New ADSL Router

[mccoady]

I needed a ADSL modem or modem/router to replace my AT&T DSL 7550. I've went through several of these so decided to try a thirty party ADSL setup as AT&T said any ADSL modem would work.

I'm not the most versed in modems or routers but tried to go by reading reviews both consumer & professional. Most seem to recommend going separate modem & router so I thought I would try that. Here's what I just ordered:

TP-Link TD8616 http://www.amazon.com/TD-8616-Downstream-Bandwidth-Lightning-Protection/dp/B0034JSYZ2/..._cd_al_qh_dp_t

TP-Link Archer C7 http://www.amazon.com/TP-LINK-Archer-C7-Wireless-1300Mbps/dp/B00BUSDVBQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=...ords=Archer+c7

Since I've ordered these one person said the Archer C7 had a built-in ADSL modem which if true means I didn't need the TD8616 modem. Can someone verify if it does or doesn't?

Anyone had any experiences with the Archer C7 I was trying to find a good value router for around $100?

[usually_quiet]

Since I've ordered these one person said the Archer C7 had a built-in ADSL modem which if true means I didn't need the TD8616 modem. Can someone verify if it does or doesn't?

I have no experience with the Archer C7, but it does not appear to be an ADSL modem/router, only a router. Maybe the person who said it was an ADSL modem/router confused it with another TP-LINK product that has a similar model name. The Archer D7 is an ADSL2+ modem/router http://www.tp-link.com/lk/products/details/?categoryid=&model=Archer+D7

[Edit]Technically every DSL modem is also a router, but since many only have one LAN-out port, they only support a one-device home network on their own. You will have to disable the TP-Link TD8616's router functionality by putting it into bridge mode to use it with the Archer C7. This is normal. When I had DSL service and added a wireless router, I had to do the same thing with my Westell DSL modem.

[mccoady]

Thanks usually_quiet I hope I can pick your brain for the TD-8616 model install. I've always used AT&T's modem/routers that automatically set themselves up (except for wireless) and have never installed any third party modems or modem/routers. I'm just not that educated on network devices but wanted to give this a try. I'm hoping after I get the modem set up the router will be no more than connecting it, running the Wizard, & then set up wireless.

Once I've made my wire connections (1) internet cable to modem (2) for now Ethernet between the modem and my desktop computer... not quite sure after that. Comments made on Amazon suggest the setup process is pretty simple but that TP-Link's User Guide makes it more confusing than it actually is.

This is maybe more of a generic setup for modems or specific to TP-Link but have no idea since I've never installed one before. I'm a little confused by the User Guide do you have to manually configure the IP address or can you just type in the IP address of the modem and use the setup wizard? http://www.tp-link.us/faq-204.html

I did see on a Amazon review that the default VPI & VCI settings worked with AT&T DSL (what ever that all means). I also do know my IPS Network password.

Thanks I would appreciate any help!

[usually_quiet]

Thanks usually_quiet I hope I can pick your brain for the TD-8616 model install. I've always used AT&T's modem/routers that automatically set themselves up (except for wireless) and have never installed any third party modems or modem/routers. I'm just not that educated on network devices but wanted to give this a try. I'm hoping after I get the modem set up the router will be no more than connecting it, running the Wizard, & then set up wireless.

Once I've made my wire connections (1) internet cable to modem (2) for now Ethernet between the modem and my desktop computer... not quite sure after that. Comments made on Amazon suggest the setup process is pretty simple but that TP-Link's User Guide makes it more confusing than it actually is.

This is maybe more of a generic setup for modems or specific to TP-Link but have no idea since I've never installed one before. I'm a little confused by the User Guide do you have to manually configure the IP address or can you just type in the IP address of the modem and use the setup wizard? http://www.tp-link.us/faq-204.html

I did see on a Amazon review that the default VPI & VCI settings worked with AT&T DSL (what ever that all means). I also do know my IPS Network password.

Thanks I would appreciate any help!

I'm not a networking expert. I have not had DSL service for nearly 2 years and when I had DSL service, the Westell modem I used was provided by Verizon and was already set up for their service when I received it, so I never had to set it up manually.

I would type in the modem's ip address into your browser and try to use the set-up wizard to get the ADSL modem working in unbridged mode first. However, I did find these instructions at At&T's website for their modems that looks like it includes some of the settings you will need. http://www.att.com/support_media/images/pdf/hsi/ATT_HSI_Self-Installation_Guide_All.pdf According to the instructions:
VPI Reside in AL, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN = 8
VPI Reside in any other state = 0
VCI (Applies to everyone) = 35


To put the Westell modem in bridge mode, I downloaded instructions instructions for my modem from Verizon's website, printed them out, and followed them.

