Modem Required

[bookend]

I have a D-Link AC3200 router that I wish to pair with a modem. At the moment I'm using an old TalkTalk branded modem/router to do the job. There seems to be a restricted number of stand-alone modems out there. Can anyone recommend a modem that would work in this situation?. Going to the expense of buying a modem/router would be pointless. I've seen a D-link model for under £30 but do I need to spend a lot on a modem to do the job?

Thank you

[VHG]

I thought all routers had modems built in.

Why do you need an extra modem?

[Buenchico]

The 'Minimum System Requirements' for that (£200+) router state that it needs a 'Cable or DSL modem', VHG:
http://www.dlink.com/-/media/Consumer_Products/DIR/DIR%20890L/Datasheet/DIR_890L_Datasheet_DEU.pdf

So what exactly, Bookend, do you need to connect it to? A telephone line (ADSL? ADSL Max? ADSL 2+? Fibre?) or a cable?

[bookend]

It seems there are routers and modem/routers.

It was my mistake to be honest. Instead of buying a modem/router of high spec to replace a rubbishy TTT modem/router, I bought a high spec router.

The rear of the router does not have a socket to connect the phone line. It has a row of ethernet type sockets only. My broadband is ADSL. When I realised that the router had no phone connection, I plugged the phone lead into the back of the old TT modem/router and used the ethernet cable supplied with the router to connect the TT modem/router to the router ( the cable was supplied with the new router) The set-up works but I've had intermittent problems with the TT modem/router which means I'd like to buy a new modem to replace the TT modem/router. I don't need a new modem/router as the AC3200 is a router itself, if you see what I mean.

Sorry if this sounds confusing!

[bookend]

That's the identical model Chris

[TheChair]

Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation

[bookend]

Thanks TheChair. Given the low price of the recommended modem, is it worth spending any more on a modem. Is there anything to be gained?

[Buenchico]

The modem recommended by TheChair is an ADSL 2+model, which would be fine on my phone line (which uses ADSL 2+). It could also be used with a 'bog-standard' ADSL or ADSL Max line. However it almost certainly can't offer the speeds provided by fibre connections (and would be useless with cabled services).

If your broadband service offers speeds of up to about 8Mbps (but with 3 to 5 Mbps being more typical) then it's probably using ADSL Max. If it's an ADSL 2+ connection then it's likely to offer speeds of up to about 15Mbps (but with 10Mbps being typical). Either of those services will work fine with that modem.

However if you've got a fibre optic service (with speeds of perhaps 50Mbps or more) that modem should still work but will effectively 'throttle' your connection to its maximum speed of (perhaps) 28Mbps.

[bookend]

Thanks Chris. My exchange seems to be configured for ADSL and ADSL Max. It is indeed a bog-standard exchange.