Mark McIntyre <markmcintyre@spamcop.net> hath wroth:

>John Navas wrote:
>> On Sat, 09 Feb 2008 17:14:58 +0000, Mark McIntyre
>> <markmcintyre@spamcop.net> wrote in
>> <mclrj.4345$ts1.1741@en-nntp-03.am2.easynews.com>:
>>
>>> To the OP: does your existing ISP-supplied modem have an ethernet port?
>>> If not, put it away in a cupboard and look for a wireless ADSL-ready
>>> router.
>>
>> Better yet, look for a DSL modem with an Ethernet port.

>At double the cost and complexity.

Not if the ISP subsidizes the DSL modem as AT&T does. It's also not
double as DSL modems are available on eBay for literally the cost of
shipping.

>In fact I agree in most cases, but for someone fairly nontechnical,
>having to buy and configure two separate pieces of kit is probably
>excessive.

Well, there are a few situations where an all in one box is a bad
idea.

1. Intrusion detection. The traffic sniffer goes between the modem
and router. The connection point is inaccessible in a conglomerated
package.
2. Moving from a DSL to a cable modem or shared internet environment
requires the replacement of the wireless router. If the modem and
router were in seperate boxes, only the modem would need to be
replaced.
3. Location, location, and location. DSL phone cables tend to live
near the floor. Wireless devices like to live up high for best
coverage. Putting the DSL/wireless router conglomeration near the
floor usually results in lousy range. With seperate boxes, it's much
easier to optimize the locations.
4. The latest fashion in DSL/wireless/router combinations is to have
only one ethernet port due to lack of panel space to handle added
features such as a USB printer port. Adding wired computers usually
involves adding an ethernet switch.
5. DSL modems are often sensitive to digital and RF noise. I have an
(unconfirmed) suspicion that some of the odd DSL performance issues
I'm seeing ocassionally are due to RF getting into the DSL front end.
6. It's MUCH easier to troubleshoot networking problems if you can
easily replace a functional section.
7. Mutliple boxes are cool looking and give everyone the impression
that you're a networking geek. Impress your friends.

Incidentally, the secret to successfully interconnecting a mess of
consumer networking boxes is to use very flexible stranded CAT5
interconnection cable. The modem and wireless boxes are so light,
that they slide around on a shelf. The stiff CAT5 wire makes stacking
boxes difficult, but stranded works nicely.

--
Jeff Liebermann jeffl@cruzio.com
150 Felker St #D http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
Santa Cruz CA 95060 http://802.11junk.com
Skype: JeffLiebermann AE6KS 831-336-2558