Zoom Business Products Adsl 2/2+ Bridge Modem/ Ethernet

List Price: $77.55

Features:

• Zoom ADSL Bridge Modem 5615 - DSL modem - external - Ethernet
• ZOOM TELEPHONICS

Customer Reviews:

Perfect, simple, WORKS - better than the ISP's modem [Posted on 2008-01-24]
The Westell Wirespeed DSL modem I had from my ISP (Verizon) got destroyed by a lightening strike. I needed to replace it, and Verizon wanted $120 for a new one. They typically now use Versalink 327W router/DSL modems.
RUN AS FAST AS YOU CAN AWAY FROM the Versalinks. They are a disaster.

Anyway, I bought this Zoom Business one for $60. I had always used a separate router before (not a router built in to the DSL modem) so this box was just what a wanted - a BARE DSL modem with NO router in it.
My ISP (PPPoE DSL) settings were already in my router, so all I did was unplug the old DSL modem, plug this one in, and restart the boxes.
The router negotiated the PPPoE session through this box just like it's supposed to and I was back on the internet in minutes. I never had to configure this box at all.

To those who knock this because it doesn't contain a router, you are wrong. That's the last thing you want. ISPs have been putting in those all-in-one router/DSL modem boxes for a few years now, because customers are too stupid and lazy to go get a router. Hence, they plug their computer straight into the DSL modem and their computers are exposed to every virus on the planet.
I sympathize with the motivation behind the all-in-one boxes, but they are a pain in the rear end.

Do yourself a favor. Learn what the settings are, and what they do. Stop relying on those awful "install-it-for-you" application viruses (er, APPLICATIONS, yeah, that's it) that the ISPs make you install to "get on the internet." YOU DON'T NEED THAT JUNK. Get yourself a SEPARATE DSL modem, like this one, and a separate wireless router/access point, like a LinkSys WRT54xxx or some of the NetGear boxes like MRxxx. You must read the instructions for your router and enter your ISP user id and password and set a few connection options. But you will be able to troubleshoot and isolate problems much more easily, and you'll have less trouble in th e long run.

This little box does everything it's supposed to and it works.
I have had it for 6 months. Not one hiccup.

Zoom Modem Improves DSL Connectivity [Posted on 2008-04-05]
My DSL connection would drop every two to three days using the modem supplied by the service provider (Earthlink).

The Zoom modem has greatly reduced this problem. The DSL connection is always up as it should be. While this item costs a little more than the combined modem/router/wireless units I think the extra money is worth it.

I found the set up instructions a little confusing, but not a big problem. You could probably hook this up to a router out of the box.

FYI, this modem is connected to a Linksys WRT54GS wireless router.

installation nightmare [Posted on 2008-05-03]
I bought this item based on what I thought would be a seemless transition from my ATT DSL provided modem to this modem. What a nightmare. 2 days of telephone conversations with ATT and Zoom and I finally got a connection..kinda. Each side said "it's fine at this end, you need to talk to the other guy". I now have a connection that works sometime. This thing is going back.

Decent DSL Modem [Posted on 2008-05-14]
Pros Worked without issues
Easy to configure
Straight up bridge modem

Cons Cannot change static LAN address, `verified with tech support'
Does not give as favorable readings as my other DSL modem.
The SNR margin was lower with the Zoom, higher is better, and
the line attenuation was higher with the Zoom, lower is better...
This test was done using the exact same parameters for both
modems, i.e. same cables, jacks, and dsl circuit...

Zoom ADSL Bridge Modem [Posted on 2008-07-12]
This Modem was easy to set up using a static ip address. It has been
running long and strong for the past few years. A good investment.

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