Another NOOB PC question - modem/router
 

I'm currently using the Siemens Telus Modem/Router and quite frankly I think it sucks. There's no point asking Telus b/c all they have are the Siemens and Thomson ones who other people say is much worse than the Siemens.

Noob question - If i buy one on my own it has to be a modem/router correct? Simply buying a router on it's own doesn't really do shit right?

Any recommendations for around $100 or less?

Thanks

You need a modem to "convert" the ISP's connection (DSL or cable) to an internet connection (before someone jumps in: no, it doesn't "convert" per se, just trying to simplify). The router performs a number of different functions, including a firewall, NAT translation (so several different devices still look like the same address to the internet at large), WiFi access point, multi-port switch, and so on.

At the very least, you need a modem to connect to your ISP. Most ISPs now are providing devices that combine modem and WiFi router into one box, but most of those, you can also disable the internal router and use only the modem functionality (known as "bridged mode"), then connect your own router.

Whether that will help depends on where the issue is with your setup: the connection itself, the modem portion, the router portion... if you're getting poor WiFi performance, you could definitely benefit from setting the Siemens box to bridged mode and connecting your own router.

Your best results will come from using the Telus supplied Thomson modem and connecting it up to the wireless router of your choice (Linksys, D-Link, or Netgear). It might not be possible to bridge the "wireless access point" that you have due to password restrictions. Telus may not give you the password to allow you to make this change.

A lot of people are very happy using the Telus supplied equipment. If you are open to more help, it might be useful for you to elaborate on why it sucks.

telus supplies a new modem/router combo if you have 15Mbps or higher. anything lower you can ask for the speedtouch modem and get yourself a router.

Sorry to highjack the thread..

but for a business internet package.. what Modem does telus supply?

most of my clients that have a business internet package has the speedtouch modem