Eircom Zyxel P-660HW-T1 v3 in bridge mode?

BigMoose

I've recently been forced to move from Breeze to Eircom (long story, but strangely not WiMax related) and have discovered like many have posted that the Zyxel is utter sh*te. Connection drops and it needs a restart a couple of times a day, I cannot for the life of me get the desktop computer to connect wirelessly but the laptops/iphones do fine except when it needs a reboot. I also cant get our wifi Kodak printer to work. Of course the printer and the desktop worked fine with my Negear router I was using with IBB.

I have a WNDR3300 "cable" router. Can I put the Zyxel into bridging mode and use it as a modem only? From a LAN connection I get around 18mbs on my line out of the zyxel, but over wirelss 9-11mbs at best. So I'd be happy enough to use it as a modem and my netgear as my wireless router. I tried putting the zyxel into bridge mode but couldnt get the netgear to work with it. Has anyone else managed this? What about using WAN IP passthrough to the netgear? Should this work? The zyxel is set to 192.168.1.254, do I need to set the netgear on a different subnet? Any help gratefully appreciated!

thefinalstage

Got to 192.168.1.254

Go to "network" on the left and then "Internet(wan)"

Change the modem under "General" from routing to bridge.

Click apply down the bottom and wait for it to say "Configuration updated successfully"

BigMoose

I got that far alright but the netgear wasn't having any of it... I connected the netgear from its WAN port to one of the ports on the zyxel and set it up to log in with the eircom credentials but no go. Was there anything else I should have done on the netgear side? What subnet should it use? Different or the same as the zyxel?

thefinalstage

BigMoose wrote: »

I got that far alright but the netgear wasn't having any of it... I connected the netgear from its WAN port to one of the ports on the zyxel and set it up to log in with the eircom credentials but no go. Was there anything else I should have done on the netgear side? What subnet should it use? Different or the same as the zyxel?

Are you using lan port 1? You should use a different subnet for the router .

BigMoose

LAN port is a good question, I used one at one end or other, so 1 or 4 I started with the router on the same subnet, so will have a go later making sure it's on port 1 and a different subnet. I assume 192.168.0.1 will do if the router is 1.254?

thefinalstage

BigMoose wrote: »

LAN port is a good question, I used one at one end or other, so 1 or 4 I started with the router on the same subnet, so will have a go later making sure it's on port 1 and a different subnet. I assume 192.168.0.1 will do if the router is 1.254?

lol, it's all about how you look at things :P. Yep, 0.1 will do just fine

BigMoose

Thanks for your quick replies, I'll give it a go later. I was ready to through it out the window earlier as putting it in bridge mode then back again when I'd given up screwed up most of its WAN settings... :rolleyes:

thefinalstage

BigMoose wrote: »

Thanks for your quick replies, I'll give it a go later. I was ready to through it out the window earlier as putting it in bridge mode then back again when I'd given up screwed up most of its WAN settings... :rolleyes:

Sure, let us know how you get on .

I know that feeling of "It should work....why won't it work?"

BigMoose

Works perfectly! I did have it plugged into port 4 before. So now I have proved to myself that the wireless part of the Zyxel is utter crap as I'm getting ~18mbs speed tests now with the netgear wireless where the Zyxel wireless gave around 10. My kodak wireless printer works with the netgear but couldn't be seen by the computers with the Zyxel, even when I turned the firewall off. Lastly my desktop connects fine where as it mostly gave "local access" only with the Zyxel.

Thanks again for your help.

jwmpayne2004

Greetings! Just saw your post there and your experience in making the zyxel p660(eircom router) into bridge mode. If you have time can you please post us the step by step way in putting it to bridge mode and how did you manage to assign an ip. Apologies for being a noob. I know your an expert with these regards. thanks!

BigMoose

It was a slight pain in the arse and I did sometimes get the eircom router complaining that I was missing a username/password as others have commented, but basically I had: one eircom Zyxel ADSL router, one "cable style" netgear router.

Both were set to use 192.168.1.x networks.
step 1: The netgear WAN port was plugged into LAN port 1 of the Zyxel
At this point I could access the GUI of both via the wireless network
step 2: set the netgear to 192.168.0.x
step 2: set the Zyxel to bridge mode - exactly as listed in post 2:
Got to 192.168.1.254
Go to "network" on the left and then "Internet(wan)"
Change the modem under "General" from routing to bridge.
Click apply down the bottom and wait for it to say "Configuration updated successfully"
step 3: make sure I'm connected to the netgear wireless network and configure it for PPPoE with the details listed on eircom.net

And it works great. Just make sure when putting the Zyxel into bridge mode not to mess about with other settings at the same time or you might get an error about it needing a username/password. Also if it does give that error, sometimes it has accepted the bridge mode change anyway. Once it has gone into bridge mode you'll need to plug a cable into it to access its GUI.

