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Thread ID: 55591 2005-03-14 18:05:00 Quality of Service - Broadband BoboTheClown (5652) PC World Chat
Post ID Timestamp Content User
334023 2005-03-14 23:19:00 "(unlike USB only or PCI ADSL modems, which are c**p IMO).
........sigh......so many people say that .........why are they 'crap' ?.....I know of a few folks who have them and they dont get probs

It's not that they are c**p as such, more that their correct and reliable operation is 100% dependent on every other piece of hardware and software in the PC "playing nicely", to allow the CPU to correctly control and maintain the ADSL modem operation. Just as with dial-up PCI and USB modems.

Sadly, that is not always the case. The modem maker simply cannot foresee or control that PC environment, but in an ethernet external modem they can, as it has its own CPU that is dedictated to doing nothing but running the modem.

Also an internal ADSL modem does not provide the level of "firewall" (NAT) that can be provided by an external ADSL modem, and a level of problems can be attributed to that.

Further, it seems that external ADSL ethernet modems are superior in fringe areas of ADSL signal (according to respected technical installers).

But the internal ones are cheap. That is the only redeeming feature as I see it. I would not willingly use one.
godfather (25)
334024 2005-03-15 00:20:00 Godfather, we seem to be here again, banging away at the same old subject. Is it time to write a wee information piece that can be pasted in by way of reply when the question arises in the future.

I would put my hand up for the task, but my arm is a bit sore at the moment, besides I sincerely believe there is a far better person for the job who has already produced something that will be adequite once the spelling is tidied up ;) I can hunt down some links though.
Murray P (44)
334025 2005-03-15 01:17:00 Is it time to write a wee information piece that can be pasted in by way of reply when the question arises in the future.That sounds like a great idea (or even a FAQ?). :thumbs:
The sorts of topics I would welcome would be (in no particular order):
Traps for the unwary
Setting up the ADSL router firewall - and do you need this plus (e.g.) XP firewall
IP addressing issues
Common foul-ups and how to avoid/fix them
Pros and cons of different device types (like what is being discussed here)
etc etc.

If I could, I'd contribute, but I'll be a reader of this, not a writer. :blush:
Tony (4941)
334026 2005-03-15 01:35:00 If you actually find someone that understands these internal/external issues, then I agree, get them to write a suitable FAQ.

It comes down to a single 6 word sentence perhaps. "You get what you pay for"
godfather (25)
334027 2005-03-15 01:58:00 "You get what you pay for"So where would a D-Link DSL504-G Router modem (as supplied by IHUG) fit in the price vs quality spectrum? Tony (4941)
334028 2005-03-15 03:16:00 Well, all you need to do is look on Pricespy.

Cheapest Internal ADSL modem is $60
Cheapest D-Link DSL504 router is $145.

That is over 2.4 times the price ....
godfather (25)
334029 2005-03-15 03:41:00 Hi Bobo. Back to your original enquiry..... I have had the Xtra supplied DSL-302G and its broadband service for about three months. Despite all the complaints I hear from folks and various recommendations for other services, I can't fault it. Xtra has been good enough for me to not even consider a move. Years ago I experimented with everything that came along but getting too old for that nonesense now. :cool: Scouse (83)
334030 2005-03-15 03:50:00 "(unlike USB only or PCI ADSL modems, which are c**p IMO).
........sigh......so many people say that .........why are they 'crap' ?.....I know of a few folks who have them and they dont get probs

Well I've had all 3 types.

USB needed drivers, had a higher latency, was green and couldnt hold a connection. Also only worked with Mandrake linux.

PCI used a dialup connection, was an absolute swine to install, was more annoying to share the connection as both machines had to be on and wouldnt work in linux.

Ethernet router I just plugged into the hub and it went. Still is. With everything.

YMMV
Sam I Am (1679)
334031 2005-03-15 03:53:00 Im using Xtra 2meg/10 gig plan. I couldnt tell you the last time I had an outtage. I havent used the help desk in years. My latency is fine. Speed constant. No problems at all.

I am now going to go hide in the corner before my router blows its self accross the room and lodges in the wall.
Sam I Am (1679)
334032 2005-03-15 07:13:00 If you actually find someone that understands these internal/external issues, then I agree, get them to write a suitable FAQ .

It comes down to a single 6 word sentence perhaps . "You get what you pay for"

I was meaning more along the lines of a stock reply to the ethernet router vs USB and PCI mantra . I guess it could be added to the networking FAQ .

The trouble with writing a FAQ on ISP's, connection types, and what brand or model of router is better, is that there are too many variables, ISP's change, routers change, costs change, the weather changes . It is best to answer those questions based on the questioners specific situation and requirements at the time .

Sorry for hijacking your thread Bobo .
Murray P (44)
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