Configuring DSL Using PPPOE

Please note: If you have a ROUTER then these instructions are not for you. If you have a router then the PPPOE should be set up on the router, not on your computer. Set your computer for DHCP (which is usually the default) and then refer to the instructions to install PPPOE on your router.

What is PPPOE?

If you get a dynamic consumer type DSL connection, it will usually use one of two automatic configuration systems, PPPOE or DHCP.

PPPOE means "PPP over ethernet" which is a system that uses a username and password to authorize your dsl. That's the main difference from DHCP, which has no username or password.

For general information about troubleshooting a connection, refer to our support section. There are several pages there that should be helpful.

This document will show you how to set up PPPOE on either Mac or Windows.

In either case, the setup is pretty easy. You go into your Mac or Windows network configuration, tell it you have PPPOE, tell it the username and password, restart your computer, and you should be online.

Cabling and Routers

These instructions assume that you have no router, and that your computer is connected directly to the modem. If you have a router, then you put the PPPOE information in the router and the computers connect using dhcp. So if you have a router don't try to configure PPPOE on your computer. The instructions on this page do not explain how to set up a router.

Configuring a Mac

This should work on any Mac running OSX.

Open "Network Preferences".

On the left side, select "Ethernet". That's how we are connecting.

On the right side, select "Create PPPOE Service". This will lead you to a configuration wizard.

For the service name, type "Brand X"

The username and password should be the ones we gave you.

That's it, you're ready to connect.

Configuring Windows

This should work on Windows Vista or newer (Windows 7 or Windows 8).

To create a PPPoE client connection:

1. Click Start, click Control Panel, and then double-click Network and Internet Connections.
2. Click Network Connections, and then click Create a new connection in the Network Tasks pane.
3. After the Network Connection Wizard starts, click Next.
4. Click Connect to the Internet, and then click Next.
5. Click Set up my connection manually, and then click Next.
6. Click "Connect using a broadband connection that requires a user name and password".
7. Type a name for your connection, and then click Next.
8. Type the user name that Brand X provided.
9. Type the password that Brand X provided.
10. Type the password one more time to confirm it, and then click Next.
11. Click Add a shortcut to this connection to the desktop, if you want one..
12. Click Finish to complete the wizard.
13. OK, you should be ready to connect.