RedLedbetter

Thanks for the info. above also BM - very useful, as I was doing the reverse'ish and was unsure of whether I am now getting optimum performance. Would like anyones opinion on this setup as also found major issues with the WLAN on the Zyxel:

I won't go into issues with the WLAN as discussed elsewhere

I had a Aztech HW-550 3G router (amongst others) lying about and decided to use this router as noted for its WLAN, however, the big problem with this router was that it cannot (automatically) be used as a WLAN repeater or bridge.

I switched the WLAN on the Zyxel off and plugged LAN port 1 from the Zyxel to the WAN port on the Aztech, using a cross-over cable (explain why xover in a min)

I configured the Aztech for ethernet DHCP connectivity. When DHCP was turned off on the Aztech and configured with a static IP, I was unable to obtain an IP from the Zxyel over the Aztech WLAN, as hoped. I therefore had to allow the Zyxel to run DHCP as normal and also allow the Aztech to run its DHCP on an alternate IP (192.168.1.x for Zyxel; 192.168.2.x for Aztech)

So the above configuration works - DHCP on the Zyxel, DHCP and WLAN on the Aztech. However, is this creating network overhead - running two DHCP servers? All my devices are currently working off the WLAN on the Aztech, so I'm not too worried about not being able to communicate with the LAN on the Zyxel. However, would I be better off configuring the Zyxel as a bridge and using solely the DHCP on the Aztech (as I suspect), or would my setup result in more or less the same outcome?

Kiwi_Nutter

RedLedbetter wrote: »

So the above configuration works - DHCP on the Zyxel, DHCP and WLAN on the Aztech. However, is this creating network overhead - running two DHCP servers? All my devices are currently working off the WLAN on the Aztech, so I'm not too worried about not being able to communicate with the LAN on the Zyxel. However, would I be better off configuring the Zyxel as a bridge and using solely the DHCP on the Aztech (as I suspect), or would my setup result in more or less the same outcome?

Apologies for the mild thread necromancy, but I came across this by chance when checking if the Zyxel was able to be configured as bridge only.

Regarding the above, it sounds like you are essentially running with double NAT. This will create overhead and potential issues. It is also unnecessary! I would configure the Zyxel to run in bridge mode and use the one router.

Cheers!

G

JohnBoy

I'm in a similar boat.

In my case an upgrade to our exchange has made 18/2 avaialble and it's time to finally retire our trusty blue netopia that's never put a foot wrong in the last six or seven years I'd guess we have it.

So I've got a p-660 here on my desk and cant get it into bridge mode as I keep getting the "ERROR: Both User Name and Password are required"

Also as my sonicwall, and lan is running on 192.168.1.0 am I right in saying that I should configure the zyzel to something like 192.168.2.254? it's soooo long since I configured the netopia I just cant remember.

Kiwi_Nutter

When in bridge mode the Zyxel will not have an IP address at all - there will be nothing to configure.

I had this same problem also regarding the user/pass prompt but it did work eventually... from memory you have to select bridge mode and apply or save the change first down the bottom of that page. Don't have it in front of me to tell you!

JohnBoy

Do I need to set the encapsulation to something?

it seems not matter what I do once I change to bridge mode it asks me for a password.

aha!

set the encapsulation to ppoa and it seems happier

Kiwi_Nutter

Oh it should definitely be PPPoE

But then there was a specific order of what you had to click on to make it not ask for user/pass etc...

Kiwi_Nutter

Oh wait, encapsulation will be then handled by the router anyway, so ignore... I think what I did was set it as PPPoA - then apply, then set as bridge, then apply again.

The interface is bugged basically.

Scruff

similar but different question, is it possible to set this ****e router up as a vanilla wifi access point?
it so would be good to put it so some use...

Lone Stone

mine is acting very weird in d5 it is chugging along this is the only website i can open

skits08

poisonedstream wrote: »

Got to 192.168.1.254

Go to "network" on the left and then "Internet(wan)"

Change the modem under "General" from routing to bridge.

Click apply down the bottom and wait for it to say "Configuration updated successfully"

Hi mate. when I do this I get a message saying "error: username and password required". Do you know how to get by this@ the original username is eircom@eircom.net and the password is ****** do I change this to something else?

