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04 Jul 09 - 03:51 PM (#2671576) Subject: Tech: DSL Modems - why so few? From: Joe Offer My Internet service went out two weeks ago, and AT&T confirmed my suspicion that my DSL modem was dead. I had a 2-Wire Wireless Gateway that was provided by AT&T when I first got DSL about 18 months ago. The guy at the AT&T store said they had a lot of these 2-Wire modems go out after 18 months, so I sure didn't went to get another one. AT&T said any DSL modem should work on their service. I went to Fry's and BestBuy, and they had empty shelf spaces instead of DSL modems. What I wanted was a Netgear DSL modem, combined in one unit with an 802.11n wireless gateway, but 802.11g would have been accptable. Fry's and three BestBuy stores had shelf space and price tags for three of these, but no merchandise. Amazon had one, but said there was 4-6 weeks waiting time (which usually means they'll never have it in stock). Linksys/Cisco had nothing at all. I ended up with an 802.11n wireless gateway with DSL modem from TRENDnet, a company I'd never heard of. It didn't connect automatically to my DSL, and AT&T said they didn't support that modem and couldn't help me. TRENDnet gave me the settings information and got me connected, but I really haven't had a solid Internet connection since I got this modem. I finally found a Netgear unit at amazon.mudcat.org, and it shipped yesterday - but the customer reviews I read are mixed, so I hope this new modem will work. But why was it so hard for me to find a brand-name DSL modem? Why are the store shelves empty? And one more question: can anybody give me some hints on tweaking the settings of my new modem, so I get the strongest connection possible? -Joe- |
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04 Jul 09 - 05:09 PM (#2671628) Subject: RE: Tech: DSL Modems - why so few? From: GUEST I dispise Fry's - but sometimes there is no other. FIVE DSL Modems offered by Radio Shake I have seen lots of AT&T Modem problems reported since the new HDTV standard became permanent in the USA...probably just a coinsidence. Article by a PC-techie journalist and a problem similar to yours...also with AT&T http://www.dailynews.com/technology/ci_12749779 What chipset are you using? TrendChip = high sync speed Texas Instruments = flexibility on features, Broadcom = stable on bad lines. These guys have the passion for modems that some at mudcaters have for open tuning bells and ribbons. Go to their root. http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies-archive.cfm/1024094.html Just because someone can swap a new for a used carburator on a 1944 Jeep does not make them a mechanic. |
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05 Jul 09 - 04:19 PM (#2672216) Subject: RE: Tech: DSL Modems - why so few? From: EBarnacle For those who want them, I expect to be seeing quite a few in September when our local Rummage Sale starts accepting donations. If there is interest, I will put them aside and let you know what they cost [probably on the order of $10 each]. |
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05 Jul 09 - 04:35 PM (#2672222) Subject: RE: Tech: DSL Modems - why so few? From: EBarnacle That's plus shipping. |
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05 Jul 09 - 04:36 PM (#2672223) Subject: RE: Tech: DSL Modems - why so few? From: Stilly River Sage Joe, I think a lot of people are switching to the broadband faster systems, they're probably busy filling the orders for broadband routers and modems. I think I have that Netgear modem you're asking about. I retired it when I got the broadband service. If you don't have luck with the one you've ordered let me know and I'll dig it out and we can see if that works any better for you. (I bought it at Fry's. I've had great experience with them. The current modem and router I bought from NewEgg.com, and you might check there also because often they include free shipping, though there can be a "restocking" fee if you return something). SRS |