pppconfig

pppconfig

The pppconfig command is a curses-based utility designed to simplify the configuration of Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) connections on Linux systems. It provides a menu-driven interface that guides the user through the process of setting up dial-up modems, DSL connections, or other PPP-based network links. Rather than manually editing complex configuration files for the pppd daemon, pppconfig allows users to specify connection details such as ISP phone numbers, usernames, passwords, authentication methods (PAP/CHAP), and DNS settings. Upon completion, it generates or modifies the necessary configuration files in the /etc/ppp/ directory, making it easier to establish and manage PPP sessions using commands like pon and poff.

pppconfig is largely considered a legacy tool for network configuration in modern Linux distributions. While still functional for dial-up or specific DSL setups, most contemporary systems utilize tools like NetworkManager, systemd-networkd, or simpler `ifupdown` configurations for managing network interfaces, including broadband connections. It typically requires root privileges to run, as it modifies system-wide network configuration files.

Unlike many command-line tools that accept parameters, pppconfig operates almost entirely through an interactive Text User Interface (TUI). Users navigate menus and input details using arrow keys and the Enter key, making it accessible even without deep knowledge of network configuration files.

After configuration, pppconfig creates or modifies several files in the /etc/ppp/ directory, including:
/etc/ppp/peers/provider: Defines the connection parameters for your ISP.
/etc/ppp/chap-secrets or /etc/ppp/pap-secrets: Stores authentication credentials.
/etc/ppp/options: General PPP options.
These files are then used by the pppd daemon.

pppconfig emerged as a user-friendly front-end for the pppd daemon, particularly during an era when dial-up internet access was prevalent. It was a common utility in distributions like Debian and Ubuntu, aiming to abstract away the complexity of manual PPP configuration files. Its development and widespread usage peaked before the widespread adoption of graphical network management tools and ubiquitous broadband, which often use different underlying mechanisms (like DHCP over Ethernet) rather than PPP for primary internet access.

pppd(8), pon(1), poff(1), plog(1), chat(8), wvdial(1), NetworkManager(8), ip(8)