Mac OS X: Connecting to the Internet with PPPoE
Many broadband Internet service providers require you to connect via PPPoE (Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet).
Follow these steps if you connect your computer directly to a DSL or cable modem. If you have an AirPort Base Station, follow these steps to set the computer up first, without the base station connected to the network, then see the AirPort section at the end of the document.
Steps to connect
Get this information from your Internet service provider (ISP):
Username and password
Domain Name Server (DNS) address(es) if needed
Note: Your ISP may not require you to enter a DNS server address.
Make sure that the DSL or cable modem is on and connected to the Internet (based on its status lights) and that the Ethernet cable is connected to the computer. Some modems have separate status lights for each connection.
From the Apple menu, choose System Preferences.
From the View menu, choose Network.
Choose Built-in Ethernet from the Show pop-up menu (the "Configure" pop-up menu prior to Mac OS X 10.1).
Click the PPPoE tab.
Select the checkbox for "Connect using PPPoE."
Type your username in the Account Name field.
Type your password in the Password field. If you want all users of this computer to use the same connection method, select the checkbox for "Save password."
Tip: To have the computer automatically connect whenever you open a network application (Web browser, email, and so forth), click PPPoE Options and select the "Connect automatically when needed" checkbox.
Click the TCP/IP tab.
Choose either PPP or Manually from the Configure pop-up menu, as instructed by your Internet service provider. Choose Manually if your ISP gave you a static IP address. Enter the static IP address in the IP address field.
Type the Domain Name Server addresses in the matching field.
Click Apply Now.
Open a Web browser or other Internet (TCP/IP) application to verify your connection.
Tip: If you did not check the option to automatically connect noted in step 8, you will need to first open the Internet Connect application, choose the correct configuration, then click Connect. Choose Internet Connect Help from the Help menu for additional information.
Additional steps for AirPort
Open a Web browser to make sure the computer connects to the Internet.
After the computer successfully connects to the Internet, physically connect the base station to the network.
Unplug the DSL or cable modem's power cord for a few seconds, then plug it back in.
Use the AirPort Setup Assistant (/Applications/Utilities/) to copy the computer's settings to the base station.
If you selected the option for "Connect automatically when needed" (step 8 above), open Network preferences after using the AirPort Setup Assistant and deselect this setting for your computer's Built-in Ethernet port. This prevents the issue described in
AirPort: Can connect to base station but not to Internet when using PPPoE.
If you're troubleshooting a base station, see the
AirPort troubleshooting guide.
