Question 1

I am now confused about the difference between the tp-link td 8817 and 8616, based on responses by jonathan hanson on 3/23/14 and as atwood on 4/16/14

Accepted Answer

The confusion stems from the fact that in recent years, most home internet access has moved to all in one devices that fulfill multiple roles. However, there are many functions that are part of providing internet access and each can potentially be assigned to seperate devices. In most home internet access you have:A modem - this is specific to the type of service you have (cable or DsL). Its job is to translate the signal from your service provider into something your local device can understand. Usually this is done by coverting the signal to Ethernet.A router - this device takes the signal from your modem and does a variety transformations to it to allow multiple devices to connect to the internet. It is usually also the device that hands out addresses to your local devices. It is also known as your gateway, as all traffic to and from the internet goes through it.A switch - this device takes care of distributing the signal from your router to all devices that are physically connected on your local network. This is almost exclusively done over RJ45 CAT 5 cabling. Looks like an over sized phone plug.A wireless access point - this device takes care of distributing the signal from your router to all device that are connected wirelessly to your local network. There is a wide variety of types protocol to do this with 802.11 a, b, g, n and ac being the most commonly in use.To simplify things for end users, many devices combine multiple functions into one. The most common device type at this time is one that combines a router, switch and wireless access point into one unit so that all you have to do is connect your provider's modem and maybe go through a few setup screens.The TD-8816 combines combines a modem and a router and goes from a phone line to Ethernet. The TD-8817 combines a modem and a router and goes from phone line to either Ethernet or USB. It also appears to have the ability to disable its router allowing you to turn it into a simple modem. This how some people would use it if they had a single PC and no need to share the connection. Your computer would then become a router of sorts but with only itself as the member of the local network. Most users nowadays do not use this configuration. Sorry for the long post. Hopefully this helps.

Question 2

How well does this work without having antennas?

Accepted Answer

The correct answer is: it IS a modem AND a router, BUT it's NOT wifi and therefore DOES NOT USE any Antennas at all. It's 100% WIRED, and NOT wireless. I own it, and it's great. About to go buy another one for my folks.

Question 3

Is anyone using this modem with AT&T DSL service?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it's a straight drop in for the DSL service (not U-verse of course).  Just connect a USB cable, type in the IP address, and copy over the email address and password.  Make sure any other settings (pppoe, etc.) are the same when you are in there, and that's it.  This is truly less than a 5 minute swap, that will save you $50-$60 over the AT&T priced modem.

Question 4

What is the difference between TP-LINK TD-8817 and TP-LINK TD-8616?
TD-8817 was first available in 2005, while TD-8616 in 2010. is 8616 better?

Accepted Answer

The difference is that the 8616 is not a router/firewall/DHCP server and you have to terminate PPP on another device (like your router) that supplies login credentials. The 8817 IS a router/firewall/DHCP server and it terminates your DSL connection itself, supplying the PPoE login credentials. One is not "better" than the other. They're just different. The 8817 will likely be an easier set-up for most people.

ASIN	B0037DAX9U
Best Sellers Rank	#138,557 in Computers & Accessories ( See Top 100 in Computers & Accessories ) #372 in Computer Networking Modems
Brand	TP-Link
Built-In Media	Adsl2+ Ethernet/Usb Modem Router, External Splitter, Power Adapter, Quick Installation Guide, Resource Cd, Rj-11 Telephone Cable, Rj-45 Ethernet Cable, Usb Cable
Color	Black
Compatible Devices	Personal Computer
Connectivity Technology	Ethernet
Customer Reviews	4.0 4.0 out of 5 stars (244)
Data Transfer Rate	24 megabits_per_second
Global Trade Identification Number	00845973060107, 06935364060107
Internet Service Provider	DSL providers
Item Weight	1.3 pounds
Manufacturer	TP-Link IP Cams
Maximum Downstream Data Transfer Rate	24 megabits_per_second
Maximum Upstream Data Transfer Rate	3.5 megabits_per_second
Mfr Part Number	TD-8817
Model Number	TD-8817
Modem Type	DSL
Number of Ethernet Ports	2
Number of Items	1
Number of Ports	4
UPC	803982816535 778890697135 845973060107
Unit Count	1 Count
Warranty Description	2-year warranty

TP-LINK TD-8817 ADSL2+ Modem, 1 RJ45, 1 USB Port, Bridge Mode, NAT Router, Annex A, ADSL Splitter, 24Mbps Downstream

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