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Cable and DSL ModemsIn the beginning of broadband (cable and DSL services) you had to rent your cable or DSL modem from your provider - period. Today, you have the option of purchasing your own device (rather than paying that monthly charge) that is compatible with the broadband provider's service. There are a couple of reasons why owning your own access device makes good sense:
So if you think "owning your own" is right for you - a couple of things to remember before you buy.
So without further ado - let's take a look at the options currently available for cable/DSL modem purchasers. (We have reviewed only those products available through retailers - not those provided directly through broadband service providers - you won't have much choice if you have to purchase from them anyway!)
Note: We have also included some cable/DSL modems in our Ethernet Networking Equipment and Wireless Home Networking Equipment reviews where the cable/DSL modem was integrated into a more robust firewall/Internet gateway solution. Please check those pages if you are in the market for an "integrated" multi-port device. Additionally, as always, for detailed information on all of the products/companies outlined below, see our product matrix Cable and DSL Modems.
Cable and DSL Modems ReviewCable/DSL Modems* (Rankings - best, 5 symbols, worst, 1 symbol)
* A = Amateur, R = Rookie, P = Pro
Simple Start-Up - นนนน 2Wire's home ADSL and VDSL home gateways are all "plug and play" and in most cases will install without software drivers. The devices include an install wizard and web-based interface to make the installation task simpler. Cost - Incomplete 2Wire markets their devices through the DSL carriers. For pricing check with your local DSL service provider. For details see our product matrix Cable and DSL Modems. Time Savings - นนนนน Once you migrate to a broadband service, you'll never go back to dial. 2Wire's myriad of devices allow you to find the "right one" for your needs and make your business to fast. Ease of Use - @@@@ All of 2Wire's devices include web-based management. We at use one in our office and it's a breeze. Works With - YYYY The installation software is both Windows and Macintosh compatible. Support - Incomplete Support for 2Wire's devices will come from your local DSL provider. The service you receive will depend upon them. Features - iiii Not just ADSL and VDSL modems on 2Wire's thirteen devices, but Stateful Packet Inspection routers in every device, NAT/PAT, 802.1x, 64-128-bit WEP, WPA and lots of other security features, voice integration, 802.11b/g wireless LAN support and much, much more. Very capable devices with lots of connectivity options. Overall Rating - %%%%/Incomplete We use a 2Wire in our office and it's been a great device - stable and simple to use. Check with your DSL provider and see if they offer 2Wire devices. A very good choice.
Simple Start-Up - นนน1/2 3Com makes twelve DSL modem/router combos. Four are smaller home/small office gateway ADSL modem/ wireless 802.11g routers the other eight are for small/medium business and are ADSL or G.SHDSL modem/router combos with many more routing features. The larger routers are more complex to set up for use than the "home" types. Cost - $$$$ 3Com's 3000 DSL Router family is priced from $400.94 to $695.00. The OfficeConnect ADSL Wireless 11g FireWall Routers are priced from $85.99, $107.55. For details see our product matrix Cable and DSL Modems. Time Savings - นนนนน Once you migrate to a broadband service, you'll never go back to dial. 3Com's DSL router products will make you a broadband believer. Ease of Use - @@@1/2 As noted above, the 3000 router line from 3Com is a bit more capable - and complex. The OfficeConnect Wireless Routers use a standard browser-based interface for configuration and management. Works With - YYYY 3Com's routers are platform independent, although configuration is Windows based initially. Support - ppp1/2+ 3Com's DSL routers carry one year warranties. The technical support area on the 3Com web site includes a searchable knowledge base, a connection assistant that includes diagnostics and troubleshooting tips and software/driver downloads. If you need more help, 3Com offers telephone ("800" number) support for the first 90 days only. After that you must purchase an extended contract or upgraded warranty to continue to have access to technical support personnel via telephone. Online service requests and email access to technical support is, however, available. Features - iii1/2 Lots of security features both for "wired" and "wireless" DSL routers - MAC address filtering, keyword filtering, WPA encryption, WEP encryption IPSec, PPTP, L2TP VPN support, Network Address Translation and more along with static and dynamic IP addressing DHCP server support and standard routing protocols Overall Rating - %%%1/2+ Very good DSL routers from a name that's been in the networking business since the beginning.
