I keep losing my internet connection - HELP

[macsnjets]

I keep losing my internet connection. I'm running OSX 10.1.2 on a G4 DP500 connected to DSL via a linksys router. I recently upgraded the firmware on the router however my G3 running OS9 and my Dell PeeCee are ok. Every time I lose the internet connection on the G4 I have to restart the computer. Quiting the app doesn't help. Then all is fine for about 20 mins, sometimes less. I get no indication that the connection is lost other than all activity stops. Any clues?
Thanks:(

[Novajo]

In the System:Network:PPPoE (which I guess you are using), advanced PPPoE options, there is a check box for verbose logging. Verbose logging is even more comments than what you already get. It is quite extensive. Check it, disconnect, reconnect.

Then look at /var/log/system.log when you start having connection problems.
The information will be there (under pppd I guess), I am quite sure.

[macsnjets]

yes I do use PPPoE but through the router. Is that where you mean to check the settings and logs?

[Novajo]

I don't use hardware routers and I don't know much about them. Who initiates the DSL connection to your ISP? Is it the router or the G4 ? Do you just plug your G4 into the router and click "Connect" on the G4 ? My comment before refers to the way the G4 handles the PPPoE connection.

There is a file in /var/log/ called system.log on your G4. It has important information about everything that happens to your computer at any time. This is where you will find why your PPP conection fails. You hav to tell PPPoE on your mac to be more verbose than usual to get more info and you set that in System Preferences:Network:PPP

[mervTormel]

navajo,

i have a similar setup to macsnjets.

the router handles all the pppoe connecting, LCP negotiation, authentication, getting ip address.

i have my router set to serve via DHCP, and my network settings are likewise. i've never considered filling in the network->/pppoe\ tab. i don't see any advanced options here, either. i am reluctant to start pppoe on OSX to see what about it. what say you?

edit: urp! enabling the [x] connect using pppoe turned on the (ppp options) button, disregard. but it sounds specious to turn it on if these things are done in the router.

macsnjets,

try and see if the linksys router has any advanced log settings. are you running static internal ip's, or DHCP? who is the ISP? and the firmware upgrade is suspect at this point, all else remaining unchanged.

alas, my embarrasing router doesn't log diddly.

[macsnjets]

Ok, I'm using the router set to DHCP serving and verizon dsl is my isp. I kind of don't see the router having the problem because all my other machines work fine. I'll have to hook up my pismo with OSX to the network and see what happens with that. Thanks.

[mervTormel]

macsnjets,

oh, right, your other nodes don't fuss...

what about the console log and the system.log files? anything illuminating in there around the time the connection drops? hone in on that now.