Adsl modem jargon help

[Gladiator]

okay i was looking around a couple of online sites like pcmall.co.za
and all i c is adsl jargon, that i might not understand now, but when i do get dsl, those words are probably gonna be very important... HELP. now i have an idea of what the terms mean, im just confused as to how they will be useful.

1. VPN Router >> any practical home use?

2. DSL Firewall Router >> is it good enuf, or would i need software firewall as well?

3. ADSL2 Modem >> will i c this technology in za during my lifetime?

4. Gateway >> meaning, functionality tis feature will provide?

5. Wireless >> if i dont have anything wireless or just 1 pc, is it really neccessary to get a 802.11g capable router, cos it just seems like a waste. any other reason ppl are advising on getting wireless routers, join a wisp mabe?

6. wan ports >> seen em on netgear modems, what the hell do they mean, it already has lan ports... (or is this tele lines coming into it?)

7. also ive heard alot of ppl talking about stuff like PPPoe or something, can ull tell me what all of this is

 

[antowan]

1. VPN Router >> any practical home use?

Nope unless you connect to office somewhere or vice versa. There are some interesting VPN options though but with local capping their use has largely evaporated. There are however services out there that do wonders for gamers I believe.

2. DSL Firewall Router >> is it good enuf, or would i need software firewall as well?

Hardware firewall is very helpful and if possible should replace software firewalls. Less strain on your pc.

3. ADSL2 Modem >> will i c this technology in za during my lifetime?

Yes.

4. Gateway >> meaning, functionality tis feature will provide?

http://www.atis.org/tg2k/_gateway.html

5. Wireless >> if i dont have anything wireless or just 1 pc, is it really neccessary to get a 802.11g capable router, cos it just seems like a waste. any other reason ppl are advising on getting wireless routers, join a wisp mabe?

Allways nice to have this if you have a laptop or something to carry around the house...

6. wan ports >> seen em on netgear modems, what the hell do they mean, it already has lan ports... (or is this tele lines coming into it?)

There to connect other network or services to the device... Can be used for backup connections in an office environment. There are folks on the forum that can elaborate on this more.

7. also ive heard alot of ppl talking about stuff like PPPoe or something, can ull tell me what all of this is[/QUOTE]

Simply the network protocol used to connect and communicate on ADSL amongst others. Point to point over ethernet...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PPPoE