DSL PPPOE and Cable/DSL Routers.

Most DSL ISPs in the USA use PPPOE protocol to initiate the DSL broadband connection.

PPPOE software is a "Dial in Type"; it initiates and keeps the connection alive while you are surfing. 

The implementation of the PPPOE software used by most ISPs is unfortunately "quirky".

If you have USB or Internal DSL modem the following would NOT work with your system.
See Note at the end of the page.

 I would suggest to any one with PPPOE DSL to buy a Cable/DSL Router even if they don't  have a Network.  Cable/DSL Routers are sale and rebates for less than $20, and are also very useful with a single computer.

The Router provides Internet Routing, Hardware Firewall, DHCP server, 4 Ports Switch, and Most Important, Hardware scheme to keep the PPPOE always Alive without using Quirky resource consuming software.

To start a DSL connection you need an ID name and Password (PW). Usually it is the function of the PPPOE software that comes with the setup CD to provide it to the connection.

The Router has a menu entry (usually it is under the WAN Dynamic selection) that can accepts the ID and the PW and take care of the connection. When the Router is keeping the connection alive there is No need for each networked computer to log on ti the Internet by it self.

Unfortunately most DSL ISPs do not give you an ID and password over the phone; they want you to get it online.

Most of the ISPs provide a temporary logon parameters that can be inserted into the DSL Router in order to logon to their server and an obtain a personal ID and PW.

If the logo parameters are not mentioned in the self installed package call the ISP's support service and ask for it.

In some cases (ISP with bad attitude) you have No other choice but to install the setup CD on one computer connected directly to the DSL Modem, and get the ID and PW in the process.

Once you have an account and password connect your Cable/DSL Router to the DSL Modem, and plug your computers to the Router. Log onto the Router's configuration Menus (Instructions concerning your specific Router should be in the Router's Manual).  In the PPPOE menu type Username and Password, make sure that the PPPOE option is checked.  Set the Router to obtain IP automatically. If there is an entry for idle time put it on always or maximum time.

As long as you don't switch off the DSL Modem, and the Router you are connected "forever" (the computer can be switched off).  If you switch the Modem, and the Router off, when you switch them on again, it will take about 20-40 seconds to the Modem to obtain connection, and the Router will automatically connect to the DSL ISP.

You can uninstall WINPOET, and or whatever software other PPPOE software they dished you.

If you want you can leave it installed; (The software PPPOE appears as another Dialup connection, in the Browser), just make sure that you disabled it so it should not start automatically.

Make sure that the Internet Browser is set to use LAN, otherwise it will keep trying to use PPPOE software.

The Router's PPPOE capacity is independent from the Computer, and it keeps the connection alive all the time.  

PPPOE DSL Working through the Router should yield faster (5%-10%), and smoother Internet connection.

Once every thing works well optimize your connection for DSL.

Download DrTCP: http://www.dslreports.com/front/DRTCP021.exe

Run the program, it will show the current settings of the TCP/IP parameters. Write them down. 

You can change any variable that you want, click Apply, and reboot the computer, if no good; you can always change to your original values.

Optimized TCP/IP Stack will improve your LAN traffic as well.

 How to Optimize?

Download: DrTCP from DSLreports.com

Run the program, it will show the current settings of TCP/IP parameters. Write them down.

You can change any variable that you want, click Apply, and reboot the computer.  If no good; you can always change to your original values.

Start with:

MTU -   Cable = 1500. DSL = 1492.  ISDN=1322.  DialUp = 576.

Tcp Receive - For Broadband = 256960. For DialUp = 65392.

Window Scaling  - Yes

Time Stamping - No

Selective Acks - Yes

Path MTU Discovery - Yes.

Black Hole - NO

Max Duplicate - 2

TTL - 64

These settings are not written in "stone" there is variability depending on the computer other setting. So try few setting and measure your Download for each setting. 

In addition, in case a person has a Router the Router's MTU if set differently can affect the general MTU.

Link to: Measuring the "Speed" of Internet Connection.

Note* A Cable/DSL Router can not be used with Internal DSL or USB Modem.
If you decide that it is worth your while buy an External Ethernet DSL Modem.

Example: Model 5515 ETHERNET ADSL Bridge Modem.

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