ADSL Modems

*note: I just moved this topic to the correct new forum, and updated with some extra information*

I've been looking around at the different modem options available, and have found these choices:

<b>1. Telkom Supplied (Marconi)</b>

Telkom offers you the choice of either a USB or an Ethernet version of this modem. The ethernet version is the more expensive option, but offers you NAT capabilities.

I can't quite remember the price quoted by Telkom though, but I think it was in the region of about R2,500.

One of the known issues of the Ethernet version of this, is that it gives trouble when trying to connect to IRC servers. Whenever you try and open up two connections to the same server - even sometimes just when trying a first connection - the modem tends to hang (top 3 green lights stay on and modem stops responding to ping requests).

Just one quick note about this one as well, I've heard reports that one shouldn't update the firmware of this model, as the new firmware as supplied by Telkom apparently locks the router functionality built into it. I've yet to confirm this, but its quite a serious allegation, so be careful before you do.

<b>2. Netgear</b>

I've only heard good things about this one. Has all the bells and whistles you'd ever need.

<u>DM602</u>
<ul><li>USB / Ethernet connection</li>
<li>Simple router functionality</li>
<li>http://www.netgear.com/products/details/DM602.asp</li></ul>

<u>DG814</u>
<ul><li>Ethernet connection</li>
<li>4-port 10/100 hub built-in - perfect for those Home / SOHO networks.</li>
<li>NAT capabilities.</li>
<li>http://www.netgear.com/products/details/DG814.asp</ul>

<u>DG824M</u>
This one is a little more specialised, and more expensive to boot. Has all the features as the DG814, including the 4-port hub, and the following:
<ul><li>WiFi (802.11) wireless access point</li>
<li>True Firewall business-class security</li>
<li>http://www.netgear.com/products/details/DG824M.asp</li></ul>

The only place that I know of to buy this, retail, is from @lantic. "R2250.00 inc (normal retail price R2500)". Contact [email protected] for more details.

If you're lucky enough to be able to buy as a reseller, you can contact http://www.duxbury.co.za/ directly.

<b>3. Planet</b>

I've only recently started doing a bit of research on these ones, but have so far identified three different models that you can go for depending on what your needs are.

<u>ADU-2000</u>
<ul><li>USB modem</li>
<li>Does not offer any NAT capability</li>
<li>http://www.planet.com.tw/product/product_dm.php?product_id=48&menu_id=12</li></ul>

<u>ADE-3000</u>
<ul><li>USB / Ethernet combo modem</li>
<li>Offers NAT capability</li>
<li>http://www.planet.com.tw/product/product_dm.php?product_id=46&menu_id=12</li></ul>

<u>ADE-4000</u>
<ul><li>USB / Ethernet w/ built in 4-port hub modem</li>
<li>Offers NAT capability.</li>
<li>http://www.planet.com.tw/product/product_dm.php?product_id=44&menu_id=12</li></ul>

These are by far the cheapest of all three brands I've discussed. There are quite a few places that stock this one, check out one @ http://www.wirecom.co.za/

<b>4. ZyXEL</b>

More detailed information required.

<u>Prestige 610 Series</u>
<ul><li>ADSL PCI Modem</li>
<li>Uses PPPoE dialup networking</li>
<li>Approx. R768</li>
<li>http://www.zyxel.com/product/model....dexcate1=1021877946&indexFlagvalue=1021873638</li></ul>

<u>Prestige 630-C Series</u>
<ul><li>ADSL USB Modem</li>
<li>No NAT functionality - uses PPPoE dialup networking</li>
<li>Approx. R1056</li>
<li>http://www.zyxel.com/product/model....dexcate1=1021877946&indexFlagvalue=1021873638</li></ul>

<u>Prestige 643</u>
<ul><li>ADSL Ethernet Router with 4-port Switch</li>
<li>NAT and Routing Features for Internet Access Sharing</li>
<li>Approx. R2016</li>
[*]http://www.zyxel.com/product/model....dexcate1=1021877946&indexFlagvalue=1021873638</li></ul>

I'm going to try and endevour to keep this as up to date as possible, and will take comments and update as necessary.

Regarding the Netgear modems, you can phone Duxbury and ask if there is a reseller in your area. They found me a company that is two blocks away. As far as I know you won't find the Netgear modems in large computer resellers such as Incredible Connection since they don't see any value in carrying ADSL modems. No wonder IC is going down the tubes lately.

Yea, thats pretty much what I did... They pointed me toward @lantic (hence my comment about that).

I actually managed to source the DG814 from them yesterday. Got a friend of mine with a reseller account to order it for me COD, and I went to pay and pick it up yesterday afternoon. My ADSL line gets installed this afternoon / tomorrow, so will only be able to give some more feedback about it then.

On a side note, apparently they're out of stock of the 814 at the moment - apparently I got the last none I think.

Vie,
Compliments on your overview of products
Just to correct you on one issue, the DM 602 does have a router configuration and there is no need to load any additional PPPoE dialup software.
One configures the unit via http setup
I have been using one for a month now and it was very easily configured and has worked without a hitch
gb

Does anyone know how to upgrade the Alcatal speed touch home to a speed touch pro. I came along this some time ago, but can't find it now?

Help greatly appreciated.

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by grahambell</i>
<br />the DM 602 does have a router configuration and there is no need to load any additional PPPoE dialup software.
One configures the unit via http setup
I have been using one for a month now and it was very easily configured and has worked without a hitch
gb
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"></font id="quote">This is rather strange actually. I was basing my assumption on what I read in the installation guide for the DM602 (ftp://downloads.netgear.com/files/dm602_install_guide.pdf). It makes no mention of any web-based configuration information there. *puzzled look*

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by louiss</i>
<br />Does anyone know how to upgrade the Alcatal speed touch home to a speed touch pro. I came along this some time ago, but can't find it now?

