How to Setup an Optus Speedstream 4200 modem in Bridge Mode

Introduction
To enable a VoIP ATA or combined Router/ATA to work correctly, with your Optus Speedstream 4200 modem you need to switch it to “Modem Only” mode (commonly referred to as Bridge Mode) and configure a replacement Router to perform the Login and Authentication with your ISP.

Because there are a large number of Routers available, this article will not include the instructions for setting up the ISP Authentication. Make sure you record the exact Username login information as this can sometimes be different to your email address!

Before you begin
Ensure you follow the next four steps before you begin.

On the computer you intend using to configure the modem you should make sure that DHCP is Turned ON.
Disconnect the ADSL Line from the modem while you make the configuration changes. The settings will not be saved if you remain connected!
Disconnect all telephones and other network equipment from the Router/ATA while changing the setup.
Make sure you have the correct Username and Password details given to you by your Internet Service Provider.

Now, let’s get started...

Step 1:

Load the SpeedStream Configuration screen in your Internet Browser window. I prefer to use Internet Explorer because it always works, but if you have Firefox, it should work ok.

The default IP address is 10.1.1.1. If you are unsure on how to find the IP address of your Router, you can watch our Video which shows you exactly what to do.

The Configuration screen Page should now be displayed. The one I have used in the examples below has the following details:

Firmware Part: 004-D240-A6R
Config Part #: 003-6190-G07

Click on the Setup menu option on the left.
Important: You MUST follow the order of the following steps to prevent reboots!
Note: If any of the following menu options are not available or are irrelevant, skip them. Generally, just set up your screens to look the same as the ones pictured. You should click on the pictures, below, for a larger image.

Step 2:

Disable any Dynamic DNS settings you may have had. This needs to be setup on the replacement Router if you are using Dynamic DNS.

Step 3:

Disable the Unerversal Plug and Play Option. Again if you do need this function on, you should set it up in your replacement Router.

Step 4:

Disable the DHCP Server Option: Make sure you don’t reboot if it suggests that you should! Again if you are using DHCP on your internal Network this should be configured on your Router.

Step 5:

Set the correct operation mode. This is the most important difference between the BigPond and Optus Firmware versions. Don’t be fooled into thinking the Optus or Full Bridge option is correct. It must be NAPT, as shown below because the other options don’t work!

Step 6:

This is where we really set up the Bridge Mode. If you have been running in Optus Bridge, there may not be an entry in there, or it may not be the same Type or Name.

If you don’t have an entry, click the Add a New VC button.
If there is an entry, click on “8/35” entry under the VC column heading!

Now we just follow the “Wizard” and set the entries as appropriate.

Step 7:

Make sure you have the VPI and VCI set correctly for your location. In Australia, it should be set to VPI: 8 and VCI:35 as shown below. Also ensure you select the LLC Encapsulation Type. VCMUX is only applicable for a PPPoA connection and we will be using PPPoE.

Once you have set the entries as appropriate and click the Next >> Button.

Step 8:

Ensure you Select the PPPoE Protocl Selection radio button.

Once you have selected PPPoE, click the Next >> Button.

Step 9:

This is where we set the PPPoE type to Bridge Mode.

Once you select Bridge only, click the Next >> Button.

Step 10:

On this configuration screen we are basically turning off all the functions that should not work anyway as the modem will be running in Bridge Mode. This is the most important Setup screen for this process. Notice, I turn OFF Everything!!!

Once the options have been set as appropriate and click the Next >> Button.

Step 11:

It really does not matter what you put in here as it does not appear to be saved anyway. Just to be correct, I use the following Connection Name: PPPoE 8/35.

Once you have set this option, click the Next >> Button.

Step 12:

That’s It you have done all that is necessary. Click the Finish Button.

When you press the Finished Button, it should offer to Reboot, Select Yes.

NOTE:
After the modem reboots the only way you will be able to connect to the modem is to set a static IP address as we have turned Off DHCP. If you need to do this, set a static IP of 10.1.1.2 (actually anything in the 10.1.1 network address range as long as it’s not 10.1.1.1) See How To connect to a Speedstream 4200 in Bridge Mode for more information.

Now your need to switch all the equipment off and reconnect the cables. It should go something like this.

Plug the telephone cable coming from the ADSL socket, on the Filter/Spliter, into the SpeedStream 4200 DSL socket.
Plug a network cable from the SpeedStream 4200 Ethernet Socket into the WAN (or it could be labeled Internet) connection on your Router.
Plug a network cable from your computer into one of the LAN ports of the Router.
If you have not configured your Router with the Username and Password Authentication details given to you by your ISP, you should turn on your Router and your Computer and set up the WAN configuration as per the instructions that comes with your Router.
Once the Username and Password details have been entered into your router and you have saved the settings, turn the Router and Computer off again.

Startup procedure

This is the startup procedure I follow which works in 99% of cases, occasionally, you might need to turn on your router first but this is generally not recommened.

Turn on the SpeedStream 4200 and wait till the DSL light is steady (ie not flashing).
When the DSL light is steady, turn on your Router and it should connect up and log in etc.
Start you computer and go to the Router Configuration screen and check you are connected.

That’s it, hopefully, it should now all be working.

Additional SpeedStream 4200 Resources:

More How To's

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