Ericsson: ADSL Modem HM220d

I have heard about DSL and xDSL, but the modem is called ADSL modem. Why is that?
DSL is the general name of a family of communication techniques making it possible to use the normal telephony subscriber line for broadband connection to Internet. ADSL, Asymmetric DSL, is one of the techniques within this family.

What is ADSL?
ADSL stands for Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line. It is a broadband communications technology enabling you to use your normal ‘telephone line’ for connecting to Internet. The connection is asymmetric in the sense of transmission speed, which means that the downstream speed is higher than the upstream speed. This suits the home user when surfing on the Internet and downloading video clips and other entertainment. Depending on the telephone line length and quality you may get a downstream speed of up to a maximum of 8 MBPS. The upstream speed is lower, up to a maximum of 800 KBPS. However, the maximum speed in each direction is also depending on your ISPs policy, there may be a limit set for the highest possible speed.

Today I am using a HPNA network in my home. Will this be affected by the ADSL connection?
No, the HPNA network uses frequencies above the ADSL frequencies. ADSL and HPNA will not affect each other.

There are two versions of the modem, HM220dp and HM220di. What is the difference between them?
The HM220dp is designed for connection via a POTS subscriber line, whereas the HM220di is designed for connection via an ISDN subscriber line.

I have heard that the ADSL link ‘is always on’. What does that mean?
The ADSL link is independent of the normal telephony service and ready to use when you are. You no longer have to dial a number, wait for connection. Depending on ISP and modem configuration, however, you may have to log in via client software in your PC.

If the ADSL line is ‘always on’, and my computer is also ‘always on’, what happens when I’m not actually ‘surfing’?
Nothing happens. However, if you would like to obtain a high level of security while not using your PC, you could activate the PipeLock functionality. By pressing the PipeLock switch, you ‘lock’ the path between your ISP and you computer is which means that no unwanted messages can pass through the modem. When you would like to access your ISP again, simply deactivate the PipeLock switch by pressing the PipeLock switch once again.

I understand that ATM is used in ADSL, and I also know that ATM is a special type of network? Do I have to order any kind of ATM connection together with the ADSL?
No, you don’t have to bother about ATM. It is true that ATM is involved in the ADSL connection to your ISP. ATM is the protocol that the modem uses to transport data from itself to your ISP and vice verse. However, the ATM is terminated in the modem and will not affect you in any way. However, during configuration of the modem you may have to enter a VP and a VC number for the ATM connection. These numbers may also be preconfigured by your modem supplier.

If my ADSL modem fails or looses power, will I also loose the phone service?
No, the modem and the associated splitter are designed so that your normal telephone service will operate if the modem looses power or is even unplugged.

Will my current POTS features work with ADSL?
Adding HM220dp ADSL to your phone line will not affect your normal telephony service. All existing services and features will remain on your phone line as usual.

Will my current ISDN features work with ADSL?
Adding HM220di ADSL to your ISDN line will not affect your normal ISDN service. All existing services and features will remain on your phone line as usual.

What is the difference between ‘a normal filter’ and ‘micro filters’?
There are two main principles for using ADSL filters, one ‘splitter’ or several ‘micro filters’ (sometimes also called in-line filters). If you have a splitter, this is normally mounted directly at the first telephone jack of the incoming subscriber line (your telephone line). The splitter ‘splits’ the subscriber line into one ‘ADSL line’ and one ‘telephony line’ not affecting each other. The telephone line then connects one or more telephone sets as in a normal POTS connection. If ‘micro filters’ are used, there is no splitter mounted directly at the incoming telephone line. Instead there is one micro filter’ at each one of the connected telephone sets.

What is the difference between 'micro filters' and 'in-line filters'?
There is no difference: it is just two names for the same type of filters.

Why do I have to connect the modem to a splitter and not directly into the telephone jack?
This is when you have one splitter, instead of several micro filters, mounted directly on the incoming telephone line. The splitter splits the available bandwidth of your telephone line into two lines, one ‘ADSL line’ and one ‘normal telephony line’ not affecting each other.