Help greatly appreciated.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"></font id="quote">As far as I know, there is a way to actually do this, but I wouldn't suggest it. It effectively involves "hacking" the modem, by logging in via an engineering backdoor and changing advanced values. One wrong move and you'll have to send it back and pay to have it replaced (you'll be voiding your warranty).

ZyXEL PCI Modem:
http://www.zyxel.com/product/model.php?indexcate=1046070641&indexcate1=1021877946&indexFlagvalue=1021873638

ZyXEL USB Modem:
http://www.zyxel.com/product/model.php?indexcate=1060592450&indexcate1=1021877946&indexFlagvalue=1021873638

ZyXEL Ethernet Modem:
http://www.zyxel.com/product/model.php?indexcate=1022048291&indexcate1=1021877946&indexFlagvalue=1021873638

They also have dual interface modems available (2+ ADSL Interface), but they are not imported as default. Should someone have a interest in such a modem, I should be able to get pricing on request.

Vie,
See http://www.netgear.com/products/details/DM602.asp?view=
for the info on the router capapility
gb

"You also have the option to use this modem as a simple router"...

Ahhh, alright, my bad!

I'm just curious as to what the difference is between the DG814 and the DM602 now....

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">
I'm just curious as to what the difference is between the DG814 and the DM602 now....
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"></font id="quote">

Had a quick glance at the DM602 and the difference seems to be the connections. The DM602 offers a USB and a single Ethernet connection to the modem. The DG814 comes with 4 10/100 Mb/s Ethernet ports, it basically acts as your modem and hub and has some router functionality built into it.

Ai... you're quite right, and plainly obvious too. Hahahah... do I hear a feint Homer "doh" in the background? []

Hi Vie,

I've just had my router replaced about an hour ago. What exactly is this 'router locking' that occurs?

What I'd heard (and I think I heard this from one of the techies at Lantic Internet) is that the firmware update renders the router functionality of the Marconi modem unavailable (removes it).

I did mention it again in another thread, and Mercury_Storm mentioned that the firmware update does not in fact do this. I'll ask him to come post his thoughts on this thread when I see him online again.

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by syntaX</i>
<br />Hi Vie,

I've just had my router replaced about an hour ago. What exactly is this 'router locking' that occurs?


<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"></font id="quote">

Hi

I am not clued up as to the technicalities of ADSL modems, but I was told that the modems that Telkom supplies are not good quality.

Can anybody tell me how true this is and which brands are worth out hard earned tom.

TIA [8)]

"OUR hard earned tom..." grrr etc

Can anyone help me with the setup of the Adsl Router Pots from telkom.

Mine is setup and work fine but I would like to use the advanced features.

For instance:
Under the basic config menu there is an ISP menu where you can enter 4 different isp usernames. I can't figure out the use of it. There is nowhere that I can just switch between them as I please. I have to physically go and change the details in the quick setup.

Then on the sub interface menu you can use these different isp again??

Anyone with a clue?

PU

I just got my ADSL installed yesterday. I bought a Netgear DG814. I was up and running in about two minutes. It has all the features I would need, including the 4-port switch.

If there is any modem I would recommend, it would be this one.

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by ChaosMaster</i>
<br />Hi

I am not clued up as to the technicalities of ADSL modems, but I was told that the modems that Telkom supplies are not good quality.

Can anybody tell me how true this is and which brands are worth out hard earned tom.

TIA [8)]
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"></font id="quote">

OK here im my experience using a "Marconi" modem

I have a AR800AM Ethernet ADSL router.

After hours and hours of scouring adsl sites and shops I found it based on what it looks like. These are in fact manufactured by an indian company called Dax Networks. Here is a link to the product on their site.

http://www.apcomgroup.com/Dax/Products/Router/DaxADSL.htm

As you can see(If you have one) the modem is identical. I got them to email me the user manual and that is identical as well. It is in fact the same modem. It is also, in fact, a total peice of crap.

I decided to get a ethernet router/modem for ease of use and installation. These things are supposed to do NAT for you and handle all the dialup stuff. The telkom guys dumped it here and tested it using a "dialup connection" from their laptop and verified that everything was fine. In fact what they did was use the modem as a PPPoE device (PPP over ethernet). After spending some time with the support people on the phone I realised they had no clue as to how to set it up other than as a dial up device so I went about setting it up myself. The reason I got an ethernet modem was because I wanted it to route and dial for me not so that I could pay more.

Once set up the modem seemed to work ok, albiet that it had obscure terms like PAT for the NAT set up. Problem is it kept on crashing, and I had to keep rebooting it every now and again. Started crashing after about 18 hours and then every few hours after that. I noticed that the device got very hot so I assumed something was wrong with it and had telkom swap it out. (PS it does not handle LCP ip change requests very well, this is what telkom uses to cycle your ip)

My new modem had the same problem. Eventually I decided to hook it up to my linux machine and use it as a PPPoE device. The modem ran a lot cooler and has not given me a problem since.

In conclusion.
<ul><li>This router is broken (by design)</li>
<li>It should not be used as a router but as a modem. (as telkom seems to want you to use it)</li>
<li>If used as a router (the reason you pay for it) it overheats and crashes.</li>
<li>If used as a router it does not handle LCP(line control protocol) requests well and crashes.</li>
<li>If you need a router/modem solution get something else. Otherwise just get a cheaper USB version.</li>
<li>Ripped off again, thank you Telkom.</li></ul>

I got a Globespan USB from Pinnacle Micro for about R500 (Dealer) and i must say it works like a charm.

regards
Gerrit