The BellSouth specific Westell 2100/2200/6100 modems provide basic line statistics like Data Path, Line Attenuation, DSL Rate, Ethernet Stats, and Signal to Noise ratio. However, they do not have the ability to measure advanced statistics like Maximum Attainable Line Rate, ATM Rate, or Line Capacity. Important Note: If you are using the Westell in conjunction with another router you must reset the Westell and connect it directly to the computer's NIC to access the interface. After you have checked your stats you can then connect the router and reconfigure it for use with FastAccess. Click here for more information. Important steps in this FAQ are dependent on the Westell model number and firmware. Please follow the instructions for your specific model and firmware.

Section 1 - Accessing the DSL Statistics
Step 1
Open a browser session and enter "192.168.1.254" or "launchmodem" in the address field to access the Westell Interface. Important Note: If you are using a separate router in conjunction with the Westell you will will need to connect the Westell directly to a single PC in order to access the modem's interface.

Step 2
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 Statistics from the right menu and then click on DSL.

Westell 2100 or 2200 Procedure: Click on Expert Mode and confirm that you want to enter Expert Mode. Click on Statistics from the menu and then ADSL in the sub-menu. 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.

Step 3
Check and record your modem stats. The most important statistics are Data Path, SN Margin (dB), Line Attenuation (dB), and CRC Errors, . Additional information on Data Path is available here. SN Margin (Signal to Noise Margin) should be 6 dB or more and Line Attenuation should be roughly 60 dB or less. See Section 2 below for more details.


Westell 2100 stats shown as reference only and actual screen menu may vary.

Section 2 - Accessing the Event Logs
Step 4
This step is dependent on your specific Westell model number and firmware.

Westell 6100 Procedure: Click on Diagnostics from the top menu and then click on Log in the menu on the right. Select All from the logs pull down.

Westell 2100 or 2200 Procedure: Under the Statistics menu and click on Logs in the sub-menu. Select All from the logs pull down.

Step 5
The log contains connection information and various statistics as shown. Important note: The logs shown below are edited for size and your actual logs may look different.


Westell 2100 logs shown as reference only and actual screen menu may vary.

Section 3 - What do the numbers mean?
SN Margin (AKA Signal to Noise Margin or Signal to Noise Ratio)
Relative strength of the DSL signal to Noise ratio. 6dB is the lowest dB manufactures specify for modem to be able to synch. In some instances interleaving can help raise the noise margin to an acceptable level. The higher the number the better for this measurement.
6dB or below is bad and will experience no synch or intermittent synch problems
7dB-10dB is fair but does not leave much room for variances in conditions
11dB-20dB is good with no synch problems
20dB-28dB is excellent
29dB or above is outstanding

Line Attenuation
Measure of how much the signal has degraded between the DSLAM and the modem. Maximum signal loss recommendation is usually about 60dB. The lower the dB the better for this measurement.
20dB and below is outstanding
20dB-30dB is excellent
30dB-40dB is very good
40dB-50dB is good
50dB-60dB is poor and may experience connectivity issues
60dB or above is bad and will experience connectivity issues

CRC Errors (Cyclic Redundancy Check)
CRC is a method of detecting errors in data transmission. A high CRC count in inself is not really cause for alarm. However, any increase in CRC errors after your initial connection is established is a problem and usually points to a physical issue somewhere between the modem and the DSLAM. Isolate your inside wiring as a cause by testing from the NID and troubleshoot from there.

TX Power
How much power modem (upstream) or DSLAM (downstream) is using. Maximum recommended is about 15dB. The lower the power the better for this measurement.

DSL Rate
Your provisioned ATM Rate (actual service rate). If this number is lower than actual provisioning rate you have a physical problem preventing full bandwidth.

Troubleshooting Bad Line Stats
The best way to isolate line issues is by testing from the NID and troubleshooting the results.

Andy Houtz