Why do I have to connect the splitter at the first telephone jack?
The telephone jacks in your home is normally connected in a ‘chain’ (in serial or parallel). Since the splitter splits the incoming telephone line into two lines, one‘ADSL line’ and one ‘normal telephone’, this split must be done where the telephone line enters your home. From practical point of view, this is at the first telephone jack in the chain described above. This means that the ADSL modem is connected, via the splitter, to the first telephone jack in the chain. In this way, the splitter ‘separates’ the remaining telephone jacks in the chain from the ADSL line and you can use these jacks to connect your telephone sets as usual.

Why do I have to connect each telephone via a filter and not directly into the telephone jack?
This is when you have one micro filter, per telephone set instead of one splitter. Each ‘micro filter’ separates the ‘telephony channel’ of the subscriber line to the telephone set. There is one such separation for each individual telephone set connected.

There are three cables supplied with the modem. Do I need them all?
Normally you need two of the three cables. You always need the ‘telephone cable’ to connect the modem to the filter, i.e. your telephone line. Then you need either the Ethernet cable or the USB cable to connect the modem to your computer depending on if you computer is equipped with an Ethernet card or a USB connector.

Can I use 100BaseT Ethernet port to connect my computer to the modem?
The modem only supports 10BaseT Ethernet, but normally you can use a 10/100BaseT port in you computer since most such ports will automatically adapt to 10BaseT. However, some 10/100BaseT ports might require a manual change from 100BaseT to 10BaseT. Please consult the User Manual for your PC or Ethernet card.

Shall I plug the cable into the Ethernet or USB connector?
If you prefer the ‘easy to install’ USB, or if your computer does not have an Ethernet 10BaseT card installed, use the supplied USB cable and connect the USB port on the modem to the USB port on your computer. If you prefer to use the Ethernet port, and have an Ethernet 10BaseT card installed in your PC, use the supplied Ethernet cable with the RJ45 connector to connect the 10BaseT port on the modem to the Ethernet card in your computer. Consult the enclosed quick guide or User Manual for further details.

Can I use a hub between the modem and my computer?
Yes you can, but you need one more Ethernet cable than the one supplied with the modem. Depending on type of hub, you may need a “cross connected” cable. Please consult the user manual for the hub.

I have connected my computer to the modem via a hub and now there is no connection between the modem and the computer. Without the hub there is a connection. What is the problem?
Depending on type of hub you are using, you may need a ‘cross connect cable’ to cross connect transmit and receive data between the modem and the hub. Some hubs may also have a built in switch for this purpose. Please consult the user manual for the hub.

Can I connect more than one computer to the modem?
Yes, if you use the Ethernet port. However, you need a hub between the modem and your computers.

Why can I connect only one computer to the modem via the USB port?
The USB port in the modem is a ‘slave’ whereas the computer’s USB port normally is a ‘master’ of the USB. This means that, without involving very special USB hub HW, you can only have one computer connected to your modem.

No LEDs are turned on when I power on my modem. Why is that?
Probably there is no power to your modem. Please check the connection of the power supply to the mains outlet, and also the connection to the modem. Normally the Power LED should first become turned on. After a short while, all the other LEDs should also be turned on.

A few seconds after power on, all LEDs are turned on and remain so on for a while. Why is that?
This is not a fault. At power on the modem performs an internal diagnostic test followed by a reboot (restart). During the reboot time all LEDs are turned on. After the reboot, the Power LED should remain on and depending on how the modem is connected to your computer, the Ethernet or USB LED should be turned on or flashing. However, if all LEDs remains on “forever”, power cycle the modem (power off and on again). If this does not help there could be an internal fault in the modem. Perform a reset back to the factory default as described in the “Troubleshooting section” in the supplied User Manual for more information.

After connecting the modem to the filter, the ADSL LED is not turned on at all. Why is that?
This probably means that you have no ADSL connection to the telephone line, i.e. no ADSL signal reaches the modem. Check that the cable of the modem to the filter is properly and has not been mixed up with the telephone.

After connecting the modem to the filter, the ADSL LED keeps flashing but will not become turned on. Why is that?
The modem performs a training sequence, which means that it tries to establish an ADSL with your ISP. If there is no success, the LED will not be turned on to a steady light. Maybe the modem is not configured to the correct ADSL mode? Check that you have selected the appropriate ADSL mode of operation in the configuration of your modem.

