This FAQ addresses some common pitfalls when switching from an older “modem only” to a 2Wire Homeportal combination DSL modem & router.
PPPoE:
On older modems the PPPoE may be handled in the computer and it may be listed in your network connections as the WAN Miniport PPPoE connection. This was used for modems that could not maintain the PPPoE session internally to log you into the DSL system. Because the 2Wires can do the PPPoE for you, it is recommended you disable and remove the WAN Miniport from your network connections panel. Attempting to connect PPPoE through both the 2Wire and the WAN Miniport will lead to all kinds of trouble.
In your network connections panel you need only the LAN connection set to DHCP to talk to the 2Wire. The 2Wire will do the rest.
ICS:
Internet Connection Sharing is not needed and should be turned off. All computers should be connected to the 2Wire as it will act as the Router, not your main computer. This allows all computers on your LAN to access the Internet even if your main computer is off.
Firewalls:
The 2Wires have an internal Statefull-Packet-Inspection (SPI) firewall that filters out common inbound attacks. (port scanning, malformed packets, etc.) Some people like to also maintain a software based firewall on their computer that will scan for outgoing issues as well. This is a matter of personal preference.
One issue noted with any SPI hardware firewall is that it may be necessary to switch to “Passive” mode FTP if you use an FTP program to upload or download files (like maintaining a website) because in “Active” mode FTP if you transfer many small files quickly it may trip the firewall as it looks like an attack. The symptom of this is the FTP transfer just stops, with no indication why. Switching to Passive in your FTP program solves the issue.
Additionally, if you are using a software firewall on your computer and you change from PPPoE on the computer to PPPoE on the 2Wire you will have to adjust the settings in your firewall to allow for the new IP scheme. You will have a new Local Area Network (LAN) configuration and you should remember to adjust your firewall to trust the new local network. If you don’t you will likely be blocking access to your 2Wire and not be able to reach the Internet.
Can I use the USB and the Ethernet connectors on the 2Wire at the same time for 2 different computers?
-Yes, they are all active. However older computers and operating systems may have a hard time with the USB port. Ethernet is the recommended and more robust way of creating a LAN. If your machines do not have an Ethernet connection an Ethernet card can be added for about $15-20.
I have run out of Ethernet connections on my 2Wire, what do I do if I need to add another computer?
- You may hook up an Ethernet hub or switch to an available port on the 2Wire and hook more computers to that. The 2Wire will support dozens of connections, Ethernet, USB, Wireless (on some models) , and HPNA (on some models). However maximum network throughput depends on how many computers are all talking at the same time.
Where is all the fancy stuff in the 2Wire?
-In the Management and Diagnostic Console: http://homeportal/mdc
See: »Ameritech - SBC FAQ »Where is all the fancy stuff? (Management/Diagnostic Console)
I want to use the 2Wire as a Modem Only – I don’t want any of the advanced features, I just want it to act like a dumb DSL modem.
- You can Disable Routing in the 2Wire. In which case all the advanced features are turned off and it acts solely as a DSL to Ethernet modem. You must do PPPoE and all other needed network functions either on an external router or your computer. See this FAQ for details: »2 Wire »Bridging the 2wire and PPPoE (Disabling Router)
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by Riss_Centaur 
last modified: 2006-03-28 13:02:38 |
