Need a new DSL Modem

[Yuniks]

Hello everyone!

 

My family is planning to buy a new modem(our old modem is over 5 years old and is most likely significantly bottlenecking our wireless and ethernet connection) so I thought I would ask you guys about an upgrade.

 

We get our internet off of a telephone line(DSL) so we need a new DSL Modem. Our router is the NETGEAR N600 Wireless Dual Band Router, which is most likely being bottlenecked by our current modem.

 

If you're curoius, our modem is the SIEMENS SpeedStream 4200.

 

Do you guys have any recommendations as to which modem would be best to upgrade to?

 

Also, will ADSL2+ work on DSL connections?

[JefferyD90]

Dude, that modem is a fucking BEAST.  If you don't have a 20Mbps+ internet plan, don't bother upgrading, because nothing out there is going to be a upgrade.

 

Plus, I don't know what ISP you're using so I don't know what kind of DSL they are providing you (although I can take a guess by the modem you already have) and what speeds your DSL is operating at.

[Yuniks]

Dude, that modem is a fucking BEAST.  If you don't have a 20Mbps+ internet plan, don't bother upgrading, because nothing out there is going to be a upgrade.

 

Plus, I don't know what ISP you're using so I don't know what kind of DSL they are providing you (although I can take a guess by the modem you already have) and what speeds your DSL is operating at.

Is the mbps measured in megabits or megabytes?

 

I've had trouble identifying that in lots of modems I've been researching.

 

~160 kilobytes/s download and ~40 kilobytes/s upload isn't exactly fast

[JefferyD90]

Is the mbps measured in megabits or megabytes?

 

I've had trouble identifying that in lots of modems I've been researching.

So do you not know your plan from your ISP?

[Yuniks]

So do you not know your plan from your ISP?

We get our internet from our phone line that is taken care of by other people so I can't view the plan.

[dalekphalm]

Hello everyone!

 

My family is planning to buy a new modem(our old modem is over 5 years old and is most likely significantly bottlenecking our wireless and ethernet connection) so I thought I would ask you guys about an upgrade.

 

We get our internet off of a telephone line(DSL) so we need a new DSL Modem. Our router is the NETGEAR N600 Wireless Dual Band Router, which is most likely being bottlenecked by our current modem.

 

If you're curoius, our modem is the SIEMENS SpeedStream 4200.

 

Do you guys have any recommendations as to which modem would be best to upgrade to?

 

Also, will ADSL2+ work on DSL connections?

Your connection probably is ADSL2+. "DSL" is just a generic term for an entire group of telephony based internet technologies. That's like "Cable" internet. "Cable" doesn't mean anything specific, besides the fact that you plug a coax cable into your modem.

 

Anyway, what exactly is the issue you are having? You might simply want to replace your Router, and keep your current modem? Unless you specifically want to replace both devices with a Modem/Router Gateway combo device (which combines the modem and router into a single box)?

 

If you want to replace everything with a combo box, here are some good ones:

http://www.amazon.com/TP-LINK-TD-W8980-Wireless-Gigabit-Compatible/dp/B00C4OANW0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1437867593&sr=8-1&keywords=tp-link+adsl2%2B+modem+router

Includes Wireless N, 2.4 GHz as well as 5 GHz - $100 w/ free shipping

 

http://www.amazon.com/TP-LINK-TD-W8961ND-Wireless-Splitter-detachable/dp/B0086UK72C/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1437867593&sr=8-2&keywords=tp-link+adsl2%2B+modem+router

More basic, Wireless N, 2.4 GHz only - $40 w/ free shipping

 

However, if you can describe the issues you're having with more detail, we can help you better.

[dalekphalm]

Is the mbps measured in megabits or megabytes?

 

I've had trouble identifying that in lots of modems I've been researching.

 

~160 kilobytes/s download and ~40 kilobytes/s upload isn't exactly fast

Internet access speeds are measured in Megabits per second (Mbps). Megabytes per second is the actual download speed you see in the browser and Steam downloads, etc (MB/s).

 

Big B = Bytes, little b = bits.

 

160 KB/s = about 1.2 Mbps - that's quite slow for internet.

[Yuniks]

However, if you can describe the issues you're having with more detail, we can help you better.

