All-in-one DSL modem/router/switch

[Big E]

Anyone have one? I'm finally going to enter the world of at-home internet (!) and want to get a 1-box solution. 4 ports would be ideal. And works with a Mac (do some not work w/ Macs?). Any suggestions out there?

Netgear and D-Link both make one, but the Netgear one appears to be new or something, cuz no one has them in stock, and the D-Link one might not work with a Mac (CDW says PC only).

[Free Range Lobster]

make sure it works with your service first.

the (imo) better way is just a normal dsl modem + a linksys wireless/4port router/firewall. they work with everything/anything.

[chaka]

make sure it works with your service first.

the (imo) better way is just a normal dsl modem + a linksys wireless/4port router/firewall. they work with everything/anything.

What he said. The DSL modem piece is closely tied to whatever service you have. The WLAN/LAN router piece can essentially sit on top of any service, as long as you are getting an ethernet port feed as an output from the DSL modem. Most services provide a DSL router anyway? I have a NetGear 4-port WLAN router, works great, good dB gain on the stock antenna, very simple config interface, and the configuration is web based. Oh, and regarding type of WLAN radio. Here's where the alphabet soup bullshit starts. Unless you plan on doing wireless home media stuff (i.e. sending video from your PC wirelessly to a tv, etc. ), don't bother spending the premium for "pre 802.11n" or 802.11a capability. 802.11g (with backwards compatability to 802.11b) serves typical home usage very well (web surfing, email).

[Core Shot]

definitely separate the modem - if you move, you may need a new one anyway. Also, many providers (DSL, Cable) give you one if you sign up for a year.

Also, what he said about speeds - 802.11b is very cheap now. G costs more money, but its worth depends on the data you send from your laptop to other computers on the network. Anything more than G is ridonkulous, and you really should just use an ethernet cable at that point.

[Free Range Lobster]

G is totally worth the money.

[joshbu]

G is totally worth the money.

Why? Your available bandwidth is gated by the DSL line performance. Unless you're running multiple machines on the LAN?

[Sphinx]

I've got comcast ethernet. They loaned me a modem.

Get a modem and a LinkSys router. Close all ports on the router firewall, run a software firewall, and you'll be good to go.

If you get a wireless router, make sure you set or change the password so your neighbors don't get free wifi.

[Core Shot]

Why? Your available bandwidth is gated by the DSL line performance. Unless you're running multiple machines on the LAN?

xactly.
80211b= 11Mbps
80211g= 54Mbps
Cable DSL modem = around 1.5Mbps

I just ran a bandwidth test, and my cable modem is getting a surprising 4.3Mbps!!
Thats still nowhere near enough to max out an 80211b.

Find 80211b wireless router on sale clearance prices ($30), then when and if you need more pipeline in a few years, get the shit that replaces G and is even faster and cheaper.

Higher wireless bandwidth will only help when your computers are talking to each other and not when they talk to the interweb.

[chaka]

Why? Your available bandwidth is gated by the DSL line performance. Unless you're running multiple machines on the LAN?

Yep, available b/w is gated by whatever service level you are paying for, which, for home, will be a fraction of .11b throughput (around 6Mb/s max realistic) and .11g throughput (around 22Mb/s max realistic), anywhere in the US. I have noticed .11g to provide better performance though, based on factors other than throughput, which I agree you will not notice/need the additional amount of throughput for simple home networking. Other factors include fine-tuning of the radio chipsets, association times, etc. Honestly I think you can get .11g for about the same price as .11b today. Often, .11g boxes support the latest in encryption as well.