Are DSL modems interchangeable? 2

[scallosa]

When I had DSL with AOL, they gave me a Westelland later a Broadxent dsl modem, which had an extra rj-11 outlet for a phone line. That was really convenient.
But now with Bellsouth, I have a DSL modem, similar in size and shape to the AOL one, but there is no rj-11 phone outlet. My question is, could I use one of the other dsl modems in place of the Bellsouth modem?
Configuration:
-PC1
DSL modem- Router - |
-PC2
Is there anything so unique that they would not be interchangeable?

Thanks.

 

[KiscoKid]

You should be able to use any modem you want so long as it supports the kind of DSL network you're connecting to, e.g. PPPoA/PPPoE etc etc.

 

[bcastner]

A very inexpensive splitter would handle this without a modem change.

 

[scallosa]

I think I tried a splitter right at the wall, and then I couldn't connect to the internet. But this was a while ago.

At any rate, if I do use a splitter, would a filter be used before the fax machine?
Thanks.

 

[phitzer]

Yes. DSL takes the line direct from telco unfiltered, any other device (faxes, phones, ext) need the filters to filter out the DSL noise.

 

[plshlpme]

you shouldn't need to change the original modem.
your dsl still gets served from the same dlsam even though youve changed providers and so the technology is the same.
the only change required would be to your login (pppoe) info if your isp is using it.