***The Westell 6100 has a different menu structure from the 2100/22200s, however overall functionality/capabilities/configurations are the same. Screen shots below are from an older Westell 2100/2200.***

Westell Modem Information & Operation

The BellSouth supplied Westell 2100, 2200 and 6100 models (Models A90-210030-04, B90-220030-04, and B90-610030-06/C90-610030-06, respectively) share many features and functions. This FAQ provides generalized information for these modems with Sections 4, 5 and 6 providing links to other FAQs with specific information for each model. The user interface functionality and setup are the same between all three models. The 2100 started shipping in August 2002, the 2200 in September 2003, and the 6100 in May 2004. The 6100 has a new chipset that improves performance on marginal loops that have bridged taps or other problems. The current Westell Users Guide is available here.

This FAQ has five major sections
Section 1 - General Westell Modem Information
Section 2 - Modes of Operation
Section 3 - Overview of Menu Structure
Section 4 - Westell 2100 Specific Information
Section 5 - Westell 2200 Specific Information
Section 6 - Westell 6100 Specific Information

Section 1 - General Westell Modem Information
To verify your model type please check the FCC sticker on the bottom of modem.
    -2100 modems are model number A90-210030-04
    -2200 modems are model number B90-220030-04
    -6100 modems are model number B90-610030-06 or C90-610030-06

If you do not have the newest firmware, please reference the Westell Firmware Update FAQ.
    -Firmware is model specific and can not be interchanged!
    -2100s use firmware 1.0.17 through 1.06.33 (current firmware is A90-210030-v1-6-33.upg)
    -2200s use firmware 1.06.21 or higher (current firmware is B90-220030-v1-6-57.upg)
    -6100s use firmware 3.0061 or higher (current firmware is B99-610030_VER_3_06_02.upg or C99-610030_VER_3_06_02.upg)
Important Information: You will not be able to access Expert Mode if you are using Internet Explorer 7. This is a known issue, however no new firmware is available to correct the problem. Click here for more information.
Westells support G.DMT speeds up to 8 Mbps downstream and 800 Kbps upstream. The 6100 also supports ADSL2+ which can increase speeds up to 25Mbps (when it becomes available).
Since BellSouth assigns static IPs via a PPP session based on your username all the configurations shown are applicable to both dynamic and single static IP customers.
BellSouth Installation CD is not required to install the Westell. Click here for more information.
Because the Westell is actually a router and by default blocks ports, some popular games and applications may not work correctly. Therefore changes must be made to open certain ports or assign a specific IP to a computer.
    -To open ports please check here.
    -To enable IP Passthrough please check here.
The BellSouth Westell modems are specific models made exclusively for BellSouth FastAccess. They are physically and functionally different from retail Westells (or any model designed for use with other ISPs) and the firmware between them are not compatible and can not be interchanged. For example the BellSouth model does not have a built in firewall like the retail version.
Built in PPPoE client for connectivity to ISP.
    -Does not require third party software such as Enternet, RASPPPoE, WinPoet, XP, etc.
PPPoE Passthrough capabilities. If you are using a separate PPPoE client the modem will allow the other PPPoE client to negotiate the session transparently. Section Section 2 for more details.
Full NAT (Network Address Translation) capabilities
Built in DHCP Server (Default Modem IP - 192.168.1.254, Subnet Mask - 255.255.255.0, DHCP Address Range - 192.168.1.1 to 192.168.1.253)
Remote Access capabilities
Ethernet and USB connectivity. Ethernet is highly recommended, does not require drivers, and is not dependent on any particular OS. USB connectivity requires USB drivers that may not be compatible with all OSs. You can choose one or the other for connectivity but you can not use both simultaneously.
Power supply is 12VAC / 1.2-1.67Amps.
**Attention customers who have or are considering using a router with the Westell. Please see the following tips**

