Can I use an old DSL modem with a new service provider?

[troysvihl]

I'm moving. So I'll be switching DSL providers. (From BellSouth to AT&T)

Can I use the DSL modem I received from BellSouth with the AT&T service? The software that I originally got was BellSouth specific, but the manufacterer's website said they sold this type of modem to many different ISPs. So I was thinking I could just get the AT&T software and not have to rent or buy one of their modems.

Any thoughts on this?


BTW, how is AT&T's DSL service? I never had a problem with BellSouth's, so I'm sad to leave it behind. (once I got it hooked up anyway)

[glc]

Maybe. Bellsouth uses a pretty standard PPPoE type of ADSL, if AT&T uses the same thing your chances are pretty good.

Note that you really don't need the bloated crap software to log on, WinXP has PPPoE support built in, and you can use RASPPPoE with 98, ME, and 2000.

[audiyoda]

I far as I know, the DSL AT&T is offering is most of the remaining Northpoint network. If that's the case, Northpoint DSL is PPPoA and would require a different modem.

I had the old Northpoint service for a while, great speeds when the network was up. I might even have the old modem -- but since we moved, there's no gurantee I can find it.

-Craig

[troysvihl]

Thanks guys; appreciate it.

[Xayd]

There are 3 different line protocols.

CAP (proprietary Westell) G.Lite, and DMT.

Bellsouth and most others use DMT. There are lots of older G.Lite capable bridges out there, and some support both, but it's rarely used anymore. CAP is the Microsoft of all of this so to speak, if that's what they're using you may have to get a new modem.

[TheOldMan]

You can get a lot of valuable information at www.dslreports.com. You can search for the carrier, get reviews, find service specifics, etc.

Great information.
The Old Man