Product ReviewsThomson TN516 Speedtouch ADSL 2/2+ Modem / Router External
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59%
27%
14%
0%
0%
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With 22 User Reviews
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 Rating: Review Date: 04/01/11  |
Cons:
-none so far
Pros: -decent price-good performance-small and lightweight |
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Rating: Review Date: 01/13/11 |
Cons:
not the cheapest
Pros: one best router for DSL services Comment:
very good stable modem for DSL services. Can read line stats off it. |
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Rating: Review Date: 12/29/10 |
Cons:
-comes with AC/DC wall-wart rather than the AC/AC power brick-overheats easily-poorly implemented activity LED-current stock cannot be flashed with tweakable firmware!
Pros: -tweakable for better noise margins*-many utilities to manage/monitor your line*-works well on many noisy lines Comment:
When the TN516 works, it works well. But when it doesn't, you want to throw it out the window. So while this review will sound mostly negative, it's only because there's very little to say about a properly functioning modem. Though my POTS line is not great, it's not terrible, either. Lately my modems (I have a second unit for backup) will sync at full-speed with a low RCO, only to lose sync again seconds later. Or other times, they will report that they're connected when they're not. Line problems are not the fault of the modem, but the inability to give an accurate status report is. For this same reason I dislike the display. Only the Ethernet LED shows activity, and unlike other SpeedTouch models I've owned, this does not reflect the amount of traffic at all. It simply blinks on and off once every two seconds, if there is any activity. Sending a single ping? *blink* *blink*. Downloading online backup data at 1200KB/s? *blink* *blink*. The modem has a tendency to overheat in the summer, so running it without the case, adding a fan, or simply sticking it in the basement is common.The modem is produced by Thomson (now owned by Technicolor). While there are wonderful 3rd-party programs out there which read the modem stats and present you with easily understandable reports and allow you to tweak the settings to get the best connection quality from your line, each successive firmware update has attemped to cripple these apps in some way. At present, the stock available to NCIX cannot be downgraded to revisions lower than R6.2, even though there do not appear to be any changes to the hardware.The modem can use either AC or DC, which is kind of neat. My older unit came with the AC/AC model, which is a brick with a cord on both ends. While no external converter is ideal, the new units come with the AC/DC model, which is a wide-format wall-wart, so you may have trouble plugging it into a UPS.Will this modem do the job for you? Probably. But it's sad that what was once one of the most adaptable modems has basically devolved a plug and play device. If I ever replace it I will probably try a TP-Link. |
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Rating: Review Date: 09/21/10 |
Cons:
- will update
Pros: - small case with vent cut outs- quality RJ11 phone cord included- suitable replacement for Telus' GigaSet567 (802.11g router/modem-in-one- costs less than if purchased directly from TechSavvy- no instruction sheet/booklet needed to get this working- will update Comment:
Used the supplied setup CD-ROM because the browser-based setup utility did not work (wanted to set the 516V6 up as a plain old ADSL modem). The CD-ROM will search/configure the laptop computer to use the 516V6.The 516V6 settings that worked for me were:- Bridge- VPI/VCI: 0.33- Unchecked the DHCP checkbox- don't set an Administrator password (or configuration will fail)I will report back once I have connected the WRT54G wireless router and used the 516V6 & WRT54G combo for a while. Also, placed the 516V6 upside down on a laptop cooler (with fan). This unscientifically keeps the 516V6's innards cooler than placing it right side up. |
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Rating: Review Date: 08/09/10 |
Cons:
- N/A (will update)
Pros: - looks good- small- etc (will update) Comment:
I got this modem because it was relatively cheap (with small PM) and ive heard only good reviews. Modem was well packages and it has a nice sleek look.Note: I got this modem a month ago and havent used it yet. This is more of a place holder review. |
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Rating: Review Date: 05/01/10 |
Cons:
Gets hot, active cooling helps.
