Posted on 11/21/2011 10:34:04 AM PST by Kirkwood
My 6 year old DSL modem is apparently dying. Turning the power on and off to the modem immediately brings it back for a while, but it is unreliable.
I added on a router for a workstation and a hardwired network printing and an access point for wireless, but I would like to replace all of these pieces with a single unit. Requirements are compatibility with AT&T DSL, a hardwired network printer and workstation, and N and G wireless. Anyone have suggestions? Thanks.
MARK
What they have now for wireless is crap. Why pay top dollar for something that may last a couple of months?
Mine is 5 years out of warranty.
No DSL modem in it.
AT&T provides a modem when you sign on, but once it is out of warranty you are on your own.
No. Look at the link you sent me. The first line of the description says something to the effect that you already have a modem and now you need this router. I’m looking for a wireless router with a built in DSL modem that supports at least N and G and maybe both at the same time.
Good thing I have a spare. Good luck.
I will check out Motorola. Thanks.
Had one of those for about eight years without a problem. Used it with Verizon DSL and all kinds of garden variety wireless gear.
I could just buy a modem alone, but I want to make some desk space by retiring my access point and router. So getting everything in one saves me space and is worth paying an extra $40 or so. Also the other pieces could die at any time because they are 3 or 4 years old now. Thanks for trying to help.
I was looking at reviews on the motorola, which are generally positive and it is less expensive than the netgear, but there are many complaints about it being a difficult installation. After that it performs very well. Do you remember if it was an easy installation for you?
Before you give up on your old modem, try spraying the on-off switch with contact cleaner and clicking it maybe fifty times (with the modem unplugged). Can’t hurt, may help: a whole bunch of problems I had with a ‘bad’ HDD went away when I cleaned the power switch of the mobile rack it was mounted in.
I’m not a big fan of all-in-one designs. Sure, it’s probably just paranoia, but I have a netgear hardware firewall behind my DSL “modem”, and my wifi AP connects in to that. If you need the deskspace, just hang ‘em on the wall, put a frame around it all and call it art. :-)
Tell AT&T you are switching to cable internet and they’ll probably give you a new modem. Maybe lower your monthly bill, too.
That’s a good idea! I think I’ll try it tomorrow.
I’m still kind of unsure myself, but the price difference is very little more to get the total upgrade. Plus I won’t have to spend time getting different brands of equipment to work together.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.