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Thread ID: 31503 2003-03-24 06:34:00 ADSL Modems cisco_ (3421) Press F1
Post ID Timestamp Content User
130434 2003-03-24 06:34:00 I'm about to get DSL through Telecom/Paradise and would like help picking out a good modem. I would also like to know if there is any advantage with an internal or external modem. I have a router (not in use at the moment) and a network card already installed. I have PCI and ISA slots available if I remove my 56K ISA modem. cisco_ (3421)
130435 2003-03-24 08:08:00 External modems that connect via the network port (and are often referred to as an ADSL Router) are preferred, on the basis that they can "hide" your PC from any hackers. To do this the ADSL router needs to support NAT (Network Address Translation)

I use an Alcatel Speedtouch Pro, and I do not run any firewall software.
All tests for vulnerability show my system (4 PC's) as being invisible to anyone trying to hack in via the IP address.

I occaisionally run a firewall program for assurance that nothing is communicating outwardly that shouldnt be, then I disable the firewall again.

I believe extrnal modems are preferred when you are at a marginal distance from the exchange as well, as they are more sensitive.

They are a little dearer though.
godfather (25)
130436 2003-03-24 08:39:00 I have been running a Dynalink RTA220 ADSL router for 2 months now, with Paradise as ISP, after upgrading from 56K modem, and its been very satisfactory, and was easy to set up. It uses Internet Explorer to access the routers "contro panel" that is quite convenient.
It has a USB port as well as an Ethernet LAN port.

There is a very good Quick Setup Guide which is all that is needed to get things going, you dont have to understand any esoteric adsl router/network language :)
Terry Porritt (14)
130437 2003-03-24 08:40:00 whoops... "control panel" Terry Porritt (14)
130438 2003-03-24 09:29:00 Well I have a Dynalink RTA300u (www.dynalink.co.nz) (which I grabbed from Gamma Computers), and am very pleased with it, it has 4 10/100 Ethernet ports, plus a USB port (which acts as USB LAN adaptor), and all the mod-cons, web interface/firewall/intrusion detection etc.

Infact I'm so happy with it I am purchasing another one this week!


Cheers

Liam
nz_liam (845)
130439 2003-03-24 10:21:00 I have had since about August a D-Link DSL-504 ADSL router and run three computers off it. So far it has been excellent. If you are interested you can read about it here (www.dlink.co.nz).

Oxie
Oxie (1318)
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