The Motorola 2210 supplied by BellSouth is a router. This eliminates the need for another external wireless router in order to network your computers. Using a simple Wireless Access Point (WAP) with the 2210 enables an inexpensive way to share your connection that is easy to set up and very reliable.

This FAQ is specifically for Wireless Access Points. Some wireless routers may have the capability to function as an access point or bridged wireless device, but that configuration is beyond the scope of this FAQ.

Section 1 - General Information
Position the WAP in the center of the network, as high as possible, and preferably with a line of sight to all networked PCs.
Most manufacturers recommend you position the antenna perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other.
Many people recommend using a USB network adapter instead of PCI. It is easier to remotely mount the USB adapter away from the computer and as high as possible for better reception.
All PC NICs should all be set to "Obtain IP Address Automatically". Please reference this FAQ. Any changes to the NIC properties may require you to reboot the computer.
The BellSouth Installation CD and Connection Manager are not required (or recommended) to use this configuration.
Since BellSouth assigns static IPs via your username the configurations shown are applicable to both dynamic and single static IP customers.
It is highly recommended that you press the reset button on the back of the modem (while powered on) to put it back factory default before proceeding.

Section 2 - Physical Connection
Step 1
Power down the 2210, WAP, and all PCs. Install the wireless network adapter(s) per the manufactures' instructions. Physically connect the 2210 and WAP as shown. Note: Some WAPs may require a crossover cable instead of a standard Cat5 wire between the LAN port on the 2210 and the Uplink port. A hub or a switch can also be connected in conjunction with the WAP to provide wired and wireless networking.

Pictures by Andy Houtz

Step 2
Power up the 2210, WAP, and all PCs. Verify that you have a connection (check the link status light) between the WAP and all computer wireless NICs. Open a browser session and enter "192.168.1.254" in the address field to access the modem interface.

Step 3
Enter your BellSouth Username followed by "@bellsouth.net" in the User ID field. Enter your BellSouth Password in the Password field. Re-enter your BellSouth Password in the Confirm Password field. Click on Next. Update the Auto Calender Update Configuration as desired and click Next. The modem will try to initiate a session and then return to the main menu. You're done!

Additional Recommendations
By default the 2210 modem is set to "Connect on demand" and will disconnect after a certain period of inactivity. Many people change their modem connection to "Always On" to disable any default timeouts and force the modem to establish a new PPP session automatically if it goes down for any reason.

Cool Stuff
An online, html-based menu simulator program is available here. The simulator recreates the Motorola 2210 user interface and provides the ability to navigate menus; just like the real modem interface. It is for simulation purposes only and will not make any changes to your actual modem.

Andy Houtz