Our ISP bill says we are supposed to get 3 mbps download while we are getting ~160 kilobytes/s download

 

How do I know if they're talking about megabits or megabytes?

[JefferyD90]

We get our internet from our phone line that is taken care of by other people so I can't view the plan.

Okay, I understand you have DSL internet, what I need to know is the speeds that you're currently getting as well as the type of DSL that your ISP is offering you.  Given the modem you currently have, I would agree with dalekphalm that its PROBABLY ADSL2 or ADSL2+.  With that said, if you're getting the speed of internet that you are paying for, then why are you looking to upgrade?

[dalekphalm]

Our ISP bill says we are supposed to get 3 mbps download while we are getting ~160 kilobytes/s download

 

How do I know if they're talking about megabits or megabytes?

If your bill says 3 Mbps, then that means you're supposed to get 3 Megabits per second - which makes sense for low end DSL service.

 

If you're getting 160 KB/s, then your speed is a little under half of what you're supposed to get. I would call the ISP and get them to do some line testing.

 

Also, have you verified your speed by using www.speedtest.net?

 

Is this speed over WIFI or Ethernet?

[JefferyD90]

Our ISP bill says we are supposed to get 3 mbps download while we are getting ~160 kilobytes/s download

 

How do I know if they're talking about megabits or megabytes?

Mbps is different than MBps.  Mbps is "Megabits per second" and MBps is "Megabytes per second.

 

8 b (bits) = 1 B (byte)

[Yuniks]

Is this speed over WIFI or Ethernet?

I tested the speeds over Ethernet , however I'm pretty sure it's the same over wireless.

[JefferyD90]

Your connection probably is ADSL2+. "DSL" is just a generic term for an entire group of telephony based internet technologies. That's like "Cable" internet. "Cable" doesn't mean anything specific, besides the fact that you plug a coax cable into your modem.

 

Anyway, what exactly is the issue you are having? You might simply want to replace your Router, and keep your current modem? Unless you specifically want to replace both devices with a Modem/Router Gateway combo device (which combines the modem and router into a single box)?

 

If you want to replace everything with a combo box, here are some good ones:

http://www.amazon.com/TP-LINK-TD-W8980-Wireless-Gigabit-Compatible/dp/B00C4OANW0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1437867593&sr=8-1&keywords=tp-link+adsl2%2B+modem+router

Includes Wireless N, 2.4 GHz as well as 5 GHz - $100 w/ free shipping

 

http://www.amazon.com/TP-LINK-TD-W8961ND-Wireless-Splitter-detachable/dp/B0086UK72C/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1437867593&sr=8-2&keywords=tp-link+adsl2%2B+modem+router

More basic, Wireless N, 2.4 GHz only - $40 w/ free shipping

 

However, if you can describe the issues you're having with more detail, we can help you better.

I don't know if you've used a current day DSL modem/router combo unit... these fools get HOT.  I have a Comtrend 3100 and OH MY GOD it get so hot all the time.  It constantly shuts off.  I had to buy a dedicated router and just turn the router part completely off.

 

http://www.comtrend.com/dbase/upload/NL-3100u.PDF

 

I highly suggest that you get a dedicated modem and a dedicated router.

[JefferyD90]

I tested the speeds over Ethernet.

Did you test the speed on speedtest.net?  And if so, please check at least 3 different servers.  One close to you, one moderately far away (about 300 miles), and then another one clear across the country.

 

Please include ping, upload, and download.  (you might also want to check out pingtest.net and post its results)

[Yuniks]

Did you test the speed on speedtest.net?  And if so, please check at least 3 different servers.  One close to you, one moderately far away (about 300 miles), and then another one clear across the country.

