How do I set the Westell modem to an Always On Connection?
By default, the BellSouth supplied Westell 2100/2200/6100 modems are set up to disconnect your internet session after a certain period of inactivity. Ideally, when you reopen the browser or make any browser requests the modem should automatically reconnect. However, this does not always work correctly and you are required to cycle the power on the modem then reestablish connectivity.
To resolve this, set the Westell modem to Always On. This will automatically reestablish a session if the connection is dropped for any reason.
•Open a browser application and enter http://192.168.1.254 OR http://launchmodem in the address field to access the Westell Interface.
Note: If you are using another router in conjunction with the Westell and you can not get to the interface screen, you will need to connect a computer directly to the modem.
Once you are logged into the modem, the following step is dependent on your specific Westell model number and firmware.
For the Westell 6100:
• Click on Broadband DSL Line from the top menu.
• Click on Connection Configuration from the right menu.
• Select Always On from the Connection Type pull down menu.
• Click on Save and Restart Connection at the bottom.
This will automatically restart the modem and the interface will return after the changes are saved.
For the Westell 2100 or 2200:
• Click on Expert Mode and confirm that you want to enter Expert Mode.
• Click on Configure from the menu and then Connection in the sub-menu.
• Select Always On from the Connection Type pull down.
• Click on Save and Restart Connection at the bottom.
This will automatically restart the modem and the interface will return after the changes are saved.
After the modem has restarted you will be automatically connected to the internet.
This completes the process. You will have to power cycle the device that is connected to the modem, whether this is a router or the Phone Power device.
Other Connection Options:
• Manual Mode: This allows you to manually initiate your DSL connection. This operates much like a dial up modem configuration. This option will require you to click a Connect button that is accessed through the modem interface.
• On Demand: Automatically initiates a connection when you make an internet request. This is the default mode for the Westell. As stated above, this option does not always function correctly.
Note: If you are running the Westell in bridged mode in conjunction with another router, the Always On setting is irrelevant.
