PPPoE (Point to Point Protocol over Ethernet) acts like a dial-up connection over an Ethernet link. ISPs have implemented this protocol to help them meter service. Unfortunately, PPPoE reduces link performance and has all the drawbacks of any other dial-up connection. Usually the ISP gives you software to configure the PPPoE dial-up interface. Sometimes the software doesn't work right, or it isn't designed to work with Windows XP.

Windows XP supports PPPoE right out of the box. Just perform these steps to get your PPPoE connection up and running (these instructions assume you are using the default Windows XP interface - recomended!):

1. Click Start and then click Control Panel.
2. Click Network and Internet Connections.
3. Click Network Connections.
4. In the left pane of the Network Connections window, click the Create a new connection command.
5. If this is the first time you’ve created a connection, the Location Information dialog box appears. Type in your Area code and click OK. Click OK in the Phone and Modem Options dialog box.
6. Click Next in the Welcome to the New Connection Wizard page.
7. On the Network Connection Type page, select the Connect to the Internet option and click Next.
8. On the Getting Ready page, select the Set up my connection manually option and click Next.
9. On the Internet Connection page, select the Connect using a broadband connection that requires a user name and password and click Next.
10. On the Connection Name page, type in the name of your ISP so that you can identify the PPPoE connectoid. Click Next.
11. On the Internet Account Information page, type in the user name, password and confirm password. If you want all users on this computer to use this connection, put a checkmark in the Use this account name and password when anyone connects to the Internet from this computer checkbox. Select the Make this the default Internet connection if this is the only connection or the one you usually want to use. Select the Turn on Internet Connection Firewall for this connection to protect the interface for Internet intruders. Click Next.
12. On the Completing the New Connection Wizard page, read the explanatory text and the details of your connection. Select the Add a shortcut to this connection to my desktop option to put a link on your desktop. Click Finish.
13. The log on dialog box appears. Click Connect to complete the PPPoE link.