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This FAQ is for setting up a BellSouth supplied Westell 2100/2200/6100 modem (Models A90-210030-04, B90-220030-04 and B90-610030-06/C90-610030-06, respectively) with a D-Link DSL router. Although actual screen shots vary throughout the DLink line, the instructions below are applicable to all models. Important Note: These procedures and pictures are based on the most recent firmware for the Westell. Other Westell firmware menus and screenshots are slightly different but the bridge options and functions are still available. It is highly recommended that you click here and update your Westell firmware.

This FAQ has 3 Major sections:
Section 1 - Overview
Section 2 - Westell modem configuration
Section 3 - D-Link router configuration information
Section 4 - Connections and power up

Section 1 - Overview

Important Note: Due to some known operational issues it is VERY important that you have the latest firmware on your D-Link router. Please go to the D-Link Support Site for firmware updates.
The best configuration for networking a router with the Westell is to set the Westell to "Bridged Ethernet" mode and allow the router to do the routing and DHCP functions. The Westell is also a router with full DHCP functions and may not function correctly when connected directly to another router. Not changing the modem to Bridged Ethernet will result in double NAT'ing, increased latency, possible IP conflicts, or possibly a network that doesn't work at all.
Before proceeding both the modem and router should be set to default. Despite what the help desk tech tells you, resetting the Westell does not put it into Bridged Mode.
The BellSouth Installation CD and Connection Manager are not required to use this configuration.
Since BellSouth assigns static WAN IPs via your username the configurations shown are applicable to both dynamic and single static IP customers. Select dynamic PPPoE regardless of your setup.
You must connect the Westell directly to the computer's NIC to make the necessary changes before you connect the router, because you will be unable to access the modem interface after you connect the router. The reason is that 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). Additionally, they may be on completely different subnets. After you have made the changes to the Westell you can then connect the router and configure it for use with FastAccess. 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.
If you encounter any problems simply reset the Westell, connect it directly to your NIC, restart your computer, log into the Westell interface, and start over again.
More information about the Westell is available here.

Section 2 - Westell Configuration

Step 1
Verify that your NIC card is set to "Obtain IP Address Automatically". Completely power down the Westell and the computer(s). Power up the modem and press the reset button on the back of the modem. After the modem has fully initialized connect the Westell to the NIC and then power up the computer.

Step 2
Open a browser session and enter 192.168.1.254 in the URL address field to access the Westell interface. If you are unable to access the interface make sure your NIC is set to "Obtain an IP address automatically". This may require you to reboot the computer (or release/renew) to obtain a proper IP.

Step 3
Click on Broadband DSL Line from the top menu. Click on Configure Connection from the right menu. Select "Bridged Ethernet" from the Protocol pull down. Click on Save and restart the connection at the bottom. This will automatically restart the modem and the interface will return after the changes are saved. Note: functions like NAT, DHCP, IP Passthrough, and username and password will be disabled or irrelevant and can not be selected. After the modem has restarted, power down both the computer and the modem then physically disconnect the Westell.

Section 3 - D-Link Router Information

Step 4
After the PC is powered down connect one of the router LAN ports to the computer NIC and power up the router and then the computer.

Step 5
Use the following steps to configure your D-Link DI-604 Router. Important Note: You must use the username@bellsouth.net format for your username. If you do not add "@bellsouth.net" after your username you will be unable to connect to the internet.




Section 4 - Connections and Power Up

Step 6
Power everything down and physically connect the Westell, the router, and any computer(s).


Westell 2100 shown. Pictures by Andy Houtz


Step 7
Power up the network equipment in this order:
•Westell Modem (wait till the Ready light is a steady green)
•D-Link Router
•Computer(s)
Open a browser session and go surfing!

Additional Imformation
•You should check your tweak settings to optimize your new network. Reminder: If you are required to change your MTU, make sure that it is identical on all equipment (PCs and routers) in the network. For more information about changing MTU on a D-Link please click here.
•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 DLink to establish the PPPoE session the light will stay off. This is normal.

