PPPoE stands for Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet, a network protocol for encapsulating Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) frames inside Ethernet frames. It is used mainly with DSL services where individual users connect to a DSL modem over Ethernet.

Quick Overview

If your ISP requires PPPoE credentials, you can still use a VPN at the router level. Even though Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet connections can conflict with the VPN server connections, there are multiple ways to get a working set up. We’re sure you’ll find a setup that works for you!

Best FlashRouters for PPPoE Connections

These routers are great for helping to create a VPN Wi-Fi network with your PPPoE connection.

AX3000 WiFi 6 VPN FlashRouter Perfect for Medium Homes / Perfect for 20-30 Devices / Built-in Support for WireGuard & Wi-Fi 6 / Security with out breaking the bank SALE PRICE: $119.99 $149.99 | BUY NOW

Asus RT-AX88U PRO Merlin FlashRouter Perfect for Max Wi-Fi Coverage / Recommended for 15+ Devices / Blazing-fast Wi-Fi 6 (Wireless-AX) Speeds / Enhanced with Merlin Upgraded Firmware SALE PRICE: $344.99 $459.99 | BUY NOW

Internet Basics: What is PPPoE and How Does It Work

A Visual Explanation of How PPPoE worksEthernet networks are packet-based and have no capacity for a connection or circuit. They also lack basic security features to protect against IP and MAC conflicts and rogue DHCP servers.

With PPPoE, users virtually “dial” from one machine to another over an Ethernet network, establish a point-to-point connection and then data packets are securely transported through the connection.

What Are the Best VPNs To Use With a Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet Connection?

PPPoE is primarily used by telephone companies. The protocol allows for the easy separation of digital subscriber line access multiplexers (DSLAM) where it is required by regulators.

PPPoE also allows ISPs to create pre-paid traffic business models (usually through DSL subscriptions), either by allowing them to offer different speed tiers or QoS (Quality of Service) bandwidth controls through a single DSL modem or by creating a different login for each static IP purchased by a customer. (Explanation Adapted from Wikipedia)

Basically, PPPoE offers an Internet service provider (ISP) an easier way to track exactly how much bandwidth you are using in case they want to charge for it in the future.

How Can I Protect My Connection over PPPoE?

Thankfully, when you use a VPN with PPPoE, you are able to prevent an ISP from monitoring your DSL connection since ISPs commonly use deep packet inspection to analyze your Internet traffic and limit your bandwidth.

By encrypting your data, VPN service providers, like one of the ones below, can help stop your ISP from inspecting the data you are receiving and limiting your Internet access. For those in the US, that is especially important, given the repeal of net neutrality legislation.

Common Questions About VPN Connections and Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet

Customers interested in PPPoE solutions often ask us: How can I connect a FlashRouter to a VPN provider, while also using a PPPoE connection to access my Internet?

Generally, Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet connections conflict with the most basic way to connect to VPN servers (OpenVPN, WireGuard) from DD-WRT routers. This is because both setups often occupy the WAN connection. However, our router experts have several solutions for any PPPoE setup.

How to Fix VPN Problems with PPPoE & DSL

Since both OpenVPN and PPPoE are tunneling protocols, most standard routers can not run them simultaneously. However, using a DD-WRT router alongside your DSL modem/router allows unique configuration opportunities for simultaneous PPPoE Internet/WAN connections while running an OpenVPN client connection.

This means that VPN service used with a DSL modem/router will no longer be limited to one device in your home but can be spread to any device (iPad, Roku, AppleTV, SmartTV) on your network simply by connecting wirelessly to the FlashRouter.

Some solutions involve quick-to-install integrated easy-to-use MyPage add-ons for DD-WRT, while other provider setups are a bit trickier.

DD-WRT PPPoE Solution for Various VPN Providers For Single Routers

Once you hook up your FlashRouter, navigate to 192.168.11.1 and log in using the information we sent you. Then, navigate to Setup > Basic Setup and use the drop-down menu under WAN Connection Type to select PPPoE. Then, simply add your credentials.

Ensure your details are correct for PPPoE when entering them into WAN setup.

Once a Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet connection has been made, ensure you have an internet connection by navigating to flashrouters.com and making sure it loads. Then, you can connect to the FlashRouters Privacy App on your DD-WRT FlashRouter and set up your VPN provider!

Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet VPN Solution For Dual Router Setup

If you have an existing router and want to add a DD-WRT router to simplify the setup, use your existing router to connect to PPPoE locally, then add a DD-WRT FlashRouter to create a separate VPN-dedicated network. Basically, something that looks like this in diagram form:

DSL-Modem/Gateway router (PPPoE) -> DD-WRT FlashRouter (VPN) -> Clients/Devices (Computer, Smartphone, iPad, Playstation, Xbox, Roku)

A FlashRouter connected to another router will allow you to have a local ISP (wired and wireless) connection through your existing router with PPPoE, while other devices can be tunneled through a VPN connection with the FlashRouter either wired or wirelessly.

This solution of using a second router will allow you to use the FlashRouter for any basic VPN connection from almost all personal VPN providers.

Use a FlashRouter to Wirelessly Repeat Your PPPoE Connection!

Finally, it’s possible to wirelessly connect a FlashRouter as a Wireless Repeater with your existing PPPoE-connected router. This will also create a segmented VPN network, and spread your signal further in your house!

These are the best FlashRouters to use with Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet :

AX3000 WiFi 6 VPN FlashRouter

AX3000 WiFi 6 VPN FlashRouter
$119.99
$149.99
BUY NOW
  • Perfect for Medium Homes
  • Perfect for 20-30 Devices

Asus RT-AX88U PRO Merlin FlashRouter

Introducing the Asus RT-AX88U FlashRouter - With Wi-Fi 6 + Merlin Customization
$344.99
$459.99
BUY NOW
  • Perfect for Max Wi-Fi Coverage
  • Recommended for 15+ Devices

NordLynx WiFi 6 Router – Privacy Hero

Privacy Hero 2 - Nordlynx Wireguard Supported VPN Router
$199.99
$249.99
BUY NOW
  • Perfect for Medium Homes
  • Perfect for 20-30 Devices

What Are the Best VPNs To Use With a Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet Connection?

A FlashRouter will allow you to use a PPPoE connection with all personal VPN providers like these:

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