Linksys router unable to get IP from PPPoE server

[redbaron_snoopy]

I got a Linksys wrt54g router (firmware v1.00.1 dated Sep20 2005) running for about a week. Last night, I was unable to connect to the internet (wired)for no reason, and in the router status, it shows that it was unable to get IP from PPPoE server. Resetting both modem and router solves the problem for a short while but the problem comes back.

Even though the signals on the modem is solid, just to be sure, I tested with a different telephone point as well as a different modem. Problem still exist so I don't think its a line or modem issue.

Strange thing is all the signals on the router is solid too.

After all the troubleshooting, I use back the original modem, reset the router to factory defaults, set it up and now I'm on the net again. My settings are exactly the same as before - plain and vanilla.

Does this sound like a router firmware issue or a hardware issue ?
I looked at Linksys download site and there are many wrt54g models listed starting from v1.0 to v5.0. Which firmware should I use ?

[hobey19]

well, its always a good idea to update your firmware if you are noticing any issues. out of habit, i always update mine because it typically takes care of whatever is wrong.

that aside, tho, are you sure you are supposed to have your router configured for PPPoE? this sounds like the same problem i was having, and i called my ISP (sbc global) and they told me the modem takes care of all the authentication and i should just set the router to obtain an IP (DHCP). it still was working on PPPoE, but intermittently like you are experiencing. once i switched over to DHCP everything worked like it was supposed to with no down time whatsoever

good luck

craig

[redbaron_snoopy]

It was working fine till 2 days ago so the settings is fine. The router is already on PPPoE and the modem is in bridge mode.
I suspect its my line as all my house telephones are noisy. Wasn't like this before.
Anyway called my phone company to come check my line.

[redbaron_snoopy]

I think I found the problem - its coming from my dial-up modem that is causing all the static. I pulled the line from it and the static is gone.

Can a faulty modem (or maybe the DSL filter is faulty ?) cause the internet connection to drop as well ?

[redbaron_snoopy]

Sigh.. the static came back, the telco technician came, tested and says everything is fine. When he was here, there is no static.

I'm beginning to suspect its both the line (intermittent fault) and the new router (Linksys wrt54G) coz with a old router (surecom) I borrowed, the connection uptime seems to be longer than the Linksys.

Is there other ways to confirm before I RMA the router ?

[redbaron_snoopy]

Hi Hobey19, didn't read your earlier post properly. I configure the router as PPPoE because I was adviced from the start that this is a better way as the router handles the job better.

[hobey19]

what you should determine, then, is that the modem is not handling the authentication. there are two modes for my modem, one handling authentication and one merely acting as a modem. i have mine handle authentication and then just take an IP from the modem for the router. this has worked a lot better for me.

i would call your ISP and figure out which way they do it.

good luck
craig

[redbaron_snoopy]

My modem is in bridge mode. Authentication is via the router.
My connection has since been up for the last few hours - not sure why.
The only difference from previous attempts was that I change the MTU from "auto" to 1492. Keeping my fingers crossed that my router is not a lemon.

Anyway, I will not get any ISP support coz my plan is for 1 PC only with a USB modem.