Newbie questions - Speedstream 4100 wtih Linksys router

Since it works, it must be right. The Internet LED will only be on if the

4100 is doing the PPPoE authentication.

Unlikely. The router would have to bridge between the two networks. You have a network between the modem and the router and a separate network between the router and the computers. Because both networks use private addressing it is unlikely that you would be able to access one from the other.

The only time you might need to consult modem status is if you have a problem. In that case you could reset the modem and directly connect a PC to it.

I have had SBC DSL since 1/2002. The two modems I have (model 5360, including spare obtained during move) are simple bridge modems with no modem IP or statics whatsoever. As long as everything is working, I have no time to analyze statistics that do not adversely affect me (my Linux pppoe/firewall/router only logs connections allowed in, because dropped packets ignored anyway were greatly inflating my logs).

Doing PPPoE on your router keeps things simple for firewalling or port forwarding. But since PPPoE tcp/ip is isolated from ethernet tcp/ip on the same wire, the number of routers that can do both may be limited.

However, if you consult the FAQs for various SBC forums on

alias there may be some modem settings that can allow to to have your cake and eat it too (like public IP passthrough).