DSL modems just became smaller. The SpeedStream 4200
Written: Aug 02 '06 (Updated Aug 02 '06)
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Pros: Small, has wall mount tabs on the bottom
Cons: LED lights are difficult to see unless you are facing the top of the unit.
The Bottom Line: If you need a reliable DSL modem, the Siemens can be easily hidden from view. The Siemens name has been a reliable one for me despite the error in troubleshooting.
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| alexanderaku's Full Review: Siemens SpeedStream 4200 (13A4200001) Bridge |
A "Bridge Over Troubled Waters"? The 4200 is a small DSL 10 Mbps. capable modem with a combined router and firewall supporting PPP and PPPOE, eliminating the need for a separate router in networks. It also handles DHCP requests supplying connected equipment with an ID. This feature can be enabled or disabled or set to DHCP Relay. A Hub is only needed for multiple connections. Or in my case, a direct Ethernet connection to my USR5450 Wireless Access Point.
A few days back on Friday, My download speed dwindled down to about 70 Kbps on my 3Mbps. DSL tier. Upload speed was still at 368 Kbps, but the drop in download speed from my normal average of 2.5 Mbps. gave immediate notice I had a problem. (Especially since that meant downloads were taking place at only 9 Kbps!) Over the phone with Alltel (now WindStream) the technician pinged and checked traffic on my system to see nothing wrong, so he then issued a trouble ticket for a service repair.
The repairman was out promptly Monday morning and quickly checked the lines to find no problem. Entering my home, he quickly checked the home wiring and found no problems there. He then looked at the old SpeedStream 5200, that came with my service some years back, and remarked it was an old model he didn't see often. After a moment he retrieved a new 4200 model from his truck. (A $5 per month service charge made everything of no added cost.)
Setup took only a moment after the fast Ethernet connection to my USR5450 AP, connection to the phone line, and power. All that was required, was logging in to the modems software page at 192.168.254.254 using the default user "admin" and password "admin". This was the same as my old 5200 with its updated software which had the same added router function and firewall. The pages there were identical. Inserting my DSL login information and new modem passwords was quick and easy, and clicking on connect instantly established my connection. A quick check using a speed test program showed my DSL speed was back to its normal high performance which pleased me greatly.
Alas, the next day my speed fell back to 100 Kbps., prompting me to call back. I performed my own testing again by unplugging all phones, replacing all DSL filters, and using direct connections. Upset at finding nothing wrong, I plugged in my old 5200 router and noted nothing whatsoever had changed using it or the 4200 and the same http://www.dslreports/test. Were both my routers dying? Nope, I watched as the speed gradually and slowly returned during the day. By late evening it had returned to normal, at which time I called back to cancel having a repairman sent. As I had figured, the problem had been at the local office only two miles from my home caused by an erratic server and due to new changes made to the rate plans - which affects download and upload speeds. So - I now have a good 4200 to go along with my old 5200 modem, more filters and new cables.
A new dilemma:
Now with two perfectly good routers, should I use them both or just which one? The old 5200 is 8 Mbps. capable - 6 Mbps. service is coming to the area - still no problem. The 4200 at 10 Mbps. capable has no benefit there for me. I do like the smaller lighter design at roughly 4" X 4.5" X 1.25" and the wall mount feature, but the LEDs of my old 5200 have won out for the time being. The 5200 sits atop a six foot cabinet beside my 5450 AP. Its bright forward facing LEDs are easily seen and quickly notify me of unusual traffic. The 4200 has the same LEDs, but not as bright and they face straight up when the unit is sitting flat. This makes them difficult to see unless you are above the unit. Mounted on a wall, this would be no problem - even on a desk it wouldn't be, but I want mine next to the AP on that tall cabinet.
What are those lights and differences?
Left to right the LEDs are Power, Ethernet, DSL, USB, and Activity. Different from the 5200s four LEDs, these work a little different. Power is green while connected, Ethernet is green while connected, DSL or USB are green due to which is used (No, both can't be used at the same time.), and Activity flashes steadily while information is being transferred. On the back-end is a small on/off press switch, the 12 VDC connection, 10/100 Ethernet connection, USB adaptor port, a recessed reset (returns the unit to factory defaults), and a DSL connection port. On the bottom, Manufactured in China and Assembled in USA somehow doesn't inspire me, however the wall mount provision there does. But, the unit works well and does look much better than my old 5200. With its all black construction, LEDs are hidden under a black look transparent panel that matches the black sandblast type finish on the rest of the unit.
The Menu (accessed at http://192.168.254.254):
Note: To access all features you must login with the username and password.
Once you are logged in, you will see 16 main features under Setup. Another 7 are available under Status and Statistics.
Listed: PPP
Remote Access
User Profiles
WAN Interface
Host
DHCP
Admin User
Time Client
Static Routes
NAT/NAPT
Port Forwarding
Firewall
UPnP
RFC2684
RIP
Dynamic DNS
and - System Summary
System Log
ATM/AAL
DSL
Ethernet
USB
Routes
The Firewall is actually a nice one and full featured, but unless you have knowledge of settings one should stick to the basic settings of Off, Low, Medium, or High. Most will probably prefer the Low setting as the included Firewall "Help" goes into little detail other than what is blocked at the three levels.
Diagnostics allows you to have the 4200 do a check of your DSL service. This is provided under the Diagnostic Tools menu at the left of the page.
Included in the box:
-DSL modem
-12 volt power adapter
-DSL service disk from Alltel (includes USB driver and Checkup Center installer for Windows and quick setup instructions for the modem)
-One USB adapter cable
-One Ethernet cable
-One wall mount plate with DSL and phone filter connections
-Three plug in type 3-connection DSL and phone filters
-One year Siemens warranty
Would I actually buy the SpeedStream 4200?
If I didn't have the service plan in effect that replaces any defective equipment free, the answer is yes. My 5200 only experienced the loss of an inexpensive power wall adapter after a very severe lightening storm and continues to function well after three years and many severe storms that have caused much damage to my other equipment. Because of this, I suspect the 4200 will be no less reliable. I actually do like the look of it and its smaller size - and should I change my setup, I will probably use it then. In the meantime, I will continue using the 5200 only because of its easily seen LEDs.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 5 mo.
Driver Availability: Windows, Linux, and Mac
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