Are all DSL modems the same? Can I buy anything for Qwest?
 

Hi!

Currently my client has service with Qwest, and he's using their supplied ActionTec gt701-wg modem/router. The router was coded by drunk arangutangs and creates all kinds of problems when trying to set up local services.

We decided that the easiest solution would be to buy a new DSL modem without the router functionality, so we can use IPtables on a gateway Linux machine, which makes our life very easy.

However, I don't know much about DSL modems and their standards. I'm about to visit howstuffworks.com, but I thought I'd ask you guys too.

Qwest people told me that they use "ddt" and "ppo" standards. However, when searching for a "DSL modem" on eBay, nobody mentions any of those things. So will any modem work? Or do I need something specific?

Can you recommend something stable and without routing functionality?

Not sure as I don't have qwest, but here's the list from their website. http://www.qwest.com/internethelp/modems/index.html

I would assume any ethernet based (not USB) dsl modem would work. But you know what happens when you assume...

Ok I read howstuffworks.com and apparently there are 2 standards for splitting the signal: DMT and CAP, and usually carriers support both. Apparently DMT is a little better, but most modems are either one or the other standard, but it shouldn't matter since carriers support both.

Please correct me if I'm wrong.

I have tried several diff DSL/Modem/Router combinations with my Verizon Service and all work about the same.

Just check weather your service is using DHCP or PPPOE... It will matter in how you connect to the service, and will have to be configured.

KC

That may be a problem, since Qwest uses PPPOA. (No, that is not a typo.) ;)

Same Diff... The modem has both...similar setup.

KC