Which DSL modem?

ct5amr2ig1nfhp · 04-07-2003 1:42pm #1

Hi,
Don't know if this has been asked but I can't find what I'm looking for. I don't know too much about modems/routers etc. But I plan on buying an ethernet modem. From reading on the boards most ppl seem to be going with the Dlink 300+. thats ok.

But I've a laptop that I want to connect aswell. So does that mean I buy a dsl modem/ wireless router in one? I haven't got a notion really. Any help be great. Especially some example products.

I see that the wireless standard is 802.11b but sure if .11g is coming a standard i'd prefer to go with that. Of course price matters aswell

ambrose

mayto · 04-07-2003 4:58pm

i got this linksys wireless modem/router combo for about 190 euro including delivery from amazon.co.uk a few months back http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00008XYIT/ref=sr_aps_electronics_1_1/202-6735429-9464648 very pleased with it.u can get usb wireless adapters for your laptop for 40 euro from komplett.ie. new wireless g standard stuff aint cheap. people on this forum said its wireless range was pretty good, i did not use wireless part yet.

bazooka · 05-07-2003 10:06pm

does your laptop have wireless already (centrino?) or do you have wireless card for it?

have a look at this router has a firewall built in, very useful! there is also a new version of this one for the same price which includes 4 port switch...

ct5amr2ig1nfhp · 06-07-2003 10:16am

Thanks for that. Just a quick question. It might sound stupid but if I buy a modem from england can I use it over here no bother? You know the way the phone connections (the ends) are different does that matter with an adsl modem?

thanks

ambrose

bazooka · 06-07-2003 10:50am

it will be fine, the dsl connection in the back of whichever modem/router you go for will be Rj11 (normal irish connection), even if you get a n english cable in the box you can just use any irish cable in it fine...

which one are you thinking about?

c0y0te · 06-07-2003 4:14pm

I spent some time looking at the various modem/router options, and to be perfectly honest I would avoid the DLINK series completely. Take a quick look on the net and you will see published hacks for the dlink modems.. so if you want a secure connection dont go with these.

I've opted to go with Netgear - because of their track record and quality. The specific model I've decided on is the DG-814 ASDL Ethernet Modem/Router (4 port), because of all the built in features it comes with.

Invest in quality - its worth it.

c0y0te

MrPinK · 06-07-2003 5:18pm

There are currently only 3 security issues with regards to the DSL-300+, all of which are LAN side so they won't matter much to home users. And if you are ultra paranoid or you live with a malicious hacker, there are fixes for these problems.

I don't think D-Link is alone in having 1 or 2 security flaws, it's resonable to assume that all the manufacturers have them. Having them published is a good thing as it means they get fixed quickly. Google has more results for "Bugtraq + Netgear" than "Bugtraq + D-Link" tho

ct5amr2ig1nfhp · 07-07-2003 9:56am

Haven't decided yet which one to go for. Am looking at D-Link, Netgear and Linksys models. Don't know the exact model ref. I've just misplaced my scrap of paipear.

I've gone through a fair few posts trying to make my mind up but haven't as yet. I'm surprised actually that there isn't a sticky on dsl/cable modems/routers etc. Where to get them, prices, ratings etc.?

I've done a bit of work myself in regard to pricing. Don't seem to see elara.ie mentioned anywhere. I think they are the cheapest for the D-link 300g+ modem.

I know there are plenty of threads out there asking for advice. But from what I've read I think I'll get my modem now buy my router later and then the wireless myabe in a couple months. I know you can get combo's but if one thing goes then the box is screwed no? Is it better having them seperate? I don't mind getting a modem/router combo.

I'll be getting a notebook shortly so I'd like to have that connected. Wired will do but I'll splash out for wireless maybe about Xmas time.

I'm using netsource for the connection btw. I hope they've got there problems sorted. I'm just worried about all those warex monkies!

Again I think a poll would be nice to help decide.
Thanks

ambrose

EDIT:
D-Link Dl-804 broadband ADSL modem.
Equipped with a 4-Port 10/100Mbps switch. VPN supported, firewall, DHCP €89.95

OR

The Netgear DG824M is a 4-in1 product incorporating a ADSL modem, 4-Port Switch, Wireless Access Point and Router/Firewall. €210

Still looking though. Thats the best price i've seen for the dlink modem. http://www.basewireless.net/

TinCool · 07-07-2003 4:52pm

Will this DSL-504 work in Ireland on Eircom, even though it's purchased from Amazon.co.uk. I know that it says it'll work in Rep. of Ireland, but just to be sure.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0000687BG/ref=sr_aps_electronics_1_1/202-6417355-3087800

brokenfib · 07-07-2003 6:04pm

I've been looking at a similar problem: I want a shareable broadband connection with a wireless option. Netgear seem to make great stuff alright, I've been trawling the web for the last 3 weeks and their stuff is tempting me most. The DG824M which you quote in your post above would be perfect for me except it's 802.11b, whereas I want to go for 802.11g. They don't currently have an 802.11g product that has the modem built in, so I'm gonna get their WG614 Product which does everything else(wireless 11g, router, firewall, etc.) except the modem part.

