How To Configure PPPoA

When connecting to your broadband network through DSL, different companies use different protocols. The most popular among these are PPPoE, which stands for point-to-point protocol over Ethernet, and PPPoA, which stands for PPP over ATM. The advantage of PPPoA over PPPoE is that it has reduced overhead load, so packet transfers are more efficient. However, this might not be necessarily noticeable by the user. Service providers usually use either PPPoA or PPPoE depending on their own preference.

You can configure PPPoA by accessing the graphical interface of your DSL modem. This is done by connecting it directly to your computer through the LAN RJ45 port, and opening the modem’s IP address on your web browser. This assumes you use a Westell modem, which is commonly used by DSL providers.

* Plug in your computer directly to the modem through a LAN cable. This is a necessary step, in case you were previously connecting through a router.
* Open your web browser and type in 192.168.1.1 on the URL bar. Your mileage may vary—some modems might use 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.2.1.
* Click “Next” at the summary welcome page.
* Key in the username and password that you use to connect to your DSL provider. Your username is usually the email address that your ISP has provided. You can define a “friendly” name to the connection for easy reference in the future.
* Enter the VPC and VPI settings. Your DSL provider usually gives this to you. If this information is not available, the standard settings are as follows. VPI (ranging from 0 to 255) should be 0. VPC (ranging from 1 to 65535) should be 35.
* Chose “PPPoA” in the next list box. Then, click “Next.”
* Your DSL modem is now configured for PPPoA connections.


If you have another brand DSL modem, the settings are essentially the same. Keep in mind that you will first have to access the modem’s web interface by keying in the appropriate IP address on your web browser (192.168.x.1). Next, you will need to setup the username and password for your DSL service. Then, you will have to setup VPC and VPI.

Do note that some DSL modems might ask you to enter a username and password before you can access the configuration interface. The default, with most manufacturers, is username: admin, password: admin, or password: password. However, if the modem was given or assigned to you by a DSL provider, they might have changed the security settings. If you’re unsure, call the customer service hotline, and explain your need to setup PPPoA manually.

When “dialing up” using PPPoE, you will simply have to plug in your DSL modem and it will dial in automatically. You can then access the Internet by plugging in your computer directly using the LAN cable. Or, you can plugin a wireless router, so you can easily share the connection with several devices.

Configuring PPPoA on your modem only requires a few steps, and is easy, because you are accessing it through a familiar web interface.