ZyXEL Communications PMG5318-B20A - WAN; Overview; What You Need to Know

PMG5318-B20A User’s Guide 25
CHAPTER 4
WAN
4.1 Overview
This chapter describes how to configure WAN settings. A WAN (Wide Area Network) is an outside
connection to another network or the Internet.
4.1.1 What You Need to Know
The following terms and concepts may help as you read through the chapter.
Encapsulation
Be sure to use the encapsulation method required by the ISP. The GPON Device supports the
following methods.
PPP over Ethernet
The GPON Device supports PPPoE (Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet). PPPoE is an IETF Draft
standard (RFC 2516) specifying how a personal computer (PC) interacts with a broadband modem
(DSL, cable, wireless, etc.) connection. The PPPoE option is for a dial-up connection using PPPoE.
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 GPON Device (rather than individual computers), the
computers on the LAN do not need PPPoE software installed, since the GPON Device does that part
of the task.
IP Address Assignment
A static IP is a fixed IP that the ISP provides. A dynamic IP is not fixed; the ISP assigns a different
one each time. The Single User Account feature can be enabled or disabled if you have either a
dynamic or static IP. However the encapsulation method assigned influences your choices for IP
address and ENET ENCAP gateway.