Simple Start-Up - นนนน Actiontec makes five ADSL, one VDSL and one FTTH modem and router combos. All are "plug and play" and include web-based configuration and management tools to make setting up your home LAN easier. Cost - $$$$ Actiontec makes a DSL modem with USB and Ethernet ports at $77.66, a wireless DSL gateway at $89.00, a combo DSL modem and 4-port router with wireless as well at $89.99. They also make two other ADSL modems, a VDSL modem and gear for FTTH (fiber to the home) services for which we were unable to locate pricing. For details see our product matrix Cable and DSL Modems. Time Savings - นนนนน Once you migrate to a broadband service, you'll never go back to dial. Actiontec's DSL router products will make you a broadband believer. Ease of Use - @@@@ Actiontec's web-based tools make using the network a snap. Works With - YYYY Actiontec's routers are platform independent. Support - pppp Actiontec's equipment carries a one year warranty. The web site includes downloads, a FAQ and user manuals. If you need more help, you can email tech support or call them on their "800" number. Features - iii1/2 All of the capabilities you'd expect - firewall, NAT, 64/128-bit WEP encryption on wireless models and web-based configuration and management. Inclusion of a USB port on almost all of the devices is a nice extra. Overall Rating - %%%1/2+ Competitively priced, capable gear.
Simple Start-Up - นนนน ARRIS' cable and telephony modems are simple to install. Just attach the cable coax and your system and/or telephone(s) via USB or Ethernet or RJ-11 jacks and use ARRIS' setup software to configure and customize your connection. Cost - $$$$ ARRIS' Touchstone CM450A is priced at $79.00. Pricing for the nine telephony modems and CM550A Cable Modem is not available as these devices are sold and provisioned only through cable providers. For details see our product matrix Cable and DSL Modems. Time Savings - นนนนน Once you migrate to a broadband service, you'll never go back to dial. ARRIS' cable modem and telephony modem products will help get you there. Ease of Use - @@@@ ARRIS cable modems come with an animated CD-based installation guide to get you up, running and using your cable system fast. Works With - YYYY The ARRIS cable modem and telephony modems are platform independent however installation software requires a Windows-based system. Support - pp ARRIS provides a one year warranty on all of their networking equipment. The tech support area on the web site includes a very basic FAQ. If you need help - you MUST contact your cable operator for support. Features - iii1/2 ARRIS cable modem "extras" include USB and Ethernet ports, and a "kickstand" design which allows you to position the cable modem vertically or horizontally - or even mount it on your wall. The CM450A and CM550A are also DOCSIS 2.0 compliant. The Telephony Modems include Ethernet and USB as well as two telephone jacks and support for SIP, G.711 (64 Kbps) voice. G.726, G.728 and G.729 compressed voice support is planned. Cable modems are also available with lithium-ion battery packs for configuration retention. Overall Rating - %%%1/2+ Solid cable and telephony modem technology. Many cable operators actively market the ARRIS line of cable modems and are testing or implementing voice services using the ARRIS telephony modem products.
Simple Start-Up - นนนน Best Data Products' cable and DSL modems are simple to install. Just attach the cable coax or RJ-11 phone line and your system via USB or Ethernet and use Best Data Products' (or your service provider's services or software) setup software to configure and customize your connection. Cost - $$$$ Best Data Products' cable modem is priced at $79.00, the five ADSL modems (including a 802.11g wireless LAN model and a model with eight Ethernet LAN ports) range in price from $97.00 to $149.00. See our product matrix for details Cable and DSL Modems. Time Savings - นนนนน Once you migrate to a broadband service, you'll never go back to dial. Best Data's cable and DSL modems will help get you there. Ease of Use - @@@@ Best Data offers both text and HTTP/Web-based configuration tools (as well as remote SNMP management) for their broadband products. You'll have them up and running fast. Works With - YYYY The Best Data cable and DSL modems are platform independent however installation software requires a Windows-based system as does utilization of the USB 1.1 ports. Support - ppp Best Data cable/DSL modems carry one year warranties. The technical support area of the Best Data site includes a driver download area, news and a compatibility list. If you need more help, email is your only option and Best Data states their "turn around" time is 3 to 5 days. Features - iiii The cable modem delivers basic connectivity. The DSL modems include as much or as little capability as you require. A basic, manageable modem with web-based configuration or a "full blown" DSL/router/firewall solution. Best Data also offers a DSL modem/wireless LAN combo that includes firewall capabilities as well as four Ethernet ports and a model with eight Ethernet ports as well. Overall Rating - %%%1/2+ A number of choices at a competitive price.