The modem is properly connected and configured, but the ADSL LED keeps flashing and will not become turned on. Why is that?
Although ADSL is a highly sophisticated transmission technique, all ADSL lines and modems are sensitive to certain types of external disturbances. Please check that there are no ‘switched power supplies or light dimmers close to the ADSL cable or modem. Check also that the ADSL cable is not fed in parallel with any power cables. If possible, move the modem to another room if you can not move the disturbance source. Please note, however, that if the modem is connected to a splitter, this, in turn, is normally connected to the first telephone jack on you telephone line and cannot be moved to another jack.

How do I know that the ADSL line is up?
The ADSL LED is turned on with a steady light. If it is flasing, the modem is performing a training sequence. A successful training sequence will result in that the LED is turned on to a steady light.

After connecting the modem to my computer, the Ethernet LED is turned on. Is that correct?
When the modem detects an Ethernet port, i.e. there is a computer in the other end of the cable; it turns on the Ethernet LED. However, each time something is sent on the Ethernet cable, to or from the modem, the LED will flash. Hence, during normal operation, the LED is irregularly flashing.

After connecting the modem to my computer, the USB LED is turned on. Is that correct?
When the modem detects an USB port, i.e. there is an active computer in the other end of the cable; it turns on the USB LED. However, each time something is sent on the Ethernet cable, to or from the modem, the LED will flash. Hence, during normal operation, the LED is irregularly flashing.

When I turn power off to my computer, the USB LED is also turned off. Is that correct?
Yes, the modem detects when the USB port is down, i.e. there is no active computer in the other end of the cable. Then the modem turns off the USB LED to indicate this.

The modem is connected to the computer via USB. When I turn power on to my computer, the modem turns off all LEDs except the power LED. After a few seconds it turns on all LEDs. Is this a correct behaviour?
Yes, the modem detects when the USB port is activated again after the power down. The then modem makes a reset followed by an internal diagnostic test, in turn followed by a reboot. During the reboot all LEDs are turned on. After that, the ADSL LED should flash and then become turned on. The USB LED should be turned and then irregularly flashing during normal traffic.

I have done all the hardware installation and connected my computer to the modem via the Ethernet port. Is there any software to be installed on my computer?
Yes, if you use the USB port to connect the modem to your computer, you also need to install the supplied USB driver in your PC. Insert the enclosed CD in the CD-ROM of you computer and follow the instructions displayed on the screen. Please consult the User’s Manual for all details. Depending on the modem configuration, you may have to change TCP/IP properties, such as how to obtain IP-address, Default Gateway and DNS of your Ethernet connection. If the modem is configured for ‘bridged mode’, you may need a PPPoE software installed and configured. Please consult your ISP for further details.

How can I check that my USB-drivers are correctly installed in Windows?
The supplied USB driver can only be used in Windows. To check that the USB drivers for HM220d are installed correctly, do the following: - Go via ‘Start’ - ‘Settings’ - ‘Control Panel’ to ‘System’ in ‘Device Manager Tab’ and open ‘System Devices’ - Find and select the ‘Ericsson HM220d USB driver’ - Click on ‘Properties’, in the ‘general Tab’ and check that the ‘Device status says ‘This device is working properly’ - Click on OK - In the ‘Device Manager Tab’ open th ‘Network Adapters’ - Find and select the ‘Ericsson HM220d Virtual NIC driver’ - Click on ‘Properties’, in the ‘general Tab’ and check that the ‘Device status’ says ‘This device is working properly’ - Click on OK. Now you have confirmed that the drivers are properly installed

The modem has three operating modes, Routed/PPPoA, Routed/RFC1483 and Bridged/RFC1483. What is the difference between them?
HM220d supports two routed and one bridged mode. Very simplified, you can say that in ‘routed mode’ the modem acts as an IP-router. This means that your computer, or computers, belongs to another logical IP network than the ISP. The normal result of this is that you use ‘private IP-addresses’ on ‘your local home network’. The ‘private IP-addresses’ are translated in the modem to global IP-addresses used in the ISP network. However, the address translation is not always needed and can be disabled. The modem has also a DHCP server that can be used in both routed modes. In Routed/PPPoA mode, the modem also has a built in functionality for authentication, which means that your username and password are entered once when configuring the modem. In Routed/RFC1483 mode, the modem does not have any built in authentication. Besides, in Routed/RFC1483 mode, the modem can also act as a DHCP client or be configured with a fixed IP-address for the external interface (WAN IP interface). In ‘bridged mode’, your connected computer, or computers, is connected to the same logical IP-network as the ISP. This means that you use ‘global IP-addresses’ and no address translation is done in the modem. In bridged mode, depending on your ISP, you may need a PPPoA client software in you PC to be able to log in to the ISP network. Moreover, the modem does not provide a DHCP server in this mode.

