[CLUE-Tech] Qwest DSL and modems

[Frank Whiteley]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: <black at galaxy.silvren.com>
To: <clue-tech at clue.denver.co.us>
Sent: Friday, February 13, 2004 15:40
Subject: [CLUE-Tech] Qwest DSL and modems


> In a couple of days I'm moving to Parker and believe that I can get Qwest
> DSL service in that area. Previously I've used Qwest DSL with MSN and
> Eartlink.
>
> When I first got Qwest DSL I purchased a Cisco 678 which worked fine as a
> router and even supported port forwarding. Later I moved and signed up
> with Earthlink, which provided me with a totally crappy DSL modem.
>
> Currently Qwest is peddling the Actiontec 1520 as their DSL modem of
> choice. Frankly, I'm getting tired of having to buy DSL modems, especially
> ones with crippled software installed (Earthlink did this on their
> supplied modem, and Qwest states that you must use the "special" firmware
> they supply, instead of the manufacturer).
>
> Is it possible to use basically any recently produced DSL modem with Qwest
> service? What DSL modems are others out there using or recommend? Ideally
> I'd like to buy a DSL modem/router that had built in 802.11g.
>
> Thanks!
>
Since all new Qwest DSL is DMT, you can use the C678.  Download and install
the latest CBOS (2.4.6) from the Qwest site.

The current Actiontec has migrated from 1520 to 1526S I believe.  The latest
has a filtered POTS port for a local phone, which the 1520 iteration didn't
have.  Qwest is renting for $3/month under current promo or may be purchased
for $59.99.  That's 20 months rental.  Don't know about longevity, but so
far no failures.  Then none have been in service for 20 months yet either.
It will do DMZ and a host of other things including wireless with Actiontec
card.  The C678 will allow up to four subnets with the VIPs, if that's
needed.  Qwest is no longer supplying a NIC card with the Actiontec.  USB is
also supported, but not recommended.  You can't set up initially on USB via
the web interface but must use the Actiontec Buddy software for detection an
d configuration.

Only anomaly I've encountered was on one the other day where the Actiontec
Buddy Software wouldn't overwrite the MSN(?) login via USB.   This hasn't
been an issue on the eth0 interface.  Since the device was detected, I was
able to use the web interface (192.168.0.1) to change the configuration.

A friend of mine found a compatible DSL modem with DMT on eBay that worked
with Qwest.  There were several hundred for sale for about $19 each in
quantity and bought one for testing.  It lasted about 3 weeks before
smoking.

YMMV,

Frank Whiteley