Best Wireless Modem/router For Small Office?

[Ahnsahn]

many thanks Ahnsahn and Dork

Step 3:

Set LLC or VC according to what Multiplexing your DSL connection is using. If you're not sure, check the documentation for your DSL service.

Step 4:

From the drop-down menu, select the QoS Type from the following:

•

Unspecified Bit Rate (UBR)

– This is for applications that are not time sensitive, such as email.

•

Constant Bit Rate (CBR)

– This is used to specify fixed bandwidth for voice or data traffic.

•

Variable Bite Rate (VBR)

– This option is for heavy traffic and bandwidth-sharing with other applications.

Step 5:

If you've selected UBR for QoS, the Peak Cell Rate (PCR) and Sustain Cell Rate (SCR) rate are determined automatically. Otherwise, enter the desired PCR and SCR values.

NOTE: SCR sets the average cell rate that can be transmitted. The SCR value is normally less than the PCR value.

Step 6:

Set Autodetect to Enable to have the Virtual Path Identifier (VPI) and Virtual Circuit Identifier (VCI) settings automatically detected, or select Disable to enter the values manually. This option should only be used when there is a single Virtual Circuit (VC). If you set the Autodetect to Enable, you can skip step 7.

Step 7:

Refer to the data from your DSL provider and enter the correct VPI and VCI values.

Step 8:

Select the DSL Modulation from the drop-down menu. Contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) if you are not sure which mode to use. The upstream and downstream rates vary by mode.

On reflection, and after looking at my 3BB's router interface menu , what we have is simply inserting a few 'values' here and there. It's like having to list: how many cylinders your car has, list the number of valves, is it auto or manual, do you have ABS .... my point is that this router interface menu is just any area of common values that has to be learned and really no big deal .... once we locate the correct values (from fellow posters or else from the True customer service).

This morning, I have located my 3BB line installation documents and that my (and maybe yours?) relevant setup values are:

Router Encapsulation:

PPPoE LLC

VPI = 0

VCI = 33 (yours looks to be 38)

3) LLC (is recommended)

4) I would select VBR. My thinking is: This allows for your Asus router to operate in the new dual (hence variable?) band mode. UBR, single band, restricts the data transmission to a single band.

5) According to this menu's format, since you did not select UBR for QoS, you don't have to set these values ..... (thank goodness!)

6) Enable

7) VPI = 0, VCI = 100(?) (yours looks to be 38 in your diagram .... mine is 33)

8) Here, you have to check your True docs to be absolutely sure but it should (more probably) be ADSL2+, or ADSL or Multi mode (a fail safe setting).

Thank You for this 'workout' ..... now I, too, will know what to do when my router arrives.

Enjoy!

Edited October 14, 2012 by Ahnsahn

[trajan]

a HUGE THANKS to Dork, Ahnsahn, & Lomatopo!!!

I've learned so much about modems & routers....

I spent most of this morning and early afternoon trying to wrestle the LINKSYS-CISCO WAG320 (DSL modem/router) (which Ive had forever) to play well with the ASUS RT N66u (cable modem/router) (which I just got as a present)...and to merely serve as a transparent bridging modem to the more powerful ASUS processing hardware, but there were many issues (and conflicts) etc....even the True Internet techs were stumped on some issues...

Therefore, I took a break and went to FortuneTown Rama 9 and (almost by accident) a kind techie at a small shop (who was there at the right moment) explained that the ASUS DSL n55u (DSL modem/router) should solve my problems in one unified package (it looks almost identical to the Black sleek N66u, but also has a telephone line port).....he took the N66u in trade (plus I got some goodies)....

