Router - Comtrend

If you have received a printed copy of this, please check http://wiki.aaisp.org.uk/Comtrend for newer versions!

Router Withdrawn!

Please see this status post as we've withdrawn the router from sale, due to it looking like it will be months before new firmware will be available. -See out IPv6 Routers Page for more info.

Comtrend IPv6 ADSL Router Information

The Comtrend AR-5382u is an ADSL2+ router with 4 Ethernet ports, wifi, and USB port (for 3g fallback). It also supports IPv6 (which is the reason we're here!). As of Feb 2010 they are available as pre-order. There are still a few bug fixes which we have passed back to Comtrend and are awaiting firmware updates to resolve these issues. Stock is limited, and new orders will be put on to back-order until more arrive. - contact sales for more information if required. The first batch of routers will be shipped to customers from Feb 24th.

Manual: File:UM AR-5382u A1.0.pdf (as supplied on the CD)

Known Problems

Although the router does work, there are some bug reports/feature requests that we have passed on to Comtrend.

There is no IPv6 option in PPPoA mode.

This is critical for us and other UK ISPs as PPPoA is the preferred mode. Also, some lines can only handle PPPoA.

IPv6 in PPPoE mode is forgotten when editing WAN settings

When editiong the WAN settings (WAN Service), the IPv6 enabled option will be forgotten about and disabled! Editing other pages is ok though. The work around is to remove the WAN settings and re-add them. (which will loose access if done from the WAN)

Prefix delegation via DHCPv6 only works with a /48

At the moment lines will have to be set with a /48 and we'll route the whole block. This is important to avoid waste, but also to allow multi-site customers to manage their /48, giving different sites different /64 blocks.

DHCPv6 on WAN/PPP does not request IPv6 DNS servers

These will need to be set manually in the router

Router announcement on LAN is not providing DNS servers

Manual configuration is required on the computers.

Router is not renew/rebinding the DHCPv6 on the WAN on PPP restart

If changes are made, such as adding/changing IPv6 block, then a reboot is required.

We think IPv6 should be enabled by default on WAN and LAN route announce

The router seems to fall-back to only IPv4 operation if the ISP does not support IPv6, so this seems safe. IPv6 is the current version of internet protocol so it seems odd that it is disabled by default.

3G not working

We've yet to get the 3G working - the router sees that a dongle is plugged in, and shows signal status, but does not seem to connect - tried a Vodaphone SIM and an A&A SIM.

Loosing PPP means it forgets IPv6

Losing PPP for any reason causes the Comtrend to forget IPv6 until it next re-syncs or is power cycled.

How to Configure the router

The details below don't actually involve much IPv6, just a tick box. IPv6 is mostly configured automatically when the router logs into us. RA and DHCPv6 will be enabled once logged in, and it's been assigned your block of IPs.

• Plug in router, your computer should get an IPv4 address by DHCP
• Go to http://192.168.1.1
  • Username: root
  • Password: 12345

ADSL Setup For BT Lines

• Advanced -> Layer2 -> ATM -> Add
  • VPI/VCI : 0/38
  • Path0
  • EoA
  • Default Mode
  • Encapsulation : LLC
  • Service Category : UBR Without PCR
  • Strict Priority

• Advanced -> WAN Service -> Add
  • Select Layer2 interface, Next
  • PPPoE
    • Description : BT
    • Tick Enable IPv6, Next
  • enter username, e.g. x@a.1
    • enter password
    • leave service name blank
    • enable Firewall
    • Enable NAT if no public IPv4 (or preferably get public IPv4), Next
  • Obtain DNS from WAN, Next
  • Save
• Reboot router (Management -> reboot)

ADSL Setup For BE (PPPoE) Lines

Note: PPPoA Does not work (yet).

• Advanced -> Layer2 -> ATM -> Add
  • VPI/VCI : 0/101
    • Path0
    • EoA
    • Default Mode
    • Encapsulation : LLC
    • Service Category : UBR Without PCR
    • Strict Priority

• Advanced -> WAN -> Add
  • Select Layer2 interface, Next
  • PPPoE
    • Description : BE
    • Tick Enable IPv6, Next
  • enter username, e.g. x@a.1
    • enter password
    • leave service name blank
    • enable Firewall
    • Enable NAT if no public IPv4 (or preferably get public IPv4), Next
  • Obtain DNS from WAN, Next
  • Save

• Reboot router (Management -> Reboot Router)

Other settings

• Setup LAN, Firewall, Service Access and Wireless how you would like.
• Change admin password as required (Management, Passwords)

3G Fallback Setup

• We've not yet tested this extensively.
• With an AA SIM it won't yet be possible to re-route your IPs to the SIM
• Even with an AA SIM, IPv6 is still not available (Nothing to do with the Comtrend, we're waiting on 3)

Computer setup

Simply enabling IPv6 on your computer should mean it gets an IPv6 address. You'll need to specify IPv6 DNS server address manually though:

• 2001:8b0::2020
• 2001:8b0::2021

Then pop along to ip.help.me.uk and that page will show your IPv6 address (which will start 2001:8b0:.....)

Resetting

Hold down the reset button (on the front) for 5 seconds, the LEDs will flash to show it's resetting.

Feedback

For customer who have a comtrend, we'd be interested in hearing feedback regarding:

• ADSL Speeds/stability - is the ADSL chipset as good/better/worse than your old router in terms of sync speed, and stability?
• WiFi - how well does the wifi throughput/coverage compare to your old router?
• Other feedback, e.g., ease and flexibility of the Firewall etc.

See also

Comtrend Alternative Firmware