Shall I use the ‘Configuration Wizard’ or the ‘Advanced Settings’ when configuring the modem?
If this is the first time you configure the modem we recommend you to use the Configuration Wizard which will guide you through the configuration step by step. However, If you have become very familiar with the modem, you may use the Advanced Settings instead, which will show you all configuration parameters at the same time, and you can fill in the parameters in any order as you like.

How do I know which configuration parameters I have to fill in when configuring the modem?
All configuration details must be supplied from your ISP. The configuration Wizard will guide you through the configuration and show you when appropriate parameters must be filled in.

From my ISP I have received something called configuration strings. What is the use of those?
When the modems Configuration Wizard is used in Auto Configuration mode, two configuration strings are used. There are two strings, referred to as A and B, each one built up by four groups of hexadecimal digits (0-9 and A-F). The advantage by using these strings is that you don't have to know any details about the modem configuration. Simply enter the two strings in A and B data fields in the Auto Configuration form. If the modem is configured for routed mode, you are also prompted to enter a User Id and Password as well.

When installing the USB software in Windows, the ‘Add New Hardware Wizard’ will pop up two times. Why is that?
In fact, two drivers are installed. First, the actual USB driver is installed. The second time, the ‘Ethernet emulation on USB’ is installed. Both of them are required to make the USB connection between the modem and your computer work.

When installing the USB driver in Windows, my computer asks for a ‘Windows CD’. Why is that?
Your computer has not been fully installed to support the use of USB in Windows. When you try to install the supplied USB drivers, the Windows operating system detects this and asks for the Windows installation CD (not supplied with the modem) to get the missing files. Just follow the instructions you get on the screen. Note that there are two USB drivers to install.

The intallation notes from my ISP says that my computer should be given a fixed IP address. What shall I do?
Normally your computer will request an IP-address (your computer address on the Internet) each time it is connected to the Internet. In this case your ISP has chosen to give your computer a fixed address valid all the time. Reconfigure the TCP/IP Properties of the Ethernet port in your computer. In the Properties you should turn of the “Address from DHCP”, enter the ‘fixed’ IP address, Subnet mask, default gateway IP address and DNS IP-address. All of these must be provided by your ISP.

The installation notes from my ISP says that my computer should be configured to receive an IP address from the ISPs DHCP function. What shall I do?
Normally your computer will request an IP-address (your computer address on the Internet) each time it is connected to the Internet. This address is received from a DHCP server in the net. Hence, you normally do not have to do anything at all. However, if the TCP/IP Properties of the Ethernet port in your computer has been set to a ‘fixed IP address’, you need to reconfigure and turn on the “Address from DHCP”.

After I have configured the modem for bridged mode I can access the Internet, but I cannot no longer access the configuration web page of the modem. What is the problem?
This is not a fault, but rather a normal situation. When you configure the modem for bridged mode, it means that your computer will belong to the same IP-net as your ISP. This means that your computer is given a ‘fixed IP address’, or gets an IP address via the ISPs DHCP function. In any case, it means that the modems default address is no longer on the same ‘logical’ net as your computer. To reach the modem it must have it’s on IP-address on the ISP net. However, it is not very likely that your ISP will give you an extra address for your modem since the number of IP addresses are limited.

After installation and configuration everything looks normal. I can access the modem’s web page, but I cannot access the Internet. Why is that?
If the ADSL LED is turned on, and the Ethernet / USB LED is turned on or flashes it means that your computer is in contact with the modem and the modem is in contact with ISP. However, the entered User Id or Password might be wrong so you are refused to log on. If the modem is configured for routing mode, the User Id and Password is entered in your configuration. Enter these one more time, save the configuration and reboot the modem. If you have configured the modem for bridged mode, and you are using a “dial-up” program in your computer, then you should check your User ID and Password entered.

