Author Topic: Router or ADSL Modem...? (Read 18360 times)

Simon · « **on:** August 30, 2006, 16:22 »

I have decided to buy a new ADSL modem, as I have doubts that mine is up to supporting the higher speeds now available. I am looking at the ZyXel Prestige 630 USB ADSL Modem, but should I be considering a router instead? Why would I need a router for one PC? Am I likely to get better connection speeds from a router, or are there any other advantages using a router for a single PC, over an ADSL modem?

sam · « **Reply #1 on:** August 30, 2006, 16:25 »

router will add firewall protection.

Simon · « **Reply #2 on:** August 30, 2006, 17:16 »

Well, I've got that anyway. Is a hardware firewall any better than a software one?

Sandra · « **Reply #3 on:** August 30, 2006, 17:18 »

As you can see from the last couple of posts by Jim and Daveeb Simon, a router is independant of your PC.

So once its set up if you format or change your pc then you dont have to reinstall the modem, just plug the ethernet cable in and youre online.

This makes them much preferable to have even if you arent thinking of networking.
If you do decide at a later date to get a laptop or a second pc to network then theyre fantastic.

The connection is usually much more stable and often faster as they use ethernet not USB, without USBs inherent problems and system resources usage.

As you occassionally build and repair pcs it also means that you can have your pc on line while you search for drivers etc and also have the one that you are building or working on online.

You will pobably find an ADSL 2+ moden/router, with or without wi fi for about the same price as you would pay for a decent USB modem.
No contest really even if it costs you a tenner or so more

Sandra · « **Reply #4 on:** August 30, 2006, 17:23 »

Quote from: "Simon"

Is a hardware firewall any better than a software one?

Yes

sam · « **Reply #5 on:** August 30, 2006, 17:36 »

much better simon...

Simon · « **Reply #6 on:** August 30, 2006, 17:49 »

Why? I never get any intrusions with the one I've got.

sam · « **Reply #7 on:** August 30, 2006, 17:57 »

just you dont have to rely on software, hardware ones dont rely on software which can easily go tits up.

Simon · « **Reply #8 on:** August 30, 2006, 19:36 »

OK, I'll look at some prices.

Lona · « **Reply #9 on:** August 31, 2006, 00:49 »

Here's mine Simon. I paid over £55 for mine but ebuyer is doing a special offer on it now.

http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/store/Networking

It's never given me any problems and looks attractive.

Simon · « **Reply #10 on:** August 31, 2006, 09:17 »

Thanks for that Lona. I have to admit, I have gone against all the advice, and ordered the ADSL Modem I linked to above. What worried me slightly, was all the people who come on here, having problems setting up routers, and I just figured better the devil you know.

:blush2:

sam · « **Reply #11 on:** August 31, 2006, 09:47 »

but routers are generally very very easy to setup... its only odd exceptions that you have problems

Simon · « **Reply #12 on:** August 31, 2006, 10:10 »

Well, I'll see how this one I've ordered performs. If it's no better than my existing modem, I can always sell it on, and reconsider a router.

Clive · « **Reply #13 on:** August 31, 2006, 13:23 »

I think things have moved on since I bought my state of the art Vigor (costing £220) around 4 years ago. The new ones are supposed to be very easy to set up and have a far better range. They also seem to cost only a quarter of the price!

sam · « **Reply #14 on:** August 31, 2006, 13:38 »

yep! that sound right clive