It's a modem that is also a router with 1 Ethernet port. Basically the idea is that you can use it as a standalone modem or connect it to what kind of networking device like a router, a wireless access point or a switch.
A quick survey from the market shows that most wireless routers and wired routers now come with a built-in DSL modem for the purpose of space saving convenience and less wire clutter and most of the big brands don't really offer a standalone modem now.
More information about this router can be found here: http://www.aztech.com/my/adsl_dsl705e.html
How's Installation Like?
It depends on your network setup. Here are a few scenarios to gauge its difficulty in setting it up:
A. Using as a standalone modem with auto-connect
Connect everything. Either use the CD included or just type in the IP address of the modem and follow the instructions. That was quite easy with either way.
B. Using as a bridged modem (on-demand connection using the computer/router)
Initially when I bought the modem, it was just plugging to my router and be done with it. Well it's not that simple. I scratched my head why it didn't connect and quickly refer to the documentation included on the CD. The documentation was not quite well written, so I resorted to looking for a way to do so without the term bridging. After reading several posts, I realized I need to set in bridge mode but most of them do not seem to have instructions on how to do so. The documentation did say something about bridge mode but I couldn't get the screen exactly as I want. (I was doing that until 3am)
I finally found how to do it via the quick setup. Either I am blind, blur or just simply too eager to get connected, I should have slept first.
Here's how.
1. If you have modified some settings and you couldn't get it in order, I suggest you reset the modem with a paperclip to set it in default settings.
2. Access the modem's setup page with the user and password credentials and select quick setup.
3. Select Bridge mode.
4. If your ISP has any customized settings, please ask them. For TM Streamyx users, just use the default settings.
5. Finally tick the option to bridge and save the settings.
Why Did You Buy It?
The modem provided by Telekom Malaysia which is the ZTE ZXDSL 831 went kaput after it failed to initialize. I wanted to get a D-Link but there wasn't much choice and I need one fast, so I opted for this one.
(I hate using their current branding. Don't you think TM is more like trademark? TMnet however sounds like a better brand in my opinion but things in Telekom often go wrong especially if its a government-linked company that monopolizes the wired Internet service in Malaysia.)
What's Your Take On The Modem?
There is nothing much to say about modems unless you are really obsessed with speed. It works as it is and it's reasonably priced.
Positives
- Reasonably priced (around RM70 or so)
- Works as it is
- Well made
Neutral
- User interface for the modem
- The necessity of the software to set up your modem
- Documentation. Needs to be clearer about it and probably include some scenarios for less tech-savvy people on getting it to work for their network setup.
- Especially on hot days, it gets hotter on the bottom of the modem for which you need to get it cooled down.
