Most aDSL modems if set to PPPoE (I think Actiontec's come this way by default) will send the mac as the pppoe un/pw. David E. Smith wrote:
Opinions on this? I'd be interested in hearing the latest real world experience for both and the direction most folks are going in. I can't speak to which would be better on copper specifically, but in general I'd favor DHCP over PPPoE. Either way, most of the back-end stuff will be similar (you'll need a way to authenticate users, turn them off and on, et cetera); the differences won't be all that big. Either you're storing their MACs in a database, or their port assignments and VLAN tags, or their usernames and passwords. With PPPoE, however, the end-user can't just plug in and go - they'll have to configure their PC, or a DSL modem, or something. That means a phone call to your tech support, most likely. In many cases, DHCP can lead to plug-and-play simplicity, which means they don't have to call you, and you don't have to answer their calls. Everyone wins. :) David Smith MVN.net -- Walter Keen Network Technician Rainier Connect (o) 360-832-4024 (c) 253-302-0194