I went home and low and behold, connected the n55u and set it up VERY easily because instead of asking all kinds of techie questions, the webpage GUI just asked what country I was in (and what ISP I was using (True)) and automatically inserted all of the technical settings!! also, no IP address or other conflict (or non-efficiency or streamlining) issues, no fuss or muss (and great for non-techies like me)

The ASUS DSL n55u works great with my HP Pavilion Laptop (via ethernet cable) and broadcasts a fantastic 5GHZ wifi signal to all of the Apple TVs (with Netflix movies and TV shows, etc.) in the flat (and to the iPad3, the Galaxy Tab7.7 and the Galaxy Note2) and a robust 2.4GHz wifi signal to some of the older devices in the house....I dont even need the D-Link signal repeater downstairs in the living areas now.....(previously, the stand alone Linksys-Cisco modem/router wifi signals from the study upstairs didnt carry well downstairs, but this was not consistent)

(a very tech productive (and educational) Sunday for me)

I highly recommend the ASUS DSL N55U (DSL router) for non-techies (who are not interested in endlessly tweaking or flashing) who have a telephone line internet connection in Bangkok and who want a quality connection....

Edited October 14, 2012 by trajan

[lomatopo]

Re; Asus DSL-N55U

1.) You may want to upgrade the firmware as some issues have been addressed: http://www.asus.com/Networks/ADSL_Modem_Routers/DSLN55U_Annex_A/#download

2.) You can use one of the USB ports to attach a 3G USB Aircard, to provide fall-back in case you lose your ADSL connection, or take the router with you when you travel and share the 3G connection. I do this with an Asus DSL-N12U.

I suspect the DSL-N55U might address the OP's requirements, as it looks quite robust.

[Ahnsahn]

a HUGE THANKS to Dork, Ahnsahn, & Lomatopo!!!

I've learned so much about modems & routers....

I spent most of this morning and early afternoon trying to wrestle the LINKSYS-CISCO WAG320 (DSL router) to play well with the ASUS RT N66u (cable router)...and to merely serve as a transparent bridging modem to the more powerful ASUS processing hardware, but there were many issues (and conflicts) etc....even the True Internet techs were stumped on some issues...

Therefore, I took a break and went to FortuneTown Rama 9 and (almost by accident) a kind techie at a small shop (who was there at the right moment) explained that the ASUS DSL n55u (DSL router) should solve my problems in one unified package (it looks almost identical to the Black sleek N66u, but also has a telephone line port).....he took the N66u in trade (plus I got some goodies)....

I went home and low and behold, connected the n55u and set it up VERY easily because instead of asking all kinds of techie questions, the webpage GUI just asked what country I was in (and what ISP I was using (True)) and automatically inserted all of the settings!! no fuss or muss (and great for non-techies like me)

The ASUS DSL n55u works great with my HP Pavilion Laptop (via Ethernet cable) and broadcasts a fantastic 5GHZ wifi signal to all of the Apple TVs (with Netflix movies and TV shows, etc.) in the flat (and to the iPad3, the Galaxy Tab7.7 and the Galaxy Note2) and a robust 2.4GHz wifi signal to some of the older devices in the house....I don't even need the D-Link signal repeater downstairs in the living areas now.....

(a very tech productive (and educational) Sunday for me)

I highly recommend the ASUS DSL N55U (DSL router) for non-techies (who are not interested in endlessly tweaking or flashing) who have a telephone line internet connection in Bangkok and who want a quality connection....

It's good to hear you happily have everything up and running!

So you're using the single ASUS DSL N55U router and not the Linksys in your LAN?

Edited October 14, 2012 by Ahnsahn

[trajan]

Re; Asus DSL-N55U

1.) You may want to upgrade the firmware as some issues have been addressed: http://www.asus.com/...nex_A/#download

2.) You can use one of the USB ports to attach a 3G USB Aircard, to provide fall-back in case you lose your ADSL connection, or take the router with you when you travel and share the 3G connection. I do this with an Asus DSL-N12U.

I suspect the DSL-N55U might address the OP's requirements, as it looks quite robust.

thanks...I'll look into upgrading the firmware.

when I travel, I only take my iPad or Galaxy Tab, a small Apple Express (for those hotel rooms that have free internet with ethernet cable--but no free wifi) and a small mobile wifi egg (to insert a local data sim card)....the whole package fits in a small corner of my carry on....

