Today, DSL technologies for the implementation of Internet access are used less often. Network equipment manufacturers make no sense in new lineups of their home routers to have separate devices with built-in modems, as it was before. So ZyXEL's step to highlight DSL support to a separate optional module looks quite logical.

The ZyXEL Keenetic Plus DSL modem has a USB interface and can be used with the latest generation Internet centers - Keenetic Ultra II and Keenetic Giga III. In the nearest updates for Keenetic Extra, Keenetic Omni II and Keenetic Viva also planned its support (currently there is in beta versions for these models). It is expected that new devices with the USB port will also be able to work with this module.

Equipment and appearance

The model is supplied in a small cardboard box, on which there is a photo and specifications of the device. The modem package includes a splitter for a telephone line, a telephone cable and a brief instruction.

The device is a small (102x53x27 mm) and a light (70 g) box with black plastic housing. Registration similarly to the last generation of the intrinsic centers Keenetic. Gloss on the top and bottom covers of course extra. From all sides, besides the top, there are ventilation holes. During operation, the device consumes less than 3 W, but the heating of the housing is still noticeable. So, when installing, we recommend paying attention to ensuring sufficient ventilation.

On the bottom you can notice the rubber legs and two holes for fastening on the vertical surface. There is also a traditional sticker with information about the device.

On one of the short ends is the RJ11 connector for the telephone line. Next to it is a single LED LED LED indicator. From the opposite side, we see a non-removable USB cable with a standard Type A connector about 15 centimeters. An option with a connector on the housing could probably be more versatile from the point of view of the installation location, but most users will be more convenient than such a built-in cable.

Specifications

To connect to the modem provider, it supports the work as a client according to the ADSL2 / ADSL2 + standard (ITU-T G.992.3, G.992.5) with a maximum connection speed of 24 Mbps. Additionally, it implements work with the VDSL2 protocol (ITU-T G.993.2, G.994.1, G.997.1, G.998.4, G.993.5, ANSI T1E1.4, up to 100 Mbps, to 1.5 km) and In addition to the client mode for connecting to the provider, the device can also appear as a server role (there is a CO / CPE selection). This feature allows you to use a pair of modems to organize the selected point-point lines. To connect to the router, USB 2.0 interface is used, which is implemented through the Ethernet bridge with a maximum speed of 100 Mbps.

As examples, you can bring an increase in the network coverage area, installing remote access points, networking, connecting remote offices and other similar situations. Of course, the speed is relatively low, but the range of work on one copper pair is significantly higher than that of Ethernet connections.

In addition, we specify the stated operating conditions - the operating temperature range from 0 ° C to + 40 ° C, the relative humidity of 20% to 95% without condensation.

The drivers for this module to work with PC at the time of writing the material did not have and their appearance in the future is unlikely.

Use modem

To work the modem with the Zyxel Keenetic router, the firmware should be firmware with the included DSL support component.

After that, a separate tab of the modem settings will appear in the Internet pages group.

Here you can choose how to work, configure virtual channels for ADSL, select protocols for VDSL, as well as set other parameters.

You can check the dsl link status on the router status page.

The option of connections to the ADSL2 provider in the nearest environment could not be found. Given the rich experience of the manufacturer with this technology, it is unlikely that with such a scenario there may be any problems with compatibility and speed.

As the most popular version of using modem modem, the developer specifies networks (routers) via VDSL in the bridge mode. To do this, on the side of the conditioner, you need to select the "Server" mode, the remaining parameters can not be touched. Check just in the "Enable in the segment" item indicates the correct subnet.

On the client side, there is also nothing complicated - select the "client" mode, "physical mode" VDSL and inclusion in the desired segment.

It is convenient to use this option to work with Keenetic Internet centers in the access point mode. For example, when you need to expand the coverage zone of your wireless network or connect a remote structure to the local network, and there is only a copper steam. In this mode, the client does not require settings at all - simply translate the device to the access point mode and connect Keenetic Plus DSL to it. True it is worth noting that in this scenario, the module settings page will be missing in the router web interface. But for performance, this, of course, does not affect.

Testing data exchange through the VDSL2 line was carried out between two computers that were connected to Keenetic Giga III and Keenetic Viva routers with a beta version of the v2.07 firmware. At the same time, the connection time setting was less than two minutes after turning on the client router. At short distances, the maximum data exchange rate is about 80 Mbps in one direction and about 130 Mbps in the full duplex mode, regardless of the number of threads (one or sixteen). According to the manufacturer, when working on a line with a length of more than one kilometer, the connection speed is about 50 Mbps.

Conclusion

Acquaintance with the Keenetic Plus DSL module has shown that the device fully corresponds to the stated characteristics. It can be used, in particular, to connect to the ADSL2 / 2 + lines, if you have such a provider. Given the modern requirements and opportunities, we are talking in this case rather about the organization of the backup communication channel. A more interesting and useful option seems to work a pair of devices in VDSL mode, when a remote equipment is required or network combination, and the technical capabilities are limited to one copper pair.

This device was announced last September, together with new routers and the second Keenetic Plus representative - a module for connecting DECT tubes. At the same time, it was raised about the appearance of them on sale last year in price equivalent to $ 27. Currently, Zyxel Keenetic Plus DSL can be found on the local market at about 2000 rubles, but very few real offers on fact. I want to hope that with the advent of the support of this module for the last generation routers, the company will be able to increase its supply. Still, on the background of prices of other equipment with support for VDSL2, they look very attractive even taking into account the need to connect through the router.