WorknMan2k8
@sbcglobal.net
| Buying a DSL modem?
I've got a Speedstream DSL modem that I've been using for about 8 years now (since I first got the service).
My DSL connection died for about 12 hours this weekend (in the Austin area), and it first I thought it was the modem, then everything started working again.
But the experience made me realize that I should probably have a backup modem on hand... being the junkie that I am 
Question is, what kind do I need, and where to get one? Are these things like cell phones where you have to get one from your carrier unless they are unlocked? Is there a specific model that's recommended?
I called up AT&T and spoke to a lady (with very broken English), who seemed hellbent on selling me one with a router built-in, despite me telling her that I already have a decent router and just need a modem. |
|
McSummation
Mmmm, Zeebas Are Tastee.
Premium,MVM
join:2003-08-13
Round Rock, TX
 ·AT&T Southwest
| This one is the equivalent to the current model being shipped by AT&T - »www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp···91859340 |
|
wayjac
Premium
join:2001-12-22
Indy
·AT&T Midwest
| reply to WorknMan2k8
You can look at all the modems that have been used/issued by sbc/att
AT&T HSI / Ameritech Modem Museum
The modem/router the lady was trying to sell you on was probably the 2 wire 2701HG-B |
|
A P CC
Premium
join:2003-07-26
.. | reply to WorknMan2k8
i got my AT&T/2 WIRE/Gateway at Best Buy, just like AT&t want you to buy but cheaper price it has a built in firewall & I also use z/a
--
how can u criticize someone else's faults,
when U cannot even see your own. |
|
WorknMan2k8
@sbcglobal.net | reply to WorknMan2k8
The one linked on Best Buy seems to be getting very mixed reviews. Is that currently the best 'barebones' model you can get? |
|
Flippant
So Much For Subtlety
Premium,Mod
join:2000-06-04
Katy, TX
Host:
Filesharing Software
Earthlink Cable
Texas Gulf Coast R..
AT&T U-verse
AT&T Southwest
| The Speedstream 4100 is the current modem only option available from at@t. It is much better than the early Speedstreem and Westell. It does PPPoE and has a slew of line and connection information on the modem, it also handles file transfers better than the older models. As far as a replacement for a n 8 year old modem it is much better than what you have. But it is basically just a DSL modem. Yes the older modem also do have a history of going bad eventually.
If you sign up for a contract or bundled service you might be able to get the modem "free" after a rebate. |
|
kc_user
@swbell.net
| reply to WorknMan2k8
I like the Speedstream 4100 because it gives TCP 'ack' packets priority. Don't want a modem that fails to do that again. I have an Alcatel from BellSouth as my backup, but it doesn't prioritize ack packets. It'll get me on the net in a pinch, but I would still wind up replacing it with a modem that prioritizes ack packets. |
|
A P CC
Premium
join:2003-07-26
..
·AT&T Southwest
edit:
April 27th, @09:43PM
| reply to WorknMan2k8
said by WorknMan2k8 :
The one linked on Best Buy seems to be getting very mixed reviews. Is that currently the best 'barebones' model you can get?
I can't speak for everyone, a member here (Koma) told me about it, & at first i had some 'minor problems with it, but once got all the settings correct haven't had any problems with the ATT/2 WIRE GATEWAY, others rec a different brand, (Linksys ,more popular brand name) i tried it but was un happy with it,so exchanged for this one,
--
how can u criticize someone else's faults,
when U cannot even see your own. |
|
d_l
Barsoom
Premium,MVM
join:2002-12-08
Reno, NV
| reply to WorknMan2k8
The 4100b is the best modem that AT&T ever sold. I read the bad reviews at Best Buy. They didn't protect their modems from lightning strikes. Well, duh! Any modem will fry with a strike on the phone line even through a "surge" protector. Someone that downgrades a modem for that cause isn't too informed so you should chuck those bad reviews from consideration.
I've tested a few modems and the 4100b beat all the others. A 2Wire might do better on your line if it is subject to intense noise bursts, but it normally will sync with better stats than a 2Wire.
But this may all be a moot point because depending on where you live, the Best Buy stores are sold out and will not be getting any more 4100b modems. They apparently aren't made any longer. As far as we know, the 4100b was a special modem version made just for AT&T. There are no generic 4100b (aka 4101) modems. Siemens quit the modem business and AT&T gave the modem contract to Motorola.
Best Buy is getting the Motorola 2210 as a 4100b replacement. There are a lot of features that make the 4100b more desirable than the 2210. This is one instance where the replacement device isn't superior to the older modem. I managed to procure a second 4100b modem as a back up should mine ever fail. I didn't want to be in a position to have to use a substandard substitute for a 4100b. |
|
A P CC
Premium
join:2003-07-26
..
·AT&T Southwest
| reply to Flippant
said by Flippant  :The Speedstream 4100 is the current modem only option available from at@t. It is much better than the early Speedstreem and Westell. Flippant, so AT&T is no longer offering the free 5100 B??, heck i have 3 of them things all in their box's gonna have to look just out of curiosity to see what the 4100 is like?
