As your needs change you may require faster, full-time or backup connections. Most Netopia Routers are field upgradeable, preserving your investment today while lowering your costs tomorrow. This installation guide will show you how to perform the field upgrade of the WAN Interface module for a Netopia Router.
This document includes instructions for:
- Upgrading a Netopia R-series router WAN module
- Installing a Backup WAN module for when your Primary connection fails
PLEASE NOTE: The instructions included in this Quick Guide are not applicable to equipment with serial numbers in the ranges of 7012352 thru 7041020, and 7340032 thru 7417216.R-Series Routers with serial numbers falling within those ranges do not have the necessary internal circuitry to perform this upgrade. However, Netopia has a swap-grade program which allows for the purchase of compatible Netopia equipment at a discount price with trade-in.
Click on Netopia Product Upgrades under Related Links to the right.
Firmware References:
- v4.8.2 (and up) - R-Series
Telnet into the Netopia router's Main Menu at 192.168.1.1 (if using the default IP setting). If your network has a different IP addressing scheme, modify this accordingly. Click Here! for instructions on using telnet and Hyperterminal (serial connection).
Login with the user name and password. The Superuser login is required to save changes. If you are unsure of this, contact your network administrator.
Don't forget to press the Enter key to save any entries. Hitting the back space, delete or tab without first hitting enter will undo any changes.
The Esc key will take you back towards the main menu screen.
Once you have completed your configuration, you should reboot the Netopia to save and apply your changes.
The Netopia Main Menu Interface
To upgrade a WAN Interface module you will remove the old WAN Interface module and install the new WAN Interface module. You may also add a second WAN interface module in the available second WAN module slot to gain additional functionality. Before you begin, though, read the following sections.
NOTE: Before beginning a WAN interface module upgrade, be sure you have acquired the latest Netopia firmware version that supports the features to which you are upgrading. Changing or adding a WAN interface module changes your Netopia router model.
ESD precautions
A WAN Interface module is an electrostatic sensitive device. Always open the WAN Interface module package and handle the WAN Interface module itself at a static-free workstation. Also, use the grounding wrist strap provided in the Netopia package.
Disconnect from power
Be sure to unplug the Netopia Router before opening the unit to remove or install the WAN Interface module.
Requirements
To remove and install a WAN Interface module, you will need:
- a Phillips screwdriver
- a flathead screwdriver
- Peel off the front panel label to expose the Phillips head screw in the middle of the front panel.
- Remove the Phillips head screw holding the cover in place. Set the screw aside.
- Press in on the two tabs on the bottom of the router near the front panel to release the front of the cover and lift the cover. The cover opens from the front like a clamshell.
- Remove the cover and set aside.
If you are upgrading a WAN interface module in Slot #1 with a new one:
- Locate the WAN interface module daughter card, near the back of the router.
- Remove the screws holding the WAN interface module daughter card in place, if present.
- Set the screws aside.
- Separate the WAN Interface module from the motherboard.
- Hold the router in one hand and the module in the other; gently separate the module with a rocking motion.
- Be careful not to bend the pins connecting the module to the motherboard.
- Connect the WAN Interface module to Slot #1 on the motherboard.
- Hold the router in one hand and the module in the other and carefully match up the 10- and 26-pin connectors. Gently press the module down onto the motherboard.
- Be careful not to bend the pins connecting the two boards.
- Once the module is properly seated, you can reinstall the screws that were removed in Step 2 above, if applicable.
- These screws are not necessary if the module is properly seated.
- Tighten the screws and connectors. Be careful not to exert too much pressure.
- Connect the WAN Interface module to Slot #2 on the motherboard.
- Hold the router in one hand and the module in the other and carefully match up the 10- and 26-pin connectors. Gently press the module down onto the motherboard.
- Be careful not to bend the pins connecting the two boards.
- Once the module is properly seated, you can reinstall the screws that were removed in Step 2 above, if applicable.
- These screws are not necessary if the module is properly seated.
- Tighten the screws and connectors. Be careful not to exert too much pressure.
- (Optional) If necessary to accommodate additional ports on your new WAN interface module, replace
the back panel.
Pull the back panel out of the cover, and snap in the appropriate one supplied in your upgrade kit.
- Replace the cover.
- Align the hooks in the back of the cover into the tabs on the router bottom and carefully lower the cover in the opposite fashion to the way you opened it, like closing a clamshell. Be careful to align the front of the cover around the power button. Press in on the two tabs on the bottom of the router near the front panel to allow the case to snap together.
- Replace the black Phillips screw in the front panel and tighten it.
- Apply the new front panel label supplied in your upgrade kit.
- Choose the appropriate product label supplied in your upgrade kit describing your newly upgraded router. Apply it to the bottom of the router over the existing label.
- Configure your Netopia Router for the new WAN Interface module. See the Netopia Router User's Reference Guide and accompanying documentation on the Netopia CD for instructions.