Configuring a new DSL router

Finally, after almost a month of waiting, PLDT has replaced my ailing router, which was prone to reverting to its default config every now and then. The glaring fact that it took them nearly a month to diagnose my problem, and subsequently just replace the router is another post in itself -- a rant versus PLDT and their DSL, maybe.

Anyway: the new router, a Zyxel Prestige 600 series ADSL router, came with a starter CD from the provider. The starter CD contains the installation manual for the router, as well as an installation wizard. The wizard runs through the configuration process that checks for LAN connection, the DSL link and the PPPoE link. Installation was, in a nutshell,"plug-and-play". To be able to connect to the internet, the user only has to power up the router. That was for Windows.

My Linux box failed to bring up ppp0 after the new router was installed. Turns out I had to set up eth0, on which the router was connected via a cross-cable, to DHCP. There was no more need for ppp0 as the router sets it up independently. So, I had to disable bringing up of the PPP interface at bootup. I would have opted for more control over my internet connection, but still, having to worry less about one aspect of the setup is a good thing.