ADSL switches...

The MaDDeSTMaN · 31-07-2005, 09:47 PM

I know we've got a few people here who know their stuff when it comes to PCs, so I thought I'd ask, can anybody recommend a combined ADSL modem and network switch for a small home network (currently 2 PCs, soon to be 3)?

We want to sign up for ADSL and stop sharing the 56K (ha!) modem, but don't want one of those USB ADSL modems they often offer with the ADSL plans, and we need a network switch before we can add the 3rd PC anyway...

Thanks in advance.

MrSparkle · 31-07-2005, 10:04 PM

I've been running a Netcomm NB3300 for a while now and it's rock solid. Would recommend any of their adsl modem/routers, and if I was buying now, I'd look at one with built-in hardware firewall, something like the NB5580 ($199RRP). It's pretty easy to configure these things these days, all web interface.

MITCHAY · 31-07-2005, 10:12 PM

Ive got an Netcomm NB1300 Plus 4 NS. Its pretty good. Its never been down other than when the power goes out plus havent got any worms. Mine was supplied with my Netspace ADSL account and yeah basically have had no problems at all. It has the 4 port 10/100 switch and NAT firewall protection. My mum set it up which goes to show how easy it was lol.

RED_EL_XR8 · 31-07-2005, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The MaDDeSTMaN

I know we've got a few people here who know their stuff when it comes to PCs, so I thought I'd ask, can anybody recommend a combined ADSL modem and network switch for a small home network (currently 2 PCs, soon to be 3)?

We want to sign up for ADSL and stop sharing the 56K (ha!) modem, but don't want one of those USB ADSL modems they often offer with the ADSL plans, and we need a network switch before we can add the 3rd PC anyway...

Thanks in advance.

Any of the name brands D-Link, netgear, Linksys are fine expect to pay around $100. Billion stuff I've used lately has been good and feature packed, cant vouch for it long term reliability but the Billion 7402 I've used recently have been fine for over 12 months.

Have a look at the reviews on Ozcableguy , prices there are generally reasonable too.

Wireless is another option you may consider, will double the cost of the modem router and you'll need wireless cards or adaptors in the other PCs you want to use wirelessly. But from memory you are renting so if cabling is difficult it can be a workable 2nd choice, most units will have the usual 4 ethernet ports plus a wireless option.

Avoid e-bay you'll end up near retail for these items in the kiddie wars, and avoid Bigpond use a realistic provider who wont lock you into 12 months at ridiculous rates. Look at at internode, westnet or iinet for good rates and excellent reliable and consistant service.

And when pricing aroud the item your looking for will most commonly be known as an ADSL Modem Router.

Hope that helps...

paul7v7 · 31-07-2005, 10:53 PM

well i am going to throw in the billion brand. i am using the single port one and it works fine. a friend is using the 4 port one and has no issues with it.
http://www.warcom.com.au/shop/flypage/adslmodems/1241
thye're cheap too.

01-08-2005, 12:32 AM

Yeh you can get that one (billion 5102) from MSY for $84 or the D-Link DSL 504T for $99,
Personally I would go with the D-Link.
Both are 4-Port but the D-Link has better firewall features, and its a good brand.
http://www.dlink.com.au/default.aspx?ArticleID=1372

Quasi · 01-08-2005, 07:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Budman

Yeh you can get that one (billion 5102) from MSY for $84 or the D-Link DSL 504T for $99,

Quote:

Originally Posted by paul7v7

well i am going to throw in the billion brand. i am using the single port one and it works fine. a friend is using the 4 port one and has no issues with it.
http://www.warcom.com.au/shop/flypage/adslmodems/1241
thye're cheap too.

Also have a Billion 5102 4 port ADSL 2+ modem router. Seems fine.

No matter what you go with, future proof yourself. You may not need it now, but making sure your new modem/router is ADSL 2+ compatible simply means you are right for years to come.

red_october · 01-08-2005, 08:41 AM

Another vote for the Biliion, though I have the 5100, which is not ADSL2/2+ compatible (and you can't buy it anymore..). No probs whatsoever.

If you pop over to www.whirlpool.net.au, there's a forum for ADSL and plenty of discussions on the pros and cons of various ADSL hardware.

