Apple OS X compatible wireless modem router needed

I need replace a Speedtouch 585v6 that I managed to tread on yesterday (it was on the floor as it was plugged into the test socket), so I need to replace it.

The replacement needs to address the following:
- Wireless to 802.11g (faster isn't really required).
- ADLS2+ compatible.
- Must work with/through OS X 10.4/10.5 (including updating the firmware - this is key!)
- Must be stable on a reasonably long line (the 585v6 showed 44.5dB line attn, SN margin 6-8dB, sync'd to 7-8Mbs).

I have been recomended a Zyxel P-662HW by a local reseller who specialises in Apple-based networks, but this is a bit expensive, so I was looking at the P-661HW-D which seems to do everything I need. Has anyone any experience of these?

Any other suggestions based on the above?

Thanks in advance.

One comment. Routers/Modems/Switches are operating system agnostic. Anyone who suggests different is suspect.

The gotcha (as already mentioned) is that with some models, firmware upgrades are only possible via a separate program rather than the Web Interface. This can cause problems for Mac users if the manufacturer only provides a Windows version the program.

If Firmware updates can be carried out via a web browser, it's not an issue.

This is why I haven't considered the 585v7 or later as other mac-based users of the Zen forums (my ISP) have found that they can't update the firmware as the update wizard is Windows only and there's no way of doing it through the web interface.

http://www.macworld.co.uk/digitallifestyle/reviews/i...

and you could search/ask here > http://forums.thinkbroadband.com/mac.html

Edited by Apprentice (Thu 20-Jan-11 13:37:40)

In reply to a post by ucantbesirius:

I have been recomended a Zyxel P-662HW by a local reseller who specialises in Apple-based networks, but this is a bit expensive, so I was looking at the P-661HW-D which seems to do everything I need. Has anyone any experience of these?

Unless you really need the VPN tunnels the 662 is probably overkill unless it's intended for an SME installation. Not sure but from memory the 661 also offers VPN termination but on a limited number(2?) of tunnels. I have used a 661H (non wireless) on a line with 42dB attn and it's performed satisfactorily for around a couple of years. The line has gone a bit noisy recently so sync is currently around the 5.6 to 6.5 mark. Firmware upgrades are done via the web interface so they are Mac agnostic; I've done a couple from a Mac with no problems.

Most Zyxels are AR7 based which some people say is a bad thing, but I've not experienced any problems. YMMV of course....

Thanks for your responses.

Having checked on chipsets used, I've gone for a Netgear DGNB2200 (DGN2200 bundled with a 300Mbs wireless USB adaptor) as I figured that I'd rather stick with Broadcom as the 585v6 served me well until its untimely demise.

Its taken about 5 minutes to set-up and I'm very impressed with the web interface which is easy to use and seems to work flawlessly under Safari 4.1.3.

I'm happy with the stats as well:

ADSL Link Downstream Upstream
Connection Speed 8679 kbps 732 kbps
Line Attenuation 45.0 db 24.1 db
Noise Margin 5.8 db 3.8 db

Hopefully I'll see my IP profile go up a bit from 7000kbs.

Again, thanks for your replies.