XDSL Modem - What to Get

[Spookie]

I've been on Dialup 8 years.....and i'm going ADSL...now ..all i need is a modem..not sure if i really need a router as i'm only using one pc.

Would a PCI ADSL Modem be anygood or should i go and get a single port router modem.

If i got a router modem would it retain my connection details if it was switched off as i cant keep the modem connected 24/7 due to personal circumstances.

Thanks for any thoughts

 

[natto fire]

Usually when you sign a contract with a DSL provider they let you borrow a modem. It should have both an ethernet port and a USB port. You should use the ethernet port and connect it to a router. By the way I don't know your personal circumstances for not leaving the DSL connected 24/7, but it doesn't interrupt normal telephone service. Enjoy, you will never go back to dial-up again.

 

[Gurck]

If your ISP doesn't provide one, get an external modem. A seperate router would be nice as well, wired ones are as low as $10 US. As long as it retains power, and possibly if it doesn't, it should retain your settings. As stated, it doesn't interfere with phone service, but you need to put filters (modem should come with 4 or 5) on all extensions of that phone line going to telephones. It's an always-on connection.

 

[ProviaFan]

I'm not sure if this is the case with all DSL providers, but when I signed up with SBC recently, they said in the documentation that I must leave the modem on and connected for 10 days so it could optimize the connection, or something like that. Note that you don't have to leave the computer on all the time, but if your provider's system works similarly, you'll need to keep the modem on (supposedly). There will be no harm in doing this, as it draws little power, and there is no reason that I could think of not to. However, I'm a DSL newbie also, so take this with a few grains of salt.

 

[Anonemous]

Originally posted by: ProviaFan
I'm not sure if this is the case with all DSL providers, but when I signed up with SBC recently, they said in the documentation that I must leave the modem on and connected for 10 days so it could optimize the connection, or something like that. Note that you don't have to leave the computer on all the time, but if your provider's system works similarly, you'll need to keep the modem on (supposedly). There will be no harm in doing this, as it draws little power, and there is no reason that I could think of not to. However, I'm a DSL newbie also, so take this with a few grains of salt.

they call it the "ramping up" period to determine what would be the highest possible signal you can attain consistenty over your lines. They start off slow (i've heard), but in my experience, the day they turned it on, I got the same speeds I am getting now. Just remember you have to install those phone filters (they provide) or else your speed/phones will not work correctly.