DSL Connection Question

[BCML872]

I'm glad I fond this board so I could ask my auestion and maybe someone will answer it. I have a DSL question: Since I have a DSL hook-up and should be able to stay online 24/7 why do I have to dial-up? I got my DSL from a local company called CenturyTel. Then we loaded the software on our computer to get hooked-up to the internet via DSL. Whenever I hook-up to the internet I have to use WinPoet to get connected. Do you know why I have to do this or how I woulcn't have to do this anymore? Thanks for all your help in advance.

[cyberskye]

You would need to switch ISPs probably. Maybe they offer SDSL, but I doubt it. The advantage is your ISP doesn't need as many public IPs since they are only used on demand.

Some routers will keep your connection alive - Linksys has this setting.

Skye

[Deftones2307]

Actually your ISP is PPPoE DSL provider meaning you have to dial-up and establish a connection. I have the same thing and use WinPoet as well. It's nothing bad just that you have to connect when you start the computer it only takes a few seconds

[BCML872]

Thanks for all the help, but I have one other question: Can I use any router to keep my connection up or do I have to use a LinkSys router? Thanks for all the help.

[Old Fart]

There are 2 types of aDSL, Bridged and PPPoX.

Bridged - Always on, always active, usually static IP addressing is a feature of this type of service. This connection behaves as a normal LAN connection, meaning it is always connected.

PPPoX - Can be PPP over ATM or Ethernet. For residential subscribers to 'XYZ' Telco, this is almost always the type of service offered. the reason being is that they can dump 700 users onto a IP class of 253 useable IP addresses, and if not in use, they disconnect 'x's machine, and 'y' can get that IP address. Be warned if your provider is vigilant about it and finds you keeping your connection open 24/7 they may disconnect you claiming a TOS violation.

DSL is an ambiguous term, and can be used to describe ANY digital service line to an end user. iDSL is used to describe an 'incremental' connection via channelized T-1 or frame relay. This type of connection can also be called sDSL, because it is synchronous (up and down rate being equal). The type most residential users have is aDSL, or asynchronus DSL, which runs over copper lines, and is not switched or routed, but is managed by 'Virtual Circuits" unlike iDSL or sDSL. iDSL and sDSL are most likely going to be pitched to you by a 3rd party Telco trying to sell you a new phone system using voice over IP. They will run a T-1 line to you, using 'x' number of 64Kb channels for voice and sell you the remaining channels' bandwidth for your internet connection.

Funny thing is, If you find the right ISP, you'll get a bridged connection for less than Telcos' PPP connection. ;) Many small ISPs aren't interested in increasing their tech support burden for a small customer base by implementing PPP. They manage to keep an eye on your account and manage it in a more personal manner.

[BCML872]

bump

[Old Fart]

There are several ways to keep your connection active, but most ISP's have a clause in their TOS that defines 'unlimited use' as 'attended' useage, in other words, you can be connected all you want while actually sitting in front of your machine, and view mechanical means of keeping your connection open as violations of this TOS.

And, I haven't heard of a pppoe DSL provider who DOES NOT do a hard disconnect once per 24 hours, to reset the IP address pool.

[crazyr6er]

Originally posted by Old Fart
There are several ways to keep your connection active, but most ISP's have a clause in their TOS that defines 'unlimited use' as 'attended' useage, in other words, you can be connected all you want while actually sitting in front of your machine, and view mechanical means of keeping your connection open as violations of this TOS.

And, I haven't heard of a pppoe DSL provider who DOES NOT do a hard disconnect once per 24 hours, to reset the IP address pool.

Funny that..ive been connected for a few weeks now non stop. Must be different over here!!!!

[Old Fart]

Crazyr6er, you are most likely on a bridged connection, not a PPP connection. Congratulations on choosing a customer focused ISP.

My comments reflected practices of PPP ISPs here in the United States. I have no clue as to your agreement with your ISP or what their terms of service are. If you'd provide us with your ISP's name, we might be able to learn a bit more.

