Hardware | 2 Comments

D-Link DSL-2540 ADSL2 modem router

I had posted about DIR-400 wireless router, which I still use. D-Link DSL-2540U (last letter is region version as far as I understand) is similar router with ADSL2 modem, but without wireless.

I had observed it for some time supplying Internet to small office LAN and last weekend used one for building home LAN for family.

Device

Not too small, not too large. Characteristic looks of last generation D-Link SOHO hardware.

• 1x phone line, 4x LAN ports;
• supports multiply ADSL/ADSL2 standards, with download stream up to 24 Mbit/s.
• 147×113x32 mm.

Setup

As I know now, sticker and bundled software are best ignored.

Out of the box device came with really old firmware so I downloaded latest from FTP and upgraded. Process can be tricky on D-Link devices and again I learned trick to make it work flawlessly:

• use Internet Explorer to upgrade;
• rename firmware file to something short and simple (I use 1) and put it in the root of disk C for upload.

Provider had detailed instruction for this model so setup only took two minutes to input all settings.

Set of functions seems generic (firewall, QoS, remote access, etc) so I hadn’t pocked much.

Operation

Device is quite reliable, but heats up easily. For two computers hooked up directly it gets really warm. For ten (with proxy server and LAN) it is so hot that it requires active cooling in summer.

Temperature doesn’t seem to affect stability, but it is never good idea to let device be half-fried.

Overall

Balanced and stable device, that combines ADSL2 modem, router and network switch. Good choice for home, less good for office (considering temperature issues).