 

Please include ping, upload, and download.  (you might also want to check out pingtest.net and post its results)

Server closest to me: Ping - 45 ms

                                  Download Speed - 1.27 Mbps

                                  Upload Speed - 0.33 Mbps

Server roughly 300 miles away: Ping - 46 ms

                                                  Download Speed - 1.25 Mbps

                                                  Upload speed - 0.33 Mbps

Server across the country: Ping - 63 ms

                                           Download Speed - 1.18 Mbps

                                           Upload Speed - 0.32 Mbps

[JefferyD90]

Server closest to me: Ping - 45 ms

                                  Download Speed - 1.27 Mbps

                                  Upload Speed - 0.33 Mbps

Server roughly 300 miles away: Ping - 46 ms

                                                  Download Speed - 1.25 Mbps

                                                  Upload speed - 0.33 Mbps

Server across the country: Ping - 63 ms

                                           Download Speed - 1.18 Mbps

                                           Upload Speed - 0.32 Mbps

Thank you for this information.  I assume that you have Windstream?  3Mbps down by .75Mbps up.  You're getting about 50% of what you pay for.  This isn't great, but isn't awful either.

 

With this in mind, Im going to suggest that its your ISP not providing you with the full speed they quote you.  My steps, I would call my ISP and tell them I'm not getting what I pay for.  I don't think that your modem is (in any way) causing the degrading in performance.

[dalekphalm]

I don't know if you've used a current day DSL modem/router combo unit... these fools get HOT.  I have a Comtrend 3100 and OH MY GOD it get so hot all the time.  It constantly shuts off.  I had to buy a dedicated router and just turn the router part completely off.

 

http://www.comtrend.com/dbase/upload/NL-3100u.PDF

 

I highly suggest that you get a dedicated modem and a dedicated router.

Definitely depends on the model. Many do overheat, but many are totally fine. The TP-Link units I linked above should not overheat at all.

 

The worst offenders are generally the ones you see common with ISP's, such as 2Wire (shitty units that Bell Canada gives out for their ADSL packages).

 

Having a separate Modem and Router is certainly preferable, if the budget allows - but by no means mandatory for an average user.

[JefferyD90]

Definitely depends on the model. Many do overheat, but many are totally fine. The TP-Link units I linked above should not overheat at all.

 

The worst offenders are generally the ones you see common with ISP's, such as 2Wire (shitty units that Bell Canada gives out for their ADSL packages).

 

Having a separate Modem and Router is certainly preferable, if the budget allows - but by no means mandatory for an average user.

Pro Tip: Most people on LTT aren't average users   lol...

 

Assuming the user has 3Mbps/1Mbps service, and they are the type that is on LTT, they are probably often pushing their internet connection to the limits.  I personally, have a 12Mbps/2Mbps connection and my modem is often operating at (at least) 50% of its capacity.

 

Not only including the heat factor, a dedicated router almost always gives you better range and speed as they will use better radios and controllers.  Also, a huge factor for me, is the potential of the modem failing.  With a dedicated modem, you wont have to worry so much about replacing it and (at least) your home network will work.  Same can be said for the router.  This also makes upgrading MUCH easier in the future as you might not have a reason to upgrade your modem over your router (and vice versa).

[dalekphalm]

Pro Tip: Most people on LTT aren't average users   lol...

 

Assuming the user has 3Mbps/1Mbps service, and they are the type that is on LTT, they are probably often pushing their internet connection to the limits.  I personally, have a 12Mbps/2Mbps connection and my modem is often operating at (at least) 50% of its capacity.

 

Not only including the heat factor, a dedicated router almost always gives you better range and speed as they will use better radios and controllers.  Also, a huge factor for me, is the potential of the modem failing.  With a dedicated modem, you wont have to worry so much about replacing it and (at least) your home network will work.  Same can be said for the router.  This also makes upgrading MUCH easier in the future as you might not have a reason to upgrade your modem over your router (and vice versa).

All true - and as I clearly stated, if the budget allows, then certainly getting separate devices is better.

 

But not everyone has the disposable income to buy separate devices, when a combo device will work just fine for most of them.

 

Not all LTT users need a separate Modem and Router. Only those who are network enthusiasts, who like to tailor their network, and/or are specifically interested in learning more about networking and are willing to spend extra cash to do so would need separate devices.

 

I'd wager that at least 50% of our users would be totally fine using a combo device. Just take a look at all the users who don't even know what DSL or DOCSIS is, or what the difference between a Modem and Router is. Not saying this is true for all LTT users - of course not - but true for some, none the less.

