Which is better PPPOE or Ethernet

Larkina · Post by **Larkina** » Mon Aug 07, 2006 11:12 pm

I have a Westell 6400 modem and a BEFW11S4 Linksys router. In the past I've been using Ethernet but I decided to try PPPOE and it seems with a few tweaks here and there I'll continue using PPPOE. I would perfer Raspppoe but the Linksys router doesn't support raspppoe and probably not my ISP provider either with is Bellsouth. I've wanted to ask which is better Ethernet or PPPOE and what tweaks would be needed to really smooth the PPPOE configuration out a bit?

Post by **YeOldeStonecat** » Tue Aug 08, 2006 7:10 am

PPPoE is an authentication protocol that most DSL ISPs use.

Ethernet is a local area networking standard

Two different things here.

PPPoE uses ethernet..as it's point to point protocol over ethernet, only used by DSL ISPs to allow people to connect and use their resources. (authenticate) Similar to a dial up adapter.

If your ISP uses PPPoE...you have no choice if you wish to use their services..you need to use PPPoE somewhere..either on the modem, or the router, or your PC natively with WinXP, or if using some 3rd party PPPoE dialer (if you don't have WinXP.) My preference is to have the router do it..offload my PC of yet another duty which hits the CPU.

Larkina · Post by **Larkina** » Tue Aug 08, 2006 9:13 am

I am using Windows XP Pro. I bridge my Westell modem and configured my router for PPPOE. It seems to work better that way in my case. I guess it maybe that the router is a better piece of equipment than the Westell modem. Anyhow my internet is a lot more snappier and quicker than before.

Post by **YeOldeStonecat** » Tue Aug 08, 2006 1:01 pm

Larkina wrote:I am using Windows XP Pro. I bridge my Westell modem and configured my router for PPPOE. It seems to work better that way in my case. I guess it maybe that the router is a better piece of equipment than the Westell modem. Anyhow my internet is a lot more snappier and quicker than before.

Yeah..many of those "combo" units the ISP provides aren't the greatest in performance when it comes to routing. That's usually my preferred setup...bridge the ISP supplied gateway appliance..and use my own router for NAT and PPPoE.

Larkina · Post by **Larkina** » Tue Aug 08, 2006 5:53 pm

I know this sound weird, but I haven't really enjoyed working or doing anything on my computer for not being able to get that good response you get when everythings flowing smooth. Also, I read in one of the Speedguide Forums about separating the modem and the router and getting your phone lines separated from the computer lines. I'm here to tell you that guy hit on a winner and I guess people have always known this in the computer circles.
The Speedguide Forum has some very interesting members that have very good info on different topics. I've often visited this site for speed checks and analysis readings and never really took the time out to check out the Forum. This is a great site for us senior citizens just as myself whose seeking infomation. Thank you'll.