When I am using a Proxy Server, I can access the Internet but not the modem’s internal WebPages. What is the problem?
You have to specify that the modem’s local IP-address (i.e. the address of the built in WebPages) should not use the Proxy. If you are running Internet Explorer, you will find this list under View/Internet Options/Connection/Proxy Server-Advanced. Enter the modem’s address in the Exceptions box.

The modem is configured for routed mode. The entered User ID and Password are correct, still I cannot access the Internet. Why is that?
First of all, the ADSL LED must be turned on to indicate an ADSL connection to your ISP. If the modems internal DHCP function is enabled (it normally is in routed mode) it means that your computer gets not only an IP address, but also information on ‘Default Gateway’ and ‘DNS of your ISP’ from the modem. If you have entered incorrect information on either of those, the result could be that you couldn´t reach your ISP.

The modem is configured for bridged mode. I cannot access the Internet. Why is that?
First of all, the ADSL LED must be turned on to indicate an ADSL connection to your ISP. In bridged mode, the ISP will most likely provide a DHCP function. Check that the TCP/IP Properties of the Ethernet port in your computer is set to receive ‘Address from DHCP’ which will also include reception of ‘Default Gateway’ and ‘DNS of your ISP’. However, if your computer should have a ‘fixed IP address’ (according to your ISP), check the entered IP address, subnet mask, ‘Default Gateway’ IP address and ‘DNS of your ISP’ IP address.

During configuration I have messed things up and would like to start from the beginning again. How can I do that?
That is no problem. Just power off the modem, keep the PipeLock switch pressed when you power on the modem again and keep the switch pressed for about five seconds. This will cause the modem to erase all information you have input during the configuration and reinsert the factory default values. After the modem has rebooted, you can start all over again.

Suddenly I cannot access the Internet, but I have no problems to access the modem’s internal web page. Why is that?
Most likely, you have activated the PipeLock facility. Check if the PipeLock LED is turned on. If so, deactivate the PipeLock by pressing the PipeLock switch and you can access the Internet again.

Suddenly I cannot access the Internet. The PipeLock is not activated. What could be the problem?
First of all, check the LEDs on the modem. If the ADSL LED is turned off, it means that the modem has no contact to your ISP. Some reasons could be: - The ADSL cable between the modem and the filter/telephone jack is not properly fitted in both ends. - The modem is not connected to the first telephone jack. The receiver is off-hook (someone makes a call) on a telephone connected to a jack prior to the jack where the modem is connected, i.e. the ‘chain’ is broken and the ADSL signal to the modem drops. - The ISP is temporarily ‘down’. Please consult the ISP helpdesk.

How can I check the current ADSL transmission speed?
The current ADSL downlink and uplink speed of your modem can be checked via the modem’s internal web page. Click on the Status key and then check the RX rate and TX rate, corresponding to the downlink and uplink speeds respecteviely. The rate is indicated in bits per second and is the current ADSL link rate.

I get the impression that the data transmission speed is low while surfing. How can I check the throughput?
The current ADSL downlink and uplink speed of your modem, as well as some transmission statistics, can be checked via the modem’s internal web page. Click on the Status key to check the RX and TX ADSL rates and the associated statistics. However, this is the physical speed of the link and there are many different things influencing on the ‘user data speed’. The best way to check the real throughput is to install a special software tool for this purpose, for example NetMedic.

How can I check if there is a new software released for the modem?
The current software version of your modem can be checked via the modem’s internal web page. Click on the Product Information key and then check the Product software revision. To check if there is a newer software release available, go to the modem home page, http://www.wii.ericsson.net/support_ADSL/ on the Internet and check for latest version. If there is a newer version than the current in your modem, use the upgrade facility to download the new software to the modem.

How do I upgrade my modem to a new software release?
Go to the modem home page, http://www.wii.ericsson.net/support_ADSL/ on the Internet and check for latest software version. Follow the instructions on the WebPages and download the new software to your computer’s hard disk, and then perform an upgrade of your modem.

In routed mode, why can't I set a default gateway?
For ATM connections, HM200 use PVCs (permanent virtual circuits); the route is pre-configured through the network. Therefore there is no need to set a default gateway for the modem.