home networking w/ DSL & router

One thing I learned about westell modems is that the have a web interface just like linksys routers. To access it, you have to plug a PC directly into the modem and open the browser. I forgot the default IP and user/pass but verizon will walk you through it.

Juhan: It is hard for me to follow what you first tried. Did you actually connect the westell modem into a dsl router (not just a regular network router) and configure the dsl router? If you did not, that is what you need to do. Your internal network then connects into the dsl router. I have an older Westell dsl modem (I have been using the same model for over eight years) that does not require any internal configuration. Either you setup PPOE on the single computer connected directly to it, or you connect a dsl router (have used many models over the years) and then configure the dsl router. Harold

If you are referring to the one time things worked, I only initiated WinXP's "setup home network" Wizard and all three computers were able to access the Internet. Unfortunately the all too familiar "multiple-applications-active-at-once" problem I routinely have necessitated a re-boot and the network never connected the other computers since. I actully tried both Verizon's on-line and 1-800 tech support services but unfortunately they were less than useful. I am not conversant enough to discuss addresses or settings for detailed configuration, but am willing to try if such tutorials or directions might be available somewhere. Juhan Raidma

Final note: Subsequent to total failure of DSL connection and "tech support" giving up, I reconnected Westell 6100 directly to the router along with all computers, uninstalled all prior Verizon software and started over with Verizon's furnished CD. It actually reconfigured on its own! If only Verizon would advise to connect the ethernet cable DIRECTLY to a networked router and if no network exists THEN to the computer's ethernet plug all would function properly! Thanks for your advice. Juhan Raidma