What is PPPoA?

Poseidon · January 1st, 2003, 06:36 PM

I understand how PPPoE works, but what about

PPPoA -Point to Point over ATM - How does this work?

What is ATM?

My (limited) understanding is that ISP's that use PPPoA give two static IP addresses - One for the user to use (VPN's, FTP, IIS, etc) - and one for a gateway. The dsl modem uses the gateway address for "authentication - username and password".

Is this correct? What are the downsides?

Matridom · January 1st, 2003, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originaly Posted by Matridom
http://www.dslreports.com/information/kb/PPPoA

Quote:

PPPoE stands for point to point protocol over ethernet. It is a method of encapsulating your data for transmission to a far point.
PPPoA is PPP over ATM.. from a software point of view, this is very similar to PPPoE .. in this case though, a DSL modem pumping ATM is internal to the computer, rather than being a short ethernet cable away.
Originally designed for dialup lines, it is being used by DSL providers to solve the problems they get managing an open DSL network, viz: IP address shortages, broadcasts not meant for you appearing on your local IP address (because you are on a giant ISP centered virtual net), and other (mainly ISP-end) difficulties inherent in large bridged networks.
Some heavy duty DSL back-end suppliers are promoting PPPoE as a way of helping ISPs cope with these difficulties. Redback, for example, is promoting PPPoE (PPP over ethernet), with a lot of success.
With a PPPoE setup, your computer (or in some cases, DSL hardware) needs to run a PPPoE protocol stack (software). This will be recommended by your DSL supplier. One of the more common PPPoE stacks is WinPOET. There may be difficulties combining NAT and PPP or PPPoE implementations.. it generally makes things more complex. Check the FAQ for common problems with PPPoE, DHCP and other issues. If you have a choice, try to get a bridged static IP.

Your ISP usualy dictates witch you use, so most people have no choice. The only way that you'd get the choice, is if you have different ISP's offering different choice.

Poseidon · January 1st, 2003, 10:23 PM

Yeah - that explains mainly PPPoE - I understand they are similar but I am looking for the technical aspect of PPPoA.

And what about ATM -

Quote:

. . DSL lines normally use ATM as the underlying data-transport protocol beneath tcp/ip

How does this work? Are all ADSL subscribers either PPPoA or PPPoE only?

Poseidon · January 3rd, 2003, 02:27 AM

January 1st, 2003, 06:36 PM	#1
Poseidon Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Memphis, TN USA Posts: 1,744	What is PPPoA? I understand how PPPoE works, but what about PPPoA -Point to Point over ATM - How does this work? What is ATM? My (limited) understanding is that ISP's that use PPPoA give two static IP addresses - One for the user to use (VPN's, FTP, IIS, etc) - and one for a gateway. The dsl modem uses the gateway address for "authentication - username and password". Is this correct? What are the downsides? __________________ *Edited by Sowulo* All Lies Lead to the Truth Last edited by Poseidon; January 2nd, 2003 at 03:29 AM.

January 3rd, 2003, 02:27 AM	#4
Poseidon Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Memphis, TN USA Posts: 1,744	__________________ *Edited by Sowulo* All Lies Lead to the Truth

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