On Thu, 12 Apr 2001, Geoff Wing wrote:

> Jason R Thorpe <thorpej@zembu.com> typed:
> : On Tue, Apr 10, 2001 at 11:56:21PM -0700, Simon J. Gerraty wrote:
> : > Dumb question...  PPPeE implies that your DSL modem provides ethernet
> : > yes?  What does the PPP bit get you?  
> : It's not a matter of what it gets you, it's a matter of what your
> : ISP makes you use.
> : Some ISPs are still stuck in "PPP session" mode because it's what they
> : understand.  Or something.  So they make you use PPPoE.
> 
> Or it's because it's how they were set up for cable.  Having PPP
> authentication meant that stealing other people's ethernet addresses
> could be made much more difficult.  In DSL it's less necessary since
> the physical lines are separate - unless there are other limitations
> on the hardware at the provision end.

Also it's much easier to meter someone's usage w/ PPPoE than with just
ethernet. So you can charge them by the hour.

Take care,

Bill