The answer as to which modem to use is like anything in life...it depends. How do you intend to use your system, the resources available, ease of use, and money all factor in. The best answer may be very simple...the free modem. BellSouth/AT&T Southeast offers some of it's modems for free (after rebate). Check here to see if you qualify. Although many other modems may work, they may require additional configurations and will not be supported by the HelpDesk.

Modems rated on a scale of 1 to 5 "Thumbs Up"
(5 being the best)*


2 Wire 2701HG-B
The 2 Wire 2701HG-B is the current modem/wireless router shipped for the residential Wireless Home Networking service. The router provides 802.11G WiFi, ADSL2+ capability, and 4 ethernet ports for wired networking. It supports G.DMT speeds up to 8 Mbps downstream and 800 Kbps upstream. It also supports ADSL2+ which can increase speeds up to 25Mbps (when it becomes available). Although interface is not as user friendly as most, it does have a firewall (stateful packet inspection & NAT), and detailed line statistics. Modem is configured by default to use PPPoE (it also supports PPPoA).
Shipping Status: Currently shipping
HelpDesk Support: Yes




Verdict:
"A good ADSL2+ modem, 802.11G wireless router, 4 port ethernet switch, and firewall."

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Motorola 2210-002-1006
The Motorola 2110 is the current modem/router shipped for standard residential DSL service and provides a single ethernet port for connectivity. It supports G.DMT speeds up to 8 Mbps downstream and 800 Kbps upstream. It also supports ADSL2+ which can increase speeds up to 25Mbps (when it becomes available). The BellSouth supplied Motorola 2210 has a unique user interface and features that are different from the 13 state SBC model. The modem is also a router with a built in PPPoE client that eliminates the need for any connection software on the PC. This modem is configured by default to use PPPoE (it also supports PPPoA) Since it is a router, networking is as easy as adding a hub or switch.
Shipping Status: Currently shipping
HelpDesk Support: Yes


Verdict:
"A small and reliable ADSL2+ modem with advanced router features that are easy to manage. It gets hot, so don't impede good airflow or turn it upside down to vent it better."

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Westell 6100
The Westell 6100 was the primary modem/router supplied to residential customers from May 2004 to late 2007. It has both ethernet and USB connectivity. The BellSouth supplied 6100 (Models B90-610030-06 and C90-610030-06) are specifically designed with a unique firmware, interface, and features that are different from the standard retail 6100 models. Although they are physically different from the BellSouth Supplied 2100/2200 modems they have basically identical interfaces and functionality. The modem is also a router with a built in PPPoE client that eliminates the need for any connection software on the PC. Since it is a router, networking is as easy as adding a hub or switch. The 6100 features an improved chipset featuring DMH (Dynamic Multi-Hybrid) technology that provides better performance on marginal lines however that makes it more susceptible to lightning strikes/interference. It can support G.DMT speeds up to 8 Mbps downstream and 800 Kbps upstream. It also supports ADSL2+ which can increase speeds up to 25Mbps (when it becomes available). More information is available here.
Shipping Status: Discontinued ~2007
HelpDesk Support: Yes



Verdict: 3/4
Better marginal line connectivity, smaller size, ADSL2+, built in router, and more reliable than previous Westells."

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Netopia 2241N
The Netopia 2241N had a short life-span and shipped from fall 2006 through mid 2007 for residential and some small business customers. It provides a single ethernet port and a single USB port for connectivity. The BellSouth supplied 2241N are specifically designed with a unique firmware, interface, and features that are different from the standard retail Netopia models. The modem is also a router with a built in PPPoE client that eliminates the need for any connection software on the PC and networking is as easy as adding a hub or switch. Additionally, it supports Static Routing and IP Mapping for advanced networks. It can support G.DMT speeds up to 8 Mbps downstream and 800 Kbps upstream and ADSL2+ which can increase speeds up to 25Mbps (when it becomes available).
Shipping Status: Discontinued ~2007
HelpDesk Support: Yes


Verdict: 3/4
"ADSL2+ capability, IP mapping, static routing, small size, and Netopia reliability."

