Tutorials - ADSL > Choosing your ADSL Equipment

Tutorials & FAQs: ADSL: Choosing your ADSL Equipment


Choosing your ADSL equipment can be a difficult decision. Below is some information to help you choose.

There are three main types of ADSL hardware on the market, and an example is provided based on the VISP Full Name Hardware Starter Packs.


USB Modems


Voyager 105 USB Modem, provided with PlusNet standard starter packs from June 2004. Click image for specifications.

Advantages:

Normally this type of modem is the easiest to install, just plug it in,install the included drivers and away you go.

Can be moved easily between PCs as required.

Disadvantages:

USB modems suffer from a common problem with powermanagement, especially with SiS and VIA chipset motherboards.
This can cause unreliable connections and dropouts. See herefor solutions.

Driver Support can be limited, meaning that getting these to work onsome systems can cause problems. Mac, Linux and Windows compatibility should be researched before choosing your model.

Relies on system resources (e.g. processor speed, RAM)... the lessyou have, the less speed you get (to a small extent).

PCI Modems


Dynamode A220, No longer provided PlusNet.

Advantages:

Lowest Cost ADSL Modem.

Doesn't clutter up your desk.

Disadvantages:

To install this you have to fit the card inside your PC. This work needs to be carried out by someone with experience of fitting internalcomponents.

No physical indications of its status; you have to rely on the softwareincluded for status.

As with USB modems, they are reliant on your system resources.

Ethernet Modems/Routers

One Port Router

BT Voyager 205 ADSL Modem, provided with PlusNet starter packs.

Four Port Router

BT Voyager 240 ADSL modem, provided with PlusNet starter packs

Advantages:

Most reliable - Keeps your connection online even with all PCsswitched off.

Doesn't use the resources of your PC (USB and PCI modems do).

Works on any equipment which has network support (Recommendedfor Mac and Linux users).

Allows you to share your connection with more than one PC.

Very flexible and future proof.

Disadvantages:

More expensive than other options.

Every PC needs to have a Network Card fitted and cabling needs to bedone back to the router.

With a single port router you will also need atype of Bridge to connectmore than one PC.

Our Starter Pack support page has more information about the hardware we supply as well as downloadable user and setup guides.

You don't need to use the equipment provided by PlusNet - Other types of hardware are available for your ADSL connection and provided it supports the common ADSL protocols, it will work fine with a PlusNet connection. Many people are now choosing to use Wireless Access points with built in ADSL modems, although these are also easy to add to a router such as the Solwise SAR130. A number of hybrid devices are available which combine the features of a Router and a USB modem. They offer the ease of connection and setup of USB modems, but with some or all of the features of Routers. A great place to look for reviews of a wider range of hardware is the ADSLGuide Hardware Reviews page


A Micro-Filter for each Phone Socket

A micro-filter is needed for your phone socket. Its purpose is to separate voice from data and one must be connected to each phone socket in use in your house. If you do not have a telephone, or any device which uses the phone line, a micro-filter isn't required. PlusNet starter packs include two micro filters and additional units can be purchased from any good PC hardware supplier. If you have specialist requirements, or a noisy phone line, you may need to use higher quality line splitters available from specialist suppliers.

Some other common questions about micro filters are answered here and information on how to setup filters etc. is available at the ADSL Wiring and filters FAQ tutorial..

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Original Article by: ianwild - Edited by: MauriceB