[Tfug] DSL Modem

[johngalt1]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "johngalt1" <>
To: "Tucson Free Unix Group" <tfug at tfug.org>
Sent: Monday, October 15, 2007 4:31 PM
Subject: [Tfug] DSL Modem


> In a rubbish bin, there was an MSN branded Arescom 800 
> (ND860VUE-MSN)
>
> I don't need any silly branded email or hosting from my 
> ISP.
>
> Can anyone tell if this modem can be used with other ISPs 
> like Dakotacom or
> Qwest? Or, is it limited to MSN?
>
> TIA

Ares won't support the Arescom 800NetDSL modem
http://www.arescom.com/Arescom/Arescom_2002/Other/MSNfaq.cfm

Good dslreports faq
http://www.dslreports.com/faq/msnetwork

It's too bad Arescom's business agreement with MSN makes 
this hardware so proprietary. Then, MSN's policies appear to 
doom these modems to trash dump fodder... What a waste.

How to provision the NetDSL modem - BINGO
http://www.dslreports.com/faq/9446

You need to get a special interface adapter for talking to 
the NetDSL serial terminal interface from a PC.

Really small but sort of pricey 3V RS232 interface
http://www.compsys1.com/workbench/On_top_of_the_Bench/Max233_Adapter/max233_adapter.html#a232db

More reasonably priced and more versatile 3V RS232 
interface - assembled
http://cgi.ebay.com/MAX3232-MAX232-RS232-TTL-Convertor-Adapter-3-0V-5-0V_W0QQitemZ160168025721QQihZ006QQcategoryZ4661QQcmdZViewItem

Interface chips:
$2 SMD Part in single quantities
http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=589

$2 DIP part in single quantities
http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=316


I have seen these modems at thrift stores from time to time.

Qwest will not support them. You can not hope to use them 
unless you configure them yourself.

Whatever.

What are some other low cost DSL modem options?