Internet Help

General

• Why is there a phone port on the back of my modem?

  Why is there a phone port on the back of my modem?

  Use the built-in phone port on the Qwest® Standard Modem: Actiontec® M1000 to plug in another phone (one that can sit right next to the modem). A phone filter (microfilter) is unnecessary because it is a pre-filtered phone port.

• How do I set up a wired (Ethernet) network with my modem?

  How do I set up a wired (Ethernet) network with my modem?

  You'll need to add a hub or switch. In most cases, the UPLINK port on the hub or switch should be used to connect to the Qwest Standard Modem: Actiontec M1000. Visit your local electronics store to purchase a hub or switch, and follow the accompanying instructions.

• Which protocols does the Qwest Standard Modem: Actiontec M1000 modem support?

  Which protocols does the Qwest Standard Modem: Actiontec M1000 modem support?

  TThe internal LAN connections support multiple protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, NetBEUI, IPX/SPX and AppleTalk). The External WAN connection supports only TCP/IP.

• What connection speeds does the Qwest Standard Modem: Actiontec M1000 modem support?

  What connection speeds does the Qwest Standard Modem: Actiontec M1000 modem support?

  • The yellow Ethernet connection is auto-detecting and supports 10 Megabits per second (Mbps) or 100 Mbps connections.
  • The WAN connection supports up to 8 Mbps downstream and up to 1 Mbps upstream.
  • The 802.11b wireless connection supports up to 11 Mbps connection speeds.
  • The 802.11g wireless connection supports up to 54 Mbps connection speeds.
  • Wireless speeds vary depending on signal quality, environmental factors and physical distance.
• How do I upgrade my DSL modem's firmware?

  How do I upgrade my DSL modem's firmware?

  We strongly recommend using Qwest® firmware to upgrade your modem. The Actiontec Web site offers some firmware that is incompatible with Qwest High-Speed Internet service. Downloading an incompatible version may cause your Internet service to fail.

Wireless Internet

• Does the Qwest Standard Modem: Actiontec M1000 support wireless functionality?

  Does the Qwest Standard Modem: Actiontec M1000 support wireless functionality?

  Yes. An optional module can be purchased and attached directly to your Qwest Standard Modem: Actiontec M1000 to enable wireless functionality. Learn more about the Qwest Wireless Module: Actiontec W1000.

• What is the best placement for my wireless modem?

  What is the best placement for my wireless modem?

  To receive the highest quality and strongest signal strength, place your wireless modem in an elevated central location with the fewest physical obstructions to the service area. This may also reduce possible environmental effects.

• How do I configure my modem for wireless (Wi-Fi) access?

  How do I configure my modem for wireless (Wi-Fi) access?

  Click here for more information.

• How do I configure my computer for wireless (Wi-Fi) access?

  How do I configure my computer for wireless (Wi-Fi) access?

  Most portable computers now have ‘out of the box’ wireless support. Select a link below for basic configuration instructions. For specific information on how to configure your computer, please refer to your computer’s documentation or manufacturer.

  • Windows Vista
  • Windows XP
  • Mac OSX
• How can I secure my wireless connection using WEP or WPA?

  How can I secure my wireless connection using WEP or WPA?

  WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) and WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) are two ways to help prevent unauthorized wireless access to your modem. Click here for instructions on configuring WEP wireless security. Click here for instructions on configuring WPA wireless security.

• Is the Apple® Airport wireless device compatible with the modem?

  Is the Apple® Airport wireless device compatible with the modem?

  Yes, the Apple Airport complies with the 802.11b and 802.11g standards. If using the WEP security feature, refer to your Apple Airport documentation for special instructions on how to enter the WEP key so it will be compatible.

• How do I install or configure my 2Wire wireless adapter?

  How do I install or configure my 2Wire wireless adapter?

  Click here for more information.

  
  
  
• What can interfere with my wireless signal?

  What can interfere with my wireless signal?

  The physical environment can have varying effects on signal strength and the quality of your wireless modem.

  • The more dense the object the greater the interference (e.g., a concrete wall causes more interference than a plaster wall).
  • Concrete or metal reinforced structures cause a higher degree of signal loss than wood, plaster, or glass construction.
  • Devices that give off EMI (Electro-Magnetic Interference) can also adversely affect your signal strength. This includes things like garage door openers, cordless phones, and baby monitors.
• How can I solve common wireless connectivity problems?

