Any ADSL Modem Suggestions to fit in with an Apple Network?

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ruff

49 posts

Geek

Topic # 110105 3-Oct-2012 11:21
Hi, I need a new ADSL2 Modem. (Current one has gone flakey). I also need an 8 port router to connect some new computers etc to the network. I have an existing: Airport Extreme 802.11 N Airport Express 802.11 G (x2) We have several Macs, i devices, apple tv, ps3, printers etc and the occasional wireless pc. Any suggestions appreciated. Happy to buy anything required to get the network speed and reliability improved. Thanks,

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1071 posts

Uber Geek

Reply # 695427 3-Oct-2012 11:44
My suggestions (personal experience with both units) would be a DrayTek Vigor 120 modem and an HP ProCurve switch for your LAN. If I understand correctly the AirPort devices function as routers so the switch is what you'd need. I could be wrong, ofc :) Workstation: Intel DH67CL ~ i5-2500 ~ 4GB Corsair RAM (x2) ~ Intel X25-M 80GB SSD Laptop: Dell Inspiron 1564 ~ i5-520M ~ 4.00GB RAM ~ 500GB SATA HDD ~ Win7 Home Premium x64 Common misconceptions.

1080p

1071 posts

Uber Geek

Reply # 695429 3-Oct-2012 11:45
Oops, forgot to mention my home network has AirPort Extreme devices and a lot of both PC & Mac devices. Workstation: Intel DH67CL ~ i5-2500 ~ 4GB Corsair RAM (x2) ~ Intel X25-M 80GB SSD Laptop: Dell Inspiron 1564 ~ i5-520M ~ 4.00GB RAM ~ 500GB SATA HDD ~ Win7 Home Premium x64 Common misconceptions.

ruff

49 posts

Geek

Reply # 695463 3-Oct-2012 12:28
Thanks very much! Will give them a go. Cheers,

gehenna

2622 posts

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Reply # 695468 3-Oct-2012 12:34
The only real benefit of going with Apple networking gear is Airplay/Bonjour support, but a lot of 3rd party's are integrating those features now anyway. The Apple stuff is nice, and it's what i've owned for years. It performs admirably, but if I wanted to add any more devices via ethernet I'd definitely need to invest in a switch on this side of the network. 4 ports just doesn't cut it these days.

Zeon

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Reply # 695474 3-Oct-2012 12:47
Wait so Airport does double NAT?

RunningMan

1394 posts

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Reply # 695592 3-Oct-2012 15:56
Zeon: Wait so Airport does double NAT? If you deliberately configure it that way. You could either set up the AE in bridge mode (Draytek does the routing), or use the Draytek as a PPPoE to PPPoA bridge, and let the AE do the routing.

BTR

142 posts

Master Geek

Reply # 695929 4-Oct-2012 08:38
I've found the current Linksys (Cisco) X3000 pretty good, it also pairs up with the Linksys SE2800 nicely. The price is pretty good.

Ragnor

6943 posts

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Reply # 696174 4-Oct-2012 14:57
RunningMan: Zeon: Wait so Airport does double NAT? If you deliberately configure it that way. You could either set up the AE in bridge mode (Draytek does the routing), or use the Draytek as a PPPoE to PPPoA bridge, and let the AE do the routing. Modem/router > Extreme > Express > Client device default setup in a chain that could actually be triple NAT. I would go Draytek Vigor 120 for the DSL modem use PPPoA to PPPoE passthrough so the modem just does the modem work and your your Extreme does the routing/NAT/DHCP work. http://draytek.co.nz/passthrough For extra network ports just add an 8 port network switch off the Extreme, lots of options http://pricespy.co.nz/category.php?cols=875,1046,1045&m=s95625047#rparams=m=s95625052 For bonus points you could connect the 2x Express via LAN port (instead of WAN port) to the Extreme or the switch coming off the Extreme and disable DHCP in them, so they act as dumb wireless bridges to the Extreme. Not sure if Apple's software will let you do this or has an alternative way of setting this up.

RunningMan

1394 posts

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Reply # 696250 4-Oct-2012 16:51
Ragnor: For bonus points you could connect the 2x Express via LAN port (instead of WAN port) to the Extreme or the switch coming off the Extreme and disable DHCP in them, so they act as dumb wireless bridges to the Extreme. Not sure if Apple's software will let you do this or has an alternative way of setting this up. Set up the expresses in bridge mode to avoid NAT.

ruff

49 posts

Geek

Reply # 697748 8-Oct-2012 09:39
Thanks very much for all the advice. I went ahead and installed DrayTek Vigor 120 modem and an HP ProCurve switch. I made the Modem a modem only, and put the airports into bridge mode. Thanks for the links Ragnor. Everything went smoothly, and I did a Speed Test before and after, and the improvement was significant. Thanks!

Geektastic

630 posts

Ultimate Geek

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Reply # 698338 9-Oct-2012 12:21
I have an Airport Extreme and one Express using a VF supplied wireless modem (by Ethernet cable connection). The Extreme is set to Bridge Mode and the Express to extend the network mode. This means I actually ended up with 2 wi fi networks. I need the Apple one as the Express extends it to the far side of the house (our house is made of concrete blocks filled with concrete reinforced with steel, so wi fi signals go about 20 feet from origin if you're lucky). I don't really know enough about any of the terminology to know whether I have it set up the best way - most of that stuff is double dutch to me such as NAT and double NAT etc! I'm pretty sure the VF is a faster wireless as it is much newer than my Apple gear.

Behodar

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Reply # 698348 9-Oct-2012 12:49
Geektastic: I don't really know enough about any of the terminology to know whether I have it set up the best way - most of that stuff is double dutch to me such as NAT and double NAT etc! The status light will be orange (instead of green) if you have double NAT.

Geektastic

630 posts

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Reply # 698356 9-Oct-2012 13:03
It's green. Should I have double NAT?! Do I want it or not want it?

RunningMan

1394 posts

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Reply # 698551 9-Oct-2012 16:26
Geektastic: It's green. Should I have double NAT?! Do I want it or not want it? Avoid whereever possible!

Geektastic

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Reply # 698560 9-Oct-2012 16:40
OK. Well, in that case I think we're all good. Would two wireless networks interfere with one another?

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