WHO MAKES THE BEST ADSL MODEMS ???

[E3000]

Hey people,
Can everyone tell me who makes the best ADSL modems or what are some good companies/makes/models? Are all ADSL modems basically the same? I ask this because i remember back when i was buying my 56k, there were good and bad modems out there... and im new to the broadband scene so i dont have a clue about anything.

One

 

[E3000]

Also, why do people seem to prefer External modems ???

 

[T9D]

..

 

[SilentRunning]

Originally posted by: E3000
Also, why do people seem to prefer External modems ???

With external modems you have the option of adding a router and connecting multiple pc's to the modem.

 

[Mitzi]

Originally posted by: xerosleep
You have to get the modem from your ISP. DSL has like a hundred different protocols. There are a couple generic ones that claim to work with the major companies though.

Thats rubbish. Most (all???) ADSL modems/routers can be tailored to match the specific configuration of your ISP.

 

[Arcanedeath]

Efficent Networks Speed Stream Modems are IMHO and some of the people I know in the business the best type / brand of DSL modems. Just my 2 cents and hope this helps...

 

[TheCorm]

I have an Alcatel....it does the job....my brother and one of my mates have a Conexant Generic cheapo modem....it does the job.....someone else I know has a cheap generic router box....it does the job.

I have yet to find any USB ones that don't do the job.....not sure why people prefer USB ones....although I have heard probs with the PCI ones people have tried to use.

With external modems you have the option of adding a router and connecting multiple pc's to the modem.

Only if it's Ethernet based.

Quote

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Originally posted by: xerosleep
You have to get the modem from your ISP. DSL has like a hundred different protocols. There are a couple generic ones that claim to work with the major companies though.
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Thats rubbish. Most (all???) ADSL modems/routers can be tailored to match the specific configuration of your ISP.

He's right...settings are very easy....you just need to know the protocol (ie PP-Over-Atm etc) and the VCI, which often in UK is 38 and Europe is 35...not sure about US.

 

[Mitzi]

Originally posted by: TheCorm
I have yet to find any USB ones that don't do the job.....not sure why people prefer USB ones....although I have heard probs with the PCI ones people have tried to use.

I think people prefer USB ones because they are easier to setup and don't require additional hardware (i.e. a NIC).

I had a host of annoying problems when using the USB connection to my cable modem when I had an NTL cable connection. Switching over the the Ethernet connection cured the dropped line and lag issues. Based on that experience alone I would never suggest a USB modem, DSL or otherwise.

 

[txxxx]

Just to clarify, most ADSL modems/routers use the same chipsets, hence why the majority work without much issues.

 

[txxxx]

Originally posted by: E3000
Also, why do people seem to prefer External modems ???

Some internal and some USB modems still require the CPU to do the SAR (segmentation and reassembly) of cells, depending on the protocols in use.

That and also a lot of them come with inbuilt switches which are useful for sharing connection with a few people in the house or networking PCs.

 

[BoomAM]

Originally posted by: E3000
Also, why do people seem to prefer External modems ???

Cos alot of people here still think that external modems are better. They still think that all internal modems are software modems, and all external ones are hardware, which considering most external modems, (ADSL and 56K), are USB, which use`s CPU time, is a bit daft.

Originally posted by: SilentRunning
With external modems you have the option of adding a router and connecting multiple pc's to the modem.

And cos some external modems can be brought with both a USB and a network connector, so you have the choice of connections.

Originally posted by: Mitzi
Thats rubbish. Most (all???) ADSL modems/routers can be tailored to match the specific configuration of your ISP.

True.
The protocalls are determined by software settings not the type of modem/the modems internal chips.

Originally posted by: txxxx
Just to clarify, most ADSL modems/routers use the same chipsets, hence why the majority work without much issues.

Also true.
But try not to get/own a Alcatel Speedtouch 330i modem. They have loads of problems with them, especially with people using Via Baced MoBo chipsets.

 

[AnarchyInTheUS]

Actually getting one that is recommended by your ISP is prefered. It is a gurantee since you know it will work. I ordered an external ethernet one off a website and it wouldn't work with the ISP I had. So be careful!

 

[E3000]

Hmm... thanx for the help everyone...

The modem that is offered by the ISP is Speedtouch 330 USB External. I have read reviews and people seem to think its good but someone on here said the Internal version sucks and ive also heard that Ethernet modems are the best. Its hard to find Hardware reviews and comparissons these days... all i get from Google is shops and price comparissons :$

Does anyone know of any Ethernet ADSL modems that are good?
Also, isnt it still possible to use a USB modem with two (or more) PCs if they have Ethernet cards?

 

[BoomAM]

The Alcatel Speedtouch 330 has sh1t loads of problems with it. IF you use a Via or SIS baced chipset. Most other chipsets (nVidia, AMD, Intel, ect should be fine though.