PPPoE

Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet (PPPoE) combines PPP, which typically runs over broadband connections, with the Ethernet link-layer protocol that allows
users to connect to a network of hosts over a bridge or access concentrator.
PPPoE vs DHCP are not relevant items and the debate between them lasts for a long time: PPPoE or Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet is commonly used to
connect to an ISP while DHCP or Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol is a protocol for obtaining IP addresses to clients computer. So which is better? Should we
use DHCP over PPPoE or vice versa. This article will walk you through PPPoE vs DHCP and to find out the answer all by yourself.

PPPoE Meaning

PPPoE is a network protocol used to encapsulate PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol) frames inside Ethernet frames. It combines the PPP that owns the function of
authentication and encryption, and the Ethernet protocol that can support multiple users in a LAN. Usually, a PPPoE architecture is made up of PPPoE clients,
PPPoE servers, hosts and ADSL modems, etc.

Modem = A modem is the device that allows your computers, smartphones, tablets,
and other devices to connect to the internet. It does this by converting digital signals
from these devices into analog signals that can be transmitted over telephone lines
or cable networks. Modems also do the opposite by converting incoming analog
signals into digital signals so that they can be processed by your device.
Router = A router is a device that connects two or more packet-switched networks.
Routers forward packets and allow multiple devices to use the same Internet
PPPoE Server = A PPPoE server is often used by Internet service providers (ISPs) to
provide Internet access to their customers.
DSLAM = Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer is used by the Internet Service
Provider or ISPs in order to connect multiple DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) to the
internet.
ADSL Modem = Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line. A modem router is a
combination device that functions as both modem and router. You usually need a
modem and a router to connect to the ISP and provides internet to other devices.
PPPoE Client = Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet (PPPoE) combines PPP, with
the Ethernet link-layer protocol that allows users to connect to a network of hosts
over a bridge or access concentrator.
Host = A host is a computer or other device that communicates with other hosts on a
network. Also known as network hosts, hosts include clients and servers.

DHCP vs DNS
The DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) and DNS (Domain Name System) are created to make it easy for us to use networks or the Internet. They are
not competitor, but work with IP addresses in a different way.
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol DHCP is a network protocol that helps us to assign an IP address and related IP information to the devices such as servers,
desktops, or mobile equipment in the network.
A DHCP Server is a network server that automatically provides and assigns IP addresses to client devices, sending the required network parameters for clients to
properly communicate over the network. For larger networks, it is essential for DHCP servers assigning each client with a unique dynamic IP address, which
changes when the client’s lease for that IP address has expired, otherwise the network administrator has to manually set up every client that joins the network.
DHCP client could be a PC computer, mobile device, IoT endpoint or anything else that requires connectivity to the network, which are configured to receive
DHCP information by default.
DHCP relaying happens in a centralized DHCP servers instead of on each subnet.
Domain Name System (DNS) is used to convert a website name like FS.com to its IP address and vice versa, making users connect to websites by matching
human-readable domain names with the unique ID of the server.
DNS server is a device that locates the internet domain names and translates them into internet protocol (IP) addresses.

Subnet Mask

A subnet mask is defined as a 32-bit address that segregates an IP address into network bits that identify the network and host bits that identify the host device
operating on that network.
Technically, subnet masks are used internally within a network.
Routing devices or switches rely on subnet masks to route data packets to suitable destinations.
Now let’s look at a real-world example. A data packet addresses the IP address 192.0.4.16, representing a class C network. Since the IP address is split into a
network and host address, here, in a class C network, the network portion is represented by ‘192.0.4’. Thus, the network routers deliver the data packet to the
network identified by 192.0.4.

Upon arrival at the right network, the router within the network then consults the routing table for forwarding the packet further. It uses the data packet’s
subnet mask of 255.255.255.0 to perform some binary mathematics, observe the device address ‘16’, and thereby calculate which subnet it should forward the
data packet to. On determining the target subnet, it sends the packet to the router that is responsible for delivering data packets within that very subnet. As
such, the data packet is eventually delivered to the destination IP address of 192.0.4.16.
Subnetting is a process that logically partitions an IP network into multiple subnets. Such network subdivision allows better usage of IPv4 addresses and makes
the network’s data routing more secure and efficient.
When a new device connects to a network, an IP address is assigned to. Here, the IP address (IPv4) refers to a 32-bit numeric address that has four numbers
separated by periods, and each group of numbers within a block is referred to as an octet. The number in each octet ranges from 0 to 255. In such IP addresses,
the network and host portions become indistinguishable without the subnet mask.

Let’s look at an example:

The IP address for a device may be:
192.168.123.132
11000000. 10101000. 01111011. 10000100
The subnet mask for the IP network above:
255.255.255.0
11111111. 11111111. 11111111. 00000000
192.168.123.132
11000000. 10101000. 01111011. 10000100
The subnet mask for the IP network above:
255.255.255.0
11111111. 11111111. 11111111. 00000000
One can represent the IP address and subnet mask as:
Subnet masks are vital to the process of subnetting. With minor adjustments in the subnet mask, you can assign the available IP addresses within a network. For
example, a household home network has a standard subnet mask of 255.255.255.0. This implies using 254 usable IP addresses within the defined network. In
simple words, One can connect up to 254 internet-enabled devices such as phones, computers, IoT gadgets, and others to the home network to access the
internet.
Moreover, when a device on a network observes the network and host bits on another device’s IP address, it can determine whether the other device is on the
same home/business network or online on another network. Thus, devices rely on subnet masks to provide the necessary information to communicate with
other devices on the same or outside networks.
The table below reveals the different network classes, their subnet masks, address range, and the number of hosts that they support.

DHCP = Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is used to dynamically assign

Internet Protocol (IP) addresses to each host on your organization's network.
Automatically assigning IP addresses and other configurations to devices when they
connect to a network.
DNS = Domain Name System (DNS) is an Internet service that translates domain
names (e.g., its.umich.edu) into IP addresses.

If you are looking for a simple and efficient way to manage IP addresses, DHCP may be the better option. But, if you need more control over your network or
want to implement advanced features, DNS may be the better choice. Ultimately, it is essential to consider your specific needs before making a decision.
The Router has a [PPPoE] mode and a [Bridge] mode.
Bridge mode will always be faster.

PPPoE mode requires that your ADSL Modem/Router do three separate things to the Ethernet Frames coming off the ADSL modem.
• Encapsulation (PPPoE)
• IP Routing
• TCP/UDP SNAT
Both options are virtually the same fast and low latency internet, the difference is that in PPPoE mode the router will be a Router (literally...) while if in Bridge
mode the device (not-a-router) will expect another device to be the router (or you'll need to configure the PPPoE credentials on the PC itself which is not ideal).
Bridge Mode is a setting within a router that allows you to disable the routing function & wifi, allowing the public or static IP to be assigned directly thru to the
router that's connected to the modem.