He asked how did I come to that conclusion?
Well, I didn't really give him a good answer. Instead he told me that the advantage of having one with an integrated modem uses only one electric socket.
Maybe it's time to put this answer to rest.
Using a router without a built in modem
Advantages
- More variety - In actual fact most of the top performing routers in the market are the standalone types. You can have it in any kind you wanted whether you could load it up with custom firmware such as DD-WRT, Tomato, big or small, upgradable antennas, design, etc.
- Easy upgrade of gateway/modem type - Let's say in the future you have upgraded to a fiber connection or you decided to use 3G or WiMAX. Just plug your old modem out, plug the new one in, a little configuration and done. You don't have to reset your local network settings again.
- Maintainability - Imagine that your modem was fried by a lightning strike or your modem went haywire. It's easier to replace the modem rather than replacing the whole modem/router combo device. In dollar sense, a typical ADSL modem would run you RM59.00. A new modem/router would cost you approximately RM100.00. Which do you think it's cheaper to replace. Although there are some modem/routers that are cheaper than the standalone ADSL modem, it's just another perspective of looking at this situation.
- Less available electrical sockets - As mentioned by my friend, a modem/router uses only one plug to power everything. Enough said.
- Less clutter - less cables running behind the desk, and cleaner looking workspace.
Using a router with a built in modem
Advantages
- Less clutter
- More electrical sockets available
- Messy upgrade (if you are not tech savvy) - Once you replace everything, you need to enter your network settings all over again. If you got a new Internet connection type, it would be quite tough to upgrade since it only has one type.
Well, I hope this answer will provide some light to this dilemma. If I get this question again, I would definitely point this page to them.