So now I need to find a decent ADSL modem, external to plug between the wall and my soon to be new shiny Netgear box. Problem is I can't find any real definitive discussion of these devices, so I'm tempted to go with names I know, USR, 3Com, etc. Anyway, my search has been reduced to the following question:

What do you guys recommend for an ADSL External Ethernet Modem?

tata!

Supercell · 07-07-2003 6:51pm

Well, yes there is a few vunerabilities with Dlink DSL-504...all easily fixed (cant find anymore, would be interested if anyone knows of some so i can fix them)

1) Dos vunerability - Fixed with latest firmware

2) "private" telnet password - Fixed by changing the password ...or - Download latest Firmware

3) Open ports - Use nat , then addd a dmz address to a fake ip address on your network ..eg 192.168.0.222 (or some ip not used)

I went a step more , dunno if it adds more security, have two nics in connected pcs , dsl connected nic has just tcp/ip enabled in network properties, and the otherone uses a different subnet with static ip configuration, thus local network traffic goes through the local switch, not the dsl-504.

Anyone other hints, anything i've missed?

crowbar · 08-07-2003 6:44am

it's so much easier sticking with the same brand. if you're getting the netgear wireless box then you're probably better off with a netgear dsl router.

i went with the netgear dm602 which can function as a modem or a router, sourced from http://www.dsl-warehouse.co.uk . i've also got a netgear mr314 cable/adsl wireless router (the older version of the 814 i believe) from dabs which plugs straight into the dm602 in modem mode - the mr314 talks pppoe over the modem to eircom.

now that the dsl line actually works (after 5 support calls to eircom - that's another story!) the whole setup works well. broadband in the living room is brilliant, no more wires running all over the place. can't wait to connect my ps2 to the net ....

tomk · 08-07-2003 8:56am

Originally posted by kingambrose
D-Link Dl-804 broadband ADSL modem.
Equipped with a 4-Port 10/100Mbps switch. VPN supported, firewall, DHCP €89.95

OR

The Netgear DG824M is a 4-in1 product incorporating a ADSL modem, 4-Port Switch, Wireless Access Point and Router/Firewall. €210

Just so you're clear, the DI-804 does not function as a modem - it is a router only, and would require something like the 300G+ to handle the ADSL connection. The Netgear, on the other hand, does it all.

ceejay · 08-07-2003 9:55am

I'm using the Zoom X4 external ADSL ethernet/USB modem, and it works great. I already had a Xircom wireless access point, and an 8-port switch, so I didn't need a router/hub/wireless combo. The unit has both Ethernet and USB ports, which can work independantly, i.e. both at the same time. Plus, it's XBox Live compatible - very painless to set up. I picked mine up in PCWorld in Liffey Valley for €119.99 (inc VAT).

Ciarán.

ct5amr2ig1nfhp · 08-07-2003 9:33pm

I'm leaning towards getting the netgear dg824m. Has everything most ppl would want. However couple things about it. You can't turn the wireless part off???
And aswell I've read that there are problems with using IM's such as msn messeneger and the like.

If anyone has this would they mind sharing there experiences.... good n' bad? horror stories n the like?

I think i'll give d-link one last look

ambrose

EDIT: Hmm I've spent over 2 weeks trying to pick a solution. I think that the dg824 will do for me. €219.50 including VAT + del elara.ie

Will buy tomorrow or friday. Will leave it a little bit longer just in case anyone has had any problems with it they'd like to share!?

Anyone found anywhere cheaper??

TinCool · 09-07-2003 8:59am

I went for the d-link 504 modem/router combo.

ct5amr2ig1nfhp · 09-07-2003 9:08am

Hmm is the Dlink DSL 504 a modem and router? From what I can see there is no mention of a built in modem? So is it not just a router?

ambrose

TinCool · 09-07-2003 9:15am

As per a review I found at:

http://www.modemhelp.org/reviews/april2001.html

..."Like the class leading Cisco 827, the D-Link 504 comes with a built in Alcatel Modem, so there is no need to go out and buy a DSL modem."

ct5amr2ig1nfhp · 09-07-2003 9:21am

http://www.dlink.co.uk/310_312.htm

From there own website, there is no mention that I can see of a built in modem. Which is strange. Maybe I'm wrong. Anyone else have the dlink dsl504?

ambrose

TinCool · 09-07-2003 9:24am

Didn't look too hard eh ?

http://www.dlink.co.uk/310.htm

ct5amr2ig1nfhp · 09-07-2003 11:14am

Doh!

