Billion 5102S vs 5102SM

[leonb]

I'm getting ADSL installed in a few weeks time, but still a newbie when it comes to ADSL.

I have to decide between the Billion 5102S and 5102SM (mainly because they fall in my price range). Don't understand the difference in specs.

Here is what I want to do:
1) Firstly I need to connect my computer to the DSL service.
2) In future (few months from know) I would like to set up a wireless network.


Which one of these two modems suits my requirements best?

When I start my wireless network, what hardware will I need to buy extra and does it depend on which one of the two modems I buy now.

Thanks for your help.

 

[Tinuva]

Well none of them support wireless, but they both have a ethernet port, the latter has a switch built in. Thats about it.

 

[renm]

Billion 5102S is a single ethnet port ADSL2+ Modem/Router, with full router function (GW/NAT/FW/VPN/DDNS), but not wireless AP, you can connect any other wireless AP later.
Billion 5102SM is just a ADSL2+ Modem, suits for those who already have broadband Router/WirelessAP.
If you have to choose from only these two, 5102S is my suggestion, it will make your life much more easier.
But, thinking about your requirement in very coming future, All-in-one Modem/Router/WiFi is your best way to go.

 

[BILLION Tech]

The 5102S is an ADSL modem/router. The 5102SM is an ADSL modem only.

This means that the 5102S can be used to establish a PPPoE (routed) connection by itself and act as an Internet gateway (using its LAN IP) for your LAN or your single PC. No PCs are required for this active PPP connection.

The 5102SM (being modem only) basically acts as a bridge (RFC 1483) and you'll need to utilize Win XP's built-in PPP protocol to authenticate and establish the PPP connection. (Just like a normal ISDN or analog dail-up). If your not using XP, you'll need some other third party PPP software.

Concerning the wireless network: Both of these units (5102S & SM) have only one Ethernet port. This will present a problem later on when you want to connect a wireless access-point (if you do not have any other ethernet ports available on your LAN switch/hub).

If you have additional ports, I suggest just plugging the AP into one of them, otherwise I suggest you consider upgrading to the 5102 (4-port switch integrated) and then later adding an AP or you might even consider upgrading to the 7100G right away(4-port switch with 802.11G (wireless) integrated).

Considering the price range, I'd suggest you go for the 5102 to achieve a good balance between scalability and affordability.

Hope it helps.

 

[SlowHands]

I ordered the 5102S last night
http://www.digitalplanet.co.za/dp/products/details.asp?StockID=62028

5102S specs:
FEATURES
High-speed Internet access with ADSL, capable of ADSL2/2+
Easy network management
Integrated with 4-port Ethernet Switch (BIPAC 5102), Single Ethernet Port (BIPAC 5102S)
SOHO Firewall security with NAT technology and Packet Filtering
Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) Compliant
Dynamic Domain Name System (DDNS)
Support Virtual Private Network (VPN) pass through
Ideal for residential users


5102
http://www.digitalplanet.co.za/dp/products/details.asp?StockID=62034
specs
FEATURES
High-speed ADSL Internet access, capable of ADSL2/2+
Easy network management
Integrated with 4-port Ethernet Switch
SOHO Firewall security with NAT technology and Packet Filtering
Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) Compliant
Dynamic Domain Name System (DDNS)
Support Virtual Private Network (VPN) pass through

Maybe I'm just stupid, but it seems that there's almost R100 difference for 2 products that offer the same features...

 

[Ru-D]

5102S and 5102

I Think the guys at Digital planet made a mistake regarding the specs of the 5102S, it doesn't have an integrated 4 port switch.

The only difference between the 5102 and 5102S is that the 5102 has an integrated 4 port switch, as where the 5102S has only one Ethernet port.

 

[SlowHands]

If that's the case, then I see a free upgrade coming my way!!!

 

[SlowHands]

Ok sorry, I didn't read the thing properly. Looks like I made a mistake understanding the specs...

But at least the 5102S is not a bad buy right? I'm not going to connect other pc's anyway.

 

[leonb]

Still a bit confused.

Say I get the Billion 5102. Now to get a wireless network going in future I will need to connect some sort of wireless AP. I see however that most wireless solutions are called: "wireless router". What is the difference between this and a AP. Can I connect a "wireless router" to one of the Ethernet ports on the 5102, or do I specifically need a AP-only.

What would be the differnce between:
1) The Billion 5102 with my desktop computer connect to one Ethernet port and the wireless AP to another, and
2) The Billion 5102S with a "wireless router" connected the Ethernet port (only one Ethernet port on the 5102S), and my desktop computer connected to a Ethernet port on the "wireless router"

Please advise.

 

[Perdition]

You can use either, though it's simpler to set up an AP if you already have a router. If you'll be using wireless in the future why not just get a wireless ADSL router?

 

[leonb]

The only reason I'm reluctant to buy an all-in-one solution, is to be future proof to some extent. If a better wireless solution comes out, I dont want to re-buy a adsl modem + router. Or is there a way to disable the wireless part of the modem/router/wireless hardware and connect another wireless AP.

What is the cheaper, a AP or wireless router. I would expect a AP, but thats not always the case - suppose it will depent on volumes of sales.

 

[Perdition]

A standard AP is generally cheaper, though buying an AP and ADSL router separately will cost more than one all-in-one solution and getting two separate items to work together nicely can cause unnecessary headaches. At this stage the next evolution of 802.11x (i.e. 802.11n) is still fairly far off so investing in an 802.11g capable ADSL router is not a bad investment.

Check out http://www.expansys.co.za/d_wireless.asp under Wireless ADSL Access Points for a list of all-in-one products and their relative prices. I'm not saying you should buy from here but it gives you an idea of what's available

 

[GU7]

Look here for the Billion 7100G. It's got a 4-port switch integrated and G-range wireless. Its a well balanced, stable all-rounder that won't cost you an arm and a leg.

I would classify it as a wireless router and I think it will satisfy all you requirements.

I know you can also get it at any computer corporation and digital planet.co.za. I suppose price will be the deciding factor.