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14
Configuring EOA Interfaces
This chapter describes how to configure an Ethernet-over-ATM
interface on the Neobit 1012VA, if one is needed to communicate
with your ISP.
Overview of EOA
The Ethernet-over-ATM (EOA) protocol is commonly used to carry
data between local area networks that use the Ethernet protocol
and wide-area networks that use the ATM protocol. Many
telecommunications industry networks use the ATM protocol. ISPs
who provide DSL services often use the EOA protocol for data
transfer with their customers’ DSL modems.
EOA can be implemented to provide a bridged connection between
a DSL modem and the ISP. In a bridged connection, data is shared
between the ISP’s network and their customer’s as if the networks
were on the same physical LAN. Bridged connections do not use
the IP protocol. EOA can also be configured to provide a routed
connection with the ISP, which uses the IP protocol to exchange
data.
Before creating an EOA interface or modifying the default settings,
contact your ISP to determine which type of protocol they use.
Note
PPP vs. EOA:
Your ISP may use a protocol other than EOA for
communication with the Neobit 1012VA, such as the point-to-point
protocol (PPP). One type of PPP, named PPP over Ethernet
(PPPoE), actually works “on top” of the EOA protocol. The other
type, PP over ATM (PPPoA), does not. However, if your ISP uses
either type of PPP, you
do not
need to separately create an EOA
interface. See Chapter 12 for instructions on creating or
configuring a PPP interface.