Technical Reference - ZyXEL Communications P-870HN-51B - V1.0 Manual

5.6 Technical Reference

The following section contains additional technical information about the ZyXEL
Device features described in this chapter.
Encapsulation
Be sure to use the encapsulation method required by your ISP. The ZyXEL Device
can work in bridge mode or routing mode. When the ZyXEL Device is in routing
mode, it supports the following methods.
IP over Ethernet
IP over Ethernet (IPoE) is an alternative to PPPoE. IP packets are being delivered
across an Ethernet network, without using PPP encapsulation. They are routed
between the Ethernet interface and the WAN interface and then formatted so that
they can be understood in a bridged environment. For instance, it encapsulates
routed Ethernet frames into bridged Ethernet cells.
ENET ENCAP
The MAC Encapsulated Routing Link Protocol (ENET ENCAP) is only implemented
with the IP network protocol. IP packets are routed between the Ethernet interface
and the WAN interface and then formatted so that they can be understood in a
bridged environment. For instance, it encapsulates routed Ethernet frames into
bridged ATM cells.
PPP over Ethernet
Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet (PPPoE) provides access control and billing
functionality in a manner similar to dial-up services using PPP. PPPoE is an IETF
standard (RFC 2516) specifying how a personal computer (PC) interacts with a
broadband modem (DSL, cable, wireless, etc.) connection.
For the service provider, PPPoE offers an access and authentication method that
works with existing access control systems (for example RADIUS).
One of the benefits of PPPoE is the ability to let you access one of multiple network
services, a function known as dynamic service selection. This enables the service
provider to easily create and offer new IP services for individuals.
Operationally, PPPoE saves significant effort for both you and the ISP or carrier, as
it requires no specific configuration of the broadband modem at the customer site.
By implementing PPPoE directly on the ZyXEL Device (rather than individual
computers), the computers on the LAN do not need PPPoE software installed,
P-870HN-51b User's Guide
Chapter 5 WAN Setup
85