New Router with built-in modem, which way to go?!

V

Vonnii

Well-Known Member
Joined
Apr 6, 2010
Messages
370
Reaction score
0
I've been trying to make sense of which way to go when purchasing a new router (with built in DSL.) There seems to be a lot of nice ones, especially featuring true dual-band 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz technology, but they all lack DSL.

I need the router to be able to cover one level with obstructions such as walls (ie. One room to another.) I'd be connecting 1 desktop, 1 laptop, a Wii/PS3 and 2 Macs ... and throw in a few smartphones. It would have to do a lot of media streaming from the desktop pc, which acts as the media hub at the moment.

The one I'm thinking about is the: Linksys WAG320N but there is quite a few negatives about it, especially the line dropping that some (not all) people seem to be experiencing.

I would really appreciate some advice before I make a bad purchase!
 
You could always go for a separate ADSL modem, like the DLink 2500U, and run it in bridged mode. Slightly higher electricity consumption, and slightly more complex to set up initially, but allows you to get the best of both worlds long term.
 
802.11n + DD-WRT!

RoganDawes said:
You could always go for a separate ADSL modem, like the DLink 2500U, and run it in bridged mode. Slightly higher electricity consumption, and slightly more complex to set up initially, but allows you to get the best of both worlds long term.
Click to expand...

I agree, seperate units makes life easier for upgrades and troubleshooting. You just need to understand bridge mode and setting it up if you want to do any port forwarding. I have used a few of the DLink 2500Us, they are great:)

I would also look at a wireless n device that supports DD-WRT (http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Supported_Devices) if you want to put some better firmware on the device to be able to do more advanced stuff on your router/AP - enjoy:)
 
The TP-Link TD-W8960N 300Mbps Wireless N ADSL2+ Router that paul5186 mentioned doesn't have dual-band or even 5.8GHz support.

I really haven't seen an ADSL modem with simultaneous dual band access in SA. There's a Netgear one overseas, but I doubt that its range is any good.

My advice is that you go for like the D-Link DSL-2500U ADSL modem, like the other members said, and a dual-band Wireless N AP.
 
Pada said:
The TP-Link TD-W8960N 300Mbps Wireless N ADSL2+ Router that paul5186 mentioned doesn't have dual-band or even 5.8GHz support.

I really haven't seen an ADSL modem with simultaneous dual band access in SA. There's a Netgear one overseas, but I doubt that its range is any good.

My advice is that you go for like the D-Link DSL-2500U ADSL modem, like the other members said, and a dual-band Wireless N AP.
Click to expand...

My apologies, did not read the post properly. Do you have dual band capable wireless cards? There are still very few adapters/clients that support the 5Ghz frequency. Have a read through this article Are dual-band routers must-haves?
If not there is no real point in Dual Band. Rather just get a cheap ADSL non-wireless ADSL modem and a decent access point like the PowerAP N Ultra-Long Range 300Mbps
 
Thanks everyone for the advice, it really seems that in order to get the best of all worlds the route to take is getting a DSL modem + Separate access point. I'll get the DLink 2500U and then combine it with the Linksys E3000 (would have preferred getting the E4200 or E3200 but cant seem to find stock readily available.) Even though I don't have many 5Ghz devices I rather play it safe and provide for it just in case and the reviews on the E3000 really look good. Who would have thought wireless networking would be this tricky :D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X