Simple Start-Up - นนน1/2 Cisco's 800 series DSL access routers (in the US ADSL or SHDSL) include Cisco IOS choices (most centered around security options) and require some networking knowledge to implement successfully. Cost - $$$ Cisco gear is not inexpensive - it's built for business users. They make eight routers in their 870 series' that are well suited for "high end" home businesses (we like the 870 series - Integrated Services Routers). Pricing begins at $309.95 and goes up to $730.90 and more (based on memory and other options). See our product matrix for details Cable and DSL Modems. Time Savings - นนนนน Once you migrate to a broadband service, you'll never go back to dial. Cisco's DSL/routers will help get you there. Ease of Use - @@@@ Cisco has done a good job with their Integrated Services Routers to simplify managing their powerful and somewhat complex routing technology. In the old days, it was the Cisco Command Line Interface only - now these routers have web-based management to simplify setting them up and making them work in a home or small business environment. Works With - YYYY The Cisco DSL/routers are platform independent. Support - pppp1/2 Cisco gear is "top of the line". It is engineered to the highest standards and meets the needs not only of the home based business owner but many service providers who integrate the equipment into their broadband service offerings. That says a 'mouthful'. However, if you want "good" technical support on the Cisco gear, expect to fork out $168.31 per year for Cisco "Smartnet" support. "Smartnet" gets you four hour on-site response, access to the VERY extensive Cisco support and technical documentation database and the ability to call the Cisco tech center with your problems, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Features - iiii1/2 The 870 series Integrated Services Routers offer a ton of security options and capabilities not present in standard "consumer" or "home" solutions. Additionally, these routers also offer Quality of Service options and extras like blocking of Java applets and detailed reporting on transactions on a per application, per feature basis. Overall Rating - %%%%+ It's hard to go wrong if your access device comes from Cisco. Nothing this good is inexpensive however, so expect to "pony up" some $$'s to get "enterprise class" features and functions.
Simple Start-Up - นนนน D-Link's cable and DSL modems are simple to install. Just attach the cable coax or RJ-11 phone line and your system via USB or Ethernet and use D-Link's (or your service provider's services or software) setup software to configure and customize your connection. Cost - $$$$1/2 D-Link makes one cable modem priced at $69.00 one wireless combo ADSL modem and router at $82.49, two ADSL modems at $45.99 and an ADSL modem/router combo at $67.99. For product details, see our product matrix Cable and DSL Modems. Time Savings - นนนนน Once you migrate to a broadband service, you'll never go back to dial. D-Link's cable and DSL modems will help get you there. Ease of Use - @@@@ D-Link offers both Windows and HTTP/Web-based configuration tools (as well as remote SNMP management) for their broadband products. You'll have them up and running fast. Works With - YYYY The D-Link cable and DSL modems are platform independent however installation software requires a Windows-based system as does utilization of the USB 1.1 ports. Support - ppp1/2 D-Link provides a one year warranty on their cable and DSL modems. The tech support area on the D-Link web site includes software downloads, a searchable knowledge base, training guides and a FAQ. If you need more help (unless you subscribe to a premium support plan for extra $$'s), email submission is your only recourse. Features - iii1/2+ All of the basic features and functions you'll need in a cable or DSL modems. Plusses for web-based management and USB port integration. The ADSL router/modem combos include support for 802.11g/b (wireless) along with WPA and up to 256-bit WEP encryption and VPN pass through for L2TP, PPTP and IPSec. Overall Rating - %%%% Solid access devices you can build your home network around.
