SpeedStream modem any good?

caddmannq · November 18th, 2002, 06:45 PM

I ordered DSL at home last week, and I was expecting to get an Alcatel SpeedTouch Home modem.

Instead, they sent me an Efficient Networks SpeedStream Ethernet DSL modem.

Anyone else have this modem?

Still need to buy a cheap 4-port router.

Suggestions?

caddmannq · November 19th, 2002, 01:09 PM

^ nobody? ^

U.S.TechPatriot · November 19th, 2002, 01:45 PM

Yes it is a good modem if you know how to treat it!

I have had one for a year and a half and have had no problems but only after doing these three things.

1. Most DSL modems require you to power cycle it every two weeks. This involves turning it off and unplugging the phone line, network and power supply from your outlet and the modem for at least 5 mins. The reason for is that DSL modems begin to build up a resistance to the transformed power after being powered on for long periods of time. I have seen how if I don’t do this my DSL gets really slow.

2. With this modem is you should leave it standing upright vs. laying down flat. This allows it to get better air circulation and not as hot which means faster DSL!

3. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER put a 900mhz cordless phone near it or on top of the modem. IT KILLS your DSL signal. You won’t be able to sync up.

This may all sound kind of weird but believe me, I have had to learn the hard way.

I have the 5260 Speed Stream by the way so some of this might have been fixed in the newer models.

Happy Broad-banding!

caddmannq · November 19th, 2002, 01:59 PM

Thanks for all the tips, Patriot!

I'll have to try that stuff with my Alcatel too...

willy_ph · November 19th, 2002, 02:41 PM

I've got an Efficient Network Speedstream modem myself.
I've had both the Alcatel and Efficient modems and I haven't found much of a difference between them. Aside from a required reboot of the modem after network maintenance by my ISP I've left it on for nearly 3 months without a problem.

I'm pretty sure they're basically the same design built on the same chip, but I could be wrong. I know that the Efficient modems are cheaper to buy than the Alcatel. Doesn't really make much of a difference, both are quality products.

implexant · November 20th, 2002, 02:50 PM

I setup a client with a speed stream router, and i was pretty impressed. it was very durable and easy to setup. however it was like $250 so it should be nice.

-Chris

Bud-dog · November 21st, 2002, 10:53 PM

I have had a 5360 for almost 4 months now. Only problem I had is when I added a Linksys 4port router to the mix and could no longer reach the Internet. There is a known problem between the 5360 and the linksys router, the Knowledge base led me to a patch for the speedstream and viola it worked.

gino X · November 21st, 2002, 10:57 PM

for a router, i'd suggest a Netgear RP114 or D-Link DI-604/704
they're both quality products and its really easy to setup

implexant · November 22nd, 2002, 01:58 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by gino X
for a router, i'd suggest a Netgear RP114 or D-Link DI-604/704
they're both quality products and its really easy to setup

ya the dlink di-604 is great, setup a client with that. works flawlessly. however, i would've liked to do a 10. range DHCP address. o well. 192.168. works fine.

-Chris

goldenbuddha · November 22nd, 2002, 02:14 AM

I'd go with the Netgear... somehow having something made of metal instead of cheapie plastic appeals to me....

Besides, Netgear stuff work great =)