When you signup for a broadband internet connection, the ISP provides you a modem-only device (a modem without the routing function) and is generally connected to a single computer in home. What if you would like to share the Internet connectivity with some computers within the household? The easiest way is installing the wireless modem routers – a wireless router with built-in modem.
You have two options in selecting the wireless modem routers, the wireless router with built-in ADSL modem (for users with ADSL services) and the wireless router with built-in cable modem (for users with cable services). All of these types of devices are all-in-one devices which combine the functions of modem, router / firewall, switch and wireless access point integrated into a single device.
There are two types of wireless modem routers you can use depends on what broadband Internet you subscribe to the ISP, the Cable or ADSL. How do you know which one do you need, Cable modem router or DSL modem router?
- If you connect your modem to the wall in a similar way that you connect your TV to your cable television outlet, you have a cable modem, and it probably has a coaxial cable connected to it (like the round black or white cable you plug into your TV). You can choose one of the available Cable wireless modem routers.
- If you connect your modem through the phone lines, you have a DSL modem, and it probably has a phone cable connected to it. You can choose one of available DSL wireless modem routers.
Connection
Both types of wireless modem routers have the same configuration diagram, but the main different is the line connection to the ISP.
Wireless modem routers diagram
As shown in the above diagram, connect the WAN (or internet) port to the DSL/Cable line (depends on what type of Internet you subscribe). The WAN port public IP address will be supplied by the ISP either static IP address or dynamic IP address. While the IP address range within your network must be private IP address. See also router connection for more detail.
All types of wireless modem routers support DHCP server which is enabled by default. DHCP services will provide the IP address configuration automatically to the client computers on the network both wired and wireless connection. See also home wireless network setup.
Cable wireless modem routers
Not all the vendors ship the Cable wireless modem routers. The following are 2 examples of wireless modem routers you can consider.
SURFboard SBG900 Wireless Cable Modem
Surfboard SBG900 is one of DOCSIS 2.0 Cable wireless modem routers which offers a fast Internet connection, a secure network, and the convenience and flexibility of wireless Internet access — all in one! The router is powered by the wireless G with range coverage up to 328ft indoor and up to 1300ft outdoor. It can support up to one subnet of class C network (252 users) in sharing a single broadband cable internet connection.
Pros:
- Amazon customers reviews: averagely four stars customer ratings for reliability, ease of use and setup, and features
Cons:
- Doesn’t support latest wireless N standards
- One USB port for single computer, not for shared storage / printer
- One single 10/100-Ethernet port
- Doesn’t support guest network
Click here for SBG900 detail manufacturer’s description and specs.
SURFboard SBG6580 Series Wi-Fi Cable Modem Gateway
Unlike SBG900 cable wireless modem routers, this Surfboard SBG6580 is a DOCSIS 3.0 compliant modem. The device is embedded with 4xgigabit Ethernet ports for fast wired connection and is powered by latest wireless N dual band technology. Secure router with advanced firewall with DoS protection and intrusion prevention.
Pros:
- Supports DOCSIS 3.0 infrastructure
- Latest wireless N dual band technology
- Includes 4x Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Amazon customer ratings: averagely 5 stars (-) for indicator lights and appearance. Averagely four star ratings for wireless speed and technical supports
Cons:
- Dual band but selectable, cannot support mix clients with different operating bands
- Doesn’t support guest network
Click here for SBG6580 spec details
DGND3300 N600 ADSL modem router
One of the ADSL wireless modem routers you can consider is Netgear DGND3300 N600. The modem-router is powered by the latest simultaneous dual band technology with QoS prioritization engine. With 8 internal antennas technology, the performance of the wireless coverage can be longer.
Pros:
- Simultaneous dual band supports – double the bandwidth
- USB port for shared storage
- Gigabit Ethernet ports for high speed wired connection
- Amazon’s customer reviews: averagely four stars (-) for works as advertised and Linux / open source. Averagely four stars for ease of setup and use.
- Automatically upgrades to the latest router firmware when the updates are available from the vendors website.
Cons:
- USB cannot be used for shared printer
Click here for DGND3300 specs details.
Suggested readings:
Question I am asking:
Can I connect a Cable Router to a Wireless Router
can I use a Ethernet cable run from CABLE ROUTER to
the WIRELESS ROUTER..
The point is connecting router to router …it’s not straight forward as you connect the modem (without router function) to the wireless router. Generally the wireless router provides a guideline in connecting the router to the router. as general:
enable only one DHCP server, in this case the wireless router. the wan port of the wireless router must be configured with static ip address. The wireless router wan ip address must be in the “same network” as in the cable ip network.
You can connect the Ethernet cable from modem-router (LAN Ethernet port) to the wan port of the wireless router. if the port is auto sensing, you can use either cross or straight cable. Unless you need cross cable.