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Westell 327W (Wireless)
The Westell 327W shipped between mid 2005 through late 2007. It has both wireless (802.11g+) and 4 port ethernet connectivity. The BellSouth supplied 327W is specifically designed with a unique firmware, interface, and features that are different from the standard retail 327W models. The modem has router capabilities with a built in PPPoE client that eliminates the need for any connection software on the PC. Since it is a router, wired or wireless networking is easy. It supports G.DMT speeds up to 8 Mbps downstream and 800 Kbps upstream. It also supports ADSL2+ which can increase speeds up to 25Mbps (when it becomes available).
Shipping Status: Discontinued ~2007
HelpDesk Support: Yes



Verdict: 1/2
"It's got 802.11g+ wireless, 4 ethernet ports, a built in router, great reliability, and an easy to use interface."

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Westell 2100/2200
The Westell 2100/2200 were the primary modem/routers supplied to all new BellSouth residential customers between August 2002 and May 2004. It has both ethernet and USB connectivity. The BellSouth supplied Westells (Models A90-210030-04 or B90-220030-04) are specifically designed with a unique firmware, interface, and features that are different from the standard retail models. The modems are also a router with a built in PPPoE client that eliminates the need for any connection software on the PC. Since it is a router, networking is as easy as adding a hub or switch. The chipset is more sensitive then most modems which makes it desirable for people with long loops or marginal lines, however it lacks detailed line statistics to monitor the loop. It can support G.DMT speeds up to 8 Mbps downstream and 800 Kbps upstream. More information is available here.
Shipping Status: Discontinued ~2004
HelpDesk Support: Limited



Verdict:
"Even though it lacks ADSL2+, it has a built in router and is pretty reliable."

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Alcatel SpeedTouch Home (STH)
The Alcatel STH is a "bridge modem" with ethernet only connectivity. It was shipped for residential and small business service until mid 2002. Since it is a simple bridge modem it requires a PPP client either on your PC(s) or router for connectivity. It uses ethernet connectivity (as opposed to USB or PCI) that frees up pc resources and makes the modem not OS specific so it does not require any modem drivers. Even though it has a good reputation for reliability, it has a habit of delivering flaky speeds and eventually dying altogether. It has very detailed line monitoring and diagnostics compared to most newer modems, however its chipset (designed in the mid 1990s) is not up to par with the newer modems available. It can support G.DMT speeds up to 8Mbps downstream, 832kps upstream. More information on the STH is available here.
Shipping Status: Discontinued ~2002
HelpDesk Support: Very limited



Verdict: 1/2
"Standard bearer for years, but is easily out-classed by newer modems. The lack of a PPP client means it's only reasonable when used in conjunction with a separate third party router."

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Alcatel 1000
The Alcatel 1000 is a "bridge modem" with ethernet only connectivity. It requires a PPP client either on your PC(s) or router. This modem was the original ethernet modem distributed by BellSouth and was mainly used by "bridged customers" that used MAC addresses for authentication.It does not require any drivers on the PC to function, but its chipset is outdated and inferior in its ability to connect on marginal loops.
Shipping Status: Discontinued ~2000
HelpDesk Support: None



Verdict:
"Very dependable, but it is no longer being supported (even by Alcatel). The lack of a PPP client also earns it a place in that old box in the basement with the 2400 baud modem and Laser Disc of "Revenge of the Nerds" that you still have for some reason."

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Alcatel SpeedTouch USB
The Alcatel USB was designed for a single user with no need for networking. The modem has a single USB port for connectivity and requires drivers that are OS specific. It will not work with all OSs and can not be easily networked. The modem can utilize PPPoA and RFC1483 connectivity. The modem is a high power drain device that may cause problems with other USB devices. Many users have eliminated power supply problems by installing a self-powered hub, which provides the USB with a separate power source. It can support G.DMT speeds up to 8Mbps downstream, 832kps upstream.
Shipping Status: Discontinued ~2002
HelpDesk Support: None



Verdict: 1/2
"Cheap and plentiful...but for a reason. It seems like all of your "friends" are willing to give you their old one (or an entire pallet of them) for free. Remember the old saying about Trojans bearing gifts."

