Suggestion on Modem/Router

[Kyle1886]

At present I have an ATT 2/Wire DSL modem/router combo. It is about 14 months old and is slowing down and reboots no longer reset it. I've read some threads on this site as well as others as to what to replace it with. For simplicity/cost I'd like to stay with combos. (My max speed was 2.6 now I seldom get to 2.0, most of the time less).

My IP is ATT, three wired PCs and one wireless PC and printer.

My last Linksys lasted about 4 years, and a D-Link about 4 months. I spoke with a ATT tech in the field this AM and he suggested a brand I'm not familiar with, NETOPIA, a sub of Motorola. (He was surprised I got a full year out of the 2/Wire)

http://www.motorola.com/us/consumers/2247-N8-High-Speed-DSL-Modem-Wi-Fi-Router/2247-N8,en_US,pd.html

Are any of you familiar with Netopia or have other suggestions for a replacement?

(Note: Although I have used computers since '84, I'm not into working on them, they are a tool for me. I'll probably require installation regardless of what unit(s) I get, for the wi-fi part anyway).

Thanks for any feed back.
Respectfully
Kyle

[nothinghere2c]

I'm not sure about netopia, but I've always bought motorola modems and they are usually top notch.

stay away from modem router combination devices if you can, they are riddled with bugs and performance issues.

right now (I'm on cable) and running a motorola surfboard 6120 modem with a netgear 3500L (flashed to run dd-wrt, scheduled reboots once a week to avoid issues)

have not had a problem in 3 years

[Ricky-Ray]

Can't go wrong with Linksys or Netgear routers. I would split the 2. Get a router and a separate dsl modem.

[Kyle1886]

Thanks for the feedback gents. (I don't have cable where I am).

Are most mainstream routers and modems compatible with the majority of IP's (ATT)?

Kyle

[bigbearbear]

Routers are pretty generic, they will all work with either DSL or Cable services.

Modems are more specific to the type of ISP (Internet Service Provider) you are using. For example, you will want to use the correct type of DSL modem for the service you signed up. AT&T lists a number of modems here:

http://www.att.com/equipment/accessories/gateways-modems.jsp

Might be best to stick with those. I would get a modem, then stick a router "behind" the modem. I use Speakeasy.net (now Megapath) for my DSL service, the modem they provided is a simple modem (Broadxent) and it has proven to be highly reliable. Not sure if it is available for AT&T or purchase in a store though.

I did noticed that the DSL modem runs pretty hot compared to the cable modem (I work from home and have 2 broadband service). So if you leave your DSL modem in an enclosed space or sitting on a carpet floor, it might overheat. I had to replace 1 modem due to that, and the one I have now sits on a metal tray (used to be one of those wire mesh in/outbox tray for office use), allowing it to cool properly. This one has been with me for over 4 years and is pretty stable.

[high_revs]

+1 for separating. you'll be able to move the router anywhere vs. a router/modem combo cannot. i.e. if you switch to cable, you can't use your dsl modem to cable and vice versa.

i'm still on my same cable modem from like 2005.