Andy Houtz


Feedback received on this FAQ entry:
  • I HAVE TRIED THIS PROCESS NUMEROUS TIMES, THAT IS MAKING THE MODEM A BRIDGED INTERNET. IN THE 7175 INFORMATION, IT STATES THAT ALL SYSTEMS MUST BE ON DYNAMIC PPPoE YET THIS SECOND PROCEDURE SAYS TO MAKE THE MODEM A BRIDGED INTERNET. MAYBE I AM MISSING SOMETHING, BUT I CAN'T GET THIS TO WORK. ANY HELP WOULD BE APPRECIATED. I CAN ONLY GET A CONNECTION IF I GO DIRECT TO THE MODEM FROM THE COMPUTER BYA ETHERNET CONNECTION. THANKS, WILSON1764@AOL.COM

    2010-01-02 17:46:18

  • how to use configration

    2009-01-15 05:04:05

  • This is so very wonderful and helpful! Thank you so much and please continue the good work! - Ashok Antony

    2009-01-04 15:36:09

  • Not sure, but ATT may have just shut this loophole down. I have been using this method for a long time... even this morning. Today, I cannot authenticate using my DLink DI624 to the Westell 6100. Just a heads-up.

    2008-06-15 18:06:39

  • I cannot get the configuration to work. My equipment: Router D-Link DI-524 with firmware 3.23 http://192.168.0.1 DSL Modem Westell C90-610030-06 with firmware 03.08.02 http://192.168.1.254 dan.walther@att.net Here is a log of my efforts: 6:23 PM 1/17/2008 Let's try to communicate with DSL Modem Westell. -In Run box, CMD, then IPCONFIG Connection-specific DNS Suffix launchmodem.com IP Address 192.168.1.97 Mask 255.255.255.0 Default 192.168.1.254 Use Internet Explorer: go to 192.168.1.254 Got Customer Information screen, entered UserID & Password. Installation completed normally. Use Internet Explorer: go to 192.168.1.254 Got Home Summary tab DSL Sync=up, Internet connection=up. Device=Proline; Model=C90-610030-06; SN=06B411070580; SW=03.08.02; DHCP Server=Enabled; IPAddr/Name=192.168.1.97/GranD-PapaD; MAC Addr=00:13:72:24:5d:c3; Conn Stat=Active; Conn Type=Ethernet. Select Broadband Line tab WAN IP Address=72.146.44.27; Gateway IP Addr=68.208.232.7 MAC Addr=00:18:3a:25:82:e1; Primary DNS 205.152.132.23 Primary DNS Name=dns.msy.bellsouth.net Press the Configure Connection button Got info shown on Step 4 of faq 7125 (yeah)! Changed Protocol from PPPoE to Bridged Ethernet Clicked on the 'save and restart connection' button at bottom. Got different Home Summary DSL Sync=down, Connection Bridge (not Internet connection)=down. Power down computer and modem, disconnect Westell. Go to step 5. Did step 6: checked the settings in router (192.168.0.1) Did steps 7 & 8. Open browser, cannot go to www.cnn.com. Go to router: 192.168.0.1. Home/WAN shows all settings good. Dynamic PPPoE selected. User Name has @bellsouth.net. Connection Status (bottom) is 'Disconnected'. Pressed 'Connect' button. Msg 'PPPoe Line is connecting'. Continue. Status now 'Connecting'. Modem has power, Ethernet, and DSL lites solid green. Close browser. Reopen, still cannot connect to internet. Go to router. Tools/Misc Ping www.cnn.com Successful!! However, later when I ping www.cnn.cxx it is also successful. Not really found? Status/Device Info WAN Connection PPPoE Disconnected again. Connect. 7:58 PM 1/17/2008 report connecting. 8:03 PM 1/17/2008 Log status shows connection failing, and retrying. 9:26 AM 1/18/2008 Next day, retrys continue every 20-50 seconds. But IP address is 192.168.0.100 or .104. From above, we read: "WAN IP Address=72.146.44.27; Gateway IP Addr=68.208.232.7" I believe the DSL Modem IP address is ??? Ping each of these from Run/cmd box. Always timed out. Boo!!!

    2008-01-18 11:57:21



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by Andy Houtz See Profile edited by FAQFixer See Profile
last modified: 2008-05-07 10:26:57