Is there a modem inteface provided with Verizon's Westell 6100F DSL modem? When I signed up for DSL they turned on the line, I called tech support to help set up the modem and that was that. I never accessed any interface or set up program! Now I read the modem can be in either bridge or router mode. How do I find out this information? I need to know IF I set up a wireless network. IF is in big letters because I'm starting to get daunted by this technology. This seems to be a bottomless can of worms!

Putting a DSL modem in bridge mode simply means that you are turning off the built in router because you want to add your own router. How to do this depends on the manufacture of the modem. Now then, are you sure you want to do this? Are you planning on adding a second router? Does the current modem support WiFi and if so why not just use its WiFi?

follow cyberdude's thread here http://www.computing.net/answers/ne...

I want to add a wireless router. Do I have to do anything with the modem? I get the same IP address all the time. My ISP says they use PPPoE protocol but I beg to differ. I think it's DHCP because I do not need to log in. So the mode of connection for the router should be DHCP, right? Is there any harm in not getting this right? I don't want to start having to log in because of a mistake in the mode of connection.

My ISP says they use PPPoE protocol but I beg to differ. I think it's DHCP You are comparing two different things. If ypu are in the USA you are almost certainly using PPP0E ANDDHCP. They are two completely different things that are not interchangeable. PPPoE connects you to your ISP. DHCP gives you an IP address once you are connected so you can get out onto the Internet using TCP/IP. TCP/IP is encapsulated within PPoE during the short hop from your Modem .to your ISP/ Stuart

Please check this router review out: http://www.pcshoptalk.com/forum/sho... The reviewer mentions connection protocols at the top of the page. This is the router I purchased by the way. The reviewer mentions his modem has a DHCP server attached. How do I know if that's my case? The reviewer talks about PPPoE and indicates if you have to log in, then your're using that protocol. Is he wrong? Currently, I do not need to log in. I used to have dial up and had to log in to ISP every time. Now I have DSL and I do not have to log in. Does the mode of the modem have to be taken into account when setting up the router? And if so, how do I know if I'm in router or bridge mode? I use Verizon DSL. Thanks.

All DSL Modems have to log in using some kind of Point to Point Protocol. I use PPPoATM, similar to PPPoE but not the same. There is also Routed IP over ATM but that is not so common. As soon as you plug the Modem in to the wall socket and apply power if first synchronises with the telephone exchange and then logs in and remains logged in while the Modem has power applied. You do not even need your computer turned on for this to happen, it is automatic once the Modem is configured correctly. The connection protocols are determined by your ISP, you have no choice in the matter. DHCP has nothing at all to do with connection protocols. The Modem will act as a DHCP client to get an IP address from your ISPs DHCP server. If you have a router it will have a DHCP server that provides IP address for your computers. Therefore a router will have two IP addresses, a public IP address supplied by you ISP and a private IP address to communicate with your computers, usually in the range 192.168.x.x. The router communicates between these two addresses via Network Address Translation. Stuart