Can I Ask ISP to Give Me PPPoE Username and Password?

Yes, you can request your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to provide your PPPoE (Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet) username and password. Typically, ISPs offer this information to assist customers in setting up their internet connections, especially when configuring a router or modem.

Factors to Consider

Despite the general availability of this information, several factors can influence the ISP's decision:

Policy: Some ISPs have specific policies regarding the disclosure of this information. They may require you to verify your identity or only provide it under certain circumstances. Technical Support: If you're experiencing connection issues, the ISP may prefer to assist you directly to troubleshoot and ensure proper setup. Security Concerns: ISPs are cautious about sharing sensitive information to protect your account from unauthorized access.

In summary, while there is a possibility of rejection if the ISP has strict policies, it's generally worth asking. If they decline, they should provide guidance on how to proceed with your setup.

Alternative Setup Options

If your ISP provides the router, consider asking for a modem and setting up your own router, or request the ISP to put their router into 'pass-through' mode. This allows you to connect your router to a single WAN port on their router. When I had an ADSL connection, I had to set up PPPoE, configuring parameters like max packet size, among others.

Example: ADSL Connection Experience

When I switched my cable modem with my ISP, I lost access to the error log, yet they no longer claimed issues were with my modem. Instead, their network now ended at the WAN port of my router. This setup offers a cleaner divide but limits the ability to perform speed tests to analyze network quality.

Modern ISPs and PPPoE Requests

It has been over a decade since I had DSL service, but the principles remain. ISPs may refuse to provide PPPoE passwords because they don't want you to manipulate other parameters that affect the connection to their backbone. However, if your request is to set up the router in bridge mode, not router mode, they should be able to accommodate this. Setting up the router in bridge mode makes the IP of your device accessible from the internet, a need I've had in the past from an ISP request.

This request is best made directly, as leaving the link configuration to the ISP ensures they maintain control over the connection to their backbone network.