D-Link DSL-320b adsl2+ Ethernet Modem Review
D-Link DSL-320b ADSL Modem – D-Link is one of few companies helping to keep the useful tech of standalone modems alive. Network professionals and power users will enjoy the possibilities afforded by such devices.
The DSL-320B is a tried-and-tested ADSL/ADSL2+ modem. Launched in 2007, it’s a pensioner Py IT standards. But its 2009 version 1.22 firmware upgrade makes this a dependable modem.
A compact plastic box, the D-Link is just 120x105mm and stands 32mm high. Cooling vents run along the top, but the unit still gets a little warm in normal use.
A single RJ11 socket links to your phoneline, and RJ45 provides ethernet to your computer or router There’s a handy power switch, too, so you don’t need to pull the plug on its 5V adaptor to turn off the unit.
Across the front are four green LEDs for Power Status, LAN and DSL. In normal operation, Power is continuously lit, Status pulses regularly, LAN flashes on network activity and DSL is a constant green to indicate showtime.
Three modes of operation are configured via a browser. PPPoE/PPPoA and Static IP are two options to connect the modem directly to a PC, These setups allow the DSL-320B to serve as basic router, performing network address translation (NAT) and issuing your PC a new IP address.
If you’re using another router, such as an 302,11n wireless device, you should select Bridge mode. This ensures oniy one level of NAT occurs, with the data from your ISP passed transparently to the router through the D-Lfnk.
For non-bridged use, built-in services include parental-control time filters and operation logs, in bridged mode, you first need to connect a PC to the DSL-320B and inspect or adjust these functions.
We tested the DSL-320B on an ADSL2+ home Be Unlimited fine, which is said to offer a 24 megabits per second (Mbps) download speed and i.3Mbps upload. Our local exchange is around 1km away.
The modem’s status reported 21Mbps/1,3Mbps synching, while Speedtest.net revealed a consistent 13Mbps download speed and 12Mbps upload, Support for the ADSL2+ option of Annex M lets you trade some download speed for better upload performance.
Verdict
It’s a simple unit, but the D-Link performed faultlessly in our tests. This is a great fit-and-forget modem, and ideal for use in conjunction with high-performance wireless routers that don’t have their own ADSL modem.
D-Link DSL-320b ADSL Modem – D-Link is one of few companies helping to keep the useful tech of standalone modems alive. Network professionals and power users will enjoy the possibilities afforded by such devices.
The DSL-320B is a tried-and-tested ADSL/ADSL2+ modem. Launched in 2007, it’s a pensioner Py IT standards. But its 2009 version 1.22 firmware upgrade makes this a dependable modem.
A compact plastic box, the D-Link is just 120x105mm and stands 32mm high. Cooling vents run along the top, but the unit still gets a little warm in normal use.
A single RJ11 socket links to your phoneline, and RJ45 provides ethernet to your computer or router There’s a handy power switch, too, so you don’t need to pull the plug on its 5V adaptor to turn off the unit.
Across the front are four green LEDs for Power Status, LAN and DSL. In normal operation, Power is continuously lit, Status pulses regularly, LAN flashes on network activity and DSL is a constant green to indicate showtime.
Three modes of operation are configured via a browser. PPPoE/PPPoA and Static IP are two options to connect the modem directly to a PC, These setups allow the DSL-320B to serve as basic router, performing network address translation (NAT) and issuing your PC a new IP address.
If you’re using another router, such as an 302,11n wireless device, you should select Bridge mode. This ensures oniy one level of NAT occurs, with the data from your ISP passed transparently to the router through the D-Lfnk.
For non-bridged use, built-in services include parental-control time filters and operation logs, in bridged mode, you first need to connect a PC to the DSL-320B and inspect or adjust these functions.
We tested the DSL-320B on an ADSL2+ home Be Unlimited fine, which is said to offer a 24 megabits per second (Mbps) download speed and i.3Mbps upload. Our local exchange is around 1km away.
The modem’s status reported 21Mbps/1,3Mbps synching, while Speedtest.net revealed a consistent 13Mbps download speed and 12Mbps upload, Support for the ADSL2+ option of Annex M lets you trade some download speed for better upload performance.
Verdict
It’s a simple unit, but the D-Link performed faultlessly in our tests. This is a great fit-and-forget modem, and ideal for use in conjunction with high-performance wireless routers that don’t have their own ADSL modem.
