pppoe-start

pppoe-start [config_file]

config_file
    Specifies an alternative PPPoE configuration file to use instead of the default /etc/ppp/pppoe.conf. This allows for multiple connection profiles or non-standard configurations.

pppoe-start is a command-line utility used to establish a Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet (PPPoE) connection on Linux systems. It is part of the rp-pppoe client suite, commonly employed for broadband internet access via DSL or fiber optic modems. When invoked, it reads configuration parameters primarily from /etc/ppp/pppoe.conf (or a specified alternative file).

The script then initiates the necessary processes to bring up the connection: it finds the PPPoE server, establishes a PPP session, performs authentication using credentials (typically username and password) defined in the configuration, obtains an IP address from the ISP, and sets up the required routing tables. Essentially, pppoe-start automates the complex steps involved in getting online through a PPPoE-enabled broadband service, making it a convenient tool for network administrators and users alike. It's often used in conjunction with pppoe-stop to manage the connection lifecycle.

Root Privileges: pppoe-start requires superuser (root) privileges to modify network interfaces and routing tables.

Configuration Dependency: Its behavior is heavily dependent on the settings defined in the pppoe.conf file. Incorrect settings can prevent the connection from establishing.

Underlying Network: Assumes that the physical Ethernet connection to the modem/router is active and functional. It does not diagnose physical layer issues.

Troubleshooting: Connection issues often require examining system logs (e.g., /var/log/syslog, dmesg) and the output of the command itself for clues.

The heart of pppoe-start's operation lies in its configuration file, typically located at /etc/ppp/pppoe.conf. This plain-text file contains crucial parameters such as the Ethernet interface to use (e.g., eth0), the ISP-provided username and password, DNS server settings, and various other PPP-related options. Users must ensure this file is correctly configured for the connection to succeed.

PPPoE connections rely on PPP for authentication. pppoe-start, through pppd, supports common authentication protocols like PAP (Password Authentication Protocol) and CHAP (Challenge-Handshake Authentication Protocol). The credentials (username and password) are typically sourced from /etc/ppp/pppoe.conf and passed to the PPP daemon for verification with the ISP's authentication server.

A critical parameter for pppoe-start is the specification of the correct local Ethernet interface (e.g., eth0, enp2s0) through which the PPPoE frames will be sent and received. This interface is usually configured in /etc/ppp/pppoe.conf under the 'ETH=' variable. Incorrect interface selection will prevent the connection from being established.

The pppoe-start script is an integral part of the rp-pppoe (Roaring Penguin PPPoE) client package, which emerged to provide robust PPPoE client capabilities for Linux systems. Its development was crucial during the widespread adoption of DSL technology, where PPPoE became a dominant protocol for broadband internet access. The package, including pppoe-start, aimed to simplify the complex process of establishing and maintaining PPPoE connections, offering a user-friendly command-line interface. Over time, it has become a de-facto standard for managing PPPoE connections on various Linux distributions, known for its reliability and comprehensive feature set.

pppoe-stop(8), pppoe-status(8), pppoe-connect(8), pppd(8), pppoe(8), ppp(7)