The Confusion of DSL modem and Wi-fi wireless router

Hey, how's it goin out here?

Alright. I'm somewhat newbish on the tech love. I've been doin research on every possible thing I can think of and going through the forums all the time.

So I've had my eyes on the Asus G71G A2. Well since I haven't found a review on it specifically. I'm still pretty determined on it. Well that isn't what this post is far, right?

Well while checking various sale sites. Some say it has a 56K modem within and some don't. It was varified by Brian of GenTechPC.

He told me about the dsl modems. That some have wireless routers inside. I live in a small area. Our main supplier's of net...well mainstream wise. Is Qwest and I think Comcast.

This is where I'm stumped. If they do provide a DSL modem with wireless router's within. Is it possible to set that all up without a desktop. Cause I only have my Sidekick ID for net use.

Then the next one would be, if I do have to rely on the Wi-Fi. Will it be the same speed as if it was DSL?

This is also probably a stupid question...I haven't heard much about. Isn't DSL the same as Broadband? Yea, it's been a long time since I had to worry about all this. Long time.

It's for school and of course gaming...Which is why I'm so currious about all this.

Thanks for all the help, have a good day/night!

 

Yes, it's possible to set all of that up without a desktop because the laptop will also come with a wired ethernet port - that is typically how you connect to the modem and/or router in the first place in order to set up the wireless function.

Don't worry about the 56k modem unless you plan on plugging your computer directly into the phone line (i.e., not using DSL) - 56k modems are about as useful as a built-in 3.5" floppy drive would be these days.

The effective limitation on your network speed will, in fact, be your ISP so the mere fact that you might use wireless should not significantly reduce whatever speed your DSL ISP is feeding into your DSL modem.

DSL is a form of broadband; it's just delivered over the phone lines instead of, say, over the cable wire.

 

You'll only need a 56K modem in your laptop if you plan to use regular dial-up for Internet access. For broadband (i.e. DSL, cable), you need an Ethernet adapter, which comes standard on pretty much all laptops today. Other usage of a 56K modem is if you want to use your notebook as a fax machine or telephone.

I don't know the ISPs in your area, but routers with built-in DSL or cable modem do exist.

I've no experience with the Sidekick, if it can pick up an IP address from the router or set one manually, and has a full web browser, then you should be able to set up the router/modem with it. However, some routers may not allow wireless access to enter the configuration nor even have wireless enabled by default, so that could be a problem for the Sidekick. Then you will need a computer or laptop to set it up.

Both 802.11b and 802.11g are faster than most home DSL and cable connections, and 802.11n is even faster.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/802.11

Broadband is not only DSL, most common for home are DSL and cable, but there are many other types of broadband technologies.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broadband_Internet_access


EDIT: Shyster1 sums it up pretty well.

 

Thanks a lot, Shyster1 and Stewie!

That helps me a lot! I was just worried. I'm already been stressed out about school stuff, then adding another deal on top wouldn't be good.

And this is my first laptop and computer provider since...man, I think atleast 2000? It's been forever...I've only got the SKID cause of the use of net.

Oh, and I know the SKID wouldn't be able to set anything up...It's not that cool...Beside's the phone componets...The 2nd degree componets...and the net...it's not that great. The net was cool at first, I'd be able to go all about. But sometimes you hit that mobile page only. None the less the net and the email for t-mobile is very usefull!

Thanks again! You put my worries to rest. I would of Wiki'd them too...But the scientific explanation wouldn't made too much since to me, I'd still have questions of understanding needed answers. Seriously though thanks for wasting your time to help a guy out!

 

No worries; if we helped someone out, then it wasn't wasted time!

 

Exactly.