Hi, I had just recently switched to Verizon FiOS internet from Verizon DSL service, and I'm happy with the service so far. But I have found the range of the Actiontec router to fall short of what I need it to be. I was wondering whether anyone here has tried repurposing the Westell 7500 modem as a secondary router?
I spent the better part of two days looking up ways to do this and couldn't find anything regarding my specific situation. I know one can repurpose a DSL modem as a router to be used with a cable internet modem (have not done this myself), and I also stumbled upon this FAQ (http://www.dslreports.com/faq/12506) on how to connect a secondary router to the Actiontec router. However I couldn't find anything specifically regarding the Westell modem. I've tweaked many settings in the modem without success.
Is this even possible?
Thank you.
Solved! Go to Correct Answer
#1 You logged into your primary router, found the DHCP range, and re-adjusted it as need be (From step 1 to step 5) of http://www.dslreports.com/faq/12506 ?
#2 If not, do that first.
#3 If so, great.:)
If the Westell is using the Red and Black Firmware - In the Westell..
a) Select the My Network icon, then select Network Connections from the left menu.
b) On the Broadband Connection screen, click the word LAN
c) On the next screen remove the checkmark from Private LAN DHCP Server enable.
d) Where it says Modem IP Address, make that IP Address outside of the primary router's DHCP Server Range.
For exampe if the Primary router's IP Address is 192.168.1.1, the Starting IP Address is 192.168.1.11, the Ending IP Address is 192.168.1.254 - then you could make the secondary router's LAN IP 192.168.1.2
e) Click Apply or Save Settings.
---
As addressed on http://www.dslreports.com/faq/13600
there is also the White and Blue firmware.
If your Westell looks more like the sample screens that you see at
http://myplace.frontier.com/~paradise.cowgirl/6100.htm
Then
a) In the Westell select Configuration and select Private LAN Connection.
b) Uncheck Private LAN DHCP Server Enable
c) Where it says Modem IP Address, make that IP Address outside of the primary router's DHCP Server Range.
For exampe if the Primary router's IP Address is 192.168.1.1, the Starting IP Address is 192.168.1.11, the Ending IP Address is 192.168.1.254 - then you could make the secondary router's LAN IP 192.168.1.2
d) Click Apply or Save Settings.
--
Please note this only how to convert a router (including a DSL modem) into acting as a Hub/Switch/Wap.
This is not how to use this device as your primary router with any broadband type of device that is not (or can not be) configured to handle the public IP.
For example, not how to have a Westell 6100 be in bridge mode (bridge-bridge, not bridge-routed bridge or not PPPoE) and have your Westell 7500 handle the public IP (bridge-routed bridge or PPPoE).
#1 You logged into your primary router, found the DHCP range, and re-adjusted it as need be (From step 1 to step 5) of http://www.dslreports.com/faq/12506 ?
#2 If not, do that first.
#3 If so, great.:)
If the Westell is using the Red and Black Firmware - In the Westell..
a) Select the My Network icon, then select Network Connections from the left menu.
b) On the Broadband Connection screen, click the word LAN
c) On the next screen remove the checkmark from Private LAN DHCP Server enable.
d) Where it says Modem IP Address, make that IP Address outside of the primary router's DHCP Server Range.
For exampe if the Primary router's IP Address is 192.168.1.1, the Starting IP Address is 192.168.1.11, the Ending IP Address is 192.168.1.254 - then you could make the secondary router's LAN IP 192.168.1.2
e) Click Apply or Save Settings.
---
As addressed on http://www.dslreports.com/faq/13600
there is also the White and Blue firmware.
If your Westell looks more like the sample screens that you see at
http://myplace.frontier.com/~paradise.cowgirl/6100.htm
Then
a) In the Westell select Configuration and select Private LAN Connection.
b) Uncheck Private LAN DHCP Server Enable
c) Where it says Modem IP Address, make that IP Address outside of the primary router's DHCP Server Range.
For exampe if the Primary router's IP Address is 192.168.1.1, the Starting IP Address is 192.168.1.11, the Ending IP Address is 192.168.1.254 - then you could make the secondary router's LAN IP 192.168.1.2
d) Click Apply or Save Settings.
--
Please note this only how to convert a router (including a DSL modem) into acting as a Hub/Switch/Wap.
This is not how to use this device as your primary router with any broadband type of device that is not (or can not be) configured to handle the public IP.
For example, not how to have a Westell 6100 be in bridge mode (bridge-bridge, not bridge-routed bridge or not PPPoE) and have your Westell 7500 handle the public IP (bridge-routed bridge or PPPoE).
Oh great! Thank you so much!
Problem for me was that since every "Convert DSL modem to router" post I came across mentioned setting the VersaPort (Ethernet 1 port) to be used as the WAN uplink port, I went ahead and did so. I did everything in your post previously but also did that extra step with the VersaPort, which I noticed was not mentioned in your reply (and turned out to be the problem).
Once again, thanks a lot! I really appreciate it!
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