Help me choose DSL modem.

O

oober

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On Wednesday night my modem was fried by lightning so now I'm looking to replace it. It was one of those Telkom modems the mega 105. Unfortunately the warranty ran out a couple of weeks ago so it can't be swapped.

I need a modem that can be both a gateway and a bridge at the same time.
Any suggestions?
 
I think you mean a router more than a modem.

Most people I think would list Linksys first, but I have been reasonable happy with most other brands as well. I have used Billion and Planet. They all seem to do the job. But then I am not much of a specialist when it comes to that. Maybe somebody can give you reasons why you should go for a certain brand. I just tend to buy the cheapest one that has all the typical features.
 
Garyvdh said:
I think you mean a router more than a modem.

Most people I think would list Linksys first, but I have been reasonable happy with most other brands as well. I have used Billion and Planet. They all seem to do the job. But then I am not much of a specialist when it comes to that. Maybe somebody can give you reasons why you should go for a certain brand. I just tend to buy the cheapest one that has all the typical features.
Click to expand...

Ok ADSL/Wireless/Router/Switch thingy :D:D
 
Well Telkom wouldn't swop it out anyways. They won't replace anything due to lightning damage :D
You could try the linksys. I find the Netgear 834 pretty nice too.
 
I have a Billion 7300G. This is a very reliable and capable router. It should give you years of trouble free service provided that you are using it on a relatively noise free ADSL line. My first one was also destroyed by lightning but I think that the local agents for Billion can send the damaged board back to Taiwan to be repaired at less than half the price of a replacement model. This unit costs ~R800.

The Netgear DG834GT (not the DG834G) is slightly more expensive (~R950) but would be a better choice for noisy or problematic telephone lines. It is a very popular model in the hacking community and there are a number of useful third party firmwares / applications available for it.

It might also be worthwhile to look at one of the Asus wireless USB routers such as the WL-500gP (~R750) or the cheaper WL-520gU if you think that you might require a 3G/HSDPA capable router in the future. You would need to purchase a cheap external Ethernet ADSL modem or wired router in this case as these are only routers and do not contain inbuilt ADSL modems.

Another option might be to look at secondhand models of the DG834GT on eBay in the UK or US. These are really cheap (~$20) but I'm not sure about postage/delivery costs.
http://shop.ebay.com/items/_W0QQ_nkwZNetgearQ20DG834GTQQ_armrsZ1QQ_fromZQQ_mdoZQQ_sopZ1
http://www.dsldepot.co.uk/index.asp?
http://www.digidave.co.uk/jshop/section.php?xSec=9
 
Last edited:
R950? :eek: Got a price for it in Pta yesterday. ~R800...
 
Can you post more details. I originally looked at Digital Planet but according to Pricewatch it seems to now cost as much as R1000+!
 
It's one of the shops close to the university. Don't know what it's name is.
 
Well since my line is noisy I guess I should get a Netgear DG834GT then. Who stocks these modems in pretoria?
 
That seems to be a very good price if it's the 834GT and not the 834G.
 
@oober: Just explain exactly what you mean by simultaneous bridge/gateway. The 834GT users/owners should be able to offer some advice. If I am not mistaken there might be problems using Route Sentry with this model. If you suffer from regular disconnections and lots of line noise then this is probably your best option.
 
Well I'm looking to do some routing so I would like to use Route Sentry. But if I'm not mistaken the router can be flashed and modified to do local routing no?
 
Some routers, yes. Take a look at the routers using Linux... they can be programmed (without too much hassle) to do all the routing for you.
 
Yotch said:
Can you post more details. I originally looked at Digital Planet but according to Pricewatch it seems to now cost as much as R1000+!
Click to expand...

The 7300G has been replaced by the 7300G RA...that's why there is a price difference.
Most of the Billion range will do what you want, just have a look at which model will fit into your price range...I'd definately advise the 7300G RA though.
 
Billion 7300G RA

Yotch said:
Can you post more details. I originally looked at Digital Planet but according to Pricewatch it seems to now cost as much as R1000+!
Click to expand...
Hi Yotch,

We currently have the below at R799.

Billion 7300G RA Wireless ADSL2+ Modem/Router with QoS, Firewall & 4-Port Switch
Stock Code(SKU) : 7300G RA

I hope this helps out.

Kind Regards,
Karyn
 
Have you tried contacting Netgear directly? They have a branch in Midrand where you can buy from them directly and pay a lot less then you normally would from a reseller. Also check with them if they have branches in Cape Town (fionab)...

I only use Netgears at all my offices and am very happy with them. Setup is a breeze and port forwarding / routing / firewall ruling etc. has never been easier and reliable with Netgear! You get what you pay for :D Also their wireless capabilities are top notch! (Wireless ones are a bit more expensive, but again, you get what you pay for )

You can't go wrong with a Netgear!
 
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