ok, if it is a vdsl PPPoE setup, you should be able to get a simple modem that can be configured in bridge mode. in the price range of 60-80 sterlings.

this way, you can set the connection and PPPoE crap on that modem and hook it up to the slackware eth0 and keep that box separate from the connection handling.

this approach separates connection and connectivity, if that makes sense.
if the connection is up but something isn't working, you know it's in slackware and if connection is down altogether... you know.
this way troubleshooting and replacing equipment is fast.

just a thought.
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