Mac OS X 10.3: Getting automatic PPPoE connections to work

Learn about Mac OS X 10.3 Panther's automatic PPPoE (point-to-point protocol over Ethernet) connection feature and what to do if it doesn't work.

Note: For Mac OS X 10.4 or later information, see this article.

Mac OS X can automatically establish a PPPoE connection when it needs to connect to your Internet service provider. For example, Mac OS X will connect for you when Safari or Mail needs to access the Internet.

To use this feature:

1. From the Apple menu, choose System Preferences.
   
2. From the View menu, choose Network.
   
3. From the Show pop-up menu, choose Built-in Ethernet.
   
4. Click PPPoE.
   
5. Click the PPPoE Options button. Note: This only appears if "Connect using PPPoE" is selected.
   
6. Select the "Connect automatically when needed" option.

If automatic connection does not work

In some situations this feature may not work, even if it is selected in Network preferences. These include:

• When you cancel a PPPoE connection attempt while the connection is being established, or you manually disconnect after an automatic connection.
  
  Note: When this happens, the PPPoE option "Connect automatically when needed" still appears to be enabled even though your canceling it has disabled it.
  
  To connect, choose Connect from the PPPoE menu bar item, change any PPPoE setting, put the computer to sleep and wake it, change your network location, or restart the computer. Then, attempt an automatic connection such as with Safari or Mail.
  
  
• After three failed automatic connection attempts
  
  The auto-connect feature turns itself off if a PPPoE connection can't be made in three attempts. When this happens, it probably means there is an issue with your PPPoE configuration, or with the physical connection to the modem. Make sure the configuration and connections are correct.
  
  Note: In this case, Mac OS X uses the next network port as set in Network preferences (such as AirPort or Modem) to connect to the Internet.
  
  Once you have the correct PPPoE configuration and a working connection, restart the computer, put it to sleep and wake it, or change your network location to use automatic connection.