Pros: Reliable, economical, good setup. Comment:
I bought my first one from NCIX and while waiting to get my dry loop installed, I tried it on my Telus line. When it would not connect, suspecting it was faulty, I RMA'd it. To my amazement, NCIX sent another within a day. As I still did not have my new Dry Loop, I tried Telus again, still no connection. THe technicians said it should work, but as I knew I was on an ancient DMT1 port, I decided to wait. Sure enough, when teh dry loop was installed the modem worked fine.It did disconnect when I had it sitting where it did not get good air ciculation and it got hot. Now I have placed all my devices: modem, ATA, router, and switches stacked in a old modified CD tray that is on top of a Belkin Notebook cooler tray and they work much better.So two caveats if you plan to use this modem: make sure it gets adequate air circulation, at the least have it elevated so air goes right around it. And just be sure that the DSL line you are putting it on if this is an upgrade, is not using a DMT1 port (which is unlikely unless you've been on the same ancient DSL line for years and years, as I was!). |
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Rating: Review Date: 01/30/10 |
Cons: Gets a little warm, but that doesn't seem to be a real problem yetOf course, it's not pre-setup by the ISP -- so you'll have to dig a round a little for some of your settings -- if you're not comfortable with doing a bit of googling, buying the same unit from Telus (etc.) would be slightly more expensive, but pre-configured.
Pros: Works well with Telus ADSL Small form factor Comment:
Just a note for Telus customers in BC: This unit is the same as the one sold through Telus, but with the standard firmware and not-preconfigured for Telus. Setup instructions on the Telus site don't give a couple of details that you need to make it work and it took me a while to find the right configuration options on the net, so I'm adding them to the reviews here:i) set up in Bridged mode (ie. not PPPoE etc as I saw noted in some forums)ii) the VPI/VCI setting is " 0/33" or "0.33" ... out of the box it defaults to 0.35, but Telus in BC should be set to 0.33I also enabled the DHCP server, but whether you need that depends on your config. The top two settings should be sufficient to get you going. The modem itself replaces a very old D-Link DSL-300G that was starting to get flaky. I was surprised to find that that old modem was the bottleneck that was killing our Telus ADSL performance. I don't think the ST516 has any special advantage, but it did provide a speed boost over the old equipment -- most likely because the old equipment was flaky ;-) |
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Rating: Review Date: 01/16/10 |
Cons: Couldn't get it to update dynamic DNS
Pros: Works as expected, fast contiguous service. Comment:
Have service with teksavvy in Ontario. Modem works perfectly, and has been dependable for 5 months. Hasn't drop service. Used in both PPoE mode directly to my PC and bridge mode when connecting through a router. Cheaper to purchase from NCIX then from the service provider.I think to note, I couldn't get the modem to update my dynamic dns service the modem always reported an error response and the IP was never update d no matter how I configured it. |
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Rating: Review Date: 01/12/10 |
Cons: None
Pros: Very small, work as a router, easy configuration Comment:
I like the fact that this modem is small and can put it almost everywhere, works very well with Teksavvy internet provider, easy to config and you can even use it as a router. Great purchase! |
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Rating: Review Date: 01/06/10 |
Cons: Gets hot
Pros: Small sizeReliable Comment:
Purchased this adsl2+ modem after reading many good reviews and recommendations on various forums. The modem has worked well for me during the past 2 years. Can be setup to connect to DSL directly or bridged to a router or PC to handle the connection.The only complaint I have is the modem gets hot. I have it sitting on a home made stand with a 120mm fan blowing air up at it to keep it cool. |
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Rating: Review Date: 01/03/10 |
Cons: Power adaptor block; slightly too big
Pros: Small desktop footprint & highly supported by many ISPs Comment:
Bought a pair of these to start an MLPPP service. It was great when Tech Support was able to give "back-of-hand" walkthrough in configuring each modem (same steps x2) to be geared for MLPPP service. It was a 2 minute process the first time and 1 minute the second time.I was somewhat annoyed by how the power blocks were just slightly too wide big for plugging-in right next to each other on a powerbar. It would still be possible to plug any regular old power cable in next to the block, but the blocks themselves couldn't be put side by side. |
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Rating: Review Date: 12/27/09 |
Cons: Largish AC plug.
