Dial-Up PPP Connections


Dial-up connections can be managed using the pppconfig utility. Simply run pppconfig, and you are provided with a menu from which you can create, modify, and delete dial-up connections. If you have not created a connection yet, you will want to select that option from the menu. Otherwise, you can edit your existing connections.


The pppconfig utility will ask a number of questions during the connection creation process. Start by selecting "Create a connection," and then enter the following information as prompted:


1. Provider name - Enter any name you like to identify this connection. For the dial-up entry to your primary ISP, you can simply leave the name provider as the Provider name.

2. DNS server configuration method - Here you can configure the connection to static DNS servers if needed. This is probably not necessary unless your service provider included the DNS server in the information that it provided about the connection. If you aren't certain, select Dynamic DNS and change it later if needed.

3. Authentication method - This is the method that your computer will use to identify itself to the dial-up server. PAP is the most commonly used protocol, and some systems also support CHAP. The CHAP option should be used if the dial-up servers use text prompts to ask for the username and password. If in doubt, select PAP.

4. User name and password - Enter the username and password that will be recognized by the dial-up server.

5. Speed - This is the speed that your computer and your modem will communicate with one another. In most cases, this should be set to 115200.

6. Dialing method - If your telephone system requires pulse dialing, you can configure that here.

7. Phone number - Enter the number that you need to dial in order to reach the dial-up server, including any area codes and other codes that may be needed. For instance, if you have to dial 9 in order to reach an outside line, use 9,<number to dial>. The comma tells your modem to pause before continuing the dialing process. You may also enter the appropriate numbers for disabling features such as call waiting through your telephone service.