AT&T (Consumer) has an interesting static-ip type of service that binds the address to your PPOE login. The self-install kit doesn’t provide the critical detail that one must call the SBC/ASI group and reachout to tech support.

The good news of it is that I didn’t have to put in that stupid freakin Windows CD and install the PPOE client software. The tech support team took me through a registration/login process that exists through the new DSL modem to create my PPOE profile. Then they had me put the DSL modem in bridge-mode and stayed on the line while I setup my new firewall appliance (building a new network at the same time).

Speed is faster, at least fast enough for me.