What DSL Modem to get for a Router

D

dblumenau

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Hi Everyone

So, first time poster, but long (looong circa 2007, when it was called myadsl) time lurker.
I thought that I was clued up on these issues so I don't understand how I am so clueless on this subject.
My Modem Router is being wonky lately so I want to get a new one, and from reading online (in terms of flashing custom firmware etc), it seems that it would be best to get a 'router' sans the built in modem and then a DSL modem.

You then do the following
Phone line > Modem > Router > Ethernet/Wifi

Now I can find more different types of routers than I could ever care to get through, and yet I can only find one (yes literally one) actual standalone DSL Modem, specifically this D-link DSL-200 one.

I am so confused! I must be searching for the wrong thing because how could there be only only one brand of DSL modem and yet such a variety of routers.

My problem with the DSL modem that I linked to is that the description for the D-link it says
the DSL-200 will support a full range of maximum download speeds at up to 8 Mbps for G.dmt and 1.5 Mbps for G.lite.
Click to expand...
I only have 1mbps line from mweb but hopefully at some point in the future we will have internet faster than 8mpbs as a more or less standard and I don't want to buy a modem that won't support it. [Although hopefully my hardware won't be fossilized by then :D:D:D]

Please tell me that I am missing something here and enlighten me. You will be my absolute saviour!

Thanks in advance everyone. You guys rock!
David B

P.S I mentioned above that I had decided that it was best to not get a modem-router combo. I don't mind people discussing the merits of either in this thread, but pretty please don't let my actual question get forgotten in the ensuing hypothetical debate!

P.P.S I hope that I am posting this in the appropriate category. I wasn't sure, so I decided that this would fit into PC Hardware and gadgets, but I am just waiting for a someone to angrily scream at me for not placing this thread in the {insert correct sub-forum} category.
 
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Why do you want a standalone DSL router with a single ethernet port? I'm getting a D-Link DSL-2750U to replace my Netgear, should be arriving soon.
 
NAG - Wesley said:
Why do you want a standalone DSL router with a single ethernet port? I'm getting a D-Link DSL-2750U to replace my Netgear, should be arriving soon.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't use the standalone 1 ethernet port modem alone. I was going to hook it up to a super snazzy Asus router but you know something, I am starting to think I should just go with a modem router because after doing some further research, I am beginning to wonder if there is even any point to buying a router that does not include a modem.

All I want is a device that provides
  2. A stable internet connection that doesn't go all line-droppy and slow at unpredictable times
  3. A fast wireless connection that allows me to stream stuff from my computer to all the relevant places in my house like iPads, media server etc
  4. A router that prioritizes traffic so that if someone in the house is downloading huge files using p2p it will throttle it nicely and responsively when someone else wants to use email and/or skype etc

Is that all too much to ask for me to just get this plain asus modem-router rather than this asus router and then this modem

One of the supposed benefits of going the separate modem and then router route is that it is cheaper, but in this case it isn't and another reason is that it protects against lightning strikes by providing a R200 cheap device to fry rather than an all in one expensive modem router. But I have asurge protector for both the power AND the phone line so that isn't a reason anymore either.
So what reason in the world is left for going with a separate modem and router?!?!

I feel like I am missing something here. Please help, anyone!
 
dblumenau said:
But can you think of a reason to get a separate modem and router rather than an integrated version
Click to expand...

If there is a surge through the phone line, it will take out the modem but the modem might stop it from reaching the router.

If you only have a router you lose the router.

It's cheaper to replace the modem than the router.


I use these for protection, as I only have a router:

http://www.ngrcomputers.co.za/apc-p5bt-essential-surgearrest-p-60777.html

http://www.ngrcomputers.co.za/apc-ptel2-surge-protector-p-59789.html
 
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Sorry to be hijacking this thread but I have been wondering about the same thing. I have a cheapie Tenda ADSL Modem/Router connected to a MikroTik router which all the PC's connect to. The MikroTik offers all the settings I could ever wish for, but I was wondering if upgrading to a snazzy ADSL Modem/Router such as the previously mentioned Asus would make any difference to my current setup, as the MikroTik is doing all the routing?
 
Defiler said:
Sorry to be hijacking this thread but I have been wondering about the same thing. I have a cheapie Tenda ADSL Modem/Router connected to a MikroTik router which all the PC's connect to. The MikroTik offers all the settings I could ever wish for, but I was wondering if upgrading to a snazzy ADSL Modem/Router such as the previously mentioned Asus would make any difference to my current setup, as the MikroTik is doing all the routing?
Click to expand...

How is the range of your current set up? When streaming stuff to your TV (if you do that) do you have to wait for it to buffer? A newer router would solve these problems but if you aren't having any problems then why do you want to change anything at all?
 
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NomNom said:
If there is a surge through the phone line, it will take out the modem but the modem might stop it from reaching the router.

If you only have a router you lose the router.

It's cheaper to replace the modem than the router.


I use these for protection, as I only have a router:

http://www.ngrcomputers.co.za/apc-p5bt-essential-surgearrest-p-60777.html

http://www.ngrcomputers.co.za/apc-ptel2-surge-protector-p-59789.html
Click to expand...
Just curious, since the surge protector with all the plugs that you linked to already has a phone jack, why did you get a separate surge protector with just a phone jack protecting as well?
 
NAG - Wesley said:
Why do you want a standalone DSL router with a single ethernet port? I'm getting a D-Link DSL-2750U to replace my Netgear, should be arriving soon.
Click to expand...

I will never touch a D-link router with a ten foot pole again. I have had only trouble with them.

My current Asus DSL-N12U works perfectly and is much better than the Netgear and D-Link.
 
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