 

Besides, he's on a 3 Mbps plan. The modem/router combo box I linked above is rated for 24 Mbps ADSL2+ (Backwards compatible w/ ADSL2 and ADSL). There's no way a 3 Mbps connection is going to stress that modem in the slightest. Hell, a 3 Mbps connection shouldn't stress any modern DSL modem unless that modem is a piece of shit or defective.

 

A good modem should be able to operate at or near it's capacity limit without issues. You said yourself you're using your modem to 50% capacity with no issues - AT BEST, he would be using his modem at 12.5% capacity - though in practice, possibly closer to 5% capacity since he's only getting around 1.2 Mbps connections.

 

So, I reiterate my original point. If the OP has the budget necessary to buy separate devices, and has the knowledge, interest, and time, in learning how to properly configure the two separate devices, then of course, he should go that route.

 

If he cannot afford to buy separate devices, then a good quality combo Modem/Router, like the ones I suggested above, are a good alternative.

[JefferyD90]

oh no, I use my modem at about 50% capacity (it's a combo unit) and if I use the router half as well it does itself about one every 4 hours. I have the modem/router unit in modem only mode with a dedicated router. And the user already has a good router, .

All true - and as I clearly stated, if the budget allows, then certainly getting separate devices is better.

 

But not everyone has the disposable income to buy separate devices, when a combo device will work just fine for most of them.

 

Not all LTT users need a separate Modem and Router. Only those who are network enthusiasts, who like to tailor their network, and/or are specifically interested in learning more about networking and are willing to spend extra cash to do so would need separate devices.

 

I'd wager that at least 50% of our users would be totally fine using a combo device. Just take a look at all the users who don't even know what DSL or DOCSIS is, or what the difference between a Modem and Router is. Not saying this is true for all LTT users - of course not - but true for some, none the less.

 

Besides, he's on a 3 Mbps plan. The modem/router combo box I linked above is rated for 24 Mbps ADSL2+ (Backwards compatible w/ ADSL2 and ADSL). There's no way a 3 Mbps connection is going to stress that modem in the slightest. Hell, a 3 Mbps connection shouldn't stress any modern DSL modem unless that modem is a piece of shit or defective.

 

A good modem should be able to operate at or near it's capacity limit without issues. You said yourself you're using your modem to 50% capacity with no issues - AT BEST, he would be using his modem at 12.5% capacity - though in practice, possibly closer to 5% capacity since he's only getting around 1.2 Mbps connections.

 

So, I reiterate my original point. If the OP has the budget necessary to buy separate devices, and has the knowledge, interest, and time, in learning how to properly configure the two separate devices, then of course, he should go that route.

 

If he cannot afford to buy separate devices, then a good quality combo Modem/Router, like the ones I suggested above, are a good alternative.

[dalekphalm]

oh no, I use my modem at about 50% capacity (it's a combo unit) and if I use the router half as well it does itself about one every 4 hours. I have the modem/router unit in modem only mode with a dedicated router. And the user already has a good router, .

If he already has a decent router (which I see now in the OP - I thought he was saying the router was causing issues - my bad), then I'd recommend this guy right here:

http://www.amazon.com/TD-8616-Downstream-Bandwidth-Lightning-Protection/dp/B0034JSYZ2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1437953344&sr=8-1&keywords=tp-link+adsl2%2B+modem

 

$24 USD w/ free shipping on orders over $35

 

I've used it before multiple times at my old job.

 

I'd link my old ADSL2+ modem, but I don't think you can buy em anymore, it was a Speedstream 516 or something (don't recall the exact model) and it was a workhorse.

[JefferyD90]

If he already has a decent router (which I see now in the OP - I thought he was saying the router was causing issues - my bad), then I'd recommend this guy right here:

http://www.amazon.com/TD-8616-Downstream-Bandwidth-Lightning-Protection/dp/B0034JSYZ2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1437953344&sr=8-1&keywords=tp-link+adsl2%2B+modem

 

$24 USD w/ free shipping on orders over $35

 

I've used it before multiple times at my old job.

 

I'd link my old ADSL2+ modem, but I don't think you can buy em anymore, it was a Speedstream 516 or something (don't recall the exact model) and it was a workhorse.

Speedstream made such good modems...