Once configured, a configuration may be activated using the command line.
netconf --connect config [--fore]
Normally, Linuxconf establishes the connection and manages
in the background. The --fore option prevents this. In fact
Linuxconf does not stay alive but simply gives control
to pppd and uses the -detach option.
The --fore option is normally used for a permanent
link controlled by the init daemon. A line such as,
i1:5:respawn:/bin/netconf --connect site --fore
in the /etc/inittab file is all that is needed to keep alive a permanent link. Linuxconf should manage this transparently one day using a single checkbox (permanent link?) in the configuration dialog.
netconf --disconnect config
will terminate the connection.