We were going to sign up for DSL access and were going to get a DSL modem. Somebody told us that a modem is no longer necessary and all you need is some kind of external box that's much cheaper. I've never heard anything about this and thought a modem was necessary. Do you or do you not need a modem for DSL access? Thanks.
2007-08-23 09:20:20 · 5 answers · asked by msteudel 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Computer Networking
Yeah DSL and Cable both require a modem. DSL uses phone line to get data and Cable uses cable to get data.
It is possible your friend is talking about fiber optics which leads to a box outside. It is not widely used just yet, it is something that is starting to be seen more but usually just in newer richer neighborhoods.
2007-08-23 09:36:57 · answer #1 · answered by Mike B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Somebody confused router with modem most likely. You need the DSL modem to convert the DSL signal to Ethernet, then you need a router if you want to connect two or more PCs to the same DSL connection.
2007-08-23 09:31:22 · answer #2 · answered by Fester Frump 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are better off with a combined dsl router/modem. This cuts out a lot of delays on the line, it also gives the facility for more than one machine on the internet. It MUST be a combined one though.
2007-08-23 09:54:44 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You very certainly need a modem to convert the signal from the transported signal across the voice telephone network to an Ethernet signal that you will plug into your router.
Most carriers provide their own modem as part of the service.
2007-08-23 09:28:55 · answer #4 · answered by GTB 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Modems are overarated, i just plug my dsl into a banana..
2007-08-23 10:39:48 · answer #5 · answered by hello there... 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