[trajan]

a HUGE THANKS to Dork, Ahnsahn, & Lomatopo!!!

I've learned so much about modems & routers....

I spent most of this morning and early afternoon trying to wrestle the LINKSYS-CISCO WAG320 (DSL router) to play well with the ASUS RT N66u (cable router)...and to merely serve as a transparent bridging modem to the more powerful ASUS processing hardware, but there were many issues (and conflicts) etc....even the True Internet techs were stumped on some issues...

Therefore, I took a break and went to FortuneTown Rama 9 and (almost by accident) a kind techie at a small shop (who was there at the right moment) explained that the ASUS DSL n55u (DSL router) should solve my problems in one unified package (it looks almost identical to the Black sleek N66u, but also has a telephone line port).....he took the N66u in trade (plus I got some goodies)....

I went home and low and behold, connected the n55u and set it up VERY easily because instead of asking all kinds of techie questions, the webpage GUI just asked what country I was in (and what ISP I was using (True)) and automatically inserted all of the settings!! no fuss or muss (and great for non-techies like me)

The ASUS DSL n55u works great with my HP Pavilion Laptop (via Ethernet cable) and broadcasts a fantastic 5GHZ wifi signal to all of the Apple TVs (with Netflix movies and TV shows, etc.) in the flat (and to the iPad3, the Galaxy Tab7.7 and the Galaxy Note2) and a robust 2.4GHz wifi signal to some of the older devices in the house....I don't even need the D-Link signal repeater downstairs in the living areas now.....

(a very tech productive (and educational) Sunday for me)

I highly recommend the ASUS DSL N55U (DSL router) for non-techies (who are not interested in endlessly tweaking or flashing) who have a telephone line internet connection in Bangkok and who want a quality connection....

It's good to hear you happily have everything up and running!

So you're using the single ASUS DSL N55U router and not the Linksys in your LAN?

yes, thanks...very satisfied now....Im giving my Linksys to a friend who's just setting up her home network....(as a starter kit).

[robblok]

Re; Asus DSL-N55U

1.) You may want to upgrade the firmware as some issues have been addressed: http://www.asus.com/...nex_A/#download

2.) You can use one of the USB ports to attach a 3G USB Aircard, to provide fall-back in case you lose your ADSL connection, or take the router with you when you travel and share the 3G connection. I do this with an Asus DSL-N12U.

I suspect the DSL-N55U might address the OP's requirements, as it looks quite robust.

Now that i finally have installed the router after numerous problems i love it. So much faster as my old one. I use my network a lot got a nas server in it and some other computers.

I was dissapointed that it did not work without the firmware udate, it would not recognize the phone line so it could not connect to 3bb. After the update that was solved, i had to call with asus for this and they told me to update it.

Strange that something that major was overlooked, anyway its real fast and i like the interface.

[Ahnsahn]

Re; Asus DSL-N55U

1.) You may want to upgrade the firmware as some issues have been addressed: http://www.asus.com/...nex_A/#download

2.) You can use one of the USB ports to attach a 3G USB Aircard, to provide fall-back in case you lose your ADSL connection, or take the router with you when you travel and share the 3G connection. I do this with an Asus DSL-N12U.

I suspect the DSL-N55U might address the OP's requirements, as it looks quite robust.

Now that i finally have installed the router after numerous problems i love it. So much faster as my old one. I use my network a lot got a NAS server in it and some other computers.

I was disappointed that it did not work without the firmware update, it would not recognize the phone line so it could not connect to 3bb. After the update that was solved, i had to call with Asus for this and they told me to update it.

Strange that something that major was overlooked, anyway its real fast and i like the interface.

a HUGE THANKS to Dork, Ahnsahn, & Lomatopo!!!

I've learned so much about modems & routers....

