Which DSL Modem/Router????

[kalbster]

I'm am getting ready to get DSL through my local phone company. (they don't supply modems, & didn't recommend one)

I have 2 computers on opposite ends of the house both running XP.

I don't want to have a "host" computer that has to be turned on all the time, in order to be on-line.

What kind of modem/router do I need?
Which is the best?
What's the difference between a router and a modem?

[Mopwr2u1]

my friend is running a netgear dsl modem/router has 4 ports i think he paid $190 for it let me get a hold of him and get the model # and how he likes it so far

[kalbster]

Thanks that would be a lot of help.

[Mopwr2u1]

i couldnt get a hold of my friend but as soon as i do (today) ill be sure to post all the info for ya
Anytime hope I can be of help to ya

[mccoffee]

linksys isn't bad either a little cheaper then the one listed above read networking help it has reviews on routers and prices. I would stay away from wireless to much hassle :D

[kalbster]

OK great I'll check them out.

Now is a router all I need, or do I also have to have a dsl modem? (Is a router and modem the same thing? If not do they have combo units?)

[kalbster]

I heard that linksys was real easy to use, and hassle free??

[Mopwr2u1]

the one i mentioned is a router and a modem combo and no they are not the same thing you said the ISP didn't send ya one you are supposed to supply your own right?? im not sure what modems cost but i do know routers are not all that expensive

[kalbster]

OK thanks a million!!!

[Mopwr2u1]

and i wish my friend would hurry up and get a hold of me so i can be of some use to you im really sorry about that

[kalbster]

That's OK. I went to netgear's web site but I couldn't find out very much. Thier site was kind of tough to surf when you don't really know what your looking for.

[Mopwr2u1]

sometimes i think i go retarded i coulda looked it up here it is its a
Netgear DG814 4-Port DSL Modem Internet Gateway and it is only $154.99 at fry's im not sure where ya live but thats where i get all my hd ware heres the link in case ya want some more info on it http://shop3.outpost.com/product/3515054
hopefully thatl help ya some

[kalbster]

Great, Thanks, I will.

[kalbster]

This IS just what I've been looking for. With the right model # is was able to find a manual that answered most of my questions. It even walks you through setup and maintainence.

Check it out at: http://www.netgear.com/support/support_details.asp?dnldID=8

At $150.00 it's a little spendy, but you don't have to buy a modem and a router seperatly. And most of all it's easy enough that I think I can do it.

Thanks to all for the help, IM OUT :D

[Mopwr2u1]

ya but most of the modems ive seen are 99 and i dont know if ya have to set up a modem but then youll still need a router for between 40 to 50 so ya come out ok ya it looks real user friendly the only draw back is if one goes out ya lose both

[kalbster]

That's true, I didn't realize modems were that much.

I thought I might get lucky and find one on ebay, but no luck.

[Mopwr2u1]

ill tell ya what if ya live by a fry's check out their adds sometimes they almost give this stuff away i got a $79 cpu and a $59 mobo for $75 so they do have good sales if not them check any computershop or electronics around your area or ya can order on line at pricewatch.com (I never have but heard good things) or like outpost ya know just look around a bit before ya dump the cash
good luck and if ya ever have any more ? im more than happy to help if i can

[kalbster]

Well I don't have a Fry's here in Southern Idaho. Heck in the town that I live in we're lucky to have a store that sells dsl modems.

So I guess that I'll be looking online. But I don't have to have it for a few weeks anyway.

[Mopwr2u1]

southern idaho huh?? Ive got an old friend from high school that lives over there in ?? well he's in the air force so i guess they must have an air base Mounthome i think
well let me know wht ya decided to get and how it works out k and if ya need anymore help feel free to ask. :)

[YeOldeStonecat]

Originally posted by kalbster
What kind of modem/router do I need?
Which is the best?
What's the difference between a router and a modem?

You can either get a single router and a single modem, or you can buy a combo unit...it doesn't matter. Whichever you get will work.

Which is the best? Heh, your budget up to spending that much? I don't know if you are willing to spend for Cisco's or Netopia/Caymans. More than likely, a home market router like Linksys, Netgear, Nexland, they'll do the job fine for ya. Most of my DSL setups I use Efficient Networks Speedstream 5360 modems.

The modem for DSL is basically more of a bridge than a modem...but it connects your computer, or network device, to your ISP, converting the DSL to ethernet.

The router takes that ethernet feed from the modem, and shares it to your private network. It's the gateway for your network, even if just a single computer. It also provides a basic firewall protection to your network through how it works...NAT...Network Address Translation. It will also log onto your ISP for you, maintaining an always on connection.

[kalbster]

Mopwr2u1, I just got done erecting a building on the AFB in Mtn Home. I live about an hour away in Filer.

Thanks ALL for the DSL lesson, It's sad but I feel like I know more NOW then most of the people at the phone co.

I'll let you know what I decide and how it works.

[Mopwr2u1]

cool if ya happen to run into a guy named Scott Main tell him Jim said Hi He is really into motocross too from what he tells me
I know what ya mean i fell like im calling a 5th grade student when i do that so i try whatever i can myself and by then they usally try to have me do it all over again.

[kalbster]

I'll tell him if I see him, but it's getting tougher to get on Base now that I'm done with that job, however my bro rides bikes with some guys from Mtn Home, I'll ask.

They've only got 1 guy that knows anything and he's sooo buzy fixing everything that it's impossible to talk to him. (maybe I ought to call him at home)

[dmcowen]

There is a DSL Modem where you do not need any extra equipment to hook up two computers.

NO one posted in here about the Zoom X4 DSL Modem. It has an Ethernet port and a USB port live at the same time so you can hook up two computers at the same time without a router.

The Modem also has a router built in so if you eventually go to more than 2 computers on your home network all you need is to add a small Switch.

[kalbster]

dmcowen, How do they work? do you plug one computer into the usb and the other into the ethernet?

I've seen these, but didn't know how they worked, or how well. I know they're quite a bit cheeper.

[dmcowen]

Yes that is all you have to do. The Modem takes care of logging in to your ISP for the DSL service, each machine (one plugged in via Ethernet and the other plugged in via Ethernet) enjoys sharing the DSL connection equally without having to get additional "Network" equipment. You can always add on to your Network by getting a Ethernet Switch. You don't need a Router since the Modem has a Router built into it.

I'm using an X4 now since the beginning of the year and it has never had to be powered down since and I have never had to log in to make a connection, the DSL connection is always up for me automatically by the Modem.

Dave

[kalbster]

Thanks Dave, do you have any modems of this type that you prefer?

[dmcowen]

I'm not supposed to push the website since it is actually my website, people call it Spamming the Forum.

Some websites do not even allow the word of the website any where in your post or signature. I asked ahead of time and this site allows the website word to be my signature which it is. I would make a live link but don't want to seem pushy as people say. Hope that helps.

The one that has both Ethernet and USB port live at the same time is the X4 Model 5551.

Dave

[kalbster]

Thanks, I understand not wanting to be too pushy, but I DID ask.

Great information just the same.