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I'm using PPPoE. What settings should I use?

TweakMASTER Knowledge Base article KB0028

If you are using PPPoE (Point-to-Point Protocol connection through an Ethernet network adapter) you have a special circumstance which may require some experimentaiton. You can cofirm with your ISP if yours is a PPPoE connection, but generally this applies to broadband connections like DSL or cable where you must logon with a password (unlike "always on" broadband connections).

If this applies you you, you should check the box in the TweakMASTER Wizard which says "I need a username/password to connect." This will set your MTU to 1492 which is a good starting point for PPPoE connections. Note that using the standard 1500 MTU recommended for regular broadband connections, will often result in a total loss of connectivity.

If 1492 as an MTU and some high multiple of TCP Receive Window does not work well for you, then you may wish to read this article on the Microsoft Knowledge Base: Q314100

In case you have trouble reaching it, here's the information from Microsoft:

PPPoE is a method for establishing Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) connections through Ethernet network adapters. PPPoE requires that, on all client computers, you lower the setting for maximum transmission unit (MTU) size to a value no higher than 1,492. (The default is 1,500.) In some cases, a value lower than 1,492 may be necessary.

1. To identify the correct MTU size, follow these steps: Start a command prompt, and then determine the default gateway of the ICS server by running the Ipconfig utility.
2. At a command prompt on a client, type the following, and then press ENTER:
   ping -f -l MTU_size default_gateway_IP_address
   Start with an MTU size of 1,454.
3. If an error message indicates that the message must be fragmented, decrease the MTU size, and then run the command again. Repeat this process until the ping command succeeds.

After you determine the largest MTU size that is supported, manually set the MTU.

For additional information about manually setting the MTU, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: TCP/IP and NBT Configuration Parameters for Windows XP

PPPoE is described in RFC 2516. Like PPTP, it is used by service providers because it's much cheaper for them. It lets them connect their old systems directly to DSL redbacks, simplifies billing, etc. But it's a pain for the user, decreases network bandwidth, and has a list of other problems (like this one with MTU).