Mr Velo

BigMoose wrote: »

It was a slight pain in the arse and I did sometimes get the eircom router complaining that I was missing a username/password as others have commented, but basically I had: one eircom Zyxel ADSL router, one "cable style" netgear router.

Both were set to use 192.168.1.x networks.
step 1: The netgear WAN port was plugged into LAN port 1 of the Zyxel
At this point I could access the GUI of both via the wireless network
step 2: set the netgear to 192.168.0.x
step 2: set the Zyxel to bridge mode - exactly as listed in post 2:
Got to 192.168.1.254
Go to "network" on the left and then "Internet(wan)"
Change the modem under "General" from routing to bridge.
Click apply down the bottom and wait for it to say "Configuration updated successfully"
step 3: make sure I'm connected to the netgear wireless network and configure it for PPPoE with the details listed on eircom.net

And it works great. Just make sure when putting the Zyxel into bridge mode not to mess about with other settings at the same time or you might get an error about it needing a username/password. Also if it does give that error, sometimes it has accepted the bridge mode change anyway. Once it has gone into bridge mode you'll need to plug a cable into it to access its GUI.

Hi Bigmoose,

I'm a new Eircom broadband customer and using the Zyxel D1000 modem currently.
I had a fixed wireless connection previously, and had only purchased a Netgear Cable router (N900 - WNDR4500) back in February.
I'm thinking of doing what you did - using the Zyxel as the modem only (in bridge mode), and using the Netgear as the router for connecing all the wireless devices, as well as a homeplug network (sky box, smart tv, tower pc).

How has the solution been working for you? I guess the reason i'm asking is that i'm afraid of adding a 2nd point of failure - rebooting 2 devices rather than one when the need arises etc.

Have you had any problems etc with it?

Thanks
Velo.

BigMoose

Mostly it works well. I wanted to keep using the netgear since it was N and the eircom Zyxel wasn't, plus I was finding the Zyxel needed a reboot almost every other day. In bridge mode it behaves mostly fine and I might reboot once a month. I do occasionally reboot the pair of them when I'm getting slow speeds and find that helps. No idea if it's the Zyxel or the netgear that's causing problems that the reboot fixes as I just reboot the two at the same time. So in general I am happy with the setup and have no major problems.
Let us know how you get on!

Mr Velo

BigMoose wrote: »

Mostly it works well. I wanted to keep using the netgear since it was N and the eircom Zyxel wasn't, plus I was finding the Zyxel needed a reboot almost every other day. In bridge mode it behaves mostly fine and I might reboot once a month. I do occasionally reboot the pair of them when I'm getting slow speeds and find that helps. No idea if it's the Zyxel or the netgear that's causing problems that the reboot fixes as I just reboot the two at the same time. So in general I am happy with the setup and have no major problems.
Let us know how you get on!

Thanks a lot for the info.
I'm reluctant to do it in case i do anything wrong - but will probably pluck up the courage and go ahead with it over the next couple of days.

In terms of the Zyxel in Bridge mode, is it easy if i just want to switch back to router mode?? I presume it shouldn't be too problematic?

BigMoose

It's easy to change back, but I cant remember if it remembers all the settings or leaves you having to enter them. I _think_ it remembers them, but to be sure I'd write them down before you start

rjh2000

I've just setup a new Netgear router alongside an existing Zyxel router/modem. I was thinking of using the Bridge solution but went with just setting the Netgear as an Access Point. It seems to work fine but I'm wondering if the bridge solution is a better one. Are there problems with my AP setup and should I revert to the bridge solution?

Mr Velo

BigMoose wrote: »

It was a slight pain in the arse and I did sometimes get the eircom router complaining that I was missing a username/password as others have commented, but basically I had: one eircom Zyxel ADSL router, one "cable style" netgear router.

Both were set to use 192.168.1.x networks.
step 1: The netgear WAN port was plugged into LAN port 1 of the Zyxel
At this point I could access the GUI of both via the wireless network
step 2: set the netgear to 192.168.0.x
step 2: set the Zyxel to bridge mode - exactly as listed in post 2:
Got to 192.168.1.254
Go to "network" on the left and then "Internet(wan)"
Change the modem under "General" from routing to bridge.
Click apply down the bottom and wait for it to say "Configuration updated successfully"
step 3: make sure I'm connected to the netgear wireless network and configure it for PPPoE with the details listed on eircom.net

And it works great. Just make sure when putting the Zyxel into bridge mode not to mess about with other settings at the same time or you might get an error about it needing a username/password. Also if it does give that error, sometimes it has accepted the bridge mode change anyway. Once it has gone into bridge mode you'll need to plug a cable into it to access its GUI.

