ChiDSL66
join:2002-12-27
Chicago, IL
|  reply to KAIFS
Re: Hard Resetting Westell B90-36R516
KAIFS,
ModemUpgrade.exe was never the REAL problem. In fact, the firmware installed using ModemUpgrade.exe is what finally "fixed" my Westell WireSpeed 516. Unfortunately, prior to "hard resetting" my modem as outlined in my original post, I was unable to install the firmware included in ModemUpgrade.exe because it requested a "Software Encryption Key" to proceed. Several people have posted messages about ModemUpgrade.exe (and other Westell upgrades) requiring a "Software Encryption Key", so the inability to use ModemUpgrade.exe is not unique to my modem or setup. I don't use a router or switch; my modem is directly attached to my PC's Kingston KNE111TX Ethernet adapter.
I think what screwed up my modem was the combination of firmware included with the "Westell ADSL Management Utility V2.2" (Westell608.exe) and the "ModemAlcatel367 Bridge(DMT) Transceiver" application installed by WestellPVCUtility.exe. It seems like using a variety of Westell programs found on the internet resulted in mismatched versions of software components on the modem, causing it not to work correctly. Somewhere in all of these attempts to flash my modem with these mismatched firmware utilities, the firmware became corrupted such that the modem would no longer power-up to a "Ready" state.
My email certainly wasn't intended to challenge you or the software & information on your website. Thank GOD for websites like yours and forums like dslreports.com! Like you, my posts are intended to help others experiencing similar problems. I blame Westell for their lack of adequate support. Except for their "hidden" Verizon-specific 516 software, Westell's support site doesn't include any updates or useable support information for the WireSpeed 516. Westell needs to provide WireSpeed 516 customers with a single, up-to-date upgrade containing current bootstrap, core and bridge DMT firmware (similar to ModemUpgrade.exe) that doesn't require some ridiculous "Software Encryption Key". |
