How to Configure a 2Wire Gateway

A gateway connects you to the Internet.

A 2Wire Gateway is a networking device that acts as both a DSL modem and a router. It is manufactured by 2Wire, a San Jose-based tech company. Recent 2Wire units also include wireless capabilities, which allow users to share network resources as well as connect to the Internet wirelessly. Configuring a 2Wire Gateway requires that all the local network settings as well as the DSL login information be entered correctly. Although 2Wire products are sold in retail stores, they are usually supplied by ISPs as part of their service.

Things You'll Need

• Ethernet RJ-45 cable
• Telephone RJ-11 cable

Instructions

1. 

   You need a phone cable.

   Connect your 2Wire Gateway to your phone jack using an RJ-11 telephone cable. Power the unit on and give it a couple of minutes to fully boot up.

2. 

   RJ-45 ethernet cable

   Connect your computer to the unit using an Ethernet RJ-45 cable. Plug one end into your computer's network port, the other into one of the ports on the back of the gateway. The 2Wire Gateway is compatible with Windows, Macs and UNIX-based computers.

3. 

   Configure the 2Wire using a Web browser.

   Launch a Web browser (Internet Explorer, Safari, Firefox or Google Chrome) and enter 2Wire.gateway.net into the URL bar. Hit the "Enter" or "Return" key to bring up the configuration page.

4. 

   A password protects your network.

   Click on the "Run System Setup Wizard" link. You will be prompted to create an administrator password for the unit, which prevents anyone from accessing the configuration page and changing your network settings. Click "Next" and enter the 20 character key code. This number is supplied to you by your DSL provider, and is included with your DSL "Welcome Kit." After you have entered the key code, click on the "Next" button to continue the configuration process. Contact your DSL provider if you are missing the key code.

5. 

   Your DSL Welcome Kit has been delivered.

   Select "PPPoA" for your connection method, and then enter your DSL username and password. This information was also included in your "Welcome Kit." Without your user name and password, you won't be able to connect to the Internet. Note that both the user name and password are case-sensitive, so they must be entered exactly as they appear in your documentation.

6. 

   Working wirelessly

   Click on the "Home Network" icon and then the "Wireless Settings" link to enter your wireless network settings. Give your wireless network a name (something that differentiates it from any other wireless networks within range) and turn on wireless security by clicking "Enable" in the "Wireless Network Security" section.

7. 

   Always record your password.

   Select "WPA" under "Wireless Mode" to turn on wireless network security. If you want to use the provided wireless key (password), select "Use default encryption key" and enter the number (found on a sticker attached to the bottom or side of the 2Wire unit) in the "Key" field. If you want to create your own password, select "Use custom encryption key" and enter your password in the "Key" field. Click on the "Save" button to save the changes you entered.

Tips & Warnings

• You aren't required to use the CD that is included with the 2Wire Gateway.

• Record your passwords in a safe place.

• Disable "SSID Broadcast" if you don't want outsiders to see your wireless network.

• Losing your password will require restoring the 2Wire's settings to factory defaults.

References

• 2Wire.com

Resources

• WirelessForums.com