I spent most of this morning and early afternoon trying to wrestle the LINKSYS-CISCO WAG320 (DSL router) to play well with the ASUS RT N66u (cable router)...and to merely serve as a transparent bridging modem to the more powerful ASUS processing hardware, but there were many issues (and conflicts) etc....even the True Internet techs were stumped on some issues...

Therefore, I took a break and went to FortuneTown Rama 9 and (almost by accident) a kind techie at a small shop (who was there at the right moment) explained that the ASUS DSL n55u (DSL router) should solve my problems in one unified package (it looks almost identical to the Black sleek N66u, but also has a telephone line port).....he took the N66u in trade (plus I got some goodies)....

I went home and low and behold, connected the n55u and set it up VERY easily because instead of asking all kinds of techie questions, the webpage GUI just asked what country I was in (and what ISP I was using (True)) and automatically inserted all of the settings!! no fuss or muss (and great for non-techies like me)

The ASUS DSL n55u works great with my HP Pavilion Laptop (via Ethernet cable) and broadcasts a fantastic 5GHZ WiFi signal to all of the Apple TVs (with Netflix movies and TV shows, etc.) in the flat (and to the iPad3, the Galaxy Tab7.7 and the Galaxy Note2) and a robust 2.4GHz WiFi signal to some of the older devices in the house....I don't even need the D-Link signal repeater downstairs in the living areas now.....

(a very tech productive (and educational) Sunday for me)

I highly recommend the ASUS DSL N55U (DSL router) for non-techies (who are not interested in endlessly tweaking or flashing) who have a telephone line internet connection in Bangkok and who want a quality connection....

.... Thanks...I'll look into upgrading the firmware.

when I travel, I only take my iPad or Galaxy Tab, a small Apple Express (for those hotel rooms that have free internet with Ethernet cable--but no free WiFi) and a small mobile WiFi egg (to insert a local data sim card)....the whole package fits in a small corner of my carry on....

Yes, thanks...very satisfied now....I'm giving my Linksys to a friend who's just setting up her home network....(as a starter kit).

..... I'm laughing at the part where you say, ''you'll look into updating ('flashing') the firmware", due to your level of imergence in such a variety of computer-video related components for you to profess such an aversion to it ..... but as Lomatopo informs us and Robblok personally confirms, 'flashing' the BIOS firmware quite often is necessary - as necessary as opening the hood and checking and maintaining the oil level of any car .... yet simplier!

I am glad to have gotten as far as we, (you), did with filling in the values of your Linksys router because even though its aged menu interface was the hangup, you actually completed it and have helped myself (and other readers) to bridge our (ISP) router/modems to performance wireless routers like the Asus RT-n66u. Hopefully mine arrives tomorrow!

Far from being a 'techie' - though I wish I were ... (I just like getting components to perform to their best potential) - with the router problem cleared up, my questions to your expertise would be:

Now that I see what VPNs are, which one do you recommend?

I have not gotten into tablets, what is your take of the different ones you have? Between your iPhone and the more customizable Samsung android phone?

[robblok]

Flashing a firmware is now not hard at all, i even flashed motherboard firmware years ago.. now that was dangerous. This is easy just download the firmware, go into the router and by a web interface you select the file and there you go.

I did not like it that the product did not work out of the box, usually firmware fixes minor problems, not something like what i had. That was the only thing that dissapointed me. It made me loose a lot of time but after i sorted it out i have nothing but praise for the router.

[trajan]

Re; Asus DSL-N55U

1.) You may want to upgrade the firmware as some issues have been addressed: http://www.asus.com/...nex_A/#download

thanks..I upgraded the Asus firmware (to Version 3.0.0.4.188) this morning....the Asus N55u router was working fine with True internet (over telephone line) before the upgrade, but seems to be working even faster now (but might be my imagination) after the upgrade...

hopefully I dont have to wrestle with routers at home for a while now...