•If you are thinking about buying a third party router to allow multiple PCs there are other networking alternatives! The Westell is a router and you can simply use a hub or switch as shown here. If you want a wireless network buy an access point as shown here.
•You may not be able to access the Westell interface when it is connected through another router and must connect the Westell directly to your PC. The modem interface is 192.168.1.254 which is a local IP. By default, most routers do not have the capability to route a local IP out of their WAN port (where your Westell is connected). There are several alternatives around this problem. One method involves extra equipment (second NIC and a hub) and major configuration changes. The second method requires you to utilize the router as a simple switch and use the Westell's PPPoE and DHCP functions. Click here for more information. •To avoid connectivity problems when using another router in conjunction with the Westell the DHCP and routing capabilities MUST be turned off in the modem or the router! The best and easiest way is to change the Westell to "Bridged Ethernet" as shown here. Failing to change the modem to Bridged Ethernet may result in double NAT'ing, increased latency, possible IP conflicts, or possibly a network that doesn't work at all.
•For instructions on configuring Westells and external routers, please reference these FAQs:
- Generic router configuration
- Linksys router configuration
- D-Link router configuration
- SMC router configuration
- Netgear router configuration

Section 2 - Modes of Operation
Standard Default Mode Connection (no separate router present)
Modem's built in PPPoE client used.
Username and Password required on modem (accessed through Easy Login page).
NIC should be set to "Obtain IP Address Automatically".
WAN IP address will be on modem and PC NIC will have a 192.168.1.xxx IP address.
Requires no changes in configuration to the modem. When you reset the modem (either through the software interface or the reset button on the back of modem) this configuration is set.

Standard Default Mode Connection (separate hub or switch present)
Highly recommended setup for networking. Detailed instructions and information is available here.
Modem's built in PPPoE client used.
Username and Password required on modem (accessed through Easy Login page).
NIC(s) should be set to "Obtain IP Address Automatically".
WAN IP address will be on modem and PC NIC(s) will have a 192.168.1.xxx IP address.
Requires no changes in configuration to the modem. When you reset the modem (either through the software interface or the reset button on the back of modem) this configuration is set.

Standard Default Mode Connection (PPP Passthrough - separate router present)
Important Note: Since the Westell has a feature called "PPPoE Passthrough" it is capable of this configuration, however you may cause double NAT'ing, connection problems, or IP conflicts. The preferred method would be "Bridged Ethernet" with a router as described below.
Router's PPPoE client used.
Username and Password required on router.
Do not put your username and password on the modem. Modem has PPP passthrough capabilities. Username and Password on modem must be completely blank. To clear your username and password you must reset the modem using the reset button on the back or through the interface.
NIC should be set to "Obtain IP Address Automatically".
WAN IP address will be on the modem and the router WAN port, and PC NIC will have a locally assigned IP from the router.
The 6100 has an "Internet" light that is green whenever there is an active PPPoE session initiated by the Westell. Since you are using the other router to establish the PPPoE session the light will stay off. This is normal.
Requires no changes in configuration to the modem.

Bridged Ethernet Mode (no separate router present)
Must use a PPPoE client on the PC. Clients such as the BellSouth Connection Agent, RasPPPoE, and the native PPPoE client on Windows XP are available.
Username and Password required on PC through the PPPoE client interface. Username and password on the modem will be disabled when you select "bridged ethernet" connection and save the settings.
Despite what the help desk tech tells you, resetting the Westell does not put it into Bridged Mode.
NIC should be set to "Obtain IP Address Automatically".
WAN IP address will be on the PC NIC. This is one of two ways to assign the WAN IP directly to the NIC; with the other method being "IP Passthrough" without a router.
Requires changes to the modem configuration. Must enter Expert Mode, click on the Configuration button and then click on the Connections button. Enable "bridged ethernet" mode from the Protocol pulldown. Connection Screen Shot.

Bridged Ethernet Mode(separate router present)
*This is the preferred configuration when using a separate external router. Detailed instructions for this mode are available here.
Must use a PPPoE client on the Router.
Username and Password required on router. Username and password on the modem will be disabled when you select "bridged ethernet" connection and save the settings.
NAT function on modem is disabled. Routing and DHCP functions are assigned to the router.
NIC should be set to "Obtain IP Address Automatically".
WAN IP address will be on the router and PC NIC will have a router assigned local IP address.
The 6100 has an "Internet" light that is green whenever there is an active PPPoE session initiated by the Westell. Since you are using the other router to establish the PPPoE session the light will stay off. This is normal.
Requires changes to the modem configuration. Must enter Expert Mode, click on the Configuration button and then click on the Connections button. Enable "bridged ethernet" mode from the Protocol pulldown. Connection Screen Shot.