Just tried all of this and failed miserably.

Just couldn't get the internet to connect on my N900 (WNDR500) router.
I couldn't find any section on the Netgear Genie to enter the VPI/VCI information for the eircom connection - not sure if that's part of the problem or not.

BigMoose

All of those parameters (VPI/VCI etc) stay on the modem, not the router. On my router all I have configured is the username/password (eircom@eircom.net - I forget the password, but it's something mundane listed on the eircom website) and that it's an always on connection. All the other settings on the eircom modem.

Connect straight to the modem and ignore the router to start with, make sure it works in bridge mode - the DSL light should come on and remain on if all is OK and you should be able to see the DSL line stats page. Then worry about the router if you get this far.

Mr Velo

BigMoose wrote: »

All of those parameters (VPI/VCI etc) stay on the modem, not the router. On my router all I have configured is the username/password (eircom@eircom.net - I forget the password, but it's something mundane listed on the eircom website) and that it's an always on connection. All the other settings on the eircom modem.

Connect straight to the modem and ignore the router to start with, make sure it works in bridge mode - the DSL light should come on and remain on if all is OK and you should be able to see the DSL line stats page. Then worry about the router if you get this far.

I'm going to give it a go again tonight.
I don't think i actually had the modem properly in Bridge mode. I hadn't changed encapsulation mode, nor had i turned off dhcp or wireless on it.

Mr Velo

Just spent another hour and twenty minutes at this and failed again.

Switched modem to bridge mode, turned off wifi and DHCP, rebooted modem.
DSL Light on solid, no internet light.
Netgear router plugged into port 1 of Zyxel modem.

Tried doing the setup wizard on the netgear - it appeared to be working in that it detected the DSL connection being PPOE and asked for username and password.

It ended up failing however - saying to check the connection between the modem and the router.

Goddam frustrating

BigMoose

Seems all is fine with the eircom router itself in bridge mode acting as a modem. You should indeed get the DSL light on but not the internet light. I assume you can see the DSL line stats page when connected directly to it? I would guess the problem is with the router... Assume you have it connected from the WAN port to LAN port 1 on the eircom router? (Not that I think it matters which port on the eircom side). Only other thing I have set on the router is the MTU = 1492 under the WAN settings.

Mr Velo

BigMoose wrote: »

Seems all is fine with the eircom router itself in bridge mode acting as a modem. You should indeed get the DSL light on but not the internet light. I assume you can see the DSL line stats page when connected directly to it? I would guess the problem is with the router... Assume you have it connected from the WAN port to LAN port 1 on the eircom router? (Not that I think it matters which port on the eircom side). Only other thing I have set on the router is the MTU = 1492 under the WAN settings.

As a matter of interest Bigmoose, with your modem in Bridge mode, if you plug an ethernet cable from your laptop into the modem, what IP address does it assign to you? (what range - is it still 192.168.x.x)?

BigMoose

Yes, the modem is 192.168.1.x and the router is 192.168.0.x - they're not on the same subnet.

Mr Velo

Yep, same as that. I used 192.168.0.1 for the router - and it assigns out DHCP to my laptop, but just can't get the internet to route through it.

GGGRRRRR!

jamesd

Tried to put a D1000 into bridge mode today, modem showed dsl and the router said it was connected over pppoe, I had another netopia and that worked perfect for me in bridged mode so I left that onsite to get them going.

jamesd

jamesd wrote: »

Tried to put a D1000 into bridge mode today, modem showed dsl but the router would not connect over PPPOE, I had another netopia and that worked perfect for me in bridged mode so I left that onsite to get them going.

See others having the same trouble
http://community.eircom.net/t5/Broadband/D1000-modem-bridge-problem/td-p/31540

lynxbct

Hi Guys,

Trying to do something similar here to basically link two DSL modems that I have in the house.
I have a new D1000 modem and that is connected to the DSL line. However, the wireless signal is not strong enough to reach the far end of the house so I want to link the D1000 modem to a Zyxel modem that I have.

I have two Homeplugs which means that I can basically connect the two modems via ethernet cable. In the Internet (WAN) settings I set up the Zyxel device as a ETH device rather than ADSL but gave it an IP address 192.168.1.253

I have not changed anything in the setting on the D1000 device - do I need to.

I am not having any joy getting this to work.

Some advice would be appreciated.

Nick