Quote from steve0617:
Get the PPPoE login process off your CPU. If your modem has ethernet, get a $40 router and use that to do your DSL connecting. I have never seen a stable USB connected DSL connection ever. Do yourself the favor and get a router.
Your PC will become much more stable. Plus, you'll have a built in pseudo firewall with using the NAT feature of the router.
I think you are right very flaky connection, but I am going to have to get a new modem. The one I have is only USB. The PPPoE process has given me no end of hassle with the little network I am running. Fortunately a new modem will not cost much.