IP Passthrough Mode (no separate router present)
Instructions for enabling IP Passthrough are available here.
Modem's built in PPPoE client used.
Username and Password required on modem (accessed through Easy Login page).
NIC should be set to "Obtain IP Address Automatically".
WAN IP address will be on modem and PC NIC. Some VPNs, servers, and games require the WAN IP directly on the PC. This is one of two ways to assign the WAN IP directly to the NIC; with the other method being "bridge ethernet" without a router.
Requires changes to the modem configuration. Must enter Expert Mode, click on the Configuration button and then click on the IP Passthrough button. Select "User Configured PC" or the IP address shown and click on the Enable button. IP Passthrough Screen Shot.
Requires you to release and renew your IP before the changes will take effect. You can do this through a DOS prompt or by restarting your PC.

Connection Modes (Initiates PPP Connection)
Manual Mode
Requires you to manually initiate your DSL connection much like a dial up modem configuration. It requires you to click a "connect" button that is accessed through the modem interface.
On Demand
Automatically initiates a connection when you make an internet request. This is the default mode for the Westell, but doesn't always work correctly.
Always On
Automatically initiates a connection whenever powered on (independent of any request from the PC) or when a PPP session is dropped for any reason. Most people prefer Always On simply because it is always on. Click here for more info.

Section 3 - Overview of Menu Structure

Menu structure with links to screen shots. Note: Screen shots may vary slightly by firmware version.

Basic Mode
Easy Login -> Username / Password / Connect
Important Note: Normally, after you have initially entered your username and password via the Easy Login screen, that page will not be available via the menu. If you need to access the screen press the reset button while powered on.
Easy Log In Screen
Home -> Restart Connection / Disconnect / Status
Home Page Screen
Diagnostics -> Internet Access / Ping Tests
Diagnostic Screen
Remote Access -> Remote Administration / Access
Remote Access Screen
Update Modem -> Update Software (Firmware)
Update Firmware Screen
Reset Modem -> Reset / Restore Factory Defaults
Modem Reset Screen
Expert Mode
Home -> Restart Connection / Disconnect / Status
Expert Mode Home Screen
Configure ->

Connection -> Protocol configurations including "bridged ethernet" or "PPPoE". "Always On", "On Demand", or "Manual" connectivity modes
Configure Connection Screen
DHCP Server ->Enable DHCP and assign specific IP ranges and subnet
Configure DHCP Screen
IP Pass Through Enable IP Pass Through and set IP
Configure IP Pass Through Screen
NAT -> Enable custom and well known NAT services
Configure NAT Screen

Statistics ->

ADSL -> Line state, Data path, Signal to Noise ratio, and attenuation (it does not capture advanced statistics like attainable line rate, ATM rates, or line capacity)
Statistics ADSL Screen
ATM -> Packet, VPI/VCI, and PPP statistics
Statistics ATM Screen
Ethernet -> MAC address and port statistics
Statistics Ethernet Screen
IP -> IP statistics, interfaces, and routing tables
Statistics IP Screen
LAN -> Modem IP and DHCP information
Statistics LAN Screen
Logs ->Searchable log files
Statistics Logs Screen

Hidden

DNS Server Setup (»192.168.1.254/dns.htm) -> Enable/Disable DNS capabilities
DNS Server Screen

Section 4 - Westell 2100 Specific Information
Specific information about the Westell 2100 is available here.
•Firmware and Release Notes
•Connectivity and Physical Connections
•LED Status
•Network Configuration Links

Section 5 - Westell 2200 Specific Information
Specific information about the Westell 2200 is available here.
•Firmware and Release Notes
•Connectivity and Physical Connections
•LED Status
•Network Configuration Links

Section 5 - Westell 6100 Specific Information
Specific information about the Westell 6100 is available here.
•Connectivity and Physical Connections
•LED Status
•Network Configuration Links

Andy Houtz

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by Andy Houtz edited by FAQFixer
last modified: 2008-04-09 21:57:04