The Old Joel on Software Forum: Part 3 (of 5) - Suggestions for buying an ISDN modem/router?

Suggestions for buying an ISDN modem/router?

One of my clients wants me to be connected to their network via ISDN. (Let's not debate the merits of that; been there done that.)

I haven't used ISDN in years...Who still makes ISDN modems? I used to have an Ascend Pipeline 50, but Ascend was gobbled up by Lucent and has disappeared.

I just need something to plug into my new ISDN jack at the house. What to buy, and more importantly, where to buy it?

Alfonso
Thursday, November 6, 2003

This information is a bit out of date, but as of a few years ago CompUSA carried a 3Com one for 219.99.

Mike Swieton
Thursday, November 6, 2003

http://www.streetprices.com/x/search.cgi?query=ISDN

I use the Diva Lan Modem, a 4 port 10 mb/sec hub. Dated but works fine for me and was straightforward to set up. Provantage has it for ~$350 which seems extremely overpriced.

Also, there's Ebay, of course.

Bored Bystander
Thursday, November 6, 2003

AVM - http://www.avm.de/en/index.php3

I use one of their cards and have had no probs apart from it sometimes doesn't seem to wake up properly when the computer comes back from power saving mode. I really don't know too much about the merits of one card or another, but they were recommended to me by a friend who does.

Friday, November 7, 2003

Sorry. Missed the last bit of your post.

Unless your home, office, whatever is connected for isdn you need to get your telco to sort that. Then your normal phone will not work with the new setup (analogue vs. digital, see?). I think that you can buy yourself a PBX to sort this problem though. The "thing to plug in" you are thinking of is probably an NTBA.

Friday, November 7, 2003

Alfonso can have ISDN installed as a second line from the phone company and keep the existing POTS line. That's what I did. If ISDN at the employee's house is an employer requirement, they should pay for it.

Bored Bystander
Friday, November 7, 2003

Thanks for the posts.

"Unless your home, office, whatever is connected for isdn you need to get your telco to sort that."

It's wired for ISDN. Seperate line. (That my client does in fact pay for.)

Alfonso
Friday, November 7, 2003

I use a 3-com OfficeConnect LanModem 3C891A. It combines a 4-port 10baseT hub with an ISDN modem and two terminal adaptors into which a standard telephone/fax can be plugged. The hub provides DHCP and NATS and can be configured via a web browser. The modem supports on demand channel bonding so you can get 128Kbs (ish) when needed.

Reasonably priced and very reliable for those if us deep in the countryside where ADSL will never reach.

David

P.S. If you're in the UK and BT won't install Home Highway, rattle their cage and demand ISDN2e. They are obliged under their universal service obligation to provide it.

David Roper
Friday, November 7, 2003

I doubt he's in the UK, but I am I'm using a Draktek Vigor 2200X to connect my home net to ISDN - Are they available to the OP?

Gwyn Evans
Monday, November 10, 2003