Modem or ADSL router, how to make the choice

When evaluating the numerous ADSL connections offers at present on the market, one is likely to undervalue an important choice factor: a good quality modem or router for the ADSL connection. Not only different connection offers can vary in speed, price and other aspects, but an ADSL modem is available with a large number of extremely useful features who can make surfing easier.

Usually, most connection offers include an ADSL modem supplied by providers to make service utilization easier; nonetheless, it would be useful to get the picture of what the market offers in terms of modems. Let us provide a few basic concepts as a brief and easy guide to get familiar with the subject, with an effort to simplify as much as possible terms and explications, not to get lost on unnecessary details.

Modem ADSL and Router: what makes the difference.

By “ADSL modem” we mean the device which connects to the internet through a phone line. A modem supplies connection to at least one computer via net or USB wire. The router is a device which simultaneously “distributes” the connection to a certain number of computers. This delivery can also be made wireless: in this case the router is generally called “Access Point Wireless”. Please note that, being its task not to execute the connection, but to distribute it, a router commonly needs a modem to get the internet connection. ADSL modems with integrated router are available and widespread.

Those have a number of net connectors (called HUB) in the back through which the modem can be connected to X computers (only with network cables, not USB ones).

What we find in a store.

Be careful: in stores are available different kinds of devices only apparently similar (to non-experts).

• Modem ADSL Used to access the internet, it connects to a computer through a network cable or an USB wire.
• Modem ADSL with HUB (integrated router) Used to access the internet, it can distribute the connection to a number of computers through network cables.
• Access point Wireless Used to distribute a connection coming from an existing modem to a number of computers, wireless.
• Modem ADSL with integrated Access Point Wireless Connects to the internet and at the same time distributes the connection to a number of computers, wireless.

We recommend to be careful when buying ADL modems and routers because, even if bearing technical specs printed on the package, they can be easily mistaken and buying an Access Point Wireless being convinced it works also as an ADSL modem, is a mistake much more common that one would think.

Phoning with internet (VoIP)

Besides ADSL connection, many providers supply the opportunity to phone via internet (VoIP). If you intend to use this service, there are 3 possible ways: Using a preset router (VoIP router) connected to a normal telephone device. Using a “VoIP” telephone (very expensive) connected to a simple router through a network cable. Using an adapter, which connects a standard telephone device to a standard router (VoIP adapter).

Connection protocols (ADSL2+)

Be careful, each provider supplies the internet connection with a specific protocol. Each ADSL modem, in its turn, is compatible with different protocols. Though modems and routes on the market are usually compatible with all the protocols, it is always a good idea to check on the package whether the ADSL modem you buy is compatible with the protocol your provider uses.

A very good piece of advice is to purchase, if possible, an ADSL modem compatible not only with your provider’s protocol, but with ADSL2+ protocol, which is bound to become a standard in the next future. As a matter of fact, by simply using a standard copper duplex cable everybody has in his/her phone plug at home, this protocol already allows an impressively high connection speed: a speed which till yesterday was achievable only with optic fibre (Would it by chance that Infostrada suddenly stopped fibre cabling cities last year? )

Choosing with no hesitation.

Eventually, when purchasing an ADSL modem for domestic or SOHO (small offices) use, we highly recommend a modem with integrated Access Point and a 4 or more ports hub which will allow wireless navigation and give the possibility to share the connection through network cables. In addition, with a hub it’s possible to use VoIP adapters, should you want to utilize VoIP internet phone service.

As regards the ADSL connection, the provider might offer a choice between Ethernet router and USB connection. OK, always choose Ethernet connection cause an USB modem cannot be connected to a router and a great number of services, today as yesterday, require a router to function.