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Efficient 4060 External USB
The Efficient 4060 was designed for a single user with no need for networking. The modem only has a single USB port for connectivity and requires drivers that are OS specific. It can not be easily networked and will not work with all OSs (many people report problems with Windows XP). The Modem can utilize PPPoA and RFC1483 connectivity. The modem is a high power drain device that may cause problems with other USB devices. Many users have eliminated power supply problems by installing a self-powered hub, which provides the USB with a separate power source.
Shipping Status: Discontinued ~2001
HelpDesk Support: None


Verdict: 1/2
"Not even as reliable or popular as the Alcatel USB...so that says something. On the positive side, the bold shape and muted colors do qualify it as a post-modern piece of art that can be used as a coffee table conversation starter."

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Efficient 3060 Internal PCI
The 3060 is an internal PCI modem that provides no networking capabilities. Since it is an internal modem it tends to cause occasional problems with IRQ conflicts, especially if you have a Sound Blaster audio card. The modem requires drivers that are OS specific. It can not be easily networked and will not work with all OSs (many people report problems with Windows XP). The Modem can utilize PPPoA and RFC1483 connectivity.
Shipping Status: Discontinued ~2000
HelpDesk Support: None


Verdict:
"If you are still using this modem it's probably because you lost some goofy fraternity bet. I wouldn't give one to someone I hated!"

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3Com Home Connect Internal PCI
The 3Com is an internal PCI modem that provides no networking capabilities. Since it is an internal modem it tends to cause occasional problems with IRQ conflicts, especially if you have a Sound Blaster audio card. It utilizes PPPoA and RFC1483 connectivity, but requires specific drivers depending on the OS and is no longer officially supported by 3Com.
Shipping Status: Discontinued ~2000
HelpDesk Support: None



Verdict:
"Use it if absolutely nothing else is available, it's an emergency, and the fate of the entire universe depends on it (just don't tell anyone)."

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Cayman 3220-H
The Cayman combines a modem, 4-port router, and 10Mb ethernet hub in one package. It's a very reliable, highly configurable unit with all the features you would expect on a high end business router. It has very detailed monitoring and diagnostics. They have a reputation for bad power supplies, but were once a favorite cornerstone for building reliable networks. This modem supports PPPoA and PPPoE.
Shipping Status: Discontinued ~2004
HelpDesk Support: Very limited (Business HD only)


Verdict: 1/2
" A full featured modem, router, hub all in one...couldn't ask for more (except a lower price and better power supply). They are however easily out-classed by newer models. "

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Netopia 3346
The newest 4 port modem/router with 10/100Mb Ethernet switch. It is currently available through BellSouth for Business Class customers only. This router is smaller than most 4 port hubs yet adds even more to the capabilities and reliability of the previous generation Caymans at a lower price. Offers advanced features like Network Address Port Translation, DHCP Relay, DNS proxy, and VPN passthrough (PPTP, L2TP, & IPSec). New chipset offers improved performance and detailed monitoring and logging capabilities. This modem supports PPPoA and PPPoE.
Shipping Status: Current
HelpDesk Support: Yes (Business HD only)


Verdict: 1/2
"One of the smallest, full-featured 4 port routers around. Top notch reliability with all the advanced bells and whistles."

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Netopia 3347W and 3347NWG
The 3347W is the older 802.11b ADSL wireless gateway modem/router that also features a 4 port 10/100Mb Ethernet switch. The 3347NWG is a newer 802.11b/g ADSL wireless gateway modem/router that also features a 4 port 10/100Mb Ethernet switch. It is currently available through BellSouth for Business Class customers only. This wireless router is smaller than most 4 port hubs yet has enhanced "3-D Reach technology" that provides great coverage. It offers advanced features like Network Address Port Translation, DHCP Relay, DNS proxy, and VPN passthrough (PPTP, L2TP, & IPSec). This modem supports PPPoA and PPPoE.
Shipping Status: Current
HelpDesk Support: Yes (Business HD only)


Verdict:
"Holy Cow! A small wireless router that has great coverage and all the advanced features and functions you could want! Recently replaced sliced bread as one of the best things ever."

