or you can update to a
newer version of IE

You can also try downloading the Off-line Browsing package available from the Windows update site.

Or you can try:

Download this Registry file to your desktop.
2) Right click on it and choose "Install" or "Merge"
Or you can try this:
If you have installed MSN uninstall it and then try out the following:
1) Close all Screens and disconnect from the internet
2) Click on Start -> Settings -> Control Panel -> Internet Options -> Connections Tab -> Setup Button
3) Select "I want to connecting manually.... " -> Click Next
4) Select " I want to connecting by a LAN ..... " -> Click Next
5) Make sure there is nothing selected in the Automatic Proxy Configuration window -> Click Next
6) Select No for the "Do you want to setup a mail account now? " window -> Click Next
7) Uncheck "To connect to the internet immediately select this box and -> click Finish
8) You should be back to the Control Panel -> Double Click on Add/Remove Programs
9) Find Microsoft Internet Explorer -> Double click on it _> Then Choose "Repair"

I get an error every time I try to add a new instance of TCP/IP. "Your system allows only X instances
of X".
1) Use any text editor (such as Notepad) to view the Nettrans.inf file in the Windows\Inf folder.
2) Increase the MaxInstance entry for the appropriate protocol.
Note that the maximum number for this entry is 8.
3) Save the changes to the Nettrans.inf file, and then quit Notepad.

I'm using Windows Media Player 7 and it won't connect to anything.

This registry file forces WMP to be online and should fix the problem, always back up your registry before
making changes.

I need help with Windows XP Native PPPoE

See our Windows Native XP PPPoE help page
What is PPPoE?
Why would PPPoE be used?
Will there be any changes to how I use my High Speed Service?
Will there be a speed difference if my ISP switches to PPPoE?
Will PPPoE affect any Internet applications, such as ICQ?
Does PPPoE increase security risks with my broadband connection?
What is PPPoE:3Com (Or what has 3Com done to the PPPoE protocol)?
Is AOL PPPoE different?
What network interface does PPPoE require?
Can PPPoE be made to connect on boot for my PC?
How does PPPoE give me an IP address?
Can you explain the PPPoE discovery stage?

What is PPPoE?
Point to Point Protocol over Ethernet is a proposal specifying how a host personal computer (PC) interacts
with a broadband modem (i.e. xDSL, cable, wireless, etc) to achieve access to the growing number of High
speed data networks. Relying on two widely accepted standards, Ethernet and the point-to-point protocol
(PPP), the PPPoE implementation requires virtually no more knowledge on the part of the end user other
than that required for standard Dial up Internet access. In addition, PPPoE requires no major changes in the
operational model for Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and carriers. The significance of PPP over Ethernet
has to do with its far greater ease of use versus competing approaches. By making high speed access
easier to use for end consumers, and more seamless to integrate into the existing infrastructure for carriers
and ISPs, PPPoE could speed the widespread adoption of High speed access services

Also, PPP over Ethernet provides a major advantage for service providers by maximizing integration with -
and minimizing disruption of - service providers' existing dial network infrastructures. Through tight
integration with existing back office automation tools that ISPs have developed for dial customers, PPPoE
enables rapid service deployment and cost savings. From authentication, accounting and secure access to
configuration management, PPPoE supports a broad range of existing applications and services.

The base protocol is defined in RFC 2516.

Why would PPPoE be used?

PPPoE is used to allow Internet Service Providers (ISPs) the use of their existing Radius authentication
systems from their Dial-Up service on a Broadband / Ethernet based service. Dial-Up is PPP, most
broadband connections are Ethernet, hence Point to Point Protocol over Ethernet. It also allows for ISPs to
resell the same line multiple times. IE: Rated services, Broadband specific content (movies, etc.), metered
services, etc.

Will there be any changes to how I use my High Speed Service?

Instead of having the connection automatically occur when your computer boots (using DHCP for example
to obtain an IP address), you would have to connect using PPPoE software like WinPoET, or maybe a router
that will handle it for you. Once you are "connected" using the client, your connection will look / feel the
same as your current connection. When you are finished, or when you've been idle for an undisclosed
period of time, the client software may disconnect you and you will need to reconnect to gain access to the
Internet again.

