ZyXEL Communications P-791R, User Manual

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P-791R v2 User’s Guide
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H A P T E R
5
WAN Setup
This chapter describes how to configure WAN settings.
5.1 WAN Overview
A WAN (Wide Area Network) is an outside connection to another network or the Internet.
5.1.1 Encapsulation
Be sure to use the encapsulation method required by your ISP. The ZyXEL Device supports
the following methods.
5.1.1.1 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. ENET ENCAP
requires that you specify a gateway IP address in the
ENET ENCAP Gateway field in the
second wizard screen. You can get this information from your ISP.
5.1.1.2 PPP over Ethernet
PPPoE (Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet) 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, since the ZyXEL Device
does that part of the task. Furthermore, with NAT, all of the LANs’ computers will have
access.