DSL Modems - Availability question.

[Edgy]

Wondering why, all computer/electronic B&M stores carry are Cable Modems and regular dial-up modems and NOT DSL Modems?

I've had my cheap Speedstream DSL modem burn out on me after 9 months and cannot find a DSL modem B&M anywhere.

Can't find them at major online vendors either (Outpost, Amazon, etc...).

Is there no market for these cause people get them free from DSL providers? Doesn't same thing hold true for Cable modems (that they get free equipment with contract)?

If you know of a place other than Siemens/speedstream that sell DSL modems, please let me know.

thx.

 

[bozo1]

There are no real standards in the DSL modem world - you need to have what your ISP supports which varies. That's why you rarely see them for sale in the retail world.

 

[Doh!]

If your dsl modem broke in 9 month of use, your ISP should replace it for free.

 

[Doomer]

Threaten to switch to cable and they'll be all too happy to send you a free modem. Worked for me.

 

[Edgy]

Hrmm..

As far as I know, ADSL is ADSL - the equipment standards for these should be pretty set already, right?

I know there are various different types of DSL and each requiring differing equipment but isn't ADSL the most prevalent, hence logically probably has more demand at retail market? I guess I'm speaking from my experience here in Bay Area, CA, so I wouldn't know how much of the DSL market is based on ADSL nationally.

And yes, my provider is sending my a new Speedstream DSL modem, so the problem should be solved, but I was searching for maybe a reliable usb connection ADSL modem instead of that cheap Speedstream crap they're sending me again.

Update : I did find a usb ADSL modem (supposedly works with AOL, SBC, Verizon, etc...) at Fry's (last one, looks like discontinued model), and the way it apparently works is when user inputs who the carrier is, the install software sets the modem to match the provider's modem requirements - kewl. Bad news is that Earthlink/Covad isn't on their list of providers . But I think their website has driver downloads to work with any provider, but alas my DSL is down and I'm not going to DL those huge driver files with dial-up just to see if it works.

 

[bozo1]

There are different flavors. DMT and CAP are the most common. You need a modem that supports whatever your ISP/telco uses. Also there are modems that don't support PPPoE or PPPoA.

 

[panhead49]

i went throught the same thing as you......but i found, through a friend this website .......they sell zoom dsl modems......all kinds of diffrent choices too....



here ya go...