This FAQ is for configuring a BellSouth supplied Motorola/Netopia 2210-02-1006 with a generic third-party router that isn't specifically covered in the existing FAQs. If you have a router that is covered in the FAQs, I suggest you use that FAQ. This initial setup is all that is needed to configure and connect your generic router based network for FastAccess DSL. Any additional setup for features like DHCP IP ranges, port triggering, etc is out of the scope of this FAQ.

This FAQ has 4 Major sections:
Section 1 - Overview
Section 2 - Motorola/Netopia 2210 modem configuration
Section 3 - Third party router configuration information
Section 4 - Connections and power up

Section 1 - Overview
•The best configuration for networking a router with the Motorola 2210 is to set the 2210 to "Bridged Ethernet" mode and allow the third-party router to do the routing and DHCP functions. The 2210 is also a router with full DHCP functions and may not function correctly when connected directly to another router. Not changing the modem to Bridged Ethernet will result in double NAT'ing, increased latency, possible IP conflicts, or possibly a network that doesn't work at all.
• Before proceeding both the 2210 modem and third-party router must be reset to default. Despite what the help desk tech tells you, resetting the modem does not put it into Bridged Mode.
• The BellSouth Installation CD and Connection Manager are not required to use this configuration.
• The third-party Installation Wizard CD should not be used in this configuration.
• Since BellSouth assigns static IPs via your username the configurations shown are applicable to both dynamic and single static IP customers.
• You must connect the 2210 directly to the computer's NIC to make the necessary changes before you connect the router, because you will probably be unable to access the modem interface after you connect the router. The reason is that the modem interface is 192.168.1.254 which is a local IP. By default, most routers do not have the capability to route a local IP out of their WAN port (where the 2210 is connected). Additionally, they may be on completely different subnets. After you have made the changes to the 2210 you can then connect the router and configure it for use with FastAccess. There are several alternatives around this problem. One method involves extra equipment (second NIC and a hub) and major configuration changes. The second method requires you to utilize the router as a simple switch and use the 2210's PPPoE and DHCP functions. Click here for more information.
•If you encounter any problems simply reset the 2210, connect it directly to your NIC, restart your computer, log into the interface, and start over again.

Section 2 Motorola 2210 Configuration
Step 1
Verify that NIC cards (wireless or wired) are set to "Obtain IP Address Automatically". Completely power down the 2210 and the computer(s). Power up the modem and press the reset button on the back of the modem. After the modem has fully initialized connect the 2210 to the NIC and then power up the computer.

Step 2
Open a browser session and enter "192.168.1.254" in the address field to access the 2210 GUI 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.

Step 4
Click on Broadband DSL Line from the top menu. Click on Configure Connection from the right menu. Select "Bridged Ethernet" from the Protocol pull down. Click on Save and restart the connection at the bottom. This will automatically restart the modem and the interface will return after the changes are saved. Note: functions like NAT, DHCP, IP Passthrough, and username and password will be disabled or irrelevant and can not be selected. After the modem has restarted, power down both the computer and the modem then physically disconnect the 2210.

Section 3 - Third-Party Router Information
Step 5
After the PC is powered down connect one of the router LAN ports to the computer NIC and power up the third-party router and then the computer.

Step 6
Open a browser session to access the router interface as per the router's user guide. Even though the interface will vary from router to router you must use the following configurations as a basic rule:
- Select Obtain an IP address automatically. Important Note: Use Obtain an IP address automatically even if you ordered a static IP.
- Select PPPoE connectivity. Do not select any other choice, even if you have a static IP.
- Enter your BellSouth Username followed by "@bellsouth.net"
- Enter your BellSouth Password
- Select "Keep Alive" or "Always On" (if available)
- Set "Maximum Idle Time" to "0" which is similar to "keep alive" and "always on" (if available)
- Select a redial or reconnect period of "180 Seconds" (if available)
- Enter "1492" in the MTU Field (if available)
- Save your settings (which will probably restart your router)

Section 4 - Connections and Power Up
Step 7
Power everything down and physically connect the 2210, wired or wireless router, and any computer(s).

Pictures by Andy Houtz

Step 8
Power up the network equipment in this order:
1) Motorola 2210 Modem (wait for DSL synch)
2) Third-party Router
3) Computer(s)
Open a browser session and go surfing!

Important Additional Information
•The 2210 has an "Internet" light that is green whenever there is an active PPPoE session initiated by the Motorola. Since you are using the Netgear to establish the PPPoE session the light will stay off. This is normal.
•You should check your tweak settings to optimize your new network. Reminder: If you are required to change your MTU, make sure that it is identical on all equipment (PCs and routers) in the network.

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