By Ki Grinsing

Overview

Some networking vendors produce a wireless router that includes an ADSL modem but it also provides a WAN port for connection to a cable modem if ADSL is not available. It sounds somewhat less useful for WAN port is provided, as most people will choose one of the ADSL service local Telco provider or cable service and rarely subscribing both.

All-in-one Wireless DSL modem routers

If what is needed is the practical nature of the device, so ADSL customers generally buy a wireless DSL modem router or commonly referred to as a wireless ADSL modem gateway. For Cable customers typically use the wireless cable modem gateway. Both types of gateways used specifically for each ADSL or Cable broadband, cannot be exchanged. Maybe this is captured by the manufacturer so that they can be flexible by making wireless ADSL gateway products but still can be used for broadband cable by connecting it to the cable modem.

Linksys X2000

For that Linksys introduces X2000.And in Asia Pacific regions Linksys offers X3000 Wireless N DSL modem router.

Click here for spec details or purchase on Amazon

Main features

• Wireless N300 router with built-in DSL modem works with most ADSL providers
• Single 2.4GHz band
• 3x Fast Ethernet ports
• Plus one WAN port for cable modem
• Guest network support
• Cisco connect software

3x LAN ports

I feel the level of benefits is not so obvious to have one additional port for cable modem connection that means reducing one port for LAN. Despite the fact that most users do not utilize more than two Ethernet ports for wired home networking needs since more wireless connections for mobile devices.

WAN port

I do not know if most people would often switch from ADSL to Cable service or vice versa in their need for an internet connection. Perhaps the idea is good; you can still use the same router if one day changes from ADSL to Cable service so you should not dispose your Linksys X2000 that you have invested. As with the wireless cable modem gateway SBG6580 for example, if you move the service from Cable to ADSL then you cannot use this Cable gateway to ADSL services. So you have to buy a new device if you change from cable to the DSL service. With the exception if you have separate devices for each the modem and the wireless router.

Indeed, the advantage of all-in-one device is not necessary to use separate devices between the modem and the wireless router, so it looks neat on your desk than two devices with two different power adapters. But in general there is only one service – ADSL or Cable. Linksys X2000 lets you use for ADSL service (no additional modem) or Cable broadband with an additional cable modem. This is possible since the gateway is equipped with one WAN port like other general wireless routers.

Customer Rating

The average rating of the X2000 is not that great in the Amazon which is 3.6 out of 5 stars, and even the bad ratings (1 star) is half of that provide five star rating. This is a less favorable product performance in the user’s perspective. Compare with the old fashion Actiontec GT-724WGR which gets 4.4 out of 5 stars rating though is different class where 724WGR based on wireless G only. Actiontec also introduces a new generation of wireless DSL modem which is based on newer technology (wireless N) i.e. GT784WN.

X2000 Vs GT784WN

The main differences between GT784WN and Linksys are no WAN port on GT, while the GT is equipped with detachable external antenna which most people found that the external antenna has a better performance than the internal antenna on a Linksys (is not always true).

The router is also embedded with three fast Ethernet ports. This sounds unusual for a wireless with only three LAN ports, it’s like the Apple airport extreme which also includes only three gigabit LAN ports.

X2000 Vs DGND3700

The Linksys X2000 with built-in DSL modem and WAN port for cable modem is not the only router with those features. Netgear with DSGND3700 also includes built-in DSL modem and WAN port for cable modem. If you should choose between the two, which one do you prefer? The table describes the main features for Linksys X2000 Vs DGND3700 ADSL modem router.

Actually it is not fair to compare Linksys X2000 with DGND3700 because the class is different. The price is around 70% cheaper than DGND3700. But this comparison might be helpful for you to make up a decision should you need to purchase the wireless DSL modem router with two compatibility cable and DSL.

Comparison table

Connection Diagram

Deploying Linksys X2000 at home is typically used to create a wireless network for standard networking tasks including share the internet, share documents, share the printer and you can add your XBOX console for gaming as well via wired connection, or you can add such kind of universal internet adapter (WNCE2001)

If you want to upgrade totally why don’t you try the latest generation of wifi technology 802.11ac currently on the market. You can try Linksys wireless EA6500 ac router or Netgear R6300 wireless ac router with wireless ac adapter A6200.

By Ki Grinsing