Is every DSL modem compatible with every DSL provider? 1

[Doc2]

I am trying to understand if every DSL modem works with every DSL service provider. Or are there restrictions/conflicts that prevent universal connectivity?

Thanks in advance for your help.

PS If you have a favorite external modem, I would most appreciate knowing about it. Thanks again.

 

[jeter]

Most dslams have a alcatel chip. The modems that have the alcatel chip will function properly. ( alcatel, lucent )stingers to name a few support this chip Jeter@LasVegas.com
J.Fisher CCNA

 

[Doc2]

Thanks again for the info, Jeter. I will limit my modem choices to those with an Alcatel chip.

 

[captdef]

There is another issue that you should probably be aware of. I've recently come across this issue while moving to a new residence and having a new DSL line setup.

There are two common encoding standards for the data traveling to and from your line provider - DMT and CAP. I've been a user of Qwest (was USWest) Megabit services in the Denver, CO area since late '99 and was using a Cisco 675 modem/router which supports only CAP encoding. CAP is somewhat less adaptive and more picky about line quality in general than DMT.

As of moving in the last couple weeks I had to order a line for my new apartment and I was told that my 675 wouldn't work as all the new lines that Qwest were installing used DMT. Unfortunately I'm now stuck with buying a Cisco 678 modem that supports DMT and CAP. There's no upgrading the 675. I'm paying $195 for the 678, which is quite a bit less than retail as I complained about "having" to upgrade on account of a change in their service.

Just be sure that you know what kind of encoding your line provider is going to use in your area and if they plan on changing it anytime soon.

If you end up with a provider that uses CAP and need a solid external modem, let me know. I've got a great Cisco paperweight that I'll give you a good deal on.


CaptDef
tking4@uswest.net

 

[Guest_imported]

Also,

DSL comes in different flavors... ADSL, SDSL, VDSL, HDSL, IDSL. Make sure your DSL Modem supports the correct type that you have.