Summary: How to configure your Covad DSL or T1 broadband connection with static or dynamic IP addresses.

FAQs


IP Configuration

What are my IP address options for Covad services?
Standard DSL and Standard DSL Plus - 1 dynamic IP address
Business DSL - Standard 1 fixed IP address with NAT - Optional 5 static IP addresses
Business DSL Plus - 1 static IP address with NAT; or 5 through 253 static IP addresses
Business T1 - 1 static IP address with NAT; or 5 through 253 static IP addresses


Standard DSL and Standard DSL Plus Services

  • What is PPPoE?
  • Do I have to use PPPoE software for my Standard DSL Link and Standard DSL service?
  • Does Covad provide PPPoE software?
  • What operating systems are supported with the Covad-provided PPPoE client?
  • How do I configure the PPPoE software provided by Covad?
  • How do I install the PPPoE software that Covad provides?
  • Do I have to use the PPPoE software that Covad provides?
  • Why does the software prompt me for a username and password? - Am I dialing in?
  • What is my PPPoE username and password?
  • How do I find out what my IP address is?


What is PPPoE?
Point to Point Protocol over Ethernet. PPPoE is an efficient way for an ISP to authenticate customers on its network, and to distribute dynamic IP addresses. It often requires the installation of a software client on the customer's computer, as is the case with Standard DSL Link and Standard DSL service. Covad's Standard DSL Plus service also uses PPPoE, but the software is located on the ADSL router that is provided with the service.

Do I have to use PPPoE software for my Standard DSL Link and Standard DSL and Standard DSL Plus service?
Yes. The only way to use Standard DSL Link and Standard DSL service is via PPPoE.

Does Covad provide PPPoE software?
Yes. Covad provides the PPPoE software in the Self Installation Kit that will be delivered to you. Additionally, you can download the Covad-provided PPPoE software from the Software page on My Covad Account. What kind of PPPoE software does Covad provide?
Covad currently uses a customized version of the Tango Software Suite from Efficient Networks.

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What operating systems are supported with the Covad-provided PPPoE client?
The Covad-provided PPPoE software works with the following Windows operating systems: Windows 98/98SE, Windows ME, Windows 2000, Windows NT 4.0 or higher, Windows XP Home, Windows XP Professional, Mac OS 8.6, Mac OS 9.1 or higher, and Max OS 10.1 or higher. If you have an operating system other than one of those listed, you will need to provide your own PPPoE software and support.

How do I configure the PPPoE software provided by Covad?
Covad has designed the PPPoE software so that it is as easy as possible to install. All you have to do to complete the installation is to insert the CD and follow the instructions. Don't forget that your username should be entered in the form of username@covad.net in order to successfully configure the software. For more information, please see the User Guide that was sent to you in your installation kit, or you can download a PDF verion of the User Guide, Standard DSL User Guide.

How do I install the PPPoE software that Covad provides?
You should insert self-starting CD-ROM that is included in your installation kit, and follow the on-screen instructions. You can also download the software from My Covad Account, and initiate the installation by double-clicking on the executable file (.exe).

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Do I have to use the PPPoE software that Covad provides?
While you can use virtually any PPPoE software with Covad services, only the Covad-provided software has been Covad tested and approved. Also, Covad does not offer technical support for any PPPoE software other than the one provided in My Covad Account or the Covad installation kit.

Why does the software prompt me for a username and password? - Am I dialing in?
No. All Covad DSL connections are always on. When you are prompted for your username and password, you are being authenticated on the Covad network. That is a mechanism by which Covad provides you with an IP address.

What is my PPPoE username and password?
Your PPPoE username and password is the same information that you chose when you placed your order. This is the same username and password that you use to login to My Covad Account or check your email. Please remember that you must enter your username in the form of username@covad.net when you're configuring your PPPoE software.

How do I find out what my IP address is?
You have a dynamic IP address with Standard DSL Link and Standard DSL service. This means that your IP address will change every time you establish an Internet connection through the PPPoE software. If you want to see what your IP address is at any given time, you can simply type "ipconfig" (without the quotes) in the MS DOS prompt.

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Standard DSL Plus Services

  • What is NAT?
  • Does Business DSL use PPPoE?
  • What is a "fixed" IP address?
  • How do I configure my computer and router for Business DSL service?
  • Do I use the same username and password for Business DSL PPPoE as I do for email and dial?
  • Where do I find my PPPoE username and password for Business DSL?
  • Can I have multiple fixed IP addresses for Business DSL?
  • What firmware version should I use on my ZyXEL Prestige 643 ADSL Router to support multiple IP addresses?
  • How do I upgrade the firmware on my ZyXEL Prestige 643 ADSL Router?
  • How do I reset the password for my ZyXEL Prestige 643 ADSL Router?
  • Do I have to use NAT for my Business DSL service?
  • How do I configure my router to support multiple IP addresses?
  • How do I know what my IP address is?

What is NAT?
NAT stands for Network Address Translation, and is used to distribute private IP addresses to a customer's LAN. NAT is the default configuration for Business DSL. However, Business DSL customers also have the option of choosing 5 IP addresses for an additional monthly fee.

