Modems = Buggy??

[Ernie]

Hi,

I've had my Alcatel speedtouch USB modem for about 5 years now. Downloaded a webupgrade patch a while ago (the only and latest patch btw).

Since I moved from BT to UKonline, my connection has been playing up. It used to disconnect me, and I'd reboot and it would generally be OK, however, lately, I'm getting error 731 - when I spoke to UKonline they said reinstall drivers, so I did and It worked.

Problem is, everyday now I'm having to reinstall original drivers and update patch and even then it's temporamental.

So, my real question is, do I buy new modem? I've always seen a modem much like a telephone - fairly basic and it either works or it's broken and it doesn't, not all this inconsistant disconnecting, then working fine etc.

Any advice please?

 

[leezer3]

Yes, buy a new one
The speedtouches are awful little things (At least the one I was using 6mths ago was lol). Additionally, for around £30 or so you can get a decent modem-router!
I would personally reccomend the D-Link DSL-504T.

-Leezer-

 

[Squidge]

Check your line attenuation figures if it's possible on the modem. Also, make sure your telephone line is ok, not on any stupidly long extensions, and ensure they are as far apart from mains cables as possible.

Also, USB modems just plain suck! Treat yourself to a decent modem/router that does everything for you rather than modems that ask the PC to do the bulk of the work and soak up your PC's processor power in doing so. These connect directly to your ethernet port on your pc and have builtin firewalls/etc. No drivers are necessary, so you never need to reinstall them

My DLink one blew up, but I've no problems with my Netgeat DG834GT.