  How can I solve common wireless connectivity problems?

  Click here for steps on common wireless problems and how to solve them.

• How do I get additional support on wireless functionality?

  How do I get additional support on wireless functionality?

  Click here to contact Qwest Technical support.

  
  

Networking

• What are static IP addresses and how do I get them?

  What are static IP addresses and how do I get them?

  A static IP address is a unique numeric address that identifies your computer on the Internet. Qwest, as your Internet Service Provider (ISP), can assign a static IP address to be a permanent address for your computer. Learn more.

• How do I make my laptop work both at home and at the office?

  How do I make my laptop work both at home and at the office?

  You'll need to reconfigure your network settings (e.g., workgroup, domain, password, user name, IP address). You may also use third-party software such as NetSwitcher to switch automatically between different configurations.

• What is the valid IP range I can use for my home network?

  What is the valid IP range I can use for my home network?

  The valid IP range is 192.168.0.2 to 192.168.0.254. We recommend using the default settings, but IP ranges and LAN subnets can be changed if necessary.

• How do I find out what IP address my computer is using?

  How do I find out what IP address my computer is using?

  For Windows® 95, Windows 98, Windows 98SE and Windows ME:

  • Select Start, Run, and type "winipcfg". Press Enter.
  • When the "winipcfg" screen displays, ensure your network device is selected.

  For Windows NT, Windows 2000 and Windows XP:

  • Select Start, Run and type "cmd". Press Enter.
  • When the "Command" screen displays, type "ipconfig" and press Enter.

  To use the Qwest Standard Modem: Actiontec M1000 homepage to obtain your IP address:

  • Type "192.168.0.1" in the Address bar of your Internet browser.
  • Select the Status tab. Then, select the Active User List link on the left.
• How do I refresh my IP address if I used DHCP to configure my network?

  How do I refresh my IP address if I used DHCP to configure my network?

  To refresh your IP address, restart your computer.

  For Windows 95, 98, 98SE and ME systems:

  1. Select Start, Run, and type "winipcfg". Press Enter.
  2. Select the Ethernet adapter in the device box.
  3. Select Release all.
  4. Select Renew all.

  For Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000 and XP systems:

  1. Select Start, Run, and type "cmd". Press Enter.
  2. At the DOS prompt, type "ipconfig/release". Press Enter.
  3. Type "ipconfig/renew". Press Enter.
• Can I run an application located on another computer over the network?

  Can I run an application located on another computer over the network?

  Yes, if the application is designed to run over a network. View step-by-step instructions (PDF).

• Can I play games between computers on my network or on the Internet?

  Can I play games between computers on my network or on the Internet?

  Yes, if the games were designed for multi-player or network play. Check the game documentation.

• How can I make the FTP or Web server on my network available to Internet users?

  How can I make the FTP or Web server on my network available to Internet users?

  For a Web server:

  • Enable port forwarding (PDF) for port 80 to the IP address of your Web server.
  • We recommend configuring your server to use a static IP address (PDF).

  For an FTP server:

  • Enable port forwarding (PDF) for port 21 to the IP address of your FTP server.
  • We recommend configuring your FTP server to use a static IP address (PDF).

Security

• What is NAT and how does it protect my network?

  What is NAT and how does it protect my network?

  • Network Address Translation (NAT) is a level of security, which masks the private IP addresses of the PCs on your network with a single public IP address.
  • With NAT, the private IP address of any PC on your network is never transmitted over the Internet.
  • Instructions for disabling NAT (PDF) are available.
• Does my modem act as a firewall?

  Does my modem act as a firewall?

  The Qwest Standard Modem: Actiontec M1000 provides its security using Network Address Translations (NAT), which acts as a physical barrier between your network and the Internet.

  A configurable onboard firewall is also available and can be configured via the Qwest Standard Modem: Actiontec M1000 Web interface.

  Step-by-step instructions (PDF) are available.

• Can I use an Internet firewall or other security programs with my network?

  Can I use an Internet firewall or other security programs with my network?

  Yes, a third-party, software-based firewall can be used with the Qwest Standard Modem: Actiontec M1000.

• Which Virtual Private Networking (VPN) protocols are supported?

  Which Virtual Private Networking (VPN) protocols are supported?

  The Qwest Standard Modem: Actiontec M1000 supports pass-through for IPSec, PPTP and L2TP. Up to four VPN "pass-through" sessions can pass through the modem at one time.