Another Verizon DSL issue - I.P. address confusion

Question

Another Verizon DSL issue - I.P. address confusion

I too have run into the message from the Verizon Online set-up CD that states I need Administrator rights to proceed. Speaking to a Verizon Tech Support Agent I learned that they are aware of the glitch.

When I move on to configure manually the strange events begin. Using PPPoE to enter my Verizon account user name and password works fine and I get a connection. Green light next to "Built-In Ethernet" in the System Preferences --> Network dialog and a full signal is visible in the menu bar Ethernet status icon.

But when I attempt to reach a website, any website, I get a Verizon page that says I cannot access the Internet.

Going back to the Built-In Ethernet window I notice that next to the green light it is stating that the connected I.P. address is something like 10.9.64.1

I believe this is the local I.P. address for the modem, but even going into the modem configuration page (by entering http://10.9.64.1 in the URL window) and speaking with the Verizon Tech Support Agent no adjustments made any difference.

Verizon, of course, suggested I call Apple. I did so and as I expected the Apple Tech Support Agent quickly worked with to rule out the computer as a problem.

I called Verizon back and got them to send me a new modem but the problem persisted. A third modem did the same thing! The modems, by the way, are/were 2 Westell 6100's and 1 Westell 2200.

I'm stumped! I'm now thinking that I will just share my neighbors WiFi bandwidth (which the computer can detect no problem). I still would love to know the root of the problem though.

Any ideas? Oh, and some may think that the Airport signal is causing the issue, but I have made sure through all of this to be sure that the AirPort is turned off anytime tried to connect via Ethernet.

Thanks,
Tim

Posted on Nov 4, 2005 8:57 AM

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Answer 1

Henry B.

Level 9

78,731 points

Nov 4, 2005 12:04 PM in response to Timothy Russell

This is indeed a confusing issue.

In most locations, Verizon's service does indeed require clients to connect using the PPPoE protocol. If you have a basic DSL modem, that PPPoE connection needs to be handled by the client computer.

Configuration is very different, however, if you are using a combo DSL modem/router like the Westell 6100. When you connect to Verizon via one of these devices, it is the modem/router that handles the PPPoE connection and it is therefore the modem/router that must be configured with your account user name and password. Your Mac, on the other hand, connects to the modem/router using the DHCP protocol (the default configuration of the MacOS) and not the PPPoE protocol.

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Answer 2

Nov 4, 2005 12:09 PM in response to Henry B.

Thanks very much for the response.

I'm going to try what you suggest, but I feel that the Verizon Tech may have talked me through this already. Conversly, it may be that your understanding of the situation is beyond that of the Techs supporting it.

I'm down but not out. I'll give it a try and post my results later.

Thanks!

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Answer 3

Nov 5, 2005 6:19 AM in response to Timothy Russell

To avoid any confusion, I first reverted back to the model 2200 Westell and attempted to connect again. 1 time using PPPoE and the second time using DHCP. It did not work. The PPPoE attempt still gives me the strage (local for them modem) I.P. address andn the DHCP attempt just dosen't work.

I recall the Verizon tech telling me that PPPoE was the only way to connect for my account.

When using the model 6100 I get the exact same result.

Are you sure about the 6100 being the router model. It does not have a series of plugs for line distribution like a typical router and when setting up my account I was explicit in that I was only hooking up one computer. The Verizon rep. said "so you don't need a router/modem?" and I said "No." I'm pretty sure they have been just sending me regular modems.

Thanks.

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Answer 4

Henry B.

Level 9

78,731 points

Nov 5, 2005 10:05 AM in response to Timothy Russell

To add to the confusion, it is my understanding that the Westell 6100 can function in either "bridge mode" where the Mac has to handle the PPPoE connection, or "router mode" where the Westell 6100 handles the PPPoE connection.

I'm surprised Verizon's support techs cannot walk you through the problem - you cannot be the only person who has ever used a Mac with one of these modem/routers!

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Answer 5

Nov 6, 2005 11:10 AM in response to Henry B.

Very interesting. I think that your knowledge of the hardware is better then that of the Techs at Verizon. In my most recent (and last) conversation with them they told me the opposite of what you have stated, that the Westell 6100 was only a regular modem.

Strangly, I still have the same issues with the 2200.

Considering that every time I call they try to verify my address with an apt. I haven't lived in for nearly 8 months, I would not be suprised if the same poor records keeping could be applied to technical datails of my account.

My plan at the moment is to dscontinue my service (at least they don't have service contracts) and get service with another provider. If, down the road, I need to return to Verizon I suspect that a new account would not have the same issue.

Thanks so much for your help Henry B. I greatly appreciate it!

Tim

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