Again on modem/routers

Hi

I remember some time ago there were some discussions about the best configuration for ADSL connections.

The best solution at that time was internet --> modem --> Router/Firewall --> Switch --> Computers

I wonder if it is the same also today. I'm asking because in stores I noticed that modems are not more available in shelves. There are only Routers with integrated modem (most of times with also an integrated 4 port switch).

Is it still the best solution to have the modem separated from the router/firewall?

What is a reliable modem and where to get it?

There is a real advantage for an everyday use to have a gigabit switch or a 10/100 is sufficient?

Is it better to get a gigabit switch anyway even if the connection speed is not so high if every computer connected to the switch is provided of a gigabit card?

Because of the Asus Premium is not more available in stores, what is a good alternative?

Thanks

Hi,The main disadvantage, compared to an all-in-one Modem/Router/Switch device is the higher power consumption.
I don't see any disadvantage of an all-in-one device. You may have a look in online-shops Local stores often have limited offers.
It depends on your ISP. With normal ADSL, you should be fine with an all-in-one. It's different if you plan to switch to Cable Internet. The modem will be useless, and if you can't disable it, then the whole device can't be used. In such a scenario, it would be better to have router and modem separately.

I'd guess, the modems from the ISP should be reliable enough - and there won't be any compatibility issues.
If you often transfer large amounts of data within your local network, then GBit LAN and GBit switch would be nice. But then I would just get a GBit switch separately, since routers with built-in GBit switches are more expensive.

Michael

Hi, thanks for answers

Actually I often move tons of data among the two (I hope soon three) machines connected in the network. I didn't think to this "detail"

My ISP didn't provide a modem, I bought it in a store some years ago. Currently I have a Linksys WAG200G, and it is performing rather well, but this specific model is not more available in stores (both local and online)

Cable internet connections here have still too high prices (I really can't afford such connections )

Hi,You're Welcome
That's different here. For a small amount of money (or even free) if you sign a contract with them So I have a plain simple DSL modem lying around here.
Currently I have a Linksys WAG200G, and it is performing rather well, but this specific model is not more available in stores (both local and online) [/quote]Plain ADSL (and Cable) modems aren't widespread. The few I found after a quick check were rather expensive compared to an all-in-one modem with router.
My brother pays less for his 10MBit Cable (including Phone flat) than me for a 6 MBit DSL (Phone flat also included).

Michael

It's still way better to have a separate modem.
Linksys AM200 is a pretty solid modem (so is Zyxel's models) and for router I'd give Planex MZK-W04NU a go with a third party firmware.
..since I don't now italian I have to rely on Google :-)

http://www.ciao.it/Linksys_ADSL_Modem_AM200__673424
Linksys WRT160NL is pretty similar to the Planex although slightly more expensive and it doesn't have third party support yet but its being worked on...

//Danne

Thanks DiiZzY

Hi,Out of curiosity: Why? Consider the scenario, a change of the internet connection (cable vs. DSL) is not planned.
So warranty doesn't matter here

Michael

Why? Mainly for stability...
Combo units usually share a tiny flash (2-4Mb) and then try to squeeze everything into 16Mb RAM which is way too little usually. The CPU will also have to handle both routing and the DSL-connection since pure hw-solution are too expensive and this is a good way of cutting costs. So in the end you have an underpowered CPU (makes QoS work poorly if it included at all) and way too little ram if you run applications that uses many connections such as eMule/DC/Bittorent/P2P which in the end causes your combo unit/router to reboot, drop connections and hang.

A DSL modem is ~40 EUR and usually ISPs seems to not include modems (for free) or supply crap ones that has NAT enabled by default. At least I plan to use my connection the best way possible.
//Danne

So, for the same reason, is it better also to not use the switch embedded in most routers and prefer instead a separate switch?

Never had a problem with my all-in-one.
But if you are a heavy user with enterprise-class traffic, then you may add enterprise-class routers and switches to your DSL modem

Michael

The switch hardware works fine by its own, although it might be worth investing in one if you want gbit at home. I can highly recommend Allied Telesyn's entry gbit switches.
//Danne

I just checked their homepage...

It seems professional hardware, and I'm rather scared to find prices

http://www.ciao.it/Allied_Telesyn_AT_GS900_8_8__599063
http://www.alliedtelesis.com/product...?pid=57&lid=58

http://www.ciao.it/Allied_Telesis_AT...witch__1106951
http://www.alliedtelesis.com/product...pid=220&lid=68

The GS950 is a "smart" switch and has a webui which allows you to control your network much better than with a SOHO switch such as a GS900 but it's still a good choice irregardless of which one you pick.

I should perhaps mention that I run a similar configuration at home :-)
I have a Scientific Atlanta Cable Modem connect to my router which is also my fileserver running FreeBSD 8.0 among with other network/internet services. It's hooked up to an Allied Telesis GS900/8 switch which has a Planex MZK-W04NU running in Access Point-mode connected to it among with a Xerox (rebadged Samsung) network printer among with some other clients etc. =)

//Danne

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Last edited by DiiZzY; 22-07-2009 at 23:37.

Thanks a lot DiiZzY

np, time for some shopping? :-)
//Danne

I only need to have a talk with the wallet , but I think that in september I'll start to buy the new components

The wallet says "I feel fat and need to go on a diet!"
//Danne

LOL

the wallet is already screaming

Browsing a webstore, I found this switch. Is it good or is better the Allied Telesis one?

I'm asking because there is a rather big price difference

The difference is that it lacks gigabit... :-)
http://www.chl.it/w3obj/h/default/$productdetails?a_codart=5839700&session=0&i_cdsroot=18318229 probably works just as good as the Planex one if you only need 100mbit.
//Danne

oops... I'm a bit confused

According to specifications reported on CHL webpage, the Planex P-Fxg-08imv is a gigabit switch, not a 10/100.

After checking at Planex website, I found that there is no Fxg-08imv model, but there is a Fxg-08imb model. I assume that are the same piece of hardware except for the chassis color.

Is it not a good choice for a relatively cheap gigabit switch? At the moment I can't afford the €170 for the Allied Telesis

I need something to connect 4 machines (5 when I'll be able to build the new PC, asap).

I don't know if it is important, but three PC runs with windows XP and one with Linux Fedora. Three machines have a gigabit net card (an Intel Pro 1000/PT PCIe) and one has only a 10/100 net card (onboard in the mobo). The fifth PC (when it'll be completed) will use a Linux distro too.

I rather often move large files (mostly ISO) from a machine to another so I think that a gigabit connection is better than a 10/100

I use a Netgear GS605 (5 port).
It's very cheap and works very well.
http://www.netgear.com/Products/Swit...hes/GS605.aspx

Here is a sample of the throughput from that switch.
http://club.cdfreaks.com/f7/new-moth...3/#post2423087

Sorry, my bad :-)
The Planex is gigabit (apparently) although I've heard some rumors going from good to bad but that also includes Netgear switches so I don't really know. The Allied is a solid switch with builtin PSU which to my personal experience which may not apply to all environments I find switches with builtin PSU more reliable than those with a power adapter.

A whole network package from Abaco System is at 224 EUR including tax
Allied Telesis GS900/8
Linksys WRT160NL
D-Link DSL-320B (should be decent)

If you find it too expensive use the builtin switch in the WRT160NL for now.
//Danne

I have bad experiences with Netgear stuff. Some time ago I bought a modem and a router, and both were DOA

I'm really reluctant to spend money again on Netgear

Thanks for suggestions however