smalloffice3
join:2008-04-03
| Choosing a good modem for 6.0 Mbps/768 Kbps
What are the recommended modem for DSL - AT&T High Speed Internet Elite (6.0 Mbps/768 Kbps)?
I will be moving to Orange County, CA later this month and have signed up for this service. Over the phone, they wanted to charge me almost $100 to send me a DSL modem. I already own two modems from previous services and my current service may not want me to return the modem in use. Here is what I have:
1)ZyXEL Prestige 645
2)ARESCOM NetDSL 800 Series
3)Westell 6100 (May need to return to Verizon)
Should I try to use one of these modems or should I order a new one? Which one?
I will be using a router (Linksys RV082) with PPPoE login capabilities. In addition, I already have a wireless access point.
Thanks. |
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d_l
Barsoom
Premium,MVM
join:2002-12-08
Reno, NV
| I've used a P645M-A1 with the 6/608 speed plan. While it worked most of the time, it interacted with my RT during summer afternoons to cause throughput problems. I wouldn't recommend it as your regular modem, but maybe a backup.
The Bellsouth-versioned 6100 has been used by some people with good results on Elite lines. I'm not sure how many Verizon-versioned 6100s have been used. The early firmwares on the Bellsouth 6100s allowed ACK prioritization. This capability was removed in the more recent versions. I don't know what Verizon has done in that regard with their firmwares.
You will be offered the Motorola 2210 modem for free (after rebate) when you sign up online. It is an adequate modem and has a couple features better than the older AT&T modems and many that are far worse. Personally if AT&T gave me a 2210 for free, I would take it and test it and then put it in my closet as a back up.
IMHO, the modem you would want is a 4100b from Best Buy for $70 if your phone loop isn't the best quality, or a 4100 from eBay if you have a great phone loop.
We have extensive experience in dealing with the diagnostics, DSL stats, and ACK prioritization of the 4100-series (and the 5100b) modems:
»SBC DSL FAQ »How can I check for the maximum attainable sync speeds with a 5100b/4100 modem?
»SBC DSL FAQ »What do the hybrid numbers mean and what do they tell you about your line?
»SBC DSL FAQ »How can I access the Speedsteam modem's CLI?
»SBC DSL FAQ »How can I use the cfg command on the Speedstream modem?
»SBC DSL FAQ »How do I access the modem GUI thru a router - advanced methods?
»What are the differences between the 4100 and the 4100b?
»ACK Prioritization: a 4100/4100b vs. 5360 shootout
That you won't get here with a non-AT&T modem or even a 2210 modem.
I use a 4100b and a 4100 modem (or sometimes just two 4100s) on two DSL lines with my RV082. By accessing their CLIs, I've changed the modem's IPs so that both aren't 192.168.0.1 and then I can access their stats whenever problems might arise. |
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MgA_ODEN
Excessive
Premium
join:2002-12-28
Spring, TX
clubs: | reply to smalloffice3
I use the Netopia 3347 with the 6.0 Mbps/768 Kbps speed plan , it's a Gateway/Router/Modem all in one neat little package that AT&T has to provide support for.
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Happiness is 6016/768 |
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smalloffice3
join:2008-04-03
| reply to smalloffice3
Hi d_l & MgA_ODEN.
I very much appreciate your responses.
Given that I already have a wireless access point, it appears that I should go ahead and purchase the 4100B from Best Buy. I do like that idea that there is so much experience in this forum on leveraging this equipment.
Thanks. |
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d_l
Barsoom
Premium,MVM
join:2002-12-08
Reno, NV
| reply to smalloffice3
If you can get the 2210 for free after rebate, there would be nothing wrong with having it as a back up. I realize that any of your other modems could serve as back ups, but the 2210 would be AT&T supported.
It can also give you a purely modem-calculated max sync speed for your line as opposed to our method of using the modem's stat results and some programming in the DMT tool. A second opinion in regards to that speed limit is handy since the DMT tool has limitations due to some output power assumptions it must make. |
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smalloffice3
join:2008-04-03
| When I ordered service over the phone, I was not offered a free modem. They did give me other $$ incentives. I am sorry that I was not clear.
Why the need for a back up? Do these modems have a history of failing? I have not experienced a modem failure to-date.
Should I just purchase 2 modems? |
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d_l
Barsoom
Premium,MVM
join:2002-12-08
Reno, NV
| reply to smalloffice3
The failure rate on modems is pretty low, but it does happen on occasion. Sometimes when certain DSL problems arise and a failing modem could be suspected, a swap with a second modem is a good test to prove or disprove the condition of the first modem.
It sure beats having to pay for a truck roll to have the tech tell you you need a new modem.  The modems you already have would make a good second modem for the modem swap testing. |
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