Comments on: DSL Modem Woes Continue

By: btr

btr — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 01:49:09 +0000

The reason why his browser problems disappeared is MTU settings which by default on the 2Wire are correct and on other modems might not be.

By: Ministermark

Ministermark — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 18:38:58 +0000

Hi Alex,

We also use qwest DSL and with the “residential” modem which had only 1 ethernet port we had nothing but problems. After browsing for a while - 30 minutes or more - all of a sudden we would have to reboot the computer. We thought the problem was in windows… wanting more ethernet ports for our gaming consoles I called down and ordered their “commercial modem” which is a 2Wire237 model for about $120.00. Upon installation all of our browsing problems dissappeared! Apparently the old modem was the problem all the time. Since then we have not had to restart the modem or the computers once!!! So now we highly recommend the new “commercial” 2Wire237 model. Wireless plus 4 ethernet ports

By: Alex

Alex — Thu, 20 Jul 2006 15:24:39 +0000

$90 for 1 day of internet service doesn’t seem like a “good buy” to me.

By: Mark

Mark — Thu, 20 Jul 2006 06:52:18 +0000

Alex
You’re an IT professional. What are you piffling on about a $90 modem for. Go and get one now so you can continue to generate your $1000 per day income!

By: Jonathan Schultz

Jonathan Schultz — Thu, 20 Jul 2006 03:14:18 +0000

Unless you need/want a particular modem (special features) you’re better off renting. The biggest reason is avoiding “It’s your modem causing the problem. It’s not our modem, and we don’t support it.”

FYI: I asked Qwest (Iowa) for a replacement modem with wireless capabilities and they sent a 2Wire modem. The rental fee is $5 (I think).

By: Chris Meller

Chris Meller — Wed, 19 Jul 2006 18:04:43 +0000

Well, BellSouth doesn’t lease equipment, you either get one free (on signup), or you buy one from them as needed.

Now, even though in the past I’ve always thought it was odd to lease a cable modem (or in this case a DSL), it seems to be making more and more sense right now.

At $3 / month, it’d take you 2 1/2 years to come out even if you were to pick up one yourself. If you’re going through a new modem every 2 years (which is about my average as well), but they’ll replace it for free, I’d say it’s in your favor to go ahead and rent one from Qwest.

Of course the timliness of delivery and the hassle of having to deal with Qwest would be what’s worth the extra couple of bucks in the end to me… $90 for instant service and not having to deal with them in the future? You better believe I’d go for it…

Of course Iolaire is probably right as well. I know BellSouth has tons of modems out on trucks for their techs to replace as needed (and, of course, charge you for it). Now, getting them to give you one of those instead… that’d be the tough part, since you aren’t having a tech come out to actually do anything.

Craig’s List would make me a bit nervous. Sure there are probably tons around, but how quickly do you think you’d be able to pick it up? How many months are left on that ~2 year lifetime?

If it were me, I’d probably pick one up at BestBuy and say to hell with it… Then just keep that in mind the next time something like this happens and don’t even bother calling support.

By: Iolaire McFadden

Iolaire McFadden — Wed, 19 Jul 2006 15:58:19 +0000

Do you have local Qwest offices? You might be able to stop by one as plead your case. Most likely the trucks are stocked with replacement modems.

Otherwise put out a quick Craig’s List or other call for a modem. There has to be 100’s of unneeded models in your area that you could pick up today.