Simple Start-Up - นนนน Dynamode's ADSL modem/router combinations install in a straight forward manner. All come with web-based management interfaces, some with serial console ports as well for text-based interaction. Cost - Incomplete Dynamode makes two ADSL modems (one is a PCI-based internal model) and combo DSL modem/router with wireless 802.11b/g and a combo DSL modem wired router as well. We were unable to locate pricing for any of them in the U.S. For product details, see our product matrix Cable and DSL Modems. Time Savings - นนนนน Once you migrate to a broadband service, you'll never go back to dial. Dynamode's DSL modems will help get you there. Ease of Use - @@@@ Dynamode ADSL modems/routers all come with Telnet and web-based management systems. Some of the gear also comes with a console port or PS/2 port for text-based configuration and management as well. Works With - YYYY Dynamode DSL modems are platform independent however installation software requires a Windows-based system. Support - pp There isn't much in the way of support at the Dyanmode site (if you're having trouble or need help with your one year warranty). If you click on support, you just get the opportunity to send tech support an email. Features - iii1/2+ Dynamode offers solid capabilities in their DSL modem line. One to four Ethernet ports, firewalls (NAT, stateful packet inspection, DoS protection, VPN pass-through), a VPN router with PPTP client built-in, 802.11b/g wireless LAN capabilities and ADSL2 support in two modem/router combos as well. Overall Rating - Incomplete A product set that is difficult to find in the U.S.
Simple Start-Up - นนนน Encore's ADSL modem/router combinations install in a straight forward manner. All come with web-based management interfaces and USB ports for making configuration and management even easier. Cost - $$$$ Encore makes two ADSL modem/router combinations . We were unable to locate pricing for any of them in the U.S. They also make an ADSL2+ modem with one Ethernet port for $34.48, an ADSL2+ modem with four Ethernet ports for $39.12 and an ADSL2+ modem with four Ethernet ports and 802.11b/g wireless for $50.44. For product details, see our product matrix Cable and DSL Modems. Time Savings - นนนนน Once you migrate to a broadband service, you'll never go back to dial. Encore's DSL modems will help get you there. Ease of Use - @@@@ Encore ADSL modems/routers all come with Telnet and web-based management systems. They also come with a USB port to manage and operate the equipment even if your Ethernet connection is "faulty". Works With - YYYY Encore's equipment is platform independent. Support - ppp1/2 Encore ADSL equipment carries a one year warranty. The tech support area on the web site includes manuals, drivers and a FAQ. If you need more help you can email tech support or contact them via telephone (no "800" number, you'll pay long distance charges where they apply). Features - iii1/2+ Encore's ADSL modem/routers come with all of the capability you'd expect, standards support, firewall, PAP/CHAP authentication, web-based management and a USB "console" port for the device. Overall Rating - %%%1/2+ Two capable devices that are tough to find in the U.S. and three that incorporate ADSL2+ technology, routers and in the case of one device, wireless as well that you CAN easily get in the U.S.
Simple Start-Up - นนนน JAHT's ADSL modem/router combos all include web-based interfaces to simplify configuration and management of their equipment. ADSL modems include a Windows "wizard" for setup and management. Cost - Incomplete JAHT makes four ADSL modem/router combos (three wireless). We were unable to locate pricing for any of them in the U.S. For product details, see our product matrix Cable and DSL Modems. Time Savings - นนนนน Once you migrate to a broadband service, you'll never go back to dial. JAHT's DSL modems will help get you there. Ease of Use - @@@@ JAHT includes web-based configuration and management tools for all of the ADSL modem/router combos to make managing their devices as straight forward as possible. ADSL modems come with a Windows-based "wizard". Works With - YYYY JAHT DSL modem/router combos are platform independent however installation software requires a Windows-based system. ADSL modems are designed for the Windows environment. Support - ppp JAHT's gear carries a one year warranty. The web site includes a downloads area as well as a FAQ. If you need more help, you can email technical support, or attempt to call their number in Taiwan. Features - iii1/2+ JAHT offers ADSL modem/router combos that include both 802.11b and 802.11g wireless LAN capabilities, ADSL and ADSL/2 support, and all of the security and management capabilities you'd expect - NAT, stateful inspection firewall, 64/128-bit WEP encryption for wireless routers, DMZ, virtual server, web-based management, password and denial of service protection. Overall Rating - Incomplete A good product set that is difficult to find in the U.S.