Does Business DSL use PPPoE?
Yes. Business DSL uses PPPoE to provide customers with their IP address. However, Business DSL was built so that a specific IP address is tied to a specific username and password so that the same IP address is always delivered to a customer. This serves the same purpose as a true static IP address. The main difference between the Standard DSL PPPoE information and the Business DSL PPPoE information is that Business DSL is system generated. That information was sent to you in your installation kit as well as an email notifying you of the shipment of your kit. Finally, you can get this information in My Covad Account.

What is a "fixed" IP address?
IP address terminology will differ depending on who you ask, but Covad defines "fixed IP address" as delivering the same IP address to the customer every time a connection is established. This is the method by which Covad provides Business DSL service.

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How do I configure my computer and router for Business DSL service?
For complete instructions on how to set up your Business DSL service, please refer to the User Guide that came with your installation kit. If you do not have it, you can download a Business DSL User Guide.

Do I use the same username and password for Business DSL PPPoE as I do for email and dial?
No. Since your IP address is tied to a specific username and password, Covad must assign your Business DSL username and password separately. This information was sent to you in your installation kit as well as in an email notifying you of the shipment of your installation kit. Additionally, you can find this information in the Service Details section of My Covad Account.

Where do I find my PPPoE username and password for Business DSL?
The PPPoE username and password for Business DSL was sent to you in your installation kit as well as in an email notifying you of the shipment of your installation kit. Additionally, you can find this information in the Service Details section of My Covad Account.

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Can I have multiple fixed IP addresses for Business DSL?
Yes. Covad also offers an option of 5 fixed IP addresses for Business DSL customers for an additional $10 per month. If you currently have 1 IP address with NAT, you can easily upgrade to 5 IP addresses in the "IP Configuration" section of My Covad Account. However, if you have a ZyXEL Prestige 643 router, you may need to upgrade your firmware to support multiple IP addresses.
How to determine if you need to upgrade your Business DSL router firmware.

What firmware version should I use on my ZyXEL Prestige 643 ADSL Router to support multiple IP addresses?
If you want to change your IP configuration for your Business DSL line to multiple IP addresses, you may need to upgrade the firmware on your router. If your firmware is anything other than Version: V2.50(AY.3) 9/23/2002 or V2.50(AY.5) 3/11/2003, you will need to upgrade prior to changing your IP configuration.
Instructions on checking router version & firmware upgrade procedure..

How do I upgrade the firmware on my ZyXEL Prestige 643 ADSL Router?
Detailed instructions on Standard DSL Plus router firmware upgrade procedure..

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How do I reset the password for my ZyXEL Prestige 643 ADSL Router?
If you cannot access your router because of a forgotten or lost password, you will need to reset the password to proceed with any configuration changes.
Detailed instructions on how to reset your password.

Do I have to use NAT for my Business DSL service?
No. While NAT is the default IP configuration option, you can also choose to have 5 fixed IP addresses for Business DSL. Simply visit the "IP Configuration" section of My Covad Account to change your IP configuration.

How do I configure my router to support multiple IP addresses?
For complete instructions on configuring your ADSL router, please view or download the Business DSL Installation User Guide.

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Business DSL Plus and Business T1

  • What is NAT?
  • Can I have multiple static IP addresses for Business DSL Plus and Business T1?
  • Do I have to use NAT for my Business DSL Plus or Business T1 service?
  • How do I know what my IP address is?
  • How do I order more IP addresses?
  • Why do I have to provide justification if I want to order more than 5 IP addresses?


What is NAT?
NAT stands for Network Address Translation, and is used to distribute private IP addresses to a customer's LAN. NAT is the default configuration for Standard DSL Plus. However, Business DSL Plus and Business T1 customers have the ability to choose between NAT and multiple static IP address options.

Can I order additional IP addresses with my Business DSL Plus or Business T1 line?
Yes. You can order up to 253 IP addresses with Business DSL Plus and Business T1 services (for an additional monthly fee). Please note that any order for 13 IP addresses and greater will require the completion of the IP Justification Form.

Do I have to use NAT for my Business DSL Plus or Business T1 service?
No. At the time of order, you can choose from the following IP address options: 1 IP with NAT, 5 IPs, 13 IPs, 29 IPs, 61 IPs, 125 IPs, or 253 IPs. You may also change IP address options after your line is installed.

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How do I know what my IP addresses are?
You can find your IP addresses by going to the Service Details page in My Covad Account.

How do I order more IP addresses?
If you would like to order additional IP addresses, you can do so by visiting the IP Configuration section in My Covad Account.

Why do I have to provide justification if I want to order more than 5 IP addresses?
Covad is required by ARIN (American Registry for Internet Numbers) to provide justification to obtain additional IP address space. ARIN is the organization that is responsible for managing IP address space in North and South America. In order to provide that justification, we must be certain that our customers are going to use the IP addresses that they have ordered. If customers are not using IP address space efficiently, it will be hard for Covad to obtain additional space when needed.