SBC SpeedStream 4100 modem and Netgear WPN824 router

Does anyone here use these pieces of hardware together?

PK

 

I use the sbc modem with a linksys router, I dont know what your problem is, but I had to setup my modem in bridge mode because your router and modem will both try to assign IP addresses and will conflict with each other.

 

Actually you do not have to set in "Bridge" mode. You set the Router to receive a IP from the modem, but make sure that you set the IP address scheme on the router differently then the modem. This is so you can read the stats off of the modem in case you have problems.

Setting to "Bridged" mode, turns off modem stats, and you would have to have a tech check the line if you ever have problems.

 

I will be back soon with details of my problems. Hopefully you can help me figure it out. I really think its a defective router.

PK

 

Well, it is a Netgear.

 

Here are the details:

A few months ago, a friend of mine bought a new Dell system and with it also purchased a Netgear WPN824 router. He purchased the router from Dell on the thought that if he needed support, he could get it through Dell.

He began having connection issues when using the router with his SBC DSL Speedstream 4100 modem. He would go what we call "link dead" where you cannot go anywhere on the net, either receiveing "Page not found" errors, or blank pages.
However, he COULD still chat via MSN Messenger, which we found odd. He would then reset everything and it would work again, for a while, then die again.
He tried contacting Dell for support, but they would not help, so he contacted SBC, as he thought the problem might be with his modem or DSL line. After trying several possible solutions with SBC, the problem persisted. He then battled with Dell to receive a replacement, and they reluctantly complied.

They sent him the exact same router, except the "v2" of the router. He also removed his modem from the equation, and used his old Speedstream 5100 modem rather than the 4100. So far he has had no problems.

I do not believe he ever tried the new router with the 4100 modem.

Well, he missed his deadline to return the "defective" modem, so he gave it to me to see if I could figure out what was wrong with it, if anything. If i can get it to work, I can keep it. I also have the Speedstream 4100 modem, and I am also experiencing the same problems when I try to use the router - link dead, can't email, but can chat. However, I have noticed that when it goes "dead" it is only for a few minutes and will wake up on its own. When it goes dead, I go into the rotuer control page and try to run a test, and it always works fine.

I will admit, I do not know jack about routers. Where do I start? Is this thing defective? I'd really like to get this thing to work (and maybe learn something about routers as well).

PK

 

It sounds like a modem issue. Make sure all filters on the telepones are in place, and maybe even if a house, just hook up to the NID when running your tests, but not with the router in place. If the modem is stable, then introduce the router, if needing WiFi, otherwise, you do not need it if only hard connected with ethernet, due to the 4100 does the Dynamic IP addressing, and all you would need is a switch.

 

There is not a problem with my modem. I have been using it since late March with NO problems.

I think the problem is in how we are setting it up. Or i think there may be a defect with the router.

PK

 

This is the latest Firmware for the 4100 series of modems http://subscriber.communications.siemens.com/subscriber_networks/upg-firmware.shtml
FAQ from Netgear about issues with SBC http://kbserver.netgear.com/inquira/default.asp?ui_mode=answer&prior_transaction_id=299080&action_code=5&highlight_info=16778148,10,21&turl=http%3A%2F%2Fkbserver.netgear.com%2Fkb_web_files%2Fn101306.asp&answer_id=28620461#__highlight

There are known problems with the 5100B, which both the 4100 & 5100b are pretty much the same modems.

 

I think I got it figured out. I haven't had any trouble yet after following SBC, Netgear, and this guy's advice.

http://forum.otechcomputing.com/showthread.php?p=365#post365

Time will tell if it remains stable.


PK