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2Wire HomePortal
The HomePortal is a modem, router, and HPNA (home phone networking adapter) device initially offered for the BellSouth Home Networking service. It has both Ethernet and USB connectivity. The HPNA capabilities allow the use of existing phone wires to network multiple computers and eliminates the need to run Cat5 wiring throughout the house. You must purchase separate HPNA adapters for every computer that is to be networked. Although the interface is not as user friendly as most, it does have very detailed monitoring, firewall (stateful packet inspection & NAT), and parental controls. This modem is configured by default to use PPPoE (even though some HomePortals support PPPoA).
Shipping Status: Discontinued ~2004
HelpDesk Support: Very limited


Verdict: 1/2
"A modem, router, firewall, and HPNA device that allows networking without running new wires. I wish they were smaller, had a better chipset, and were easier to set up."

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2Wire HomePortal Wireless
The Wireless HomePortal is a modem, wireless router, and HPNA (home phone networking adapter) device previously offered for the BellSouth Wireless Home Networking service. It has since been replaced by the Westell 327W as of mid 2005. It has both Ethernet and USB connectivity. The router uses 802.11b WiFi specifications. The HPNA capabilities allow the use of existing phone wires to network multiple computers and eliminates the need to run Cat5 wiring throughout the house. Although interface is not as user friendly as most, it does have very detailed monitoring, firewall (stateful packet inspection & NAT), and parental controls. This modem is configured by default to use PPPoE (even though some HomePortals support PPPoA).
Shipping Status: Discontinued ~2005
HelpDesk Support: Limited


Verdict: 1/2
"A modem, 802.11b wireless router, firewall, and HPNA device that allows networking without running new wires. I wish they were smaller, had a better chipset, and were easier to set up."

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Unsupported Modems
This list shows modems qualified to work with FastAccess DSL, but which are not supported by the BellSouth Help Desk. Questions or problems with these modems will have to be referred to the modem manufacturer. Adjustments or changes may be needed to function properly with BSFA.

Efficient Networks SpeedStream 3061 (Internal PCI)
Efficient Networks SpeedStream 5667 (External Ethernet DSL Modem)
Efficient Networks SpeedStream 5667 (External Ethernet)

Eicon Diva 2430, 2430SE (External Ethernet & USB DSL Modem)
Eicon Diva 2440 (External Ethernet & USB DSL Modem)

ITeX ITeX Apollo 3 (Internal PCI DSL Modem)
ITeX ITeX Apollo 2 (Internal PCI DSL Modem)

Westell WireSpeed DMT (External Ethernet DSL Modem)

* Ratings are purely subjective and only one person's humble opinion.

Andy Houtz DSL

Firmware for current supported modems/routers is available at the BellSouth Drivers and Downloads Site.

Archives for firmware for discontinued modems/routers is available at the BellSouth Firmware Archive.

Another site for outdated/previous firmware is available at the Secondary BellSouth Firmware Archive.

No, not all DSL modems are compatible with the BellSouth FastAccess service. It must be ADSL G.DMT compatible and allow you to change the VPI setting to 8 and VCI setting to 35. Some modems are bridge modems only that require a third party PPP connection client. The BellSouth Connection Agent PPPoE client is available at the BellSouth Support Site. Other clients are available or you can use the native PPP client if you have Windows XP. You must include @bellsouth.net after your username.

Note: G.LITE only and SDSL modems are not compatible with the BellSouth FastAccess Service.

