Here we go again...ADSLMax problems!

Rik · Jan 31, 2007, 10:47:42

OK, you need to find a couple of friends running Netgears and Thomsons.

RJM · Jan 31, 2007, 10:52:59

Well, I use the cheap ZyXEL Prestige 630 plugged into the USB and get good speeds most of the time.

I have noticed over the past 14 days though, that there has been a few more disconnects during the evening or in the middle of the night.

It really doesn't bother me, but , I would imagine if you are a "gamer" it is bad news.

Rik · Jan 31, 2007, 11:18:26

I prefer not to connect via USB for a couple of reasons. Most modems draw the full 500mA, and modems use quite a large chunk of CPU time. In addition, routers are generally more stable, though not always. I average about one re-sync in 10 days at the moment. The figure was better with my previous ISP, but then I migrated into IDNet at the start of the worst months for Max.

RJM · Jan 31, 2007, 11:35:28

Rik,

I think I have mentioned this before: my speeds are quicker by using the USB connection rather than the ethernet connection on the router.

Nerval · Jan 31, 2007, 11:39:55

That's not unusual Robin.

Weigh the speed of one against the security/power draw of the other.

Rik · Jan 31, 2007, 11:45:17

It is unusual, though, in that the bandwidth of either interface is far greater than that of the ADSL signal, so suggests a design or hardware issue either with the router or the computer...

RJM · Jan 31, 2007, 11:46:36

Nerval,

Please explain a little more - I am running a firewall & NOD32. (The router does not have an "in-built firewall") and never seem to get problems.

Nerval · Jan 31, 2007, 11:47:02

I don't think you mean "unusual" in that I've seen it quite a lot so it must be common.
Difficult to fathom, perhaps?

Rik · Jan 31, 2007, 11:51:35

Quote from: Nerval on Jan 31, 2007, 11:47:02
Difficult to fathom, perhaps?

That'll do me.

Rik · Jan 31, 2007, 11:55:24

Quote from: RJM on Jan 31, 2007, 11:46:36
Nerval,
Please explain a little more - I am running a firewall & NOD32. (The router does not have an "in-built firewall") and never seem to get problems.

Hi Robin

A software firewall can do a pretty good job but, imo, a hardware firewall beats it every time. The combination of NAT and SPI make you pretty safe from outside attack. What a software firewall offers over and above the hardware version is the ability to check on anything trying to access the web 'from within'. However, I feel this is not generally necessary providing you have good AV software, which you do, and that you carry out regular malware sweeps.

You say you never seem to get problems, how would you expect them to manifest?

RJM · Jan 31, 2007, 12:01:00

Rik,

Scans are automatically carried out every 24hrs for Malaware & Virus.

I don't seem to get problems as I rely on the software to do its job.

Nerval · Jan 31, 2007, 12:05:17

I said that without moving my lips.

The hardware firewall just sits there in your router and does its job without taking up any of your PC resources. It can make it appear to the many idiots scanning the net looking for victims that your computer does not exist.

I just use my router firewall and NOD32. Used to use a number of software firewalls, but they all eventually gave me trouble. I don't even bother scanning for stuff that often either.
Never had a problem .
And you can leave your router on when your PC is off to keep your good sync speed.

Rik · Jan 31, 2007, 12:09:20

Quote from: RJM on Jan 31, 2007, 12:01:00
Scans are automatically carried out every 24hrs for Malaware & Virus.

What do you use for scanning, though?

One of the issues here is that 'good' malware can live on your system and you won't know it's there. I recommend using at least two different malware scanners as I've never found one that catches 100% of the problems. Ideally, one should be able to check for rootkits. NOD, otoh, has never let anything past that I'm aware of, and I do run an online scan from one of the other AV companies from time to time as a check.

Of course, what you do online alters the risk of infection.

RJM · Jan 31, 2007, 12:13:52

I use NOD32, Lavasoft & Windows Defender.

But, it sounds like a need a router with an "inbuilt-firewall".

Inactive · Jan 31, 2007, 12:14:30

Quote from: rikbean on Jan 31, 2007, 12:09:20

Of course, what you do online alters the risk of infection.

....and offline in some cases..

Rik · Jan 31, 2007, 12:18:47

Quote from: RJM on Jan 31, 2007, 12:13:52
But, it sounds like a need a router with an "inbuilt-firewall".

The benefits are huge, Robin, I would certainly recommend one. Check out DSL Depot for some good value B grade routers.

Rik · Jan 31, 2007, 12:19:30

Quote from: Inactive on Jan 31, 2007, 12:14:30
....and offline in some cases..

ROFL.

A firewall won't help there, though!

RJM · Jan 31, 2007, 12:30:28

Right Rik,

I have ordered the Speedtouch 536 as it has the USB option from DSL - thanks for that.

Is it safe to remove the Firewall software once the new router is installed?

Rik · Jan 31, 2007, 12:46:34

I ran my software firewall for six months after moving to a NAT/SPI router. When I was satisfied that nothing was going awry, I removed it. In fact, it didn't have to do a thing during the period I ran them simultaneously.

So, I'd suggest giving it a while, for your own peace of mind then, if all is well, drop the software firewall, but keep the malware sweeps.

Nerval · Jan 31, 2007, 13:08:16

Quote from: RJM on Jan 31, 2007, 12:30:28
I have ordered the Speedtouch 536 as it has the USB option

You're better connecting via the ethernet link. Doesn't your computer have one?

RJM · Jan 31, 2007, 13:35:31

Answer, yes.

I will try both - with the ZyXEL, my speeds dropped dramatically connecting via the ethernet cable.

So, I will see how I get on with the Speedtouch.

Nerval · Jan 31, 2007, 13:54:54

OK Sorry to nag.

RJM · Jan 31, 2007, 14:06:54

Thanks everybody for all the help.

Much appreciated.

Rik · Jan 31, 2007, 14:36:07

Hi Robin

Just a thought, is your NIC limited to a 10Mbps speed by any chance?

RJM · Jan 31, 2007, 14:48:16

I am afraid to admit, I haven't a clue what you are talking about.

What is NIC?