How to Connect a Linksys Wireless Router to Qwest High-Speed Internet
Although modems used by Qwest include some of the functions found on a Linksys router, organizations that want better command of their network's operation and settings can set the DSL modem to run in bridged mode. When a DSL modem functions as a transparent bridge, it forfeits its control of the network and hands it over to an external device. After you've reconfigured the modem, you can then install the Linksys router to create the wireless network.
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1.
Connect a computer to the DSL modem via a network cable. Navigate to this URL from a browser: http://192.168.0.1
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Log in to the modem, if prompted. You can find the default administrative credentials on the bottom of the device or in the product manual.
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Select "Advanced Setup" and then "WAN Settings" from the menu. Choose "Transparent Bridging" from the ISP Protocol drop-down menu.
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Click "Apply" to switch the modem to bridge mode. Disconnect the modem from power.
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Insert one end of a network cable into the Ethernet port on the modem. Plug the other end into the "WAN" port on the Linksys router.
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Connect the modem and router to power. Insert one end of an Ethernet cable into one of the LAN ports on the Linksys.
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Plug the other end into a computer. Navigate to the following URL: http://192.168.1.1
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Leave the User Name field blank and enter "admin" into the Password field. Click "OK" to log in.
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Select "Setup" from the menu bar and then choose "Basic Setup" from the sub-menu.
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Select "PPPoE" from the Internet Connection Type drop-down menu. Enter into the Username and Password fields your Qwest account information and then click "Save Settings."
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Click "Wireless" and then "Basic Wireless Settings." Select "Manual" as the Configuration View.
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Enter a name for the network into the Wireless Network Name (SSID) field. Click "Save Settings."
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Select "Status" from the menu bar. Click the "Connect" button in Internet Connection section to create the wireless network.
References
Tips
- If your modem does not also act as a gateway, you might not need to convert it to bridge mode. Contact Qwest or the modem manufacturer for more information about configuring the device, if necessary.
- To use the Linksys router without changing your modem to bridge mode, set Internet Connection Type to "Automatic Configuration - DHCP" instead of "PPPoE." Scroll to the Network Setup section and change the router address to 192.168.2.1. Click "Save Settings."
- You may need to release and renew your IP address if you set the connection type to DHCP. Press "Windows-R" to open Run, paste "%windir%\system32\cmd.exe /C ipconfig/release" (minus the quotes) and click "OK." Open Run again, paste "%windir%\system32\cmd.exe /C ipconfig/renew" (minus the quotes) and click "OK."
Warnings
- The process to convert a Qwest DSL modem to bridge mode varies depending on the make and model of the modem. Review the documentation for the device or contact Qwest for more assistance, if necessary.
Writer Bio
Ruri Ranbe has been working as a writer since 2008. She received an A.A. in English literature from Valencia College and is completing a B.S. in computer science at the University of Central Florida. Ranbe also has more than six years of professional information-technology experience, specializing in computer architecture, operating systems, networking, server administration, virtualization and Web design.