Getting tplink TD-9970 as modem to work with Netgear DGND3700

[#1]

I've started this new topic to convey my findings related to my earlier post Upgrade to Unlimited Fibre? Using Netgear DGND3700v2 ADSL2 with TP-Link TD-W9970  which has timed-out and become locked.

[#2 · Accepted solution]

After a lengthy break, I've returned to the challenge of getting my old Netgear DGND3700v2 (ADSL) working with the tplink TD-W9970v4 (VDSL/ADSL) in modem-bridge mode.

Since my earlier post, I've purchased the TD-W9970, upgraded to Plusnet Unlimited Fibre (VDSL) and more recently received a new Hub-Two (an update to existing Hub-One).

The Hub-Two and TD-W9970 are both working fine (separately) as standard modem/routers.

I noticed the Hub-Two has a Bridge (modem) mode and thought that might be the logical thing to try first. Once configured as Bridge I connected the Hub-Two to my DGND3700v2 as follows: BT-5C DSL outlet to Hub-Two DSL port, LAN-1 of Hub-Two to WAN port of DGND3700v2. Powered up Bridge then once established (pink light) powered up router. However no Internet connection and DGND3700v2 Internet LED stayed off.

A further search of the Plusnet Forum threw up this interesting thread - None of my modems will connect in bridge mode 

MisterW's explanation "You don't need to set VLAN ID on the 8300 when used with either the HG612 or the W9970, they will set the VLAN ID. In fact you need to disable the VLAN ID on the 8300." was exactly the clue I needed.
Going back to the DGND3700v2 config I disabled VLAN ID, rebooted and voila Internet connection via the Hub-Two Bridge and a nice green Internet LED on DGND3700v2 (the first time in nearly 2 years).

Fired-up with this progress, I substituted the TD-W9970 as Bridge to the DGND3700v2, but no success. Thinking more about it I realised that MisterW said that the Bridge should supply the VLAN ID and concluded that the Hub-Two must have preset VLAN ID, since the enable Bridge setting gives no parameter options. Makes sense for Plusnet cusomers.

So I reset the TD-W9970 to factory state and configured Bridge mode again but this time enabled VLAN ID = 101, rebooted DGND3700 and SUCCESS, connection to Internet.

For clarity and to help others, here's a summary of the settings used:

DGND3700:
---------
  ADVANCED tab > Setup  Internet Setup >
        - Does your Internet connection require a login?:  Enable
        - Does your Internet connection require a login?:  Yes
        - Encapsulation: select PPPoE
        - Login:    username@plusdsl.net
        - Password: (your-password)
        - Other settings: Dynamic/Auto and enable NAT


  ADVANCED tab > Setup > WAN Setup >
      - WAN preference:    Must use Ethernet WAN  (prev Auto)
      - Use VLAN ID:    NOT checked (disabled)


TD-9970:
--------
    • Reset device to avoid possible config conflicts.
    • Login:  tplinkmodem.net  or  192.168.1.1
    • Set an admin Password.
    • Select Advanced > Network > Internet  
        ◦ - select  Add  then
        ◦ - DSL Modulation Type:  select  VDSL
        ◦ - VLAN ID: Enable  and  set to 101 for Plusnet VDSL
        ◦ - Internet Connection Type: select Bridge
        ◦ - Save configuration.
          - Reboot
    • May also need to turn off Wireless function (button on rear of device).


Plusnet Hub Two:
----------------
To enable Bridge Mode:  
    Advanced Settings > Broadband > see Bridging (at foot of page): Enable

[#3]

Glad you got it working.😀

So I reset the TD-W9970 to factory state and configured Bridge mode again but this time enabled VLAN ID = 101,

I thought the 9970 set VLAN ID automatically if you used the quick setup and selected PlusNet_VDSL but I may be wrong, it's quite a while since I played with one and since I've had FTTP for a while, I've no reason to go back to one...

[#4]

---

@MisterW wrote:

I thought the 9970 set VLAN ID automatically if you used the quick setup and selected PlusNet_VDSL but I may be wrong ...

---

That's correct, however I found the Quick method creates/tests a standard modem/router connection, and you still have to  'Add' a Bridge connection and enter VLAN ID manually (after deleting the standard PPPoE connection!).

For non-Plusnet users the Quick method would at least be a way (if not already known) of obtaining their ISP's VLAN ID, listed under the Connections table for PPPoE line, and heading 'VPI/VCI or VID'.

Still delighted to have this separate modem and router setup working!