Thanks for that TinCool. :cool:

ambrose

po0k · 09-07-2003 12:41pm

How hot/noisy/stable are the D-Link and Netgear solutions?

Red03 · 09-07-2003 2:40pm

Hi,

A friend showed me your question and I thought I maybe able to give you some advice since I have ADSL and a wireless system at home.

I have a Cisco ADSL router and a Buffalo 54g wireless router.

Buffalo and Netgear are the best wireless systems for the G standard and as it was officially ratified about 2 weeks ago all the new WPA drivers are out (some makes had beta versions out beforehand)

I am in the networking industry and I have used allot of different makes and I usually always go for buffalo or netgear, I have used some of the dlink and Belkin and while they all work very well I just prefer the Buffalo and netgear.

Netgear have a unit out which I haven't used but I have it on order for a customer, but unfortunately it's out of stock but it looks impressive, it’s the WGR614 model.

If you are going for anything go for G because the price difference is not huge as what someone else made it out to be. I think the difference between the B and the G is €15.

The WGR615 is priced at €120 ex vat @21% the link to the website is http://www.netgear.com/products/prod_details.asp?prodID=174&view=

If you have any queries or would like any more information give me shout

Skittle · 09-07-2003 9:40pm

How hot/noisy/stable are the D-Link and Netgear solutions?

Hi SyxPak
In response to your question about how the D-Link solutions. I have a D-Link 504 Modem/router unit. It really doesn't get very warm to the touch, I would say ever so slightly warm (after 2-3 hours use), it depends how much space is around the unit. As for noise, there isn't any, at all, no moving parts inside. Stability? Perfect never had a problem with it. I've been using the unit now for nearly 2 months.

Hope this helps...

ct5amr2ig1nfhp · 10-07-2003 9:22am

Ok so its down to d-link 504 or netgear 814. SAme price roughly. Which has the better features? which is the more likely not to give any trouble?

I'm nearly there!

thanks

ambrose

c0y0te · 10-07-2003 10:47am

Netgear DG-814 anyday.

I've checked with all my networking buddys and they all recommend netgear over d-link.

In addition, I've priced the cheapest netgear with elara.ie, which comes in a few euro under everyman and itdirect.

I'm getting a DG-814 myself once UTV confirm my line has passed the final test.

c0y0te

TinCool · 10-07-2003 10:52am

I've gone with the d-link 504 myself. Should be arriving any day now

Although still waiting for Eircom to activate my line

po0k · 10-07-2003 11:20am

I'm curently in correspondence with Solwise wih regards to the 715/Netsource issue, looking like a solution make be on the way

If it does work I cannot help but reccomend these routers to everyone. Excellent DSL pings, tonnes of features and really good "Mom&Pop" type support - even from England.

BigEejit · 10-07-2003 10:04pm

Er .. what you on about SyxPak? ...

I have been following this thread because I am in the process of ordering netsource. I was thinking of getting the Netgear DM602 modem ... until I saw that it does not support PPPOA (probably never use that, but you just never know)... I'd like to get Netgear stuff because I have a Netgear 802.11a access point and pcmcia card coming to me ....I am tempted by the DG814, even though I have a router at home already (there may be a sale for a USR8000 soon

)

El_MUERkO · 11-07-2003 12:18am

TinCool

I've gone with the d-link 504 myself

Can I ask where you got it and how much its going to cost?

TinCool · 11-07-2003 9:20am

I didn't get it from the most cheapest of places. Got it from amazon.co.uk as they are very reliable. Although, they're now out of stock of them until their next shipment, I bought the 2nd last one they had

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0000687BG/ref=sr_aps_electronics_1_1/202-6417355-3087800

Only that I'm a lazy sod and can't get in to town during the week to get to the places like itdirect or Peats, and sure as hell do not want to waste my Saturday afternoon driving down harcourt st

ct5amr2ig1nfhp · 11-07-2003 11:04am

In the end I went with the dlink 504 in the end. From elara.ie €162.60 incl VAT and del.

Generally from asking alot of questions most ppl recommended dlink over netgear. Hope I went with the right choice!

Couldn't really find anywhere cheaper. Didn't bother with amazon really.

There is only a couple euro in the diff with the netgear 814 from elara. Spec wise I don't think there is much between them.

ambrose

Which DSL modem?

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