Will there be a speed difference if my ISP switches to PPPoE?

This is a difficult question to answer. The definition of the protocol points to a 5-10% decrease in bandwidth,
as extra data will need to be sent down the line to handle the PPPoE signaling. There may be other
penalties as well, derived from the server-side implementation.
If you look at this from a mathematical stand point PPPoE adds 8 bytes of header to the standard 1500 byte
MTU packet. With this in mind you are only reducing speed by .3% (Yes .3 of one percent). So will you see a
speed decrease, no, you probably won't.

Will PPPoE affect any Internet applications, such as ICQ?

The protocol has been out now and in use for, over 5 years. All internet apps can now be made to work with
PPPoE.

Does PPPoE increase security risks with my broadband connection?

No in fact it will lower them. You can have your PC up and running but not connected to your ISP if you
choose to disconnect with your PPPoE Software leaving you no longer vulnerable to and "Internet Attacks"

What is PPPoE:3Com (Or what has 3Com done to the PPPoE protocol)?
Simply put 3Com has created a proprietary version of the PPPoE protocol. It is only used when your 3Com
DSL modem is set to PPPoA mode. When this happens it speaks PPPoA to your ISP, but then speaks
PPPoE to your computer (That is why they bundle a PPPoE client with their DSL modems).
3Com has changed these two values:
ETHER_TYPE value for PPPoE Discovery phase: Changed from 0x8863 to 0x3c12
ETHER_TYPE value for PPPoE Session phase: Changed from 0x8864 to 0x3c13
Will this effect the use of a router? Yes. A few routers now support this new version only used with 3Com
DSL modems in PPPoA mode.

Is AOL PPPoE different?

Originally AOL was using a proprietary version of a PPPoE application called WinPoET. This is no longer the
case they are using their on PPPoE application but it is “standards” compliant.

What network interface does PPPoE require?

PPPoE applications require an Ethernet adapter with TCP/IP bound to it. This could be an Ethernet card, a
USB to Ethernet adapter or simple a USB DSL modem.

Can PPPoE be made to connect on boot for my PC?

Most PPPoE applications such as WinPoET do have the feature to connect on Windows Startup

How does PPPoE give me an IP address?

Basically, when you click connect on your PPPoE application or when your router begins to connect to your
ISP a discovery process occurs to ask for a connection. A session is then created. Your userid and password
is then authenticated via Radius. Your IP, DNS, etc is the assigned via a process similar to DHCP (IPCP).

Can you explain the PPPoE discovery stage?

The PPPoE Discovery Stage is made up of four steps: initiation, offer, request, and session confirmation:

1)The PPPoE Active Discovery Initiation (PADI) packet:

The PPPoE client sends out a PADI packet to the broadcast address. This packet can also populate the
"service-name" field if a service name has been entered on the dial-up networking properties of the PPPoE
broadband connectoid. If a service name has not been entered, this field cannot be populated.

2) The PPPoE Active Discovery Offer (PADO) packet:

The PPPoE server, or Access Concentrator, should respond to the PADI with a PADO if the Access
Concentrator is able to service the "service-name" field that had been listed in the PADI packet. If no
"service-name" field had been listed, the Access Concentrator should respond with a PADO packet that has
the "service-name" field populated with the service names that the Access Concentrator can service. The
PADO packet is sent to the unicast address of the PPPoE client.

3) The PPPoE Active Discovery Request (PADR) packet:

When a PADO packet is received, the PPPoE client responds with a PADR packet. This packet is sent to the
unicast address of the Access Concentrator. The client may receive multiple PADO packets, but the client
responds to the first valid PADO that the client received. If the initial PADI packet had a blank "service-name"
field filed, the client populates the "service-name" field of the PADR packet with the first service name that
had been returned in the PADO packet.

4) The PPPoE Active Discovery Session-confirmation (PADS) packet:

When the PADR is received, the Access Concentrator generates a unique session identification (ID) for the
Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) session and returns this ID to the PPPoE client in the PADS packet. This
packet is sent to the unicast address of the client.