How often does your wireless modem wear out? And some related Questions...

[PotatoChip]

1) Is it normal to have wireless modems wear out in 2 years or less?

I ask this because I was having a hard time with mine, and my ISP gave me a bit of a run-around in getting a new one (which they charge $4.00 per/month to rent btw) They said that 2 years is not that long, and that there were no problems on their end (they checked for local outages and possible interferance)... so it must be a problem with my computer. <---

2) Is that possible? Personal computer issues causing wireless internet access problems? This is just a Q out of curiosity, because:

Long story short, after a lot of hassle, I got a new modem, and my issues of getting online (and staying there) ended completely. I have no doubt that the modem was the problem.

Finally, I'd like to know if I'd be better off (both financially and for convenience-sake) just buying a modem of my own?

3) Are there modems out there of good quality that will last for a decent amount of time? I'm currently paying $48.00/year for an ISP rental. I'm wondering if these (seemingly) cheap modems they send me are worth it. (Some of them have crapped out on me in less then 8 months)

Thanks in advance!

[Kali]

1. are you talking about a wireless stick that uses cell phone data?

like one of these:



you can pick them up used for pretty cheap and then pay month to month for the data. sometimes you have to buy a new sim card from the company. Not sure if that is what you are talking about.

[PotatoChip]

2. No, not one of those. For my laptop, I mean...

It's a kind of box-thing that I need for my wireless DSL service. It looks somewhat like a police scanner or CB box... Sorry if I was not very clear. I know next to nothing about tech-type things.

[Kali]

3. oh me either, LOL

and sorry I only wish I could get that for here. My deal is so expensive - $50/month for 5Gs of data - I am always going over, sigh.

[PotatoChip]

5. Big Dog-like, "I feel your pain". lol

Sounds as if my area is perhaps just one step ahead of yours. We had our first cell tower put in around 2010, and nothing but dial-up until about that time too.

[Kali]

6. I was on SLOW dial-up until last summer/fall

talk about pain.

[Viva_La_Revolution]

4. buy your own

$30-$100 depending on how fast they are and the brand.

Find a teenager to go shopping with you, they'll understand what the sales guy is talking about, and they'll be able to hook it up when you get home.

[PotatoChip]

7. Good advice. Thanks.

It's somewhat humbling to have to rely on 'the kids' but likely not a bad thing in the long run. Probably a very good thing for the both of us, actually.

[AllyCat]

16. I bought the most expensive NetGear model at Radio Shack

over 2 years ago. It cost about $80. Probably could have had a better deal, but I didn't know what I was doing. It has worked fine, but the cable company has a little box they use that has failed TWICE in that time. Thankfully, they have replaced that for free both times.

[gvstn]

8. I'm not sure if I can help

My Verizon DSL comes with a modem/router combination unit. My first one was a Westell brand and used to get scorching hot. It lasted less than two years. The replacement they sent me was a Verizon branded but actually Actiontec router and that one does not get nearly as hot. I think I have had that one for 3 years. (The original symptoms of going bad were constant dropouts that eventually were happening every 5-10 minutes)

Is this the sort of device you are using?

[PotatoChip]

9. Yes. A very similar device.

It had all of the annoying symptoms you mentioned. To the point of not working beyond a minute or so online, or not at all. And yes, it also got very warm/hot to the touch.

I did a google search after someone here confirmed my suspicion that just buying one outright might be the better way. These modems are not very expensive as it turns out. I probably should have done the-google first, but was curious regarding other people's experiences.

As an added bonus, I've learned what not to buy. Thank you for that!

[gvstn]

10. I can't really say Westell is a bad brand

Just that the particular model I had got extremely hot. I used to turn it off at night just to give it a break.

I really can't say for sure about buying one. When I had my problems, I called Verizon and they told me I had to buy their unit. I think they wanted either $49 or $69. I told them I thought they should pay for it because they had provided the original unit. They said no, and I said fine, give me disconnection department and I'll go ahead and switch to cable as they still offer a free modem/router. So Verizon decided to give me a new modem/router without charge. It has been working fine so I never explored any other options.

I don't really think I would have to buy a Verizon modem/router but they definitely told me I did. You might want to give your ISP a call and find out what they say and also if they offer the option to purchase. That would give you some comparison information.

[PotatoChip]

12. This is all good info to know, though.

Especially the part where you can 'bargain' for something better. I keep forgetting that, despite the fact that I've been to countries where there is no set price-tag on anything.

Thank you so much!

[Warren Stupidity]

11. Two years is crap. Generally I only replace for speed upgrades. Five years would be more like it.

I never rent the cable company's gear 'cause it always sucks and it is *almost* always cheaper to buy your own.

It isn't clear what you are talking about, exactly, by "wireless modem" but I will guess that you mean a cable modem with a built in wireless router. I actually have separate devices: a cable modem connected to a wireless router. Nothing wrong with the combined device either.

[PotatoChip]

15. Thanks.

"Wireless modem" is a term I have adopted from my ISP's way of describing 'it'... that box thinga-majiggy. But now, you've got me curious enough to know why 'they' won't tell us what the true terminology is!... ... lol!

But seriously, thank you... I learn a lot from you folks every time I visit. I guess I just should come here more often.

[ohheckyeah]

13. I just bought my own modem to replace my Comcast one.

I got the Zoom Model 5341J and it's doing a good job for me. I had to call Comcast to get it recognized but it was fairly easy and painless.

[steve2470]

14. Make sure you find out BEFORE you buy a DSL modem if it is compatible with your ISP

I made the mistake of buying one and then calling them. Big mistake. They are NOT all compatible, you have to find out if a particular brand is compatible. The one I bought had a security problem, so I could not use it.