The configuration mode of any ADSL (Asynchronous Digital Subscriber Line) modem is determined by the deployment plan done on the DSLAM (Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer) at your ISP's (Internet Service Provider) central office. Our modem supports a number of encapsulation modes but the end user cannot change these settings without breaking the service from the upstream DSLAM. Additionally, the modems are password protected to prevent tampering that could result in an un-necessary service call caused by mis-configuration. So if you are an end-user and you have questions like "Can I change the modem to bridge mode?" or "Can I enable NAT?" or "Can I use an AP with my ADSL?" then please read on.

There are three popular methods that ISPs use to deploy ADSL to end users.
1. Some ISPs configure their network so that ADSL modems are in bridge mode or EoA (Ethernet over ATM - Asynchronous Transfer Mode) and the DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server is centrally located within the ISP's network. Typically they will only serve up 1 IP (Internet Protocol) address for each modem. To connect more than one PC (Personal Computer) to this modem requires an "IP sharing" or "Broadband Router" device. These functions are built into most APs (Access Points) when they are configured as routers or gateways.
 
2. When the ISP uses IPoA (IP over ATM, sometimes known as Classic IP or CLIP) or PPPoE (Point to Point Protocol over Ethernet), the routing, NAT (Network Address Translation) and DHCP functions may be done in the ADSL modem. In this case any connected AP needs to be in a bridge mode.
 
3. The third case is one in which the ADSL modem is actually in transparent bridge mode (EoA) but the ISP's backbone uses a PPPoE server. In this case the PC connected to the ADSL modem requires PPPoE client software. Most APs or broadband routers also support the PPPoE connection and require configuring the username and password for your PPPoE Internet account. Then the AP or broadband router uses it's own DHCP server and NAT to support multiple PCs using the one Internet account.

If you are trying to connect an AP or IP sharing device to our ADSL modem:

1. Check if the AP supports a LAN bridge mode. Typically in this mode the 4 LAN ports + 1 WAN port are all connected giving a 5 port switch which is bridged (transparent) to the wireless. This then allows you to connect a hard wired PC to the AP's LAN port and/or wireless enabled NB and all get IP address from the ADSL modem's DHCP server. The WAN port serves as an additional LAN port. This mode is also the way an AP would be deployed on an existing LAN such as in an office.

2. If the AP doesn't support a bridge mode but only a gateway mode, then connect one of the LAN ports to the ADSL modem, any other PC to the AP's LAN and do not connect anything to the AP's WAN port. The 4 port switch in the AP should act as transparent bridge.

When the ADSL modem is in routing mode, has NAT enabled, and with DHCP server, we recommend setting a static IP for the AP. Typically the ADSL modem will have an IP address of 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. This may also be the default IP of your AP's LAN, so you definitely want to change it. You can find the ADSL modem's IP from your connected PC by opening a command window (click 'Start' > 'Run' and enter cmd and Enter). Then use the command 'ipconfig'. Your assigned IP will be shown and the 'Default Gateway' will be the IP address of the ADSL modem. We suggest assigning an IP of 192.168.1.100 to the AP so it will not conflict with the ADSL modem's DHCP server. Remember this IP if you need to connect to the AP's web server. A good idea is to place a sticker on the bottom of an AP with the IP, username, password, and WEP key so you won't need to always remember such detailed information.