PPPoE timeout on both pfSense and TP-Link AX1500

[albus7c7]

Tried all the above, no success.. 

I've given up on the TP-Link and returned it - the issue seems further down the line than in my settings - it's impossible that something that is as simple as a lot of people said and done couldn't be achieved on a simple router.. or on pfSense.

There has to be some kind of mac address locking + caching happening on BT side - it's the only explanation I get continuous timeouts on both sides when authentication. Heck, I even connected my mac directly to the ONT and configured PPPoE as well - nothing.

[stevebrass]

Have you powered the ONT down?

[albus7c7]

Tried power it down for 30 seconds/1 minute maybe, I have also tried reseting it few times while connected to pfSense.. Tried pfSense off the whole night and then cold boot in the morning - not sure I need also to turn off the ONT for more than few seconds/minutes

[albus7c7]

I have read about the VLAN ID - is this something to try/take into consideration? Some people say it's required, others don't..

[stevebrass]

30 seconds is fine for the ONT. No vlan id needed. It's a real puzzler this one - especially since you can't get a direct connection from the MAC.

[licquorice]

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@albus7c7 wrote:

I have read about the VLAN ID - is this something to try/take into consideration? Some people say it's required, others don't..

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VLAN id of 101 is required but this is a modem function rather than router, so is achieved by the ONT in the case of FTTP but on a combined modem/router in the case of FTTC.

There is nothing on the BT side preventing either the pfSense or TP Link from working.

Are you sure you are entering bthomehub@btbroadband.com as the username rather than bthomehub@btinternet.com

[albus7c7]

@licquorice you wouldn’t believe how many times I have made sure letter by letter I had the right username 😕

[licquorice]

Had to be asked, it's a common sub-conscious mistake.

[stevebrass]

Another common sense suggestion - have you tried a different Ethernet cable. 

[albus7c7]

Tried quite a few..

I ended up setting up ONT -> SH2 -> pfSense -> LAN

Portforward 1-65K and DMZ pfSense id... this is far from ideal, but got me going with me home setup..

Tried today again.. just in case - same result!