Earthlink DSL with Linksys router: use DHCP or/and PPPoE?

[Charles Wahl]

I have my own Linksys router for a home network, and got DSL service with
Earthlink. Per default settings, the router is configured with DHCP, IP
assigned by server, not static. The Earthlink setup information I got is
intended for one computer only, not connection through a router (their
"home network" service with a router I don't need and tech support is
another $8 a month), and they say to use the DHCP/Automatic setting for
TCP/IP. However, I notice in Earthlink's modem diagnostics that there are
pass/fail lines for "PPPoE server connection" and session (that are "pass"
when the router is connected).

Should I configure the router for PPPoE? Seems to work okay as is, though
I have a problem with voice phone use causing the DSL connection to fail
(getting a whole-house splitter).

Obviously, I don't understand the difference between DHCP and PPPoE, or
even if they are used together, or are alternatives. Sorry for my
ignorance!

Thanks for any advice,

[David H. Lipman]

From: "Charles Wahl" <***@earthlink.net>

| I have my own Linksys router for a home network, and got DSL service with
| Earthlink. Per default settings, the router is configured with DHCP, IP
| assigned by server, not static. The Earthlink setup information I got is
| intended for one computer only, not connection through a router (their
| "home network" service with a router I don't need and tech support is
| another $8 a month), and they say to use the DHCP/Automatic setting for
| TCP/IP. However, I notice in Earthlink's modem diagnostics that there are
| pass/fail lines for "PPPoE server connection" and session (that are "pass"
| when the router is connected).
|
| Should I configure the router for PPPoE? Seems to work okay as is, though
| I have a problem with voice phone use causing the DSL connection to fail
| (getting a whole-house splitter).
|
| Obviously, I don't understand the difference between DHCP and PPPoE, or
| even if they are used together, or are alternatives. Sorry for my
| ignorance!
|
| Thanks for any advice,
| --
| Charles Wahl
| <remove uppercase letters in email address>

Toggle between the two. If PPPoE works use it and set the MTU=1492.