I need a new DSL modem...

[NuclearNed]

I need to buy a DSL modem because I'm tired of paying CenturyLink a monthly rental fee. I would probably consider getting a modem/wireless router combo since my existing wifi router is several years old.

I don't know much about networking hardware... are there features/standards/compatabilities that are absolute must-haves? Are there specific models that you guys would recommend?

 

[C2bcool]

I highly recommend not getting a combo. Combo modem/WiFi router tend to have a poor WiFi coverage/signal. It is MUCH better IMHO to get a separate WiFi router and DSL modem.

For WiFi/wireless routers Asus and TPlink have many good ones depending on your budget (search through some threads in forum for some great recommendations). But, post your budget, type/number of devices you are connecting, coverage area/size/type of home, etc. Then, I am sure you will get some good recommendations.

As for the DSL modem I am no longer familiar with them as I have been running Cable for many years.

 

[NuclearNed]

my wifi router doesn't necessarily have to be replaced any time soon... my local utilities company is in the process of wiring my entire county for fiber. Once I get that, I'll have their wifi router to play with.

As for the DSL modem, my budget is very flexible...

 

[JackMDS]

http://www.amazon.com/TP-LINK-TD-W8...qid=1440543344&sr=8-4&keywords=best+dsl+modem

 

[NuclearNed]

http://www.amazon.com/TP-LINK-TD-W8...qid=1440543344&sr=8-4&keywords=best+dsl+modem

Very nice. Very.

 

[AnonymouseUser]

I would start with the compatible modems list for Centurylink. If you want something not on the list you'll need to verify that it matches the specs of those that provide the service you want.

Also, you made two contradicting statements:

I would probably consider getting a modem/wireless router combo since my existing wifi router is several years old.

my wifi router doesn't necessarily have to be replaced any time soon... my local utilities company is in the process of wiring my entire county for fiber. Once I get that, I'll have their wifi router to play with.

I would suggest not getting a combo if you aren't going to use Centurylink much longer. There are much cheaper standard modems to choose from than the $100 TP-Link modem linked above.

 

[NuclearNed]

I would start with the compatible modems list for Centurylink. If you want something not on the list you'll need to verify that it matches the specs of those that provide the service you want.

Also, you made two contradicting statements:



I would suggest not getting a combo if you aren't going to use Centurylink much longer. There are much cheaper standard modems to choose from than the $100 TP-Link modem linked above.

let me clear those up... My old wifi router works pretty well, but I would consider replacing it since it is 7-8 years old. I'm sure newer technology would be nice. We should be getting fiber in my neighborhood in 1-2 years, at which point I would be using the utility company's wifi router. So if I buy a new wifi router, it won't be used for a real long time.

I guess at this point I'm leaning towards not getting a combo and just buying a DSL modem.

 

[AnonymouseUser]

I would recommend buying both as separate devices. The modem will be useless when you upgrade, but the router will still be usable even if you get a combo modem/router with fiber. I recommend against combos since the router portion is usually crippled in some odd way, and there are even some serious security risks as well. Also, I won't allow my ISP to have access to my LAN, and using a combo they provide potentially gives them that access.

 

[NuclearNed]

http://www.amazon.com/TP-LINK-TD-W8...qid=1440543344&sr=8-4&keywords=best+dsl+modem

ok, so I just bought this one. Nevermind all that "I'm not going to buy a combo" talk. It was an impulse buy... I'm so very weak when it comes to toys...