Our Sites:
This guide offers some example modems with features you may wish to look for.
1. Belkin Broadband Voice Modem/Router - wireless 4 port
Belkin modems are the first choice of iiNet, and this modem is top of Belkin’s range. Its features include:
- Wireless connection for up to four computers (with an integrated 10/100 Base—T Ethernet switch)
- ADSL 1, 2 and 2+ enabled
- VoIP for two phones, with a power failsafe feature. If the power fails during a phone call, it will immediately be re-routed through to the standard phone line
- Easy to set up through web interface
- Works with both Mac and PCs
- Supports faxing over VoIP
- VLAN support, allowing 4 virtual networks to be run form one modem
- Price is around $279
Other Belkin modems include the Belkin Broadband Voice Modem/Router, which has similar features to the wireless version, but is around $60 cheaper. Next down the range is the Belkin 1-port modem, which again has most of the same features, but is ideal for only one user, with a price tag of around $169.
2. Thomson SpeedTouch 546v6 ADSL Modem - 4 Port Ethernet
Introduced as Telstra’s top range modem in 2006, some of its features include:
- Networking for multiple PCs, Macs, game consoles and other Ethernet devices
- ADSL 2+ enabled
- 4 ports 10/100 BaseT
- MDI/MDI-X autosensing for easy setup
- Facility for multiple users to share a single IP address on the same connection
- Inbuilt firewall
- Universal plug and play support for games
- User-friendly, web-based interface
- Downloadable software upgrades
- Prioritisation for VoIP traffic
There have been some known syncing issues with this modem when people have switched over to ADSL 2+. Other Thomson models used by Telstra are the Thomson Speedtouch 510 (only around $100, but not ADSL 2 or 2+ enabled), 530 and 570. Thomson is commonly known as a reliable brand, provided you purchase the correct modem for your specific connection.
3. D-Link DSL-2740B Range Booster Modem/Router
D-Link’s modems have been used by many ISPs in Australia. This is D-Link’s latest wireless model, and includes the following features:
- ADSL 2+ enabled
- Four 10/100Base—TX switch ports, with easy configuration
- Built in firewall
- Up to 270Mbps raw data transfer rate
- Multiple priority queues, enabling smooth traffic for all users
Own modem Vs internet service provider modem
A safe bet is to check which modems your ISP recommends. There may be certain specifications that they require, and if you buy the wrong modem, they may not be able to support it.
Once you have a modem in mind, it’s worth shopping around and comparing features and prices. There are several other brands than those featured here to be considered, such as Linksys, Netcomm, Netgear and Dynalink. It is possible that, to a degree, your Internet plan with largely determine the modem you invest in.
