Idiot question: differences between gateway/router/dsl modem?

[mrzed]

So is a dsl modem in fact a gateway? What is the/is there a difference between a gateway and a router?

I am wondering if I can just use an el cheapo router to set up el cheapo dsl service at home and avoid having to rent one from the provider.

Do most providers insist you use their equipment?

 

[Russ]

<< So is a dsl modem in fact a gateway? >>



Sort of. An EXTERNAL would be considered a gateway, an internal would not; except that since an internal does let you get on the web, it could slightly be considered to be one.



<< What is the/is there a difference between a gateway and a router? >>



For your purposes, none. In reality, though, the consumer/SOHO units that everyone calls routers are simple gateways. A real router is a more complicated and robust device used in larger networks.



<< I am wondering if I can just use an el cheapo router to set up el cheapo dsl service at home and avoid having to rent one from the provider. >>



It is nearly impossible to buy a DSL modem anywhere but the ISP. I think Intel makes one, but it may, or may not, be compatible with your providers setup. You can also pick them up used sometimes.

Your question indicates that you may be confusing the DSL modem with the routers, such as the Linksys and Netgear. They are not the same thing.



<< Do most providers insist you use their equipment? >>



They'll tell you that, but you don't have to. Problem is a) finding the equipment that will work with them, and b) forget about tech support.

Here is a sample diagram to illustrate a typical setup. (Word Doc, 60K)

Russ, NCNE

 

[mrzed]

Okay, I think that answers my question about the setup, technically possible, but not necessarily a good idea.

I'm still curious about what exactly a dsl modem does. Does it do some form of packet unpacking, or is that all done by the NIC (assuming an external).

I'm also curious about what gateways/routers actually do. Is there some plain english guide out there I could read for an intro? The Cisco site is just too much for me to start out, and mostly about configuration. Or could someone give me the quick and dirty version?

Wether I ever really need to know or not, I can't help feeling like I want to find out what is happening inside.