Are DSL Modems the Same as Cable Modems?  | |
June 17th, 2009, 04:29 PM
|
#1 (permalink)
| | Member
Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: San Francisco, CA
Posts: 151
| Are DSL Modems the Same as Cable Modems?
Hello, I hope you are well.
I have been using DSL for years, but am completely new to cable Internet connection. I am planning to switch from AT&T to Comcast and have a very, very newbie question.
I have been using an Airlink AR430W Super G Wireless Router to connect to DSL wirelessly. If I switch over to Comcast cable Internet, can I still use this same router to connect wirelessly? Is there anything else I have to do (other than order the plan from Comcast, of course).
Thanks,
Victor |
| |
June 17th, 2009, 04:42 PM
|
#2 (permalink)
| | \m/(°-°)\m/
Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: In my room
Posts: 12,732
|
Yes, you will still be able to use your router with the new connection. You'll get a new modem, plug the router into that, then you should be good to go.  |
| |
June 17th, 2009, 04:43 PM
|
#3 (permalink)
| | MR Meek and Mild
Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: almost Virginia
Posts: 5,101
|
my cable company wants to know the mac id of the router but beyond that I think it should just work. it is IP from the modem to your router in both cases. |
| |
June 17th, 2009, 04:44 PM
|
#4 (permalink)
| | Member
Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: San Francisco, CA
Posts: 151
|
Thanks for the replies!
Do I need to get a modem from Comcast? I was talking to them and they said that if I do not need to get a modem from them, I would be able to pay a bit less (essentially, I am leasing the modem from them for $3/month). Will just the router I already have be enough? Thanks.
Victor |
| |
June 17th, 2009, 04:48 PM
|
#5 (permalink)
| | \m/(°-°)\m/
Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: In my room
Posts: 12,732
|
yes, unless you go out and buy a new modem yourself, you will need to get one from the cable company. |
| |
June 17th, 2009, 05:01 PM
|
#6 (permalink)
| | Super Stealthy Moderator
Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Outside the box
Posts: 5,511
|
Just to clarify for anyone else that might stumble upon this thread wondering the same things.
A modem and a router are two different things. Modems can have built in routers however routers do not have the same functionality as a modem.
DSL modems are not the same as cable modems. While the might serve the same similar functions DSL modems have a totally different input connection (rj-11 i think) where as cable modems have a standard coax connections.
Broadband routers are typically standardized, meaning aside from various speeds on the lan side (10,100,1000) and various wireless signals (b,g,n) they are universal.
You don't specifically need to get a modem from Comcast themselves, but you do need to get a modem they support. The only good thing about leasing a modem is if there are issues they will replace/repair the modem, otherwise its much better to buy your own. You can probably get one of CL or somewhere dirt cheap.
__________________ “Every question involves someone having to work for an answer, isn't it about time you did your share”
"Non-technical questions sometimes don't have an answer at all."
Linus Torvalds
Last edited by RicheemxX : June 17th, 2009 at 05:13 PM.
|
| | | Thread Tools | Search this Thread | | | |
Similar Threads | | Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post | | DSL Modems - Can You Use Any One? | JMHar | Networking and Internet | 3 | July 13th, 2007 06:49 PM | | Do DSL modems have firewalls? | CoonDawg | Networking and Internet | 10 | June 22nd, 2006 07:47 PM | | DSL Modems | aldtech | Networking and Internet | 7 | September 21st, 2005 05:42 PM | | DSL Modems | phrozen_dreamz | Networking and Internet | 9 | January 19th, 2004 05:00 PM | | Dsl Modems? | Linkin' Park | Networking and Internet | 9 | April 24th, 2002 05:35 PM | |
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests) | | | | Most Active Discussions | | | | | Recent Discussions  | | | | | |