DIY Networks - Example ADSL Modem Configuration

Configuring a Netgear DM111P ADSL Modem

Our tutorial on configuring an ADSL modem will feature the Netgear DM111P as our example ADSL modem. Netgear make a popular range of affordable modems, routers and other networking products that can be found in homes and offices all around the world. The Netgear DM111P has a single ethernet port that can be connected directly to a single computer or into a switch or hub to distribute the internet accross a larger local area network.

The Web Interface

Virtually all devices such as routers, access points, adsl modems etc are configured via a web interface. A web interface is really just a web page that the device displays that you can change configuration values in so that your device works properly. Many of them have other methods as well such as set up CD's that use Plug'N'Play or even command line interfaces. We shall configure the Netgear DM111P via its web interface as it is a common method of device configuration and will still be there long after a setup CD is lost.

Plug the ADSL modem into a power point that is close to your PC and connect the modem to your computer with an ethernet cable. Plug the phone line into the modem as well. The default LAN IP address for a Netgear DM111P is 192.168.0.1 and if your computer has been set to obtain an IP address automatically you will most likely receive an IP address in this range and be able to log directly into the router by opening your web browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari or whatever your personal preference may be) and typing http://192.168.0.1 into the address bar. If you do get assigned an IP addres automatically you may need to specify an IP address manually as described in our Configuration Tutorials section. You should assign your computer an IP address other than 192.168.0.1 in the 192.168.0.0/24 range, say 192.168.0.10 with a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0 and a gateway of 192.168.0.1. Use your ISP's nameservers for the DNS server addresses.

Log into the ADSL Modem via its Web Interface Now that we have established connectivity between the ADSL modem and our computer we need to log into the web interface and start configuring it. In the address bar of your web browser type in http://192.168.0.1 and press enter. A little box should pop up asking for a username and password to log into the router. The default username on the Netgear DM111P is admin and the default password is simply password. If the modem does not accept these credentials you may have to factory reset it using the little factory reset button on the back.

The Netgear DM111P, like many other modems of its type, is not very difficult to configure. Most of the settings such as VPI, VCI and encapsulation type are preconfigured in modems to suit the country they are sold in. The only detail the modem will most likely require is the username and password supplied to you by your Internet Service Provider. On the very first page of the Netgear modems configuration page are fields for you to type these in exactly as your provider supplied them to you. If they are incorrect your modem will not authenticate correctly and your internet will not work. Simply type them in and clicked the connect button. Chances are if your modem is plugged into the phone line it will connect and you will be online! If it prompts you to save settings click yes. The Netgear ADSL modem will usually have a restart now button on the buttom of the configuration page that will appear when settings have been changed. Above it will be the words- You need to restart your ADSL modem for the settings to take effect. Click this restart now button so the modem can save its new configuration to its firmware.



If your unable to connect the modem to the phone line at the time when you are configuring it then click on the ADSL Settings link on the left hand side menu of the modem configuration page and this will take you to a page that will allow you to configure the modem despite the fact that it doesnt have line sync. Fill in the username and password fields with the exact details supplied to you by your Internet Service Provider and click the apply button. You will then see a restart now button appear on the bottom of the page click this button to allow the modem to save the new settings to its flash memory and restart with your changes in effect.



You can change your LAN IP address if it is necessary by clicking on the LAN IP setup. There are fields where you can specify the LAN IP Address, Subnet Mask and you also have the option to turn the DHCP server on or off. I dont recommend changing these settings from the default without a reason.



And finally, it is a good practice to change the admin password for the router so that there can be no unauthorized entry and reconfiguration to the router. Click on the Set Password link on the menu on the left hand side of the modem configuration page. You will see a username field, probably already filled in with admin and two password fields. Type the new password into the New Password field and retype it into the confirm password field then click apply. Once again you will need to click the restart now button on the bottom of the page to save the new password.

Your Netgear DM111P ADSL modem is now configured and ready to use.