Edited October 16, 2012 by trajan

[trajan]

..... I'm laughing at the part where you say, ''you'll look into updating ('flashing') the firmware", due to your level of imergence in such a variety of computer-video related components for you to profess such an aversion to it ..... but as Lomatopo informs us and Robblok personally confirms, 'flashing' the BIOS firmware quite often is necessary - as necessary as opening the hood and checking and maintaining the oil level of any car .... yet simplier!

I am glad to have gotten as far as we, (you), did with filling in the values of your Linksys router because even though its aged menu interface was the hangup, you actually completed it and have helped myself (and other readers) to bridge our (ISP) router/modems to performance wireless routers like the Asus RT-n66u. Hopefully mine arrives tomorrow!

upgrading the Asus firmware on the Asus N55u router was fine & straightforward ...

when I was referring to "flashing" (and my aversion to it), I was talking about the need to flash the Asus N66u with third party DD-WRT firmware and all that process (just so that I could use HMA VPN) for my Apple TVs...Unotelly was a better solution for me...

I'll leave discussion of different tablets and VPNs for another day...Im all teched out for a while

Edited October 16, 2012 by trajan

[robblok]

..... I'm laughing at the part where you say, ''you'll look into updating ('flashing') the firmware", due to your level of imergence in such a variety of computer-video related components for you to profess such an aversion to it ..... but as Lomatopo informs us and Robblok personally confirms, 'flashing' the BIOS firmware quite often is necessary - as necessary as opening the hood and checking and maintaining the oil level of any car .... yet simplier!

I am glad to have gotten as far as we, (you), did with filling in the values of your Linksys router because even though its aged menu interface was the hangup, you actually completed it and have helped myself (and other readers) to bridge our (ISP) router/modems to performance wireless routers like the Asus RT-n66u. Hopefully mine arrives tomorrow!

upgrading the Asus firmware on the Asus N55u router was fine & straightforward ...

when I was referring to "flashing" (and my aversion to it), I was talking about the need to flash the Asus N66u with DD-WRT and all that process (just so that I could use HMA VPN) for my Apple TVs...Unotelly was a better solution for me...

I'll leave discussion of different tablets and VPNs for another day...Im all teched out for a while

I think it is still flashing the firmware, i could be wrong, anyway mine is working good too.

[trajan]

..... I'm laughing at the part where you say, ''you'll look into updating ('flashing') the firmware", due to your level of imergence in such a variety of computer-video related components for you to profess such an aversion to it ..... but as Lomatopo informs us and Robblok personally confirms, 'flashing' the BIOS firmware quite often is necessary - as necessary as opening the hood and checking and maintaining the oil level of any car .... yet simplier!

I am glad to have gotten as far as we, (you), did with filling in the values of your Linksys router because even though its aged menu interface was the hangup, you actually completed it and have helped myself (and other readers) to bridge our (ISP) router/modems to performance wireless routers like the Asus RT-n66u. Hopefully mine arrives tomorrow!

upgrading the Asus firmware on the Asus N55u router was fine & straightforward ...

when I was referring to "flashing" (and my aversion to it), I was talking about the need to flash the Asus N66u with DD-WRT and all that process (just so that I could use HMA VPN) for my Apple TVs...Unotelly was a better solution for me...

I'll leave discussion of different tablets and VPNs for another day...Im all teched out for a while

I think it is still flashing the firmware, i could be wrong, anyway mine is working good too.

I dont know if there is any difference in terminology..

but I think there is a difference in complexity (and risks) between simply upgrading the Asus router firmware with the latest version of Asus firmware (which I did this morning with no problems) and which I would expect from time to time

by comparison (as I was discussing earlier in the thread) I just didnt want to mess with flashing/upgrading my previous Asus N66u router with third party DD-WRT firmware (just to do something with VPNs, which I solved by an alternative method)...a lot of trouble/risks (and learning curve time etc. etc.) for no return (at least for my limited networking needs)...