ADSL modems are devices that allow you to connect to the Internet via a telephone line. Today, this technology is not as popular as before, but it is used in cases where broadband Internet access is necessary, but there are no corresponding conditions for connecting via an optical line.
When connecting for the first time, the modem needs to be configured. How to perform it is described in this article.
Modem Operation Modes
ADSL modem configuration can be carried out in two modes. PPPoE mode raises an active Internet session directly on a network device (modem), and Bridge mode allows you to use the modem as a bridge, so it acts as a signal transmitter.
If the modem is configured in PPPoE mode, then data from the provider, which makes it possible to connect to the Internet, is entered in the ADSL modem web interface. If it is configured in bridge mode, then all information is recorded on the terminal device (computer), and only the type of connection is established on the modem itself.
Start setting
Plug the modem into an electrical outlet. If this ADSL modem was previously in use, you must reset the settings. To do this, use a thin object (for example, a shaft or a toothpick) to hold the Reset button and hold for 30-40 seconds until all indicators go out.
Make sure the telephone cable is connected to the LINE or ADSL connector. If the ADSL indicator is lit on the modem without blinking, then synchronization with the line has been established successfully. In addition to the telephone, you will need an additional Ethernet cable, with which the modem connects to the computer via a LAN connector.
It is necessary to contact the technical support specialist of the Internet provider and clarify which settings should be specified - whether specific data should be specified in the properties of the LAN connection and what are the login, password and VPI / VCI values for establishing a connection. Without this data, the setup will fail.
Setup via WEB-interface
In order to enter the ADSL modem settings, enter the following device management IP address in the address bar of your browser:
192.168.1.1 ( 192.168.0.1)
You will be taken to the authorization window, which will request data - login and password. Enter the admin username and the similar admin password in this box.
If this data is not suitable, and you do not remember or do not know the changed login with a password, resetting the modem to factory settings, which was described above, will help.
So, once in the modem settings, you will see the interface where the menu items will be located; when you click on them, the equipment is configured. Some modems have a built-in setup wizard (in the English version of the firmware - Setup Wizard), through it you can configure items using the built-in prompts.
Usually the interface is intuitive. You must go to the Network tab (it can also be designated as "Network", Internet Connection or Setup). Internet connection settings are made in the WAN subsection. Having entered there, you can see the table with the settings and press the ADD button below.
This is how it looks in the interface of one of the most popular D-Link 2640U ADSL modems:
The type of connection must be set to the same as indicated in the screenshot (PPPoE), and the login, password, VPI and VCI should be entered received from the provider.
In the Encapsulation Mode field, select LLC. Be sure to check the boxes under NAT and Firewall. Then you need to save the settings and reboot the modem. When an active connection appears, it means that the configuration is completed.
Visually, the WEB interfaces of ADSL modems may differ, but this does not affect the configuration principle. In the event that difficulties arise, the official websites of equipment manufacturers usually have interactive emulators for various models of modems.
Bridge Mode Setup
If you want the computer connected to the modem to pick up the Internet session, you must configure the bridge mode in the ADSL modem.
To do this, select the Bridge type instead of PPPoE in the connection type selection section (see screenshot above) (you do not need to change the rest of the settings).
After the settings on the modem are saved, a high-speed connection is established on the computer with the username and password received from the provider.
Wireless setup
Modern technology allows you to use the ADSL modem as a WiFi router. It distributes a wireless network in exactly the same way as any other home router.
WiFi is configured on the ADSL modem via the WEB interface as well. In the menu you need to find the WiFi or Wireless item, where the wireless settings will be located.
Here's what it looks like for the DLink 2640U:
Accordingly, in the basic settings, the network name is entered, the channel and other basic settings are set, and in the security settings - the password and encryption type for the wireless network.
Thus, if you already have a modern ADSL modem installed, you do not need to purchase a router separately. This functionality is embedded directly in the modem itself, you only need to configure the device correctly. This possibility appeared relatively recently - just ten to twelve years ago, modems did not have the ability to distribute a wireless network.
About whether it is possible to use a specific ADSL modem as a WiFi router, it is better to check at the time of purchase from the supplier or in the store (usually this information is written in the specifications or instructions).
Finally
Configuring a telephone line modem is easy and accessible to most users. There are several basic models of ADSL modems that are used by providers, and their interfaces may vary slightly. However, the basic principles and setting modes will always be the same.