You are not required to use a BellSouth supplied DSL modem. However, BellSouth will not provide any technical Help Desk support if you are not using a BellSouth modem. A comparison of the most common BellSouth supported modems and a list of unsupported modems is available here. Other modem models not listed may be compatible with FastAccess but have not been tested or verified and are not supported.
Andy Houtz

Hubs operate at ISO Layer 1 - Physical Layer
Switches operate at ISO Layer 2 - Data Link Layer
Routers operate at ISO Layer 3 - Network Layer

HUB
Hubs is the most basic of connections, providing nothing more than a shared wire or backbone. When Ethernet was originally designed it used a single fat coax called a backbone. Individual hosts were all physically connected to the single backbone. This created a party line. Each host has to listen for the backbone to be idle before it started talking. It is possible more then one host will start talking at the same time, in that case the messages collide making them unintelligible. If this condition is detected each transmitter stops talking and waits a variable interval before attempting to talk again. The Ethernet network is called a collision domain, since all devices must wait until the line is clear, and may inadvertently interfere with one another. The analogy of an old party line telephone is a good one. You would have to pick up the receiver and see if anyone was talking; if they were using the telephone you would have to wait till they were finished. If you tried to talk over the other party your message would be going to the wrong place and be mixed up with the other message.

When Ethernet was modified to run over Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) Category rated wiring the original coax backbone was shrunk within the hub, called a collapsed backbone. Functionally a hub operates exactly as the old coax backbone and sends any packets to all connected ports. The ports on the hub provide a point-to-point connection to the Ethernet interface in each computer. With a hub each node must wait for the network to be idle and detect collisions between multiple nodes.

SWITCH
As Ethernet networks grew in speed and size the party line nature was recognized as a performance limitation. Switches eliminate the collision domain and work much like the modern telephone switching system.

When an Ethernet packet arrives at the switch the destination MAC address is examined and the packet is switched to the proper port. Each Ethernet interface has a Media Access Controller (MAC) 48-bit address assigned by the hardware vendor. The switch remembers which MAC addresses are connected to each port. If the Switch does not know which port to use it floods the packet to all ports. When it gets a response it updates its internal MAC address table.

This means Port A can talk to C at the same time F is taking to B. This greatly increases overall performance even though it does not change the speed of individual connections. Because the collision domain is eliminated, connections are able to use full duplex. Hosts can transmit and receive at the same time improving performance even more.

Hub versus Switch Summary:
The functional difference between a hub and switch is that all devices connected to a hub share the bandwidth, while any device connected to a switch port has the full bandwidth all to itself. For example, if 10 devices are communicating using a hub on a 100Mbps network, then each device only gets a portion of the 100 Mbps and there will be traffic jams. But with a switch, each device could possibly communicate at the full 100 Mbps with a traffic cop ensuring no traffic jams happen.

ROUTER
A router is used to interconnect multiple networks. The Internet is literally Internetwork -- a network of networks. Internet routers work on IP addresses to determine how best to interconnect the sender to the destination. Because routers work at the IP layer different physical networks can be interconnected, Ethernet, Token Ring, Sonet, even RS232 serial used for dialup can carry IP packets.

Routers intended for home use include Network Address Translation (NAT). This allows a single address assigned by the ISP to be shared by multiple hosts connected to the local area network (LAN) using local "non routable" IPs. LAN routers with multiple ports also incorporate a built in switch to establish Layer 2 connectivity to multiple endpoints.
Andy Houtz

No. The Efficient Networks 5250 is an SDSL modem and will not work with the BellSouth FastAccess service.

The Westell 2100/2200/6100s supplied by BellSouth are also routers. This eliminates the need for another external router in order to network your computers. Using a hub or switch with the Westell enables an inexpensive way to share your connection that is easy to set up and very reliable.

This FAQ provide generalized 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 most of the popular hubs or switches available today. Other Westell models are different and this FAQ does not apply.

Section 1 - General Information
Most people recommend a switch because they are about the same price and are more efficient than hubs because they eliminate packet collisions. Please reference this FAQ for guidelines on which is right for your needs.
A benefit of using a hub or switch (instead of an additional router) is the ability to still access the Westell Interface through a browser.
Must new hubs and switches are auto-sensing and do not use a dedicated Uplink port. Simply plug the cable into any port and the equipment will sense that it as an uplink.
Some Hubs and switches require a crossover cable between the Westell and the Uplink port.
All PC NICs should all be set to "Obtain IP Address Automatically" and no proxy server should be set. 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 to use this configuration.
It is highly recommended that you press the reset button while powered on to put the modem back to factory default before proceeding.

