DIY Networks - Example Wireless ADSL Modem Configuration

Configuring a Netgear DG834GSP ADSL Modem with Wireless Access Point

We have chosen the Netgear DG834GSP as our example of an ADSL modem with built in wireless access point. The DG834GSP is a robust ADSL modem with wireless access point and four port ethernet switch built in and is commonly distributed as CPE with many Internet Service Providers accross the world. The unit we shall configure in our example has been kindly loaned to us by an Optus customer and the modem has been branded accordingly. The differences between an off the shelf DG834G and a branded unit are minimal, with the key difference being that some default settings are part of the factory firmware such as the passphrase and distributed with the modem as a internet start up kit. Any features that have been preconfigured for use with Optus will be noted in the tutorial however these modems are not provider locked and can be used with any ISP.

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. There are a number of different ways a device can be configured other than via a web interface such as setup disks, telnet clients etc but the web interface will remain available on the adsl modem long after the setup disk has been lost.

To commence configuring this modem we must first connect it via ethernet cable to a computer. If your computer is set to obtain an IP address automatically the modem should supply an address to it and you should be able to log into the modem with your web browser. If you are not supplied an IP address then you may need to manually configure your computers ethernet adapter as described in the appropriate Configuration Tutorial . The Netgear DG834G ships with a default IP address of 10.1.1.1 and a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0 so you can safely set the IP address of your computer to be somewhere in the 10.1.1.0/24 range. 10.1.1.25 is a reasonable address to use as an example with a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0 and a gateway address of 10.1.1.1. Use your ISP's nameservers in the DNS server address fields.

Log into the router via its web interface Now that we have established a connection between the ADSL modem and the computer you intend to use to configure it we can now log into the routers web interface. Open up your web browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox or whatever you would normally use) and into the address field type http://10.1.1.1 and press enter. You should be greeted by a little box prompting you for a username and password. The default username for the Netgear DG634G is admin and the default password is password.

Once you have successfully logged into the ADSL modem you will be presented with a status page that tells you details such as line rate and authentication state. Click on the Basic Settings link on the menu on the left hand side of the page. The Basic Settings page allows us to provide the basic information that the modem needs to connect to the internet. Our Optus branded modem has kindly filled out the login (or username) field with john_citizen@optusnet.com.au.

Basic Internet Connection Configuration

Although there are many different configuration options on the Basic Settings page the only ones that need to be changed are the Login and Password. These are the username and password supplied to you by your ISP so that your modem may connect successfully to the internet and they should be typed in exactly as your ISP supplied them to you. All the other settings shall be fine as the defaults, our ISP shall assign an IP address automatically and also provide DNS server addresses as well. Click Apply to save your settings.

Wireless Access Point Configuration

Now we have configured the Basic Settings on our ADSL modem we must configure the wireless access point that is built into it. Click on the Wireless Settings link on the menu on the left hand side of the configuration page. Being a branded modem the firmware has loaded some default values for the wireless configuration that are unique to this modem and quite secure in their own right. When these modems are produced a card is printed simultaneously that is packaged with the modem that informs the end user what the SSID and Network Key are for the modem. The default SSID is OPTUSXXXXXXX with XXXXXXX being a serial number. The default security type is WPA-PSK (also know as WPA Personal) and the Network Key is a very secure one, CCBYCZBAAWVEUYU50187.

You may prefer to customise your Optus modems settings or you may have an off-the-shelf DG834G that needs to be configured. Wireless security configuration is easy, simply type your SSID (network name) into the Name field, select the region appropriate for your location, you may choose to change the channel the device operates on but it is recommended for compatibility reasons you leave the mode as b+g. Select your preferred wireless security type in the Security Options section. WPA-PSK or WPA2-PSK are the recommended choice here, avoid using WEP encryption if you can. Finally, type your network key into the network key field, it must be between 8 and 63 characters in length and click apply. Your wireless LAN can now be considered secure.

Change the Modem Password

As a final step for the configuration of your ADSL modem/Wireless Access Point it is wise though not compulsory to change the admin password so that only a select few can log into the modem and change any aspect of its configuration. Click on the Set Password link on the menu on the last hand side of the modem configuration page. You will need to type in the old password once and the new password twice, then click apply for the changes to take effect. Your ADSL modem with built in wireless access point is now configured and ready to use.