Verizon DSL w/ wireless router

[imported_wuzilla]

Verizon DSL is now sending a wireless router with their dsl kits. A while back, I noticed a lot of unsecured networks in my local area, and now have realized that these are all new Verizon accounts (it only recently came into my neighborhood).

When I received my package, the modem comes with absolutely zero information regarding the wireless router. It only provides the simple install instructions to get the customer connected to the dsl. I had to search on the internet in order to find a manual for this router/modem.

I don't think the average home computer owner has a clue that any joe can hook into their newly created wireless network. I think most would just plug and play and never even realize that there is a wireless function! Anyone else think this is wrong of Verizon?

Personally, I'm going to request a simple dsl modem to replace this thing. I'm perfectly happy with my current Linksys setup

 

[whalen]

In my area, SBC provides wireless routers as a part of a package deal for new signups. All the routers come with WEP enabled. Unfortunately, the WEP key passphrase is either their phone number or street address, so its very easy to guess.

 

[VirtualLarry]

Worse yet, those new Westell wireless rigs, have immature firmware that makes them unstable and tend to reboot if the firewall functionality is enabled. Is Verizon still giving out 2200s if you ask nicely? That's what I'm running, they're pretty solid.

 

[imported_wuzilla]

I called Verizon yesterday and the nice lady is sending me a regular modem (I think she said its a Westell 2200) and a call tag for the router/modem.

I've been running the wireless thing for the past few days, using the wireless setup (my computer is far, far away from the phone) and so far the speed sucks. I'm not sure if it's just a horrible wireless signal, but right now it's no faster then a dial-up connection (rated at 56kbs)

I hope that changes with the new modem!!

 

[VirtualLarry]

Originally posted by: wuzilla
I've been running the wireless thing for the past few days, using the wireless setup (my computer is far, far away from the phone) and so far the speed sucks. I'm not sure if it's just a horrible wireless signal, but right now it's no faster then a dial-up connection (rated at 56kbs)
I hope that changes with the new modem!!

If the various reports on the 0.verizon.adsl newsground, and BBR are correct, depending on what area of the country that you are located in, and what time of day, those slowdowns may have nothing to do with your use of wireless at all. (Then again, they could be - perhaps someone is leeching off of your bandwidth via wireless. That can happen too if you don't fully configure the security settings.) I do hope that the new (older-model) modem works out for you. My 2200 has been pretty rock-solid as far as the DSL line connection itself goes. I have a WRT54G for the wireless part.

 

[JackMDS]

There is a trend among ISPs the replace simple Broadband Modem with the Modem/Route Combos.

Especially the DSL ISPs, who have a hard time with the Quirky PPPOE software.

I think that given the price differential between a Modem and the combo it worth the ISP while since it is probably going to reduce the support calls.

However thus far the few units that I saw are bad compromise, the Router part of the combo usually has less feature then the stand alone Routers.

It is probably a good solution for a casual user with one computer at least get to be protect by the Router's NAT, and if on DSL, does not need the PPPOE. Or if he is a cable user, he does not have to know about MAC numbers.

Otherwise, get a regular Modem or if possible disable the Router part of the combo and get a Stand alone Router.

:sun:

P.S. Wuzilla, you wisely solved the problem, this post is intended for the general public.

 

[VirtualLarry]

Interestingly enough, the Westell 2200s actually have a full-featured NAT-capable firewall/router, which has capabilities that generally far exceed most stand-alone routers, believe it or not. The problem with the newer-model one that is a combo wireless router/AP/DSL modem in one is the immature firmware more than anything else. It seems to hang and trigger a watchdog reset which reboots it and drops the DSL connection briefly.

(The 2200's "firewall" functionality is seperate from the NAT/pseudo-firewall functionality too - it's true scriptable rules-based firewall, that can filter packets in both directions, with extensive logging capability too. Only problem is, the scripting language is a bit complex and obscure, and there's no documentation on it. The 2200 has a built-in PPPoE shim too.)