When you set up fibre at home, your connection to the internet has to be activated in a specific way. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) like Afrihost use different methods to do this, depending on your fibre network. Two of the most common are PPPoE and DHCP.

Don’t worry if these terms sound complicated, at their core, they’re just two different ways of getting your devices online.
Think of them like two types of keys that unlock the same door to the internet, allowing you to stream or connect.

In this blog, we’ll break down what PPPoE and DHCP mean, how they work, and which one might be better for your home setup.

What is PPPoE?

PPPoE Stands for Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet.

>> Requires a username and password to connect.
>> Offers more control and authentication.
>> Common in older fibre setups or certain FNOs.

    What is DHCP?

    DHCP stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol.

    >> Plug-and-play: Your device automatically receives the settings it needs.
    >> Faster, simpler, and ideal for homes with many connected devices.

      Type Pros Cons
      PPPoE
      • Secure with login details.
      • Useful in enterprise setups
      • Setup can be tricky
      • Forgotten passwords can cause issues
      DHCP
      • Easy to set up — no login required.
      • Great for streaming, gaming, and smart homes
      • Less manual control
      • Relies on automatic settings

      Which FNOs Use PPPoE?

      Openserve
      Cybersmart
      TT Connect
      Unifyber
      Vodacom

      Which FNOs Use DHCP?

      Vuma Reach
      Vumatel
      Openserve
      Metro Fibre
      Octotel
      Frogfoot
      Openserve Web Connect
      TT Connect
      Balwin Fibre
      Evotel
      Zoom Fibre
      Clear Access
      Frogfoot Air
      DNATel
      Purple Forest
      Link Layer
      FibreSuburb
      Netstream
      Comtel
      Mitsol
      Connectivity Services
      Lightstruck
      Open Fibre
      Gaia Fibonacci
      Waterfall Access Networks
      Thinkspeed

      Switching Connection Types

      Most of the time, your FNO decides which method you use. But if issues arise like slow speeds or login errors, our support will guide you through adjustments and help confirm the right setup and get you connected in no time.

      So how does this affect you with regards to our SLA and sending escalations to your Fibre Provider?

      When experiencing connectivity issues, intermittent connectivity, or latency.

      Our Support: We would then troubleshoot with you and try to get as much information, like speed tests, traceroutes, and send them through to the FNO or Fibre provider to investigate.
      Technicians or Fibre Providers Side: (if required): 24–48 hours.
      Resolution target: 48–72 hours.

      This ensures minimal downtime and maximum reliability with our support and our partners..

      Conclusion

      At the end of the day, whether your fibre runs on PPPoE or DHCP, we are always going to make the process simple, clear, and troubleshoot with you.
      We handle the technical details so you can focus on what matters, streaming, gaming, working, and living life online without interruptions.

      Please let us know if you would like to contribute to this topic or have any questions by commenting in the section below or on our social media pages.


      TM

      Article by
      Tshepiso M

      Meet the Team