Section 2 - Physical Connections & Configuration
Step 1
Verify that your NIC card(s) is set to "Obtain IP Address Automatically". Power off the Westell, hub or switch, and all PCs. Physically connect the Westell, the hub or switch, and any computer(s) as shown. Note: Some hubs and switches may require a crossover cable instead of a standard cat5 wire between the LAN port on the Westell and the Uplink port of the hub or switch. If your hub or switch is auto-sensing simply plug the cable into any port. A Wireless Access Point (WAP) can also be connected in conjunction with the hub or switch to provide wired and wireless networking as shown in second picture below.




Westell 2100 Shown. Pictures by Andy Houtz

Step 2
Power up the Westell, the hub or switch, and all PCs. Open a browser session to access the Westell Interface and enter "192.168.1.254" or "launchmodem" in the address field. If you are unable to access the interface check the NIC properties as mentioned earlier.



Step 3
Enter your BellSouth Username using the username@bellsouth.net format and then enter your password. Confirm your password. Click the Connect button to connect to the Internet. You're done!



Additional Recommendations
By default the Westell 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 insure that the connection will immediately renegotiate the connection if it goes down for any reason.

Andy Houtz

The Cisco 67x family of modem/routers cannot be used with BellSouth. It is not possible to set the VPI/VCI to 8/35 which is required for BellSouth.

No, it is not physically possible to use two DSL modems on the same phone line simultaneously.

No. This is call "line bonding" and is not currently offered or supported by BellSouth. Hardware routers are available that will "load balance" between multiple broadband connections. "Load Balancing" will provide increased capacity, but does not produce an increase in speed.

If you use either Dial-up Networking, the BellSouth Connection Agent, Enternet 300, RASPPPOE or some other "dial-up" software to "login" (meaning you are using PPPoA or PPPoE), BellSouth does not register or "hard code" your MAC address. If you are using a router (e.g. Linksys) or a modem/router combo (e.g. Cayman) that is configured for PPPoE or PPPoA, you also fall into this category.

If you have an older style "bridged" DSL connection with BellSouth, your MAC address is registered or "hard coded" by BellSouth. Remember, if you are a "Bridged" customer and you change PCs or NIC cards you must register the new MAC address with BellSouth before you can get connectivity.

DSL microfilters and in-line filters are required on all jacks that have POTS (plain Old Telephone Service) equipment attached. POTs devices include: phones, cordless phones, CallerID boxes, TeleZappers, fax machines, etc. They isolate the POTS signals from the DSL signals so there is no interference. An assortment of microfilters are shipped with the self-install kit along with your modem. BellSouth's current Self-Install Kit includes 1 wall mount filter and 4 in-line filters. Other common microfilters are also shown below.

Important Note: Because each filter increases line loss users should not use more than 5 microfilters on their inside wiring. There are active microfilters specifically designed for homes that require more than 5 filters or you should create a homerun with a single dedicated splitter.





Microfilters can by purchased online from the BellSouth Order Request Site or at most larger electronics stores like Circuit City, Radio Shack, or Comp USA, BestBuy, etc.

Andy Houtz

You can order additional microfilters, PCI and USB HPNA adapters, and Wireless adapters directly from BellSouth by calling 1-888-321-2375 or online at the BellSouth Order Request Site.

Andy Houtz

Yes, there are specialized DSL/POTS splitter designed for apartment applications. For maximum effect, the splitter should be connected directly after the INI (Inside Network Interface), if available. If your apartment does not have an INI then try to find the "first jack". The first jack is, as the name implies, the first wired jack into your apartment from the telco network. Replacing the first jack with a splitter will isolate the rest of the inside wiring and allow you to create a homerun. Detailed instructions on installing a homerun within an apartment are available here. Two common DSL/POTS splitters designed for apartment applications are shown below.


Siecor INI Wallplate Splitter

Siecor INI Wallmount Splitter

Andy Houtz