Need help setting up aol dsl with a router > Desperate

[Guest]

I have tried everything, so basically, I need anyone who can help, to baby me
along in this, because I am so lost.

D-Link router:

Dynamic PPPoE
User: (username)@aol.com
Pass:******
MTU: 1400

No dice, I can't connect. The modem is going out through Ethernet to the
router, and my computer is going out into Port 1 on the router (as the manual
said).

Take it from there. My firmware is updated and all that.

Question...if I am using AOL to connect to the internet, why am I putting my
username and pass into my router? Shouldn't it just accept the dial from my
computer and send it to my modem? Is there a way I can do this so I don't
have to put my name/pass into the router?

And what is AOL Port Magic and should I try it?

I am so lost, please can anyone help? It all works fine if I go directly
from my computer to the modem, but with the router in the way it wont do
anything.

 

[Tony]

I have tried everything, so basically, I need anyone who can help, to baby
me
along in this, because I am so lost.

D-Link router:

Dynamic PPPoE
User: (username)@aol.com
Pass:******
MTU: 1400

No dice, I can't connect. The modem is going out through Ethernet to the
router, and my computer is going out into Port 1 on the router (as the
manual
said).

Take it from there. My firmware is updated and all that.

Question...if I am using AOL to connect to the internet, why am I putting
my
username and pass into my router? Shouldn't it just accept the dial from
my
computer and send it to my modem? Is there a way I can do this so I don't
have to put my name/pass into the router?

And what is AOL Port Magic and should I try it?

I am so lost, please can anyone help? It all works fine if I go directly
from my computer to the modem, but with the router in the way it wont do
anything.

A router is a bit different to a modem. The modem will use the "dial up"
settings on your PC to connect. A router will have its own dial-up and once
connected, "route" the connection to the PC's. AOL is a bit more
complicated to set up. You have to set up a new user name to use with the
router. This explanation from Belkin might help
http://www.belkin.com/support/kb/kb.asp?a=2895 . The priciple will be the
same whatever router you use, just the set up details might be different.

 

[Guest]

The link didn't work for me.

Okay so I have a screen name to use, but still nothing. I set everything up,
the router restarted itself, and after that I figured lets give it (another)
shot, so I opened aol, and signed on, but I couldn't get past Step 1:
Initializing DSL modem.

This is killing me.

 

[GTS]

Tony's link worked fine for me, but here's another that might be of
interest.
http://kbserver.netgear.com/kb_web_files/n101194.asp

Have you called AOL support? It would probably be worth a try.
AOL claims that their DSL is standard PPOE and should support a router.
However, I've seen major problems getting it to work and don't trust their
info. In the case of one home client, she was able to switch to Verizon DSL
with a one year commitment, change her AOL plan to the broadband rate, and
end up with a slightly cheaper monthly cost. AOL broadband is a bad value
as well as a technical headache. You might consider looking at
alternatives.

I recommend uninstalling Port Magic and saying no to offers reinstalling it.
I've this program cause significant problems and it isn't needed. Also, try
an MTU of 1492, though it probably won't help.
--

 

[Guest]

Thanks a bunch guys, I am going to give that link a shot (by
unplugging/restarting in that order). AOL support is pointless, although I am
new to networking, I still know more than they do (not to be cocky, but I
have helped some of THEM and given them shortcuts they didn't know about).
And I hate "Gay-O-Hell" dearly, but alas it is not my computer, and I don't
pay the bills, so I am forced to make this work. Thanks anyway though, I'll
let you know what happens.

P.S. The router screen name doesn't have to be the master account (aol) does
it? Just one with a general web access?

 

[Guest]

I forgot to mention 1 thing, When I put in my password for the router, and I
check it later, it's like 20 characters long (it's only 6 to begin with). Is
that some sort of encryption? Maybe that is keeping it from working?

 

[N. Miller]

Thanks a bunch guys, I am going to give that link a shot (by
unplugging/restarting in that order). AOL support is pointless, although I am
new to networking, I still know more than they do (not to be cocky, but I
have helped some of THEM and given them shortcuts they didn't know about).
And I hate "Gay-O-Hell" dearly, but alas it is not my computer, and I don't
pay the bills, so I am forced to make this work. Thanks anyway though, I'll
let you know what happens.

P.S. The router screen name doesn't have to be the master account (aol) does
it? Just one with a general web access?

And later, on Fri, 21 Oct 2005 20:46:01 -0700, Chris wrote (in message

I forgot to mention 1 thing, When I put in my password for the router, and I
check it later, it's like 20 characters long (it's only 6 to begin with). Is
that some sort of encryption? Maybe that is keeping it from working?

First thing; from the POV of the DSL modem, the router is the computer. The
PPPoE session should be run from the router, not from the computer. Remove
*all* PPPoE software from the computer.

The router access password is different from the AOL account password; or,
at least it should be different. Many time the password field will display
a fixed number of asterisks, regardless of the actual password length.
Whether that can actually help protect the password I have no idea. Anyway,
this password only gives access to the router.

Within the router, you would configure the router for a PPPoE connection.
Enter the AOL account information here, not on the computer. The router
will authenticate to the AOL auth servers, and set up the PPPoE session.
One advantage to this is that the modem and router may be left on 24/7.
Whenever you fire up a computer on the LAN, the Internet will always be
there.

 

[GTS]

You're welcome and that's correct. The router screen name need not be the
master account.
--

 

[Guest]

I understand all of this, but I can't help but think I am missing a step. The
router configure mentions a 'service name (optional)' does aol have a service
name? Or does the @aol.com after my screenname do just that?

Is there anything I have to configure on my ethernet card of my computer?
Such as dns/gateways?

And what qualifies as PPPoE software? If there is something specific I will
look into it and get rid of it. As far as I know, I have AOL installed (along
with a whole bunch of crap that came with it, like Port Magic) Hmm let me
list some stuff here that are in my taskmanager, and let me know if it could
be stopping it : AOLDial.exe; AOLServiceHost.exe; AOLHostManager.exe.
Why does it seem like Host Manager might have something to do with it? Other
than that, All I have is the windows network connection that I made for PPPoE
because I hate the AOL software dearly, so I just connect with that dialer.

I'm sorry if I am sounding very stupid and lengthy, but I really want this
to work, and you have all been more than helpful. Thanks again, and please
let me know if you have any idea what's going on.