1. Broadband
  2. Getting Started

PPPoE or DHCP?

2talk offers flexible connection methods for its Fibre Broadband services, supporting both PPPoE and DHCP (IPoE). Read on to understand which is best for your setup.

PPPoE (Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet)

PPPoE is a traditional method for connecting to broadband services. One of its key advantages is that it maintains an active session, providing the ISP with greater visibility into the current state of the connection. This can be particularly useful for diagnosing disconnections, as the protocol's messaging offers detailed information about the reasons behind a connection drop.

Pros:

  • Maintains an active session for better ISP visibility.
  • Provides detailed diagnostic information.

Cons:

  • Requires more setup on the router, such as configuring a username and password.
  • A factory reset router might not have the necessary settings, especially if VLAN tagging (usually default) is required.

DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) or IPoE (IP over Ethernet)

DHCP, also known as IPoE, has been widely adopted by service providers due to its ease of use for clients. Most routers with default settings are configured to connect using DHCP, meaning a factory reset router should work seamlessly (assuming no VLAN tagging is required). This method is also beneficial for troubleshooting, as you can directly connect a computer to the LFC's ONT port to obtain an IP address and test the service without needing a router. This helps in ruling out router-related issues. Additionally, some users report slightly faster speeds with DHCP due to lower overhead compared to PPPoE encapsulation.

Pros:

  • Easier setup for clients.
  • Factory reset routers typically work without additional configuration.
  • Simplifies troubleshooting by allowing direct computer connection to the ONT.
  • Potentially faster speeds due to lower overhead.

Cons:

  • Provides less session information between the client and ISP, which can limit troubleshooting data.

Important Note

You cannot run both PPPoE and DHCP simultaneously, as this will cause service disruptions. Please make sure you only enable one method when setting up your router.