Double D wrote:I'm using a bit of free time on the insanely boring task of sifting through broadband (adsl) plans for a new place. So many plans and competition, about to do my head in.
Think I'm going to go with iiNet - good speed and reliability and no contract.
Just wondering what the deal is with modems?
Do I need something really flash ($300), or will the standard adsl 2+ enabled be enough (from $110)?
What are "ports" and do I need 1 or 4 for a PC and maybe laptop soon?
Is it better to buy from the ISPs for easy installation, or worth the savings of online/ebay? I know there is compatability issues to think about...
Any knowing computer nerds able to give advice? Cheers
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Haha, this is exactly what I went through about 6 months ago. Mind you I'm
pretty IT savy and still needed some help.
To start with, I'm with iiNet for their ADSL2+ and its bliztingly fast. I get
around 2mb per second on average.
The connection is rock solid, customer service from iiNet is AWESOME and
I highly reccomend them.
Now you did mension no contract... something interesting. I signed up
for no contract (and paid through the fucking nose for it) knowing full
well I'd be moving in 5 months. I call to relocate 5 months later and they
try and sting me $69 for early disconnection fee. Apparently this is a
standard fee charged by Telstra and thus they have to recoup their costs.
I argued and had the fee waived but it might be something to take into
consideration.
As far as modems go it actually does make quite a difference in the long
run. It will also depend on how far you are from the exchange as
to which modem to buy. Some work well on a long line with crappy line
quality. Some work better with a shorter distance.
If you can find out post here?
The more ports on your modem/router the more PCs you can connect.
So for 2 PC's you'll need... yep you guessed it 2 ports.
If you don't know a lot about PCs or don't know someone who does then
get the ISP to install it. Or just buy a modem that they support.
If you don't and choose your own modem that they don't support then they
won't be able to help much when you need it.
Hope that helps.
![Cool 8)](./images/smilies/icon_cool.gif)