What Is PPPoE and Why Does My Internet Use It?
If you have ever been setting up your internet and were asked for a PPPoE username and password, you are not alone. This is one of the most common points of confusion when people replace a router or reconnect service.
PPPoE stands for Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet. While the name sounds technical, the idea behind it is actually pretty simple. PPPoE is the method your router uses to log in to your internet service provider’s network. It is the handshake that tells the network who you are and what service you are supposed to receive.
You can think of PPPoE like a secure login. Your modem or antenna creates the physical connection, but PPPoE is what authenticates that connection. Without it, your router may be powered on and connected, but it will not be allowed onto the network.
PPPoE is commonly used on fibre and fixed wireless internet services, especially in rural and small-town networks. It allows your provider to securely manage accounts, apply the correct speeds and plans, and quickly identify your connection if troubleshooting is ever needed.
Most customers only notice PPPoE when something changes. If you recently replaced your router, reset it to factory defaults, or moved equipment around, the PPPoE settings may need to be entered again. When those details are missing or incorrect, the most common symptom is that your Wi-Fi appears to work, but there is no internet access.
How to Set Up PPPoE on Your Router
Before starting, make sure you have your PPPoE username and password. These are provided by Netspectrum. If you are not sure what they are, it is best to contact support rather than guessing.
The exact wording in the menus may vary slightly depending on your router brand, but the process is generally the same.
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Connect your phone or computer to your router, either by Wi-Fi or Ethernet
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Open a web browser and enter your router’s login address, commonly
192.168.0.1or192.168.1.1 -
Log in using the router’s admin credentials (these are usually printed on the router itself)
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Go to the Internet, WAN, or Network settings section
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Select PPPoE as the connection type
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Enter your PPPoE username and password exactly as provided
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Save or apply the settings
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Wait a few minutes for the router to reconnect
Once PPPoE is set correctly, your router should establish a connection and your internet service should come online automatically.
Still Stuck?
If your internet does not come back after setting PPPoE, do not worry. A small typo, an extra space, or the wrong connection type can prevent it from working. Our support team can walk you through it, or set it up with you step by step.
Internet should not feel mysterious. If something is unclear or not behaving the way it should, give us a call and we will help get it sorted quickly.
