2Wire modem/router issue with resets and loss of bridge mode

[AtonPP]

I manage the IT at my father's office, and I am shocked by just how bad the 2Wire routers are. We ordered 2 ADSL2+ lines that were to be load balanced through a load balancing router/switch. I've used dozens of different networking brands over the past few years, including Thomson/Speedtouch, Netgear, TP-Link, Edimax, D-Link, Linksys etc... And I have never encountered hardware that is so inflexible, unreliable and stubborn. Here are my issues after only 3 months using both 2Wire modems in bridge mode:

-Getting the 2Wire routers in bridge mode and actually keeping them there was an effort. A reset or loss of power would cause both modems to drop back in to standard modem/router mode, and turn DHCP and the wifi back on. This is extremely annoying, because it basically kills all connectivity in the office, and it requires me to put them back in bridge mode (which is time consuming).

-After losing all hope of actually load balancing these two modems, I gave in and tried to use just one connected straight to the main 4 workstations with factory defaults applied - and even that reset itself/lost connectivity multiple times during the working day.

I'm going in to the office today, and I'm going to trial using some Speedtouch 585v7s. Is there any way I could arrange for the 2Wire modem/routers to be returned/swapped? They're not fit for purpose!

Failing that, does anyone know whether it's actually possible to keep the 2Wire modems in bridge mode following a loss of power or reset? I followed the guide below down to the letter, yet both modems refuse to remain bridged for more than a few days at a time.

http://business.forums.bt.com/t5/Broadband-and-internet/How-to-set-up-bridge-mode-on-the-BT-business...

EDIT: I think I just answered my own questions... Would it be possible to swap the 2701 with a 2700 or alternate business hub router that supports bridge mode properly? I really need bridge mode to work with our current setup.

[xox101]

Given my experience with a 2701 when trying to set the wireless up in my local bar I would suggest dumping both of them and spending the money on something built for the purpose you need them for. That's got to be easier and cheaper in the long term than trying to keep the 2wire rubbish going.

The one we got first lasted all of three weeks with constant dropouts and finally resetting itself back to factory default when turned on and off! Replaced with a business hub which seems to be working better but time will tell.

Personally I use a Billion 7800N at home with two servers and a number of other devices connected to it. Has worked perfectly since I got it about a year ago.

[warriorfullight]

I agree with you, but what if you are stuck with BT and you can't do anything but to set it up completely and correctly. There should be a way for that.