This FAQ is for general information about setting up a BellSouth configured Westell 2100/2200/6100 (Models A90-210030-04, B90-220030-04 and B90-610030-06/C90-610030-06, respectively) with some of the more popular DSL routers available. Although the router setup and configuration vary by manufacturer, there are certain aspects that will remain the same. These procedures and pictures are based on the most recent firmware for the Westell. Other Westell firmware menus and screenshots are slightly different but the bridge option and functions are still available. It is highly recommended that you click here and update your Westell firmware. More detailed information about the Westell is available here. If you have a relatively popular router chances are there is a specific FAQ for it. Check the BellSouth FAQs for your specific manufacturer.

This FAQ has 4 Major sections:
Section 1 - Overview
Section 2 - Westell modem configuration
Section 3 - General router configuration information
Section 4 - Connections and power up

Section 1 - Overview
•The best configuration for networking a Linksys router(or any other external router) with the Westell is to set the Westell to "Bridged Ethernet" mode and allow the Linksys to do the routing and DHCP functions. The Westell 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 may result in double NAT'ing, increased latency, possible IP conflicts, or possibly a network that doesn't work at all.
•Both the Westell and Linksys router must be set 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.
•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 Westell 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 your Westell is connected). Additionally, they may be on completely different subnets. After you have made the changes to the Westell 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 Westell's PPPoE and DHCP functions. Click here for more information.
•If you encounter any problems simply reset the Westell, connect it directly to your NIC, restart your computer, log into the Westell interface, and start over again.
•More information about the Westell is available here.

Section 2 - Westell Configuration
Step 1
Verify that your NIC card is set to "Obtain IP Address Automatically". Completely power down the Westell and the computer(s). Power up the modem and press the reset button on the back of the modem for 10 seconds. After the modem has fully reinitialized connect the Westell to the NIC and then power up the computer.

Step 2
Open a browser application and enter 192.168.1.254 in the URL address field to access the Westell interface. If you are unable to access the interface check here and make sure your NIC is set to "Obtain an IP address automatically". If that is set correctly and you still can not connect to the Westell interface, reboot the computer (or release/renew) to obtain a new IP.

Step 3
This step is dependent on your specific Westell model number and firmware.

Westell 6100 Procedure: 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.

Westell 2100 or 2200 Procedure: Click on Expert Mode from the menu and confirm that you want to enter Expert Mode. Click on Configure from the menu and then Connection in the sub-menu. Select "Bridged Ethernet" from the Protocol pull down. Click on Save and restart the connection at the bottom. Important Information: You will not be able to access Expert Mode if you are using Internet Explorer 7. This is a known issue, however no new firmware is available to correct the problem. Click here for more information.

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 Westell.

Section 3 - General Router Information
Step 5
After the PC is powered down connect one of the router's LAN ports to the computer NIC and power up the router and then the computer. Reset the router to default by using the reset button (if available).

Step 6
If you have a router listed on in the links below please click on the link for specific router configuration information. If you do not have a router listed below please proceed to Step 7. If you are using the configuration information from a link below please proceed to Step 8 after you have completed the router configuration.
• Linksys Router Configuration Information
• D-Link Router Configuration Information

Step 7
Open a browser session to access the router interface as per that particular router's user guide. Even though the interface will vary from router to router you must make the following changes 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 by BellSouth. BellSouth will always assign the same IP via your PPP session.
- 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)
- Enter 1492 in the MTU Field (if available)
- Save your settings (which will probably restart your router)

Section 4 - Connections and Power Up
Step 8
Power everything down and physically connect the Westell, the router, and any computer(s).


Pictures by Andy Houtz

Step 9
Power up the network equipment in this order:
•Westell Modem (wait til Ready light goes steady green)
•External Router
•Computer(s)
Open a browser session and go surfing!

Additional Information
•You may want to recheck your tweak settings in order to optimize your new network. Reminder: If you are required to change your MTU, make sure that it is set identically on all equipment (PCs and routers) in the network.
•The 6100 has an "Internet" light that is green whenever there is an active PPPoE session initiated by the Westell. Since you are using the other router to establish the PPPoE session the light will stay off. This is normal.
Andy Houtz