My Brother-In-Law Ray has Verizon DSL, and his combination modem/router (Westell VersaLink 327W) gives him lousy wireless connectivity. To improve his situation he just purchased a used Airlink MIMO wireless G router and wants to acquire a used DSL modem to complete the package. My questions: does Ray need to purchase a Verizon-specific DSL modem, or will an AT&T modem (or other provider) also work for him? And what about cable modems! Will a cable modem work with DSL? What's the difference between broadband modems? I thank you in advance for your input!

I would think that verizon would want you to use there modem.But if you can find another one for cheep then i would give it a try, the wost that can happen is it wont work and it was $10. But overall im not too sure

A cable modem will not work at all for DSL. DSL is strictly on te phone line, a cable modem plugs into the cable. There is no input on a cable modem to transform the digital singal from the phone company to braodband on a cable modem. I would suggest simply buying a new wireless router and using the Westell modem as a bridge, then use the new wireless router for wireless internet access.

Savage Animal:

A cable modem will not work at all for DSL. DSL is strictly for telephone line and a cable modem plugs into the cable. There is no input on a cable modem to transform the digital singal from the phone company to braodband on a cable modem. I would suggest simply buying a new wireless router and using the Westell modem as a bridge, then use the new wireless router for wireless internet access.

I have looked into using the Westell as a bridge, but the set-up I have read is too complex for the average user (Ray) and it would be better, at least in this situation, to purchase a Verizon-compatible modem (and I suspect they are cheap$!). But I agree with you 100% Savage Animal. Unless anyone can explain how to bridge the Westell router for Ray in layman's terms, what are Ray's DSL modem options? And thanks again for the feedback!

Your right about the Westell being a pain to bridge, in fact it's not even really that great of a router. I work with CCTV and when we have a Westell router with Verizon DSL I have to configure it to bridge and use a Linksys for the remote view capabilities (viewing your cameras from a remote location using high speed internet.) I cannot give you a laymen terms way to bridge it but i do know from personal experience that Tech Support will walk you through it on the phone if you would like. I cannot suggest a router that will work as I don't know one. Good luck I hope it works out for him.

Thanks again!