Simple Start-Up - นนนน Joohong's cable modems/routers and combo set top boxes are simple to install and begin using. Attach the coax and your system via Ethernet or USB 1.1 and run the system setup software. Cost - Incomplete Joohong's products are marketed by the cable operators providers. They offer two cable modems (one with two telephony interfaces) and two cable modems with 802.11b/g or 802.11a/b/g wireless access points as well as two set top boxes with integrated cable modem Internet access (one also provides IP voice as well). See your local provider for pricing. For product details, see our product matrix Cable and DSL Modems. Time Savings - นนนนน Once you migrate to a broadband service, you'll never go back to dial. Joohong's cable modems will help get you there. Ease of Use - @@@@ Once the basic installation is over, the devices just "run". Works With - YYYY The Joohong cable modems and combo set top boxes are platform independent however installation software requires a Windows-based system as does utilization of the USB 1.1 ports. Support - ppp Joohong provides a one year warranty on their cable modems. The tech support area on the Joohong web site includes software downloads and a FAQ. If you need more help, email submission is your only recourse. Features - iiii All of the basic features and functions you'll need in a cable modem. A plus for USB port integration as well as integration of 802.11a/b/g or 802.11b/g wireless LAN standards. The set top boxes combine digital cable access with Internet access and/or Internet access and Voice over IP (SL3702). Overall Rating - Incomplete Solid access devices you can build your home network around.
Simple Start-Up - นนนน Linksys' cable modem and cable modem/wireless access point/router combo are simple to install. Just attach the cable coax and your system via USB or Ethernet and use Linksys' setup software or web interface to configure and customize your connection. Cost - $$$$1/2 Linksys' cable modem is priced at $58.54, the combo cable modem, wireless 802.11g access point/gateway/router is priced at $129.99. For product details, see our product matrix Cable and DSL Modems. Time Savings - นนนนน Once you migrate to a broadband service, you'll never go back to dial. Linksys' cable modem will help get you there. Ease of Use - @@@@ Linksys' offers both Windows and HTTP/Web-based configuration tools for their cable modem products. You'll have them up and running fast. Works With - YYYY The Linksys cable modem systems are platform independent however installation software requires a Windows-based system as does utilization of the USB 1.1 ports. Support - pppp1/2 Linksys provides a 1 year warranty on their cable modem and a 3 year warranty on the wireless cable gateway.. The tech support area on their web site it very robust with a searchable knowledge base and FAQ's a "common problems" section and downloads of software and drivers. If you need more help, online chat is available as is the Linksys "800" number - 24x7. Features - iiii1/2 Basic cable modem technology for the cable modem - plus for DOCSIS 2.0 compliance. The Wireless-G Cable Gateway adds the features and functions of a wireless 802.11g access point, firewall with Stateful Packet Inspection, VPN passthrough, Denial of Service protection and email/web-based alerts, a four port Ethernet "wired" switch and USB 1.1 connectivity as well. Overall Rating - %%%%1/2 Competitively priced, DOCSIS 2.0 compliant, lots of features and capability in the Wireless-G Cable Gateway and backed by Linksys support.
Simple Start-Up - นนนน Motorola's cable modems and cable modem/wireless router combo are simple to install. Just attach the cable coax and your system via USB or Ethernet and use Motorola setup software or web interface to configure and customize your connection. Cost - $$$$1/2 The Motorola cable modems are priced at $59.85 and $67.95. The combo cable modem and wireless 802.11g/b router is $139.95. For product details, see our product matrix Cable and DSL Modems. Time Savings - นนนนน Once you migrate to a broadband service, you'll never go back to dial. Motorola's cable modems/wireless routers will help get you there. Ease of Use - @@@@ Motorola offers both Windows and HTTP/Web-based configuration tools for their cable modems and cable modem/wireless router combo. You'll have them up and running fast. Works With - YYYY Motorola's cable modems and cable modem/router combo are platform independent however installation software requires a Windows-based system as does utilization of the USB 1.1 ports. Support - pppp1/2 Motorola provides a two year warranty on their cable modems. The tech support area on their web site includes product data sheets, software driver downloads and a troubleshooting guide. If you need more help you can contact Motorola tech support via email or at their "800" number 24x7. Features - iiii1/2 Wireless 802.11g integration as well as a firewall are very nice "touches" in the SGB900. DOCSIS 2.0 support in all of the Motorola products (voice ready!). Overall Rating - %%%%1/2 Motorola is one of the original cable modem makers. Robust technology, good support and products well suited to the home-business networking environment. We like the wireless products gateway/cable modem combo best.