Bridge settings for your modem were on pages 15 and 16 in the PDF manual. It looks like the encapsulation settings are all there is to worry about, and are only two to choose from. "Encapsulation: There are two connection types: 1483 Bridged IP LLC and 1483 Bridged IP VC-Mux. Please choose the appropriate type which ISP provides."

[Cauptain]

Hi mccoady,

SKIP any TP-LINK ADSL2 modem. All are horribles.

I have 2 modems (TD-W8961ND and TD-8816) using 10Mb connection from GVT...Problem, problem, problem.

If used torrent modem hang up. If in router mode, hang up. If Wifi for 6 devices, hang up...

In my long experience the most reliable modem is ADSL2+ Thomson Technicolor TG508v2.

Never give me any problem using 15Mb (17.5 real speed) from GVT.


Claudio

[mccoady]

Thanks usually_quiet was hoping you were an networking expert but will see what happens when I get the modem on Monday.

@Claudio I've already ordered it but at least I will have 30 days to give it a try. I don't see anywhere to buy the modem you suggested?

Maybe someone else will jump in and answer this question. In the setup wizard http://www.tp-link.us/faq-204.html on step #9 should the "Access Point" be activated or deactivated if you're going to use a separate router?

[Cauptain]

Maybe someone else will jump in and answer this question. In the setup wizard http://www.tp-link.us/faq-204.html on step #9 should the "Access Point" be activated or deactivated if you're going to use a separate router?

On my setup:

Modem bridge mode, DHCP off - 192.168.100.1 - If wireless disable this.

Router Master in PPPOe mode, DHCP ON - 192.168.254.254

On my house I have 4 routers + 1 modem + various devices. All work using this config.




Claudio

[usually_quiet]

Thanks usually_quiet was hoping you were an networking expert but will see what happens when I get the modem on Monday.

@Claudio I've already ordered it but at least I will have 30 days to give it a try. I don't see anywhere to buy the modem you suggested?

Maybe someone else will jump in and answer this question. In the setup wizard http://www.tp-link.us/faq-204.html on step #9 should the "Access Point" be activated or deactivated if you're going to use a separate router?

I would choose "deactivate". The TP-Link TD8616 can't act as a wireless access point, because it isn't able to connect to anything wirelessly, and you are going to use the router for wireless connectivity.

[mccoady]

Thanks usually_quiet was hoping you were an networking expert but will see what happens when I get the modem on Monday.

@Claudio I've already ordered it but at least I will have 30 days to give it a try. I don't see anywhere to buy the modem you suggested?

Maybe someone else will jump in and answer this question. In the setup wizard http://www.tp-link.us/faq-204.html on step #9 should the "Access Point" be activated or deactivated if you're going to use a separate router?

I would choose "deactivate". The TP-Link TD8616 can't act as a wireless access point, because it isn't able to connect to anything wirelessly, and you are going to use the router for wireless connectivity.

Thanks that's the answer I needed!

[mccoady]

I get my equipment today and I've never had a dual band router before. I see its suggested to have the same password for each band but I've also read where some name each band the same. The theory I guess is for each device picks the best band.

I have an iPad 4 & iPad mini that I would like to be sure they get the best/fastest signal, so how would these devices work in this scenario of both bands having the same SSID?

If naming the same is not recommended then I'm open to suggestions on what devices should go to each band?

[Cauptain]

On my setup:

2.4Ghz - WPA2-PSK - Channell 5: Maximum speed at N module.
5Ghz - WPA-PSK - Channel 44: Maximum compatibility and speed on AC module.
2 different SSIDs

[Nelson37]

Use two different SSID for two different networks.

If you want to allow each device to pick it's own, well, if it is smarter than you, then OK. Otherwise, decide IF you have a device you want to have a major priority, or IF you have a device with a slow network connection, or IF you want to have a separate network for guests or teenagers, or IF you have any older devices that can't use newer protocols or encryptions, or IF you have a large number of devices that need to be separated.

If not, then it doesn't really matter.

Channels used are purely a matter of local interference levels and depend on your individual environment. Use the defaults unless you have some problem, if so, then try a different number.

[mccoady]

Thanks for the help guys got it hooked up and running with separate SSID's. It works great compared to AT&T's modem/router which I now know had a bad modem. I can actually use the internet again without it disconnecting every few minutes!

[Nelson37]

Double-check your bill and make sure they are not billing you a monthly rental fee for your own modem. Re-check the bill periodically. Comcast instituted this on my bill on no less than three separate occasions, on my own modem that was there from day one, witnessed by their technician for the initial install. Keep your receipt for the modem.