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Posted by Warren on June 26, 2006, 2:53 am
$Bill wrote:
> nomorespameventhoughthejapanesespamgivesmeachuckle wrote:
>
>> I'm curious. How common is it for cable modems to have a router
>> integrated with it? Most DSL modems I see coming from ISP's have the
>> router integrated which allows NAT capabilities. Is this common for
>> cable modems from ISP's or would a customer have to purchase a separate
>> router?
>
> Most of us prefer to have the router and modem in two separate boxes -
> it's more flexible and easier to handle single point failures.
>
> One router can be used on any replacement modem when one goes bad and
> vice versa.
Also, the cable modem is part of the provider's network, and they
administrate it. The NAT router is part of your LAN, and it's preferable
that your LAN be under your control, not the cable network provider's
control. That's best facilitated by having the two separate pieces of
equipment in two separate boxes.
Most NAT routers used by cable customers also include a switch and/or a
wireless access point as well. Those two pieces of equipment are also
things that should be under the control of the end-user, so it's
appropriate for them to be in the same box as the NAT router, although if
someone is really picky about single-duty pieces of equipment, they can
get a one-port NAT router, and add their own switch and/or wireless access
point to them.
But combining the switch and/or wireless access point, the router, AND the
modem in one box is simply not a good idea unless you're so cramped for
space that it's more important to save the space of a paperback book than
it is to have a better functioning topology.
--
Warren H.
==========
Disclaimer: My views reflect those of myself, and not my
employer, my friends, nor (as she often tells me) my wife.
Any resemblance to the views of anybody living or dead is
coincidental. No animals were hurt in the writing of this
response -- unless you count my dog who desperately wants
to go outside now.
Power Lawncare Tools for Spring Clean-up:
http://www.holzemville.com/mall/blackanddecker/
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