DSL modem - Internal or External??

Mel Culbreath · Post by **Mel Culbreath** » 15 Nov 2002 10:17 am

BellSouth is now offering DSL service in my area. They have an option of internal or external modem that they give to new subscribers who sign up for one year.

I prefer internal because it reduces clutter. The BellSouth order taker said she understood the externals are easier to troubleshoot. The brand they supply is Westell Wirespeed that can be plugged into the external ethernet port (I am not networked) or the external USB port. If I go with the external modem, which port should I use, and why?

I would appreciate comments about your preferences.

Thanks,

Mel

Bill Terry · Post by **Bill Terry** » 16 Nov 2002 11:04 am

I'm not really a PC guy, but FWIW, I'd put a 10.00 ethernet card in the PC and use the extenal modem, or use the USB port. The ethernet (orUSB) I/F on a PC is mature, easy to configure and trouble free. As to which type?, I'd prefer Ethernet, but only because I'm more familiar with it.

If you use an internal DSL card, you have all the other hardware in the PC to coexist with, drivers to install, etc. Not always an easy thing, probably why they said external modems are easier to troubleshoot. Another plus is the external modem can be used with one of the inexpensive Linksys routers to network more than one PC onto the DSL link.

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Jeff Agnew · Post by **Jeff Agnew** » 16 Nov 2002 1:39 pm

Go for external, use the Ethernet port. An external is easier to install, creates no conflicts, usually has diagnostic lights, and can be swapped out more easily. USB is slower than Ethernet and has more potential device conflicts, especially on older machines.

Depending which level of DSL serice you order, the USB bus speed may not be a factor but I'd still go for Ethernet. Installing it is trivial.

Mel Culbreath · Post by **Mel Culbreath** » 19 Nov 2002 9:19 am

Thanks Bill and Jeff,

The DSL modem arrived today.

I took your advice and got the external modem and hooked it up to the Ethernet port. The BellSouth technician walked me through setup and it was pretty simple, and what a difference in speed.

I appreciate your input.

Mel

Gene Jones · Post by **Gene Jones** » 19 Nov 2002 9:41 am

Go for the external....later you may want to add a router so you can run another computer from the same modem...<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Gene Jones on 19 November 2002 at 09:42 AM.]</p></FONT>