Linksys Wireless G (WRT54G) and Actiontec 1524

[pje]

Please let me first thank whomever takes the time to read this!

I am currently DSLed through Qwest and using their (rented) Actiontec 1524 because Qwest uses PPPoA and the Linksys does not support that. I have a Qwest-assigned static IP address that apparently still needs PPPoA active (why is that anyway?). My goal is to have the Linksys handle everything (NAT, DHCP, firewall duty etc.) and us the Actiontec just for it's PPPoA capability.

My questions are:

1. Should I simply assign the Linksys a static 10.*.*.* address and place it in the Actiontec's DMZ? If I understand corectly, EVERYTHING wil then be routed to the Linksys and I can go from there.

2. Qwest, in their static IP set-up guide says not to disable NAT on the Actiontec, but doesn't explain why... Is this a function of PPPoA? Or are they simply saying that for my convenience and security? As I said before, I would much rather have the Linksys handle everything due to the fact the Actiontec is a piece of turd.

3. Will Linksys be coming out with a firmware upgrade to support PPPoA?

4. Is there a better option in Aurora, Colorado, ISP-wise? I'm really restraining an "I-Hate-Qwest" rant here!

Thanks again for any help you may have!
-Phil

 

[bcastner]

I agree PPoA is difficult.

1. Be absolutely up-to-date on your Linksys firmware.
ftp:\\ftp.linksys.com\network

2. Disconnect everything, and connect through a cable directly to the router.

. Upgrade the firmware with your workstation set to fixed IP at 192.168.1.2, Subnet 255.255.255.0, Gateway 192.168.1.1.

Set your network adapter to fixed 10 mbs, Half Duplex prior to this operation.

. When the firmware flash is done, hold in the reset button until the diag light comes one, all lights flash, and the diag light goes off. Unplug it for one minute
. Go to the router setup page again. Set it for DHCP. Set your internal LAN IP and router LAN IP address to 192.168.2.1
. You now need to change your workstation static IP to 192.168.2.2, and do an Ipconfig/reset, Ipconfig/renew
. Set all of your other settings, port forwards or whatever.

Turn everything off and start again.

 

[pje]

Thanks bcastner. I updated the Linksys firmware the day I got the router. I now have it set up in the DMZ of the Actiontec and though the Actiontec stil takes care of NAT (I can't figure out how to enable it on the Linksys) the Linksys is doing everything else.

 

[bcastner]

Set the Linksys router to a base LAN IP address that is different from the Actiontec. 192.168.3.1 should work.
Set the Linksys to DHCP, obtain an IP address automaticly.