--
how can u criticize someone else's faults,
when U cannot even see your own. |
|
marti
Color outside the lines
Premium,MVM
join:2001-12-14
Houston, TX
clubs:
·AT&T DSL Service
| reply to WorknMan2k8
Late to the conversation, but I had problem a couple of months ago with internet access. Still not sure if it was the modem or router but ended up with both new. The AT&T guy brought out a Moto 2210 modem that I kept and paid for. After many calls to tech support and visits by the AT&T guy, I purchased a new router, just in case that was the problem.
Still don't know what device caused the problem. 
--
Team Discovery |
|
WorknMan2k8
@sbcglobal.net
| reply to d_l
quote:
But this may all be a moot point because depending on where you live, the Best Buy stores are sold out and will not be getting any more 4100b modems.
Is there any reason why I can't just order one from the website?
And once I get one, what do you have to do to make it work with AT&T? As far as I knew, once you got the router configured, the modem was just plug & play. With the modem I have now, they mailed it to me and I just plugged it in, and it worked. |
|
d_l
Barsoom
Premium,MVM
join:2002-12-08
Reno, NV
edit:
April 28th, @05:11PM
| reply to WorknMan2k8
The Best Buy website says it is out of stock for 1-2 weeks. I'm guessing here, but I suspect that when it gets in stock that they will supply the 2210 modem instead of the 4100b.
If you would be happy owning a 2210, then you could buy it directly at AT&T's website for only $49. You wouldn't get the microfilters in the modem order from AT&T, but you don't need those, right?
If you are using a router behind the modem (either the 4100b or the 2210), then you have to make a choice as to which device will make the PPPoE connection:
»Ameritech - SBC FAQ »Modem GUI access thru a router
or
»SBC DSL FAQ »How do I access the modem GUI thru a router - advanced methods?
or simply set the modem to PPP mode on computer and use the router to make the PPPoE connection, but this doesn't allow ready access to DSL line stats and diagnostics which are handy during DSL problems. |
|
wayjac
Premium
join:2001-12-22
Indy
·AT&T Midwest
| reply to WorknMan2k8
said by WorknMan2k8 :
Is there any reason why I can't just order one from the website?
AT&T HSI no longer issues the 4100b modem
The motorola 2210 is the current AT&T HSI modem |
|
cdysthe
join:2008-02-09
Round Rock, TX
 ·Suddenlink
| We've had both DSL and cable for years. For both connections we've always had good experiences with Motorola modems. Currently we have the Motorola 2200 on our 6 mbps AT&T DSL. It's the best modem I have ever used. You can even log into the modem and check the connection quality and sync. Having that information has been very good when we've had a problem with the connection. Also, we have 6 computers on this connection at all times doing all kinds of heave load stuff. The Motorola modem is much better under heavy load than our previous Speedstream modem. The Motorola also survives thunder storms which has fried two Speedstream modems for us. We purchased the modem from an AT&T store for around $50. We have also gotten it recommended from a AT&T line tech who simply told us he had a much easier job adjusting and optimizing a DSL line for customers with this modem than with any other AT&T offers themselves. If you have unlimited funds I think a lot will agree that the Intertex modems are the best. But they start at +$200. |
|
Myhrddin
join:2003-12-12
Beaumont, TX
edit:
May 5th, @12:31PM
| reply to WorknMan2k8
Well, I bucked the system when I replaced my DSL modem. Instead of getting another SpeedStream or buying whatever from AT&T I went to Newegg and got a D-Link DSL-2320B and couldn't be happier using it in bridge mode with my home network. Being compatible with the newest standards and rated for Downstream: Up to 24Mbps Upstream: Up to 3.5Mbps .. when the newer standards go into use here I'll already be able to take advantage of 'em.
You can read about it either at the D-Link site or from this link to Newegg's page on it.;
»www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a···25112003 |
|
scelli
Native New Yorker
Premium
join:1999-08-07
Houston, TX | reply to d_l
Does someone have a direct link to the AT&T website store that sells these 2210 modems? I thought I'd bookmarked it a while back but now I'm having a heck of a time trying to navigate to the site where modems are for sale.
TIA! |
|
d_l
Barsoom
Premium,MVM
join:2002-12-08
Reno, NV
| This should get you to the 2210 modem page, unless the AT&T store wants a cookie for your residence state: »store.att.com/Catalog/ProductDet···d=catMRG |
|
scelli
Native New Yorker
Premium
join:1999-08-07
Houston, TX | Excellent....thanks!!! |
|
jswilson64
join:2005-07-09
Dallas, TX
| reply to WorknMan2k8
Seriously, once you know what you want, try a church (or other group) garage sale. The past 3 years, our church has had between 3 and 7 current AT&T DSL modems from members who have switched to cable, or whatever. Lots of wired networking stuff, too, from folks that go wireless. |
|
