Linksys DSL router questions

[psteudlein]

Remember - I am a network newbie
My setup:
Bellsouth DSL, uses pppoe
Alcatel ADSL 1000 external modem
2 pcs, each with a NIC
Linksys 4 port cable/DSL router BEFSR41

Configuration 1, with 1 PC:
If I go phone line --> modem --> NIC and run the Bellsouth
'Efficients Network 300 software', I can click on the icon
to connect just fine and all works well. Connects fast
and stays connected. I only use this software when I am
connected to only the modem.

Question 1:
I guess the software handles the
pppoe connection part, correct?

Question2:
Using the router, I should let the router handel the
pppor connection stuff?

Going through the router, it connects slowly, I get error
messages a lot of time when it is connecting, have to
try several times, looses the connection sometimes.

Question 3:
Is this normal?

Question 4:
Will the router automatically connect without me having
to press the "connect" button on the router status web
page?

Question 5:
The router should/will handle all the pppoe connection
stuff?

I have the firmware that came with the router, 1.37 I think.

Question 6:
Should I upgrade it?

Question 7:
I did enable the pppoe option in the router. Any other options
I should set or check on?

Thanks for the help, just trying to get this setup stable and
working.
- Paul

[JackMDS]

Connection should be:

DSL Modem - Router - NIC.

If you installed the software, you have already ID, and PW (write them down).

You have to type the DSL ID and PW into the Router menu, and check the Router menu to keep the connection alive (always on).

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 them off, when you switch them on again, it will take a minute, and the Router will automatically will connect to the DSL ISP.

You can uninstall WINPOET and Netscape (or whatever software they dished you).
Or you can leave them installed, PPPOE appears as another DialUp connection.

Pull down Internet Option in I.E, and choose LAN as the default connection for the Internet. Doing so will connect through the Router, and will ignore the Dial PPPOE.

Using the Router, you don’t use the PPPOE on the computer any more.

The idea is that the Router PPPOE capacity independent from the Computer, and it keep the connection alive.

Working through the Router should yield faster smoother connection.

[ 04-25-2001: Message edited by: JackMDS ]