Simple Start-Up - นนนน Scientific Atlanta's cable modems and cable modem combo devices are all plug and play, and in most cases, will install without the need for software drivers. In some cases, your cable operator will install them, in others, you'll do the self-install in conjunction with instructions from the cable operator. Cost - Incomplete Scientific Atlanta's products are distributed only through cable operators at this time. Check with your operator for pricing. For product details, see our product matrix Cable and DSL Modems. Time Savings - นนนนน Once you migrate to a broadband service, you'll never go back to dial. Scientific Atlanta's cable modems and cable modem device combos for voice, wireless and TV set top box combinations will help get you there. Ease of Use - @@@@ Scientific Atlanta's devices are easily managed through their WebWizard graphical user interface. Works With - YYY Scientific Atlanta's devices are designed for the Windows environment. Support - Incomplete The support you get for Scientific Atlanta devices will be dependent upon the support your local cable operator provides. Features - iiii Lots of combinations for you and your cable operator to choose from. Scientific Atlanta makes five cable modems that integrate two RJ-11 telephone ports for VoIP services, a cable modem that can bond three channels for speeds in excess of 100Mbps, two cable modems with four port routers, three cable modems that include wireless access points (both 802.11b and 802.11g) and one cable modem, wireless access point and voice services combo as well as five devices that are digital set top boxes (including HD support) and cable modems. Overall Rating - %%%%/Incomplete Solid devices, but the services you get from them will be dependent upon your cable operator.
Simple Start-Up - นนนน SMC's cable modem, cable modem/wireless 802.11g/b router and outdoor cable modems are simple to install. Just attach the cable coax connector and your system via USB or Ethernet and use SMC's self-installation wizard or web-based interface to configure and customize your connections. Cost - $$$$ SMC's DOCSIS Compliant External Cable Modem is $69.95. Pricing for the combo cable modem routers and wireless 802.11g/b routers as well as the outdoor cable modem and outdoor wireless cable modem were not available. For product details, see our product matrix Cable and DSL Modems. Time Savings - นนนนน Once you migrate to a broadband service, you'll never go back to dial. SMC's cable modems and modem/router combinations will help get you there. Ease of Use - @@@@ SMC offers both Windows and HTTP/Web-based configuration tools for their cable modem, combo cable modem/wireless router and outdoor cable modems. You'll have them up and running fast. Works With - YYYY The SMC cable modem, combo cable modem/wireless router and outdoor cable modems are platform independent however installation software requires a Windows-based system as does utilization of the USB 1.1 ports. Support - pppp SMC provides one year and limited lifetime warranties on their equipment. The tech support area on the SMC web site is very rich and contains a searchable knowledge base, software downloads, configuration utility, FAQs, glossary and other troubleshooting information. If you need more help, you can use the online chat interface to communicate with technical support personnel or you can email them or call them on their "800" number. Features - iiii Solid cable modem technology. The combo cable modem and wireless gateway is a nice device that help you build an 802.11g/b wireless LAN on top of your broadband connection (available only from cable operators). SMC makes cable modem/routers for businesses as well as outdoor models for business buildings. Overall Rating - %%%% Slick cable modems, competitively priced, with rich features on the Wireless Cable Modem Router (if you want them).
Simple Start-Up - นนนน Zoom's cable modem and DSL modems are simple to install. Just attach the cable coax or RJ-11telephone connector and your system via USB or Ethernet and use Zoom's installation wizard to configure and customize your connection. Cost - $$$$$ Zoom's makes one cable modem and seven DSL modems. The cable modems is priced at $82.95. The ADSL devices are priced from $39.99 for a simple ADSL modem to $98.95 for an ADSL modem with firewall, router and wireless access point. For product details, see our product matrix Cable and DSL Modems. Time Savings - นนนนน Once you migrate to a broadband service, you'll never go |
