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Instructions for setting up a BellSouth supplied Westell 2100/2200/6100 (Models A90-210030-04, B90-220030-04 and B90-610030-06/C90-610030-06, respectively) with a popular Linksys Wireless (BEFW11S4) router. Other Linksys routers are very similar and can use the basic setup of this FAQ. This initial setup is all that is needed to configure and connect your Linksys-based network for FastAccess DSL. Any additional setup for features like WEP, DHCP IP ranges, port triggering, etc is out of the scope of this FAQ. Important Note: Due to some operational issues it is VERY important that you have the latest firmware on your Linksys router. Please go to the Linksys Download Website and ensure you have the newest firmware. Several steps in this FAQ are dependent on the Westell model number and firmware. Please follow the instructions for your specific model and firmware. It is highly recommended you click here and update your Westell firmware. More detailed information about the Westell is available here.

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


Section 1 - Overview
•The best configuration for networking a Linksys router (or any other external router) with a Westell is to set the Westell to "Bridged Ethernet" mode and allow the Linksys 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 may result in double NAT'ing, increased latency, possible IP conflicts or possibly a network that doesn't work at all.
Make sure you secure your wireless network. Click here for the Linksys Wireless Security Guide.
•Both the modem and router must be reset to default by pressing the reset button for approximately 30 seconds.
•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.
•The Linksys Installation Wizard CD is not required (nor recommended) for this configuration.
•Since BellSouth assigns static IPs via your username the configurations shown are applicable to both dynamic and single static IP customers.
•You must connect the Westell directly to the computer's NIC to make the necessary changes before you connect the router, because you will probably 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 alternative ways around this problem but they both have major liabilities. 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 and detailed instructions.
•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 default reset button on the back of the modem for 10 seconds. After the modem has fully reinitialized, connect the Westell to the NIC and then power up the computer.

Step 2
Open a browser application and enter 192.168.1.254 in the URL address field to access the Westell interface. If you are unable to access the interface check here and 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 new IP.

Step 3
This step is dependent on your specific Westell model number and firmware.

Westell 6100 Procedure: 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.

Westell 2100 or 2200 Procedure: Click on Expert Mode and confirm that you want to enter Expert Mode. Click on Configure from the menu then Connection in the sub-menu. Select "Bridged Ethernet" from the Protocol pull down. Click on Save and restart the connection at the bottom. 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.

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 - Linksys Router Information
Step 4
When the computer is completely powered down, connect one of the router's LAN ports to the computer NIC using a straight CAT5 cable. Power up the router and then the computer. Reset the router to default by pressing the reset button for roughly 25 seconds. (actual placement of reset button may vary).

Step 5
Important Note: The following screen shots are based on a Linksys BEFSR41v.2 router, and your screen shots may be slightly different. However, the process and configurations are the same. The settings shown are the basic connectivity requirements for Internet access. Open a browser session and enter 192.168.1.1 in the address field to access the Linksys Interface. At the Username and Password prompt, enter admin in the Password field.



Step 6
On the Linksys Setup page, select PPPoE from the WAN Connection Type pull down. Enter your BellSouth Username followed by "@bellsouth.net". Enter your BellSouth Password. Select Keep Alive and enter the recommended 180 seconds in the Redial Period field. Do not enter anything in the Host Name or Domain Name fields. Important Operational Note: If your model has the ability to manually enable MTU size you should select Enable or Manual and enter 1492 (or less) in the Size field. The MTU fields are not shown on the screenshot below and may be on a different menu tab. Click on Apply to save the changes. You may get a "Settings are successful" message. Click on Continue (if required).

Section 4 - Connections and Power Up


Step 7
Power everything down and physically connect the Westell, the router, the wireless NICs and any computer(s). You can utilize both with wireless and wired connections with this setup, if desired.


Westell 2100 shown. Pictures by Andy Houtz


Step 8
Power up the network equipment in this order:
•Westell Modem (wait until Ready light goes steady green)
•Linksys Router
•Computer(s)
•Open a browser session and enter "192.168.1.1" in the address field to access the Linksys Interface. Click on the Status tab from the menu, then click on the Connect button to connect to the Internet.
•Go surfing!



Important Additional Information
•The Westell 6100 has an "Internet" light that is green whenever there is an active PPPoE session initiated by the Westell. Since you are using the Linksys to establish the PPPoE session, the light will stay off. This is normal.
Do not change the Linksys Operating Mode from Gateway Mode (default setting) to Router Mode, or it will not function correctly.
•The Linksys "Auto" MTU capability does not function correctly on some models/firmware. You must manually enable the MTU and adjust the size to 1492 (or less). If you are experiencing slow/erratic speeds, constant disconnects, or receive a "Can not obtain IP address from the server" or "PPPoE negotiation fail" errors click here.
•You should recheck your tweak settings in order to optimize your new network. Reminder: If you change your MTU, make sure that it is set identically on all equipment (PCs and routers) in the network.
Andy Houtz


Feedback received on this FAQ entry:
  • Half of Section 1, a critical section, will Not print using Control - p. Getting this document on a working PC to be used on another, 30 minutes apart

    2016-01-10 08:22:04

  • Thanks for the tutorial! it helped me get the perfect setup for my Wrouter TP-LINK and dsl modem Zhone 6211, my modem did entered bridge mode after just reseting i just had to change the VCI to 33 instead of 35 default, then i configured my TP-LINK router with your steps.

    2013-05-13 20:55:42

  • Awesome!!! Very good and easy to follow!

    2011-07-07 20:43:47

  • The first sentence in the first step of the FAQ clearly states "Verify that your NIC card is set to "Obtain IP Address Automatically"". Additionally, it is also a hotlink that tells you exactly how to verify that your NIC card is set to "Obtain IP Address Automatically".

    2010-01-03 01:21:53 (FAQFixer See Profile)

  • Never fails. I ask for help then figure it out. On the NIC card you might want to say to check the "Obtain DNS Server Address Automatically" button also. Otherwise great writeup. I never would have figured this out. Especailly changing the modem settings. I had to download Firefox to accomplish that.

    2010-01-02 19:08:41

  • I have done everything in this procedure and still cannot get internet connectivity with my Linksys 54G. I can see the wireless network, it connects, but will not connect with the network. This procedure is very straight forward. Only issue was that I needed to change the IP to 192.168.2.1 in order not to get a PPPoE error. Help

    2010-01-02 18:31:00

  • You people are awesome...these instructions worked perfectly for my old bellsouth westell modem/router and my linksys 54wrt54gl router! thank you very much and pleaes keep up the good work. neither att nor linksys are helpful.

    2009-05-25 14:18:14

  • omg this helped so much u are the best!

    2009-05-20 20:41:26

  • Perfect instructions! Great job!

    2009-04-11 20:22:45

  • The information contained in this article was exactly right on target! I forgot my password and had to reset my wrt54g linksys router with my bellsouth 6100 router. Bellsouth was no help as they don't provide support for the linksys and they want me to pay for their wireless router. I had some troulbe locating this article but once I found it this provided the answer. Thanks so much. Frank Walters

    2009-02-11 07:19:01

  • when I type in 192.168.1.1 into the address window I just get a google search instead of the westell interface you talked about.

    2008-08-02 11:40:27



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by Andy Houtz See Profile edited by FAQFixer See Profile
last modified: 2009-10-11 16:00:48