How to Configure a Westell DSL Modem With a Netgear Router
Westell DSL modems are used by many large Internet providers, including Bellsouth and Sprint. These modems are configured by means of a built-in Web interface. However, the modems do not come with built-in wireless networking capability, so you will have to purchase a separate router, such as one of the many models manufactured by Netgear. Although it might sound complicated, the built-in setup wizards make configuring a Westell DSL modem with a Netgear router a simple operation.
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Instructions
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Configuring the Westell DSL Modem
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Turn on the Westell modem. The "Power" light will turn a steady green, but none of the other lights will work at this point because the modem is not configured to carry traffic yet.
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Connect a nearby computer to the Westell modem with an Ethernet cable. One end of the cable goes into the network socket on your computer, the other end will plug into one of the Ethernet ports on the back of the Westell.
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Launch a Web browser and navigate to dslrouter.com (or http://192.168.1.1), where you will configure the Westell modem through the built-in configuration panel.
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Click the "Next" button after the splash screen opens. Enter the username and password for your Internet connection. These should be included in the information that you got from your ISP (Internet Service Provider). Type an easy to remember name for your connection (such as "DSL") in the "Connection Name" box. Click "Next."
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Locate VPI and VCI numbers. These should be included in the material given to you by your ISP. Enter these into the appropriate boxes on the setup screen. Click the "Next" button when finished.
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Choose the "PPPoE" selection from the drop-down list underneath "Protocol." Click the "Next" button. The Westell DSL modem will contact the ISP and check to see that your connection and account information is correct. You should see the green "Internet" status light on the Westell glow a solid green at this point. Once verified, the modem will take you back to the main startup screen.
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Select "Profile Editor" from the main menu. Make sure that the "Always On" and "Save Password" options are selected. This will connect your DSL automatically. Click the "Save" button to write these changes to the modem's configuration file.
Configuring the Netgear Router
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Place the Netgear router next to your Westell DSL modem, making sure that the Netgear has at least 2 inches of open space on each side for air to circulate. Plug the Netgear router into an available electric socket. Run an Ethernet cable from the Ethernet socket on the back of the Westell modem and into the "WAN" socket on the back of the Netgear router. In most models, this is colored green.
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Open up a Web browser and navigate to routerlogin.net. This is the default location for the Netgear configuration interface.
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Enter "admin" as the username and "password" (no quotes on either). These are the default passwords for Netgear routers.
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Follow the prompts from the Setup Wizard that starts after you login to the router. When asked by the Setup Wizard, allow the router to detect your Internet type. Click "Next" when the program is finished.
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Configure your wireless network setup. Select "Wireless Setting" from the main menu of the Netgear router. Here you can change the default SSID (network name) of your router and the network key, or password, that users must enter to use the wireless connection. When you are happy with your settings, click "Apply."
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Tips & Warnings
If you experience modem or router connection problems, unplug the device and allow it to sit for a minute, then plug it back in.
Be careful when editing these configuration files, as the wrong information could cause your connection to become unresponsive. Many routers and modems have a "reset" button that will allow you to recover the default configuration files.
References
Resources
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