[crazyr6er]

Originally posted by Old Fart
Crazyr6er, you are most likely on a bridged connection, not a PPP connection. Congratulations on choosing a customer focused ISP.

My comments reflected practices of PPP ISPs here in the United States. I have no clue as to your agreement with your ISP or what their terms of service are. If you'd provide us with your ISP's name, we might be able to learn a bit more.

With a company called freeserve who I expect everyone has heard of. Never get any probs with my connection at all.

[Old Fart]

Not everyone has heard of freeserve, but in viewing thier website, they offer bridged service, not PPP.

It isn't "different over here" as you stated earlier. Large DSL providers prefer to use PPP, as it is much easier to let the software shut down the customer's access when they exceed bandwidth limitations or neglect to pay their bill.

I don't use PPP, my customers all have the same type of connection you do, bridged, always on, always active. People on PPP ISPs must pass a user/pass to be allowed access to the internet.

[crazyr6er]

Originally posted by Old Fart
Not everyone has heard of freeserve, but in viewing thier website, they offer bridged service, not PPP.

It isn't "different over here" as you stated earlier. Large DSL providers prefer to use PPP, as it is much easier to let the software shut down the customer's access when they exceed bandwidth limitations or neglect to pay their bill.

I don't use PPP, my customers all have the same type of connection you do, bridged, always on, always active. People on PPP ISPs must pass a user/pass to be allowed access to the internet.

Yer but i got to type a username and password too to enter mine???

[Old Fart]

For pete's sake, stop quoting every post.

What exactly is your question?

And an authoritative answer to your questions as to why you pass a username and password can only be found from your ISP. All folks here can comment on is observations, and observation leads me to believe you are on a bridged connection.

You may be passing your user/pass to authenticate for mail, as everyone does, regardless of their connection type.

[BCML872]

BUMP

[-w|sh-]

Well Old Fart...

I'm actually on PPoE and I've been online for over 5 days at one point. Of course, the town I live in has a population of just around 2000-3000 and currently, there are only around 10-15 DSL subscribers. The service is through a local ISP. At times when usage is down, I can get well over 150kb/s through newsgroups (which use a single connection, not split files for download from simultaneous users) or Kazaa (which does split for faster speeds). If you'd like to verify that my ISP is PPPoE, just check out my ISP's DSL page (http://www.netpathway.com/dsl/).

To the point of the topic, have you tried RASPPPoE (http://user.cs.tu-berlin.de/~normanb/)? Also, if you're running WinXp, you could try out their implemented PPPoE? I've had the best results using Xp's stuff. Simply open the connection or just open an internet-based program and hit connect...less than a second later you're on. Unfortunately, I don't think that there's any way to get around the connect thing, but it isn't diallup for sure, and it certaintly doesn't take the time it takes to connect on a 56k modem.

Hope this helps or whatever...

[UnitedWeStand]

winpoet is a nice program but its not exactly user friendly as you are telling us. but you can get a better answer from Bob Carrick... Bob Carrick where are you?
Carricks Solutions Limited - WinPoet (http://www.carricksolutions.com/winpoet.htm)

look for your answers there.. thanks..

[Old Fart]

wish,

I never said EVERY PPP based ISP will shut you down daily, especially in your case, where the ip address pool they have associated with your network segment would hardly get crowded.

In major markets, though it is a cretainty that they will, as their subscribed customer base exceed the available IPs they have to hand out.

Remember, there are exceptions to every rule, and you are one.

[-w|sh-]

Well, I kinda figured my case is a bit exceptional considering the area the service is provided to.

Anyway, I have another question that I'd like to have answered without having to make another post and that is, does your network card and dsl modem make any difference whatsoever?

[Old Fart]

Theoretically, no, as in most cases, the DSL modem is simply a bridge device that translates DSL signal to Ethernet and vice versa.

As to network cards, there again, no, but most people who deal with them every day have their own preferences. I happen to prefer 3Com or Intel cards, but to each his own.