Westell 6100F: Distinguishing Bridge Mode from Modem/Router Mode

omega3fatty · 01-24-2009, 07:21 AM

I have a recently installed Westell 6100F linked to 2 PC's (Windows XP) using a Linksys Workgroup Switch (not a router). My son set up the 6100F with Verizon tech support in my absence.

QUESTION: How can I tell if the 6100F is now in bridge mode or functioning as a combo modem/router? Would ipconfig/all yield this info? Wouldn't the router mode provide more security?

One computer has McAfee Firewall ON, and the other has Windiws Firewall ON (no McAfee installed). The 6100F's firewall is OFF.
Thanks!

Nexxtech · 01-24-2009, 08:31 AM

Your ISP should be able to give you an IP address to edit your settings. Not certain but maybe 192.168.1.1. You mention IP configuration so I assume you have already been able to access your settings. This should be where your bridge mode would be indicated. I think you are talking about two desktops so I would disable wireless in your settings and enable bridge mode. Yes router mode would provide more security, I would enable your hardware firewall. You may have to configure network settings in control panel.

**johnwill** · 01-26-2009, 08:39 AM

If you have two computers connected using a simple switch, the 6100F is NOT in bridge mode, since it's obviously acting like a router.

01-24-2009, 07:21 AM	#1 (permalink)
omega3fatty Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 2 OS: XPm service pack 3	Westell 6100F: Distinguishing Bridge Mode from Modem/Router Mode I have a recently installed Westell 6100F linked to 2 PC's (Windows XP) using a Linksys Workgroup Switch (not a router). My son set up the 6100F with Verizon tech support in my absence. QUESTION: How can I tell if the 6100F is now in bridge mode or functioning as a combo modem/router? Would ipconfig/all yield this info? Wouldn't the router mode provide more security? One computer has McAfee Firewall ON, and the other has Windiws Firewall ON (no McAfee installed). The 6100F's firewall is OFF. Thanks!

01-24-2009, 08:31 AM	#2 (permalink)
Nexxtech Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Canada Posts: 481 OS: XP Pro SP3 / Windows 7	Re: Westell 6100F: Distinguishing Bridge Mode from Modem/Router Mode Your ISP should be able to give you an IP address to edit your settings. Not certain but maybe 192.168.1.1. You mention IP configuration so I assume you have already been able to access your settings. This should be where your bridge mode would be indicated. I think you are talking about two desktops so I would disable wireless in your settings and enable bridge mode. Yes router mode would provide more security, I would enable your hardware firewall. You may have to configure network settings in control panel.

01-26-2009, 08:39 AM	#3 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 41,607 OS: Windows 7, XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	Re: Westell 6100F: Distinguishing Bridge Mode from Modem/Router Mode If you have two computers connected using a simple switch, the 6100F is NOT in bridge mode, since it's obviously acting like a router. __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience