mjlinden
@sbcglobal.net
|  [Wired] BEFSR41 & DSL Modem Out-of-Sync After Power Fails
Whenever we have a brownout or power-failure, I lose Internet connectivity. It's as if the AT&T version of my AT&T/Siemens SpeedStream 4100 DSL Modem and my LinkSys BEFSR41 Ethernet Cable/DSL Router get "out-of-sync" with each other. When the network is in this state, I can no longer see the DSL modem from my computers. I have not been able to identify the easiest way to correct this problem, but simply power-cycling the computer, modem, and/or router does not restore connectivity. I have found that plugging my computer directly into the DSL modem, accessing the Web, and then plugging it back back into the router does seem to restore connectivity.
I'm trying to understand why this is happening, if there's a way to stop it from happening, and if not, if there is an easier way to restore connectivity when it does happen (it really annoys my wife). Normally these two devices seem to play together well. However, getting them to play nice after a loss of power is a challenge.
Here's a rundown on the configuration:
The AT&T/SBC/Siemens SpeedStream modem is running Software Version 1.0.0.53. It is being run in it's standard AT&T "PPP on the modem (Public IP for LAN device)" mode. This mode allows the router to use the Public IP, allows me to use AT&T diagnostic software if necessary, and allows me to directly connect my computer to the DSL modem without changing anything if I have network problems.
The LinkSys BEFSR41 Ethernet Cable/DSL Router is running Firmware Version 1.05.00 and is Hardware Version 3.1. As with the DSL Modem, it is essentially in a default configuration with DHCP enabled.
Any guidance would be appreciated!
Thanks, Michael |
|
d_l
Barsoom
Premium,MVM
join:2002-12-08
Reno, NV
| Michael, the easiest way to avoid most of the problem would be to buy a small UPS for just your modem and router. Something like say an APC 350 ES would allow the power to be out for about 30 minutes before you are shut down. If your outages are frequent, then the UPS would save wear and tear on the equipment from power up surges.
Do you power up the modem, then the router, and then the computer in that order allowing each device to be fully booted (synced) before powering the next device? |
|
mjlinden
@sbcglobal.net | I'm not sure if I've tried powering-up in the sequence you've specified, but I'll give it a shot when I get a chance.
Thanks, Michael |
|
mstombs
join:2002-04-14
uk
| reply to mjlinden
The modem must be running in a half-bridge mode. When it first powers up it will not have have a Public IP to give out to the router - normally half-bridge modems give out a local IP initially (to aid configuration etc) with short lease time then replace it with the real Public IP when known. It is possible there is a problem with the local LAN IP (conflict with LAN side of router?), router doesn't get a short lease time or it just 'sulks'.
Agree with previous posters, power up the modem first, wait for lights to stabilize then power up the router is a recommended start-up procedure. |
|
