PPPoE or PPPoA
 

Just a Poll to see what percentage of users use either of the above methods. My experience with changing from E to A were:-

Connection:1500/256 ADSL
Location: SE Melbourne
Download Speed: 155k (E) to 160k(A)
Pings to Netspace server (203.34.186.18): 18-20ms (E) to 12-14ms(A)

Connection:1500/256 ADSL
Location: Eastern Melbourne
Download Speed: 164k (E)

Which server? or just generally?

Have never tried PPPoA

Hex

interesting,
didn't think there would be so much difference.

Next:
a how to set up PPPoA ???

"PPP over Ethernet (PPPoE)
PPP over Ethernet is a protocol for connecting remote hosts to the Internet over an ADSL connection by simulating a dial-up connection. This feature eliminates the need to run a login program such as EnterNet or WinPOET on your computer.

PPP over ATM (PPPoA)
PPP over ATM is a protocol for connecting remote hosts to the Internet over an ADSL connection by simulating an ATM connection."

PPPoA is slightly faster than PPPoE, and i havn't had any problems using PPPoA... So if your router/modem supports it, use it. Also note that some ISPs only support PPPoE, and if you have troubles using PPPoA you can always switch back to PPPoE it's as simple as that :)

Need more info about your modem, but there should be the option to use either PPPoE/PPPoA in your modems configuration page.

I am with Netspace ,
so they must support PPoA :)

Modem: Speed touch home , flashed to a pro.

I will have a look into it ,

cheers,

You can get slightly better speeds on PPPoA because the overheads are a little bit smaller, you should only see about 1KB/s - 2KB/s difference though.

1. Check if you modem supports PPPoA (user manual)
2. You will need to use a web browser to log into the modem, check the manual for the ip, admin login and password for the modem.
3. Once you are in, you will have to enter a few settings such as username, password, static/dynamic ip, etc.

Check out the bottom of the hyperlinked page for PPPoE/A Settings.

Netspace Support

That's still enough to get a lower ping for gaming ;) :woot:

On that page it says "PPPoE (Ethernet) or PPPoA (USB)"
...though it doesn't mean Ethernet can only use PPPoE

As long as your modem supports it, no issues if its USB/Ethernet. My experience 4-5k faster downloads and around 4-5ms on pings, you can't go wrong.

I did not know this! THNX FOR THE TIDBIT :P

netspace support both

yeah i havn't seen and ISP that only supports one

Awesome. Thanks for the tip guys - I'll be switching it over on the router.

Are there any real differences in terms of security?

No, and glad to be of help :)

Have always been interested in trying PPPoA, but using a speedtouch home with a clark connect linux box running it it's not really an option. :(

You can take a risk and try and convert a home to a pro, which gives you pppoA, used to have a home but never tried it, not sure if its worth the effort.

A guide written by a user
home to pro conversion

I have a speedtouch home which I "updated" to a pro.
been fine for 12 months.

Yeah, looked at that too... but didn't want to mess with the firmware unless I had enough cash spare for a new modem just in case... :/

Had my speedtouch for 2 years now. Just upgraded my network to wireless so managed to get adsl/wireless/firewall device so I could use PPPoA for around $230.

Have been on PPoA since went on ADSL with Netspace just over 12 months ago. Was recommended on the forums for my modem (Billion 741 GE V2)

Will a ping on a game that is 5 lower going to make a noticeable difference? I can see the benefit with downloading really large files because a few kbs can make a lot of difference in overall time. But I was wondering why there are 2 separate ways??? Is one less secure than another or is there some other reason? :confused: Is one preferable to another?
Because i am always downloading very large files and in my job time is a major factor and 30 minutes saved in a 1 gig download will make my life that much easier.

PPPoE stands for Point to Point Protocol over Ethernet while PPPoA is over ATM. Basically, ATM is a more efficient method, do a google if you want more details.

I'd suggest if you modem supports both modes, do a test download of a file >20meg and compare the results with A and E and make your decision based on the results.

Yes I also notice that its alot quicker on PPPoA but PPPoE I think is alot more stable, then again Im using Netcom NB1300+4 through USB and we all know that USB is unstable than an NIC (Network Interface Card)

My point is ping skips from 20ms to 50ms from time to time when using PPPoA and it is stable on PPPoE maybe its just me but you guys should check it out.

Never noticed this, but will monitor it more closely.

Awsome I thought it was only me that noticed it.

great info but...
 

if there is a difference of a few kb's in download then im all for it. although i was wondering, seeing as im using a Nb1300 + 4 which has te following options:

PPPoE LLC
PPPoE None
PPPoE VC-Mux

PPPoA LLC
PPPoA VC-Mux

not to mention something about 1483 bridged or non-bridged modes. like seriously, which one is the fastest???? :confused:

Use the following settings for PPPoA

• VC-MUX
• VCI 35
• CPI 8

VC-MUX is faster than LLC?
What do they stand for and/or means and difference?
LLC
VC-MUX

Yes VC-MUX is faster because it has less overhead (3 bytes I think)

LLC stands for Logical Link Control
VC-MUX stands for Virtual Channel MUltipleXing

Maybe someone from the technical department of Netspace can give a simple explanation of how LLC and VC-MUX work cause I can't ;)

Ok Thanks!

Ive done some random test between PPPoA and PPPoE last night and indeed they are about the same, I have piinged the game server "GS server 6" and had the same results '23 - 41ms' on all PPPoA and PPPoE settings.

Results: PPPoA has more luck getting the 23ms but it ping is so unstable and PPPoE is alot stable on ping and constant pings of around 28 - 34ms and this is through USB
And yes somehow its alot faster on VC-MUX.

Coinclusion: When through USB I suggest using PPPoE VC-MUX (for NB1300 +4 or if your modem supports it), It is your best bet but if you like stable pings and use PPPoA for lower unstable pings but extra speed on download. Even though the difference is Negligible It is basically up to you :D

I havent done through Ethernet Card yet, but im expecting a more stable pings like maybe 5ms less and alot more stable.