A DSL modem router is what?

42 As soon as we open our phones or laptops these days, we are automatically connected to the internet. We take internet access for granted without even realizing how many ways it is available, such as WiFi, mobile data, and broadband connections, for example.

Broadband access is facilitated by DSL technology, which is widely used. Here we will discuss the DSL modem router that supports this technology, its functions, and its advantages. We will also make some comparisons and recommendations.

How does a DSL modem router work?

Modem routers combine the functions of a modem and router. A modem and a router are usually required to connect to the ISP and provide internet to other devices. DSL modem routers usually have both built in. DSL stands for "Digital Subscriber Line", which is a technology that permits high-speed data transmission over ordinary twisted-pair telephone lines.

DSL modem routers convert DSL lines to Ethernet connections and share wireless networks directly.

Why Do I Need a DSL Modem Router?

Routers with DSL modems are particularly useful for the following applications:

Internet access via DSL

With both a modem and router, DSL compatibility allows you to enjoy stable internet access, meeting your home's connectivity needs.

Bundling home phone service and internet service

With 2 FXS ports and VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology, users can make or receive phone calls over the internet simply by connecting the device to their existing phone setup.

How Do DSL Modem Routers Work?

An ADSL modem router combines the features of a DSL modem and a router, allowing multiple types of connection.

1. DSL Connection

DSL modem routers typically use your phone line to connect directly to your ISP and provide internet access to your other devices via wired or wireless connections. You can also use the phone service while online. A DSL splitter is all you need to connect both your modem router and your phone to the DSL port.

2. Fiber/Cable Access

Cable Modems and Fiber Modems may also be connected to the WAN port of DSL modem routers. The modem router only functions as a wireless router in this scenario, so it requires another modem to connect to your ISP and then provide internet access to your other devices.

3. 3G/4G Dongle Connection

Some DSL modem routers with a USB port can also support 3G/4G dongles. If anything interferes with your ISP's connection, you can use a 3G/4G Dongle as a backup connection or to provide internet access wherever you are.

DSL modem routers: What are the benefits/features?

Versatile connectivity

(As illustrated above), DSL modem routers support DSL, Fiber/Cable, and 3G/4G Dongle (USB-port equipped) connections, allowing you to meet the needs of different networks.

Compatible with most service providers

The DSL modem routers from TP-Link support mainstream ISP profiles, so they can be used with most service providers.

High-quality telephone calls

VoIP-capable DSL modem routers allow users to make and receive phone calls online. They also provide cordless telephone capabilities (DECT) that allow simultaneous connection of multiple phones without a telephone line.

You can easily transform your smart phone into a convenient handset using the TP-Link Phone app.

Multiple functions to meet different needs

TP-Link's modem routers come with multiple features such as Parental Controls, QoS, and Port Forwarding. Manage and protect your network more efficiently by configuring the function according to your needs.

Easy management with the Tether app

TP-Link's Tether app makes it easy to manage your modem routers.

6kV Lightning Protection

When you have lightning protection, your devices are protected from electrical damage caused by thunderstorms, so you can enjoy the internet in any weather.

Which router is better, modem or WiFi?

Modem router: all-in-one

Unlike WiFi routers, modem routers also function as modems.

A modem router can act as both modem and router at the same time, converting the DSL line into an Ethernet connection and sharing the wireless network directly. One device can perform both functions in place of a modem connected to your WiFi router.

You can also use a modem router solely as a modem, with a stronger router connected back-end. If, as is frequently the case in Australia, you need to switch from DSL to NBN to get access to the internet, a modem router is ideal. In the home, it can be used to access the user's network from multiple lines of different ISPs.

Easy to manage and space-saving

When using a modem router, you only need to configure one device to connect to the internet. This simplifies the setup process. You can install your modem router in minutes using the intuitive web interface or the powerful Tether app.

Furthermore, all-in-one devices can also be space-saving. Having only one modem device means your wire arrangement will be neater and you can save an outlet for plugging in other devices.

What is the difference between VDSL and ADSL modem routers?

VDSL-Upgraded ADSL

The xDSL protocol family includes many different DSL technologies (such as HDSL, SDSL, ADSL, and VDSL).

Different technologies differ in signal transmission rate, distance, as well as symmetric and asymmetric characteristics. In short, VDSL (Very-high-bit-rate Digital Subscriber Line) is the fast version of ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line).

Speed Capabilities: ADSL Vs VDSL

The transmission rate is inversely proportional to the transmission distance: the greater the transmission rate, the shorter the transmission range. According to the xDSL protocol family, VDSL has the highest transmission speed.

You can see in the following chart how ADSL and VDSL compare in terms of speed

Version Standard name Downstream rate Upstream rate Approved in

ADSL ITU G.992.1 Annex A 12.0 Mbit/s 1.3 Mbit/s 2001

ITU G.992.1 Annex B 12.0 Mbit/s 1.8 Mbit/s 2005

ADSL2 ITU G.992.3 Annex J 12.0 Mbit/s 3.5 Mbit/s 2002

ADSL2+ ITU G.992.5 Annex M 24.0 Mbit/s 3.3 Mbit/s 2008

VDSL2-Vplus ITU G.993.2

Amendment 1 300 Mbit/s 100 Mbit/s 2015

Speeds of VDSL profiles:

Profile Bandwidth

(MHz) Carrier bandwidth

(kHz) Max.downstream

(Mbit/s) Max.upstream

(Mbit/s)

17a 17.664 4.3125 100 50

Super VDSL: New Generation

The next-generation VDSL technology (VDSL2 Profile 35b) supports download speeds up to 350 Mbps.

ADSL is a variant of VDSL. There are some scenarios in which there is a requirement for a high network speed, but upgrading to fiber is difficult. Users can upgrade to Super VDSL immediately from traditional ADSL / VDSL to increase their speed by 2–3 times to 350 Mbps, which is significantly faster than ordinary 100 Mbps ONT modems.

How to set up a DSL network?

TP-Link DSL modem routers are easy to install. Here's how:

1. Connect the hardware.

The device below is merely a demonstration. You can find detailed instructions in the User Guide of your device at TP-Link Support.

2. Launch a web browser and type in http://tplinkmodem.net or 192.168.1.1. Follow the instructions on the web page to complete the setup process.

Now you can stream video and play online games on a high-speed network.

Conclusion

DSL modem routers, with its two-in-one system,

*Maximum wireless signal rates are the physical rates derived from IEEE Standard 802.11 specifications. Range, coverage, and maximum quantity of connected devices are based on test results under normal usage conditions. Actual wireless data throughput, wireless coverage, and quantity of connected devices are not guaranteed and will vary as a result of 1) environmental factors, including building materials, physical objects, and obstacles, 2) network conditions, including local interference, volume and density of traffic, product location, network complexity, and network overhead, and 3) client limitations, including rated performance, location, connection quality, and client condition.