Decent ADSL Modems ??

Hi i'm setting up jetstream so i need to get an ADSL modem. I don't need to have more than one PC running off the connection so do I need to get a router or just a modem ? I do want to be able to use the phone line at the same time as the net...

Also, are the budget $150 options from Dick Smiths decent quality ? Is there a big difference in speed from a more expensive option ?

Thanks

Just get a modem if it's the one PC connecting ...unless you plan to have more than one in the future, then get a router.

I have no idea what a good price is for things these days, but Dick Smith always seems to be the more expensive option.

I got my ADSL router from Cash Converters for $85, Dynalink RTA 220 or something like that, never had a problem with it.

If you buy a modem and it only has a usb connection you will have to have the computer it is connected to share the connection, so if you want to have more than one PC attached to it at any point either get a router or a modem with network interface and a hub/switch - which is usually cheaper.

I paid $119 inc GST for my DSL Router...

Have had no problems with it

I paid whatever Ascent was charging for the Dynalink RTA220. It's a great modem, with USB and ethernet built in, a flexible firewall, and dhcp. The only thing i'd get different if I bought now is to try to get wireless networking built in.

I have rta220 and have no complaints.

theres a firmware update for them if anyones had them for a while - worth a check.

What does the firmware update do? Is it just a general bug fix type update?

theres a list on the site i think - nothing major but theres a bit of a change in the layout of the gui and i think they changed bits on the firewall (not that i use it)

ring up telecom and get them to do a distance check for you. the further away from the exchange you are the more likely you are to need a router. main reason for this is that routers use more power than usb/internal modems and get a better connection of distances. im using a nasty little no name router and have had no trouble with it. obviously with buying a well known brand you will get better support, obviously if your quite computer literate support wont be a problem

there is no difference in speed between the modem and the router, routers are a good idea as they have a built in firewall most of them and also if you ever plan to get another computer you can of course network them so both can use adsl

with the $150 i wouldnt go to Dick Smith, you could buy quite a nice router with built in hub

routers ARE a form of firewall in themselves.

i dont know of anyone who uses them as a firewall tho.

and i think you missed perverts point about the signal strength.

I use the firewall - I only open ports that I want open, that's a good start. Actually that's pretty much all I do for security, except for Norton Antivirus.

i use mine as firewall but only cause cant figure out how to turn it off
is an RT210 if anyone knows how??

Download the manual from the website.

like i said above there is a difference in speed between a modem and router as the distance increases

Thanks for that i was just giving my 2 cents though, wether its right or wrong
I know the further you are from an exchange the lower the speed as the signal strength decreases, i just dont see how a router can boost the signal strength to make it faster than a dsl modem. i mean yes it is externally powered but routers dont have signal boosters as far as im aware but if they do why not build the same hardware into the modems??

it does work on the voltage acttually..... internal is obviously the lease as its getting its power from the mobo, next is USB and of course a router after that.... would be suprised how much difference it makes not only to connection speed but to ping as well

ok never knew the router could boost it like that though
dont matter much to me anyway cause i live near an exchange so i have good connection