ADSL modems and ADSL providers.....

[PCDumbass]

Guys,

I am about to subscribe to high speed internet service at my home and I have a few Q's regarding ADSL modems and their compatibility with different ADSL providers.

The local counter gimp for the provider I am considering is telling me that a "Comtrend" brand, model # CT-301 ADSL modem must be used to work with their ADSL service in order to work correctly. I am very skeptical about this and believe that they are only trying to get you for the extra $8/mo. I certainly do not believe that ALL ADSL modems will work with ALL providers, but I strongly belive that some modems are very similar and will work fine in the place of each other.

Can anybody comment on this? Perhaps somebody who works/has worked in the industry?

Thanks in advance,

-Rob
robpilgrim@gmail.com

 

[spherrod]

As far as I'm aware, you should be able to configure pretty much any ADSL modem for your ADSL service. I know when I signed up they said that I wouldn't get any help with problems if I didn't take their modem but that was fine. Will they let you have all the settings anyway? It's possible that their Sales Gimps are just taught to say that you MUST get their modem

 

[imported_Phil]

^ This man speaks the truth. Any PPPoA/PPPoE-compatible ADSL modem will work with any ADSL service.

 

[AKA]

Originally posted by: DopeFiend
^ This man speaks the truth. Any PPPoA/PPPoE-compatible ADSL modem will work with any ADSL service.

Of course any COMPATIBLE adsl modem will work, thats what compatible means.



But that model modem was custom made for Aliant (and I believe some areas of Sympatico) DSL in Canada.


Its not true that all adsl modems will work with any adsl provider. There are indeed common standards between some that will work with other providers. But it very likely is the only modem that works with them.



Your best bet is to call them again and ask a couple different people. Also ask why their adsl modem is the onlyone compatible.

 

[PCDumbass]

Originally posted by: spherrod
As far as I'm aware, you should be able to configure pretty much any ADSL modem for your ADSL service. I know when I signed up they said that I wouldn't get any help with problems if I didn't take their modem but that was fine. Will they let you have all the settings anyway? It's possible that their Sales Gimps are just taught to say that you MUST get their modem

Yes, that's what I'm afraid of, the standardized response that says "You have to use our modems".

What settings will I need? Is it difficult to change the settings?

-Rob

 

[PCDumbass]

Originally posted by: A.K.A.

Originally posted by: DopeFiend
^ This man speaks the truth. Any PPPoA/PPPoE-compatible ADSL modem will work with any ADSL service.

But that model modem was custom made for Aliant (and I believe some areas of Sympatico) DSL in Canada. Its not true that all adsl modems will work with any adsl provider. There are indeed common standards between some that will work with other providers. But it very likely is the only modem that works with them. Your best bet is to call them again and ask a couple different people. Also ask why their adsl modem is the onlyone compatible.

You hit the nail right on the head, it's for Aliant ADSL service. I will be calling tech support to talk to them, I'd just like to know exactly what to ask for if I plan to change some settings as well as how to change them.

Thanks for your help....I'll call them tomorrow.