SunDrifter · 01-08-2005, 08:54 AM

Get a Linksys, they are a sub-company of Cisco, the best name in networking!

The MaDDeSTMaN · 01-08-2005, 12:20 PM

Thank you everybody for your responses, they have all been very helpful, particularly the link to OzCableGuy, thanks for that RED_EL_XR8, very much appreciated.

http://www.ozcableguy.com/billion1.html#5102 looks like it would be suitable for us, and not too expensive too, beautiful.

Quasi · 01-08-2005, 05:02 PM

You're most welcome.

I actually meant to compliment RED_EL_XR8 on his post also.

LuvinmyEB · 01-08-2005, 05:20 PM

Damn I'm going to miss dial up..

:

The MaDDeSTMaN · 01-08-2005, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Malakai

Yeah go the Billion 5102 (4 port). I recommend Billion totally. I have been using their products for years and have had very little problems. Mainly because they are very active with firmware development, unlike some manufacturers that release firmware updates few and far between. Bugs get ironed out pretty quickly with Billion.

Cool, looks like we can't go wrong with a Billion ADSL device.

That reminds me, I should look on LGs web site to see if I can get a firmware update for my DVD burner so it can burn faster then 4x on 8x DVD-Rs...

red_october · 01-08-2005, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The MaDDeSTMaN

Cool, looks like we can't go wrong with a Billion ADSL device.

That reminds me, I should look on LGs web site to see if I can get a firmware update for my DVD burner so it can burn faster then 4x on 8x DVD-Rs...

What burner do you have? The 4163B?

The MaDDeSTMaN · 01-08-2005, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by red_october

What burner do you have? The 4163B?

Nope, the 4120.

red_october · 01-08-2005, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The MaDDeSTMaN

Nope, the 4120.

Ah, OK. I think there are some other sites which have firmware updates for the LG, have to search for them tho...

Gunns · 02-08-2005, 06:00 PM

I am onto my 2nd Netcomm NB1300 Plus 4 NS, the first one went back twice under warrenty and now finally after yelling and screaming at them I have got a new one out of them. Could have just been a dud from word go. See how long this one lasts.

red_october · 02-08-2005, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gunns

I am onto my 2nd Netcomm NB1300 Plus 4 NS, the first one went back twice under warrenty and now finally after yelling and screaming at them I have got a new one out of them. Could have just been a dud from word go. See how long this one lasts.

There's an article in the whirlpool website about the NB1300, and it's not pleasant reading if you're the end user...the link to Whirlpool is posted earlier...

The MaDDeSTMaN · 18-08-2005, 08:00 PM

We settled on a Billion 5102, and have signed up for ADSL, now we're just waiting for the line to be activated by Telstra:

Quote:

Your ADSL installation status:
Application Pending (See notes)

Your Customer Reference Number: xxxxxxx

Username: xxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxx.com.au
Phone no: 039xxxxxxx
ADSL Plan: 512-Smart Choice NEW!
Reg Date: Thursday, 11 August 2005

HISTORY LOGS:
2005-08-11 - ADSL registration received.
2005-08-11 - Transit account created.
2005-08-11 - Waiting for ADSL provisioning from Telstra.
15 Aug 2005 - Line due to be activated by Telstra (awaiting completion).

So if we're lucky, we might have ADSL by this time next year!!! :hihi:

pauljh74 · 18-08-2005, 10:41 PM

Netgear have quite a very good rep and cost more, but Billion are good value for money. Don't bother with wireless unless you have laptops or you can't live with network cables. I got the Netcomm 1300 plus 4 from my ISP at a good rate, while it hasn't given me trouble, there are reports of many troublesome ones. Go the Billion I reckon. A 4 port router will work well. Fairly simple to set up and you don't have to get a software firewall to protect your network as the router handles security fairly well.

The MaDDeSTMaN · 18-08-2005, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pauljh74

Go the Billion I reckon. A 4 port router will work well. Fairly simple to set up and you don't have to get a software firewall to protect your network as the router handles security fairly well.

Yup, we went for the Billion, can't wait for the line to be activated by Telstra...

The MaDDeSTMaN · 19-08-2005, 12:21 PM

We now have ADSL connected!

WOOHOO!!!

Thanks everyone for your suggestions and help, the Billion 5100 was so easy to setup, I think an untrained monkey could do it!