The most difficult thing I had in regards to my wireless network was the initial setup. If you have Verizon DSL, you’ll know that they don’t tend to make connection modifications quite as easy as you want them to be. The same goes for setting up an outside router, like a Linksys brand, for a wireless network. You have the option of calling their tech support department and getting over-the-phone support or  you can do it yourself. The following is a step-by-step tutorial to make your life a little easier.

NOTE: My modem is a Westell 6100. I do not know if the Modem Configurations are the same for each of the modems that Verizon provides. If someone could send me a message or leave a comment here confirming such, I would appreciate it.

Before running the Linksys EasyLink software, let’s start by bridging your modem. Make sure that your modem is connected directly to your computer and not connected the router. Once the connections are verified, turn your modem on and wait for the Power, Ethernet, DSL, and Internet lights are all solid green.

Throught trial and error as well as Verizon’s recommendations, the configurations for the bridging mode seem to work better in Microsoft Internet Explorer. If you do not have Internet Explorer installed on your PC, you can download Internet Explorer 7 by clicking here.

1. Open up Internet Explorer and clear everything in the address bar. Type the following IP address into the address bar: 192.168.1.1 and press the enter key.

2. Upon entering the above local IP address, you’ll be directed to the ProLine DSL Modem main page. If this is your first time doing this, you may be prompted for a username and password. If so, for the username, type admin and for the password, type password. You will be able to change the password later.

3. On the ProLine DSL Modem main page, you will see a variety of tabs. Main, My Network, Firewall Settings, Advanced, and System Monitoring. Click on the My Network tab.

4. On the left side of the screen will be three different options: Main, Network Status, and Network Connections. Click on Network Connections.

5. In the center of the screen where it says Network Connections, there is a small chart containing two links: Broadband Connection (DSL) and LAN. Click on the Broadband Connection link.

6. You will be taken to the Broadband Connection (DSL) area. However, the configuration page will be named slightly different: Advanced DSL Configuration. You will see three different sections on this page: Routed Bridge Connection, VCs, followed by a series of three checkmark boxes. Ignore the checkmark boxes and click on the icon under the Edit column of the VCs section.

7. There are only two sections that you need to be concerned about for this next step: Protocol and Bridge Mode. Make sure that both sections are enabled as “Bridge” and click on the “Apply” button towards the bottom of the configuration page.

8. Follow steps 3 through 5 to get back to the Network Connections page. Instead of clicking on Broadband Connection (DSL) link, click on LAN. Also, keep the modem IP address at it’s default. Click on “Apply” and allow the new configurations to take place. Note: Verizon tells you to remove the checkmark from the checkmark box next to “Private LAN DHCP Server Enable”. However, I left it alone and my wireless network still works fine.

9. This next step has worked for me before and I’m sure it will work for you: Leave the modem and computer alone for about five to ten minutes. I’m serious. Give the modem some time to configure its new parameters and then proceed to setup your Linksys Router.

Setting up the Linksys Router
The wireless router I use is a Linksys WRT54GS with Speedbooster. Linksys recommends that you run and install the Linksys EasyLink Advisor provided with the router. It will guide you through step by step the instructions of connecting your modem to your router, as well as getting the Internet Connection to work.

Related posts:

1. The Wireless Breakdown!
2. Troubleshooting Your Wireless Keyboard & Mouse
3. What To Know To Keep Your PC Running Like New