in-kernel pppoe and no automatic reconnect

[Martin Dommermuth <mailmartin_(_at_)_gmx_(_dot_)_de>]

Hello,

recently my ISP had trouble with my DSL-line. I think there was a
problem with the authentification servers. To check whether it works
again I brought the pppoe-device down and up. Later I rebooted the
machine and it worked. 
Does "pppoe0: phase dead" mean that it has given up trying to
connect? If yes what can I do except for rebooting?

Thanks for any hints.

MartinD:

ps: my roomie had to cope with 6 hours without net because of my
ignorance. dont want that to happen again