PPPoAonly
@qwest.net
| reply to christcorp
Re: Switching to Qwest DSL - firewall & modem questions
quote:
There isn't any Qwest approved DSL modems that are ONLY modems. They all have routers integrated.
This is because Qwest only supports PPPoA and the way PPPoA works it must be this way. Many times you are able to use PPPoE on a DSL line provided by Qwest but it is not guaranteed to work in the future even if it does today. |
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christcorp
Premium
join:2001-05-21
Cheyenne, WY
 ·Bresnan Online
 ·VOIPo
| That's true, but that's where transparent bridging comes into play. When you put the modem in transparent bridge mode, it becomes a dumb modem and bypasses ALL router functions entirely. Your external router must then authenticate via PPPOE. Again, the "Qwest Approved" modems all have built in routers. You are correct that you can get a free standing modem not on the approved list, and it will probably work. The OP however can work quite nicely with a traditional actiontec type modem. Either transparent bridge, or double NAT with DMZ to the external router. Later... Mike.... |
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Caedmon
@qwest.net
| quote:
When you put the modem in transparent bridge mode, it becomes a dumb modem
I don't understand - a modem doesn't have a transparent bridge mode - it is always a dumb modem. Could you explain how a dumb modem can be placed in transparent bridge mode. And how, since it is a dumb modem to begin with it "becomes a dumb modem"? I think I know what you are really trying to say but it isn't clear from your posting.
BTW - As the previous poster state, PPPoE is not supported by Qwest and may not always work. And as far as I can determine you can't do PPPoA with a dumb modem.
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christcorp
Premium
join:2001-05-21
Cheyenne, WY
·Bresnan Online
·VOIPo
| If you had read the earlier posts, you would have seen where all Qwest approved modems ALSO have built in routers. By putting the "Device", because our terminology is conflicting here, into transparent bridge mode, you bypass ALL router functions and thus have just a plain old dumb modem. The modem will not authenticate your user name or password. It will do nothing more than transcribe the dsl signal. You then must have a separate router that will be able to authenticate via PPPOE. That is where you will put in your user name and password.
As far as PPPOE not always being available, that is true. While we are on the topic of using proper terminology, let's just say that PPPOE isn't always available as an option. As far as qwest is concerned, PPPOE is NEVER SUPPORTED. It may work, but they DON'T support it. In other words, if you are having a problem with you connection, and call qwest, they will ask you about the modem and it's PPPOA authentication. When you mention that it's in transparent bridge mode and that you are authenticating via pppoe on an external router, you might as well just hand up with them. They will tell you that they won't support that configuration. Doesn't mean you can't use it, just that they aren't going to help you.
Hopefully now the terminology is in the same playing field and everyone understands. Later... Mike.... |
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caffeinator
Coming soon to a cup near you..
Premium
join:2005-01-16
Spokane, WA
 ·WebBand
| reply to Caedmon
Here's a description from the related .PDF for the GT701.
quote:
When using transparent bridging mode with the Qwest® Standard Modem: Actiontec® GT701:
• Your selected Internet Service Provider (ISP) must support transparent bridging.
• The routing features of your Qwest Standard Modem: Actiontec GT701 are inactive while in
bridging mode.
Here's the same for the gt701-wg
»www.qwest.com/internethelp/modem···guration
See the "Transparent Bridging" link on that page. (it's a .PDF)
-CaFF
--
"Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - A. Einstein |
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DavidPauls
@qwest.net
| reply to christcorp
christcorp
Hate to have to agree with the previous poster but she/he is correct. A DSL modem does not have a router built in it. The correct terminology is "DSL modem/router combination" or "Router with DSL modem interface" or something similar. As far as I can find on Qwest's page they have not approved any DSL modems. They have approved some DSL Modem/Router combination devices. When discussing technology is pays to be accurate and not adopt the sloppiness shown by more and more marketing departments. You avoid confusion.
I did notice in the the quote from the GT701 document that the Marketing department at Qwest has taken over that document to its detriment. Hopefully that quote is not from the technical documentation for the GT701.
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AthlGrond
Premium,MVM
join:2002-04-25
Aurora, CO
·Comcast
1 edit | said by DavidPauls :
christcorp
Hate to have to agree with the previous poster but she/he is correct. A DSL modem does not have a router built in it. Hey! I was the one who started the whole "all DSL modem's include routers" discussion, not Mike.
I stand corrected, by both you and the previous poster, thank you both for the correction(s). 
So: Not all modems have to have routers, just all of the ones Qwest currently support do.
--
"Talk about the goats guarding the garbage!" -Dick Morris |
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christcorp
Premium
join:2001-05-21
Cheyenne, WY
·Bresnan Online
·VOIPo
| reply to DavidPauls
Whatever....
If the average person reading the posts in this forum can't derive from the syntax that the little plastic boxes that Qwest "Approves" has a modem and a router built into that little plastic box, then maybe they have no business dealing with DSL technology. If people can't deal contextually with the terminology here, then they are definitely in trouble.
Simply put; You can get a Qwest Approved "Plastic Box" that has a modem and router inside of it; or you can get an unapproved "Plastic Box" that only has a modem in it. In which case you will need a separate "Plastic Box" that has a router in it to authenticate your user name and password via PPPOE and to connect your computer to. Or you can authenticate directly with your computer. In which case you don't need the 2nd "Plastic Box".
Hopefully this isn't to technical for some, and not too condescending to others. Have to make sure we stay politically correct here and not offend anyone. Later... Mike... |
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