Pros: Great priceGreat pingsGreat valueCrap, this thing is tiny!Crap, this thing is great! Comment:
When the only complaint is that the AC plug takes up a little too much space on my powerbar, you know there isn't anything wrong with this unit. I was replacing a modem and router combo with this and the Trendnet TEW672GR. I thought that the additional cable running between the modem and router would add a little latency. I was wrong. This thing is blazing fast for ADSL, and if you don't already have your own high-end modem, this is the unit for you. The money you save by buying instead of renting really adds up, and the setup with Teksavvy is incredibly easy. |
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Rating: Review Date: 11/29/09 |
Cons: Runs hotTad pricey
Pros: Very stable modemWorks well with bad linesAllows monitoring through DMT Comment:
I bough one of these a year ago and have never looked back. This is a great ADSL2+ modem that works well, even when your line is poor. A big bonus is being able to monitor your line using DMT (though you need to flash an older firmware for that) and that can be quite the time-saver when doing your initial setup. It is a bit more expensive than other modems, but it is worth it. The unit also runs hot, so mind that! |
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Rating: Review Date: 11/11/09 |
Cons: does not have wireless built it nor ethernet
Pros: small and robust Comment:
this product works as is, but it would be nice to include a wireless and ethernet module as it is so cheap for them to add these features. |
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Rating: Review Date: 10/18/09 |
Cons: - A wee bit expensive- Not the nicest physical look- Runs hot
Pros: + Easy to use interface+ Works with Teksavvy Comment:
The Thomson TN516 is usually recommended by people if you need a modem for your DSL. The setup is straight-forward and the interface is easy to use. If you want to look at your line stats, I recommend using the software DSL-Modem Tool (DMT). Skip the setup CD that comes with the modem. The downside of this modem is that it's pretty expensive compared to the TP-Link TD-8816. I haven't tried the latter, but I've read on DSLReports that it works well with Teksavvy. You might try the TP-Link instead of the Thomson if you're looking to save a few pennies and are willing to try something new. |
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Rating: Review Date: 09/25/09 |
Cons: None so far
Pros: Easy to useWorks well Comment:
Day 1 and the internet connection is going strong with ISP. Very easy to use. I am glad I ordered here, ISP was selling this for 75.00 |
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Rating: Review Date: 09/13/09 |
Cons: -no difference over the siemens 4200 speedstream I have-runs pretty warm - good thing for the venting
Pros: -fairly inexpensive-lots of venting-built in router-control vs isp modem Comment:
It is a decent modem. It is a 516 v6. It didnt do anything for me over the siemens speedstram 4200 I have, the ping and the speeds and the stability so far are unchanged.One thing though, when using the CD that came with it, it resized the TCP window in the registry and I had to restart, whether that will make a big difference who knows.The best thing is I can log on and look at the settings, unlike the SS4200 I have. I run it in bridged mode as it is attached to my dir-655. If I needed another modem I would probably get this one again, since it is popular and well documented. If it lasts a long time and has no issues, I will up the rating to 4 stars, time will tell. |
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Rating: Review Date: 08/30/09 |
Cons: Config GUI is a bit dated.
Pros: Easy to put into bridge mode, horizontal power adaptor, comes with a nice-looking phone cord Comment:
After a world of trouble with a DLink ADSL modem (I think it was DOA), I picked this one up and it worked the first time like a charm. The configuration gui is a bit dated, but since I'm using it in bridge mode anyway the older-looking gui is unimportant. I'm with Teksavvy, and it gets the same speed as one of the standard Bell modems. Teksavvy's website also has configuration screenshots if you need help. Would buy again for me, or a friend! |
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Rating: Review Date: 08/27/09 |
Cons: none so far
Pros: Rock Solid, stable Comment:
I bought this a year ago and it works so well so that I bought another one for another internet connection. Rock Solid, reliable, no complaint what so ever. I simply put it in bridge mode and use my flashed linksys router. Perfect match. Will recommend to everyone. |
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Rating: Review Date: 08/10/09 |
Cons: ISPs will sell you this same modem for double the price that NCIX charges!
Pros: DMT compatible, plenty of support Comment:
The ST516v6 modem is probably one of the best ADSL2+ modems out there. Tons of support on the dslreports.com forums. With the right firmware, it can be tweaked with DMT -- it allows the user to monitor line stats, adjust signal-to-noise ratios, etc. |
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Rating: Review Date: 07/31/09 |
Cons: The paper manual which was basically warnings in many languages. The pdf manual available online is excellent.
Pros: I got this as recommended by Teksavvy - and because my old D-Link is ancient.It worked well in bridged mode on Telus and later in routed mode on Teksavvy.The price was fine here. I like the connection checking on the web interface for first setup.The web interface is great, since I run Linux and so CD wasn't much use.It has built in features such a firewall - which actually seem to work Comment:
I sure can't find anything to complain about so far! I should have thought before about having a backup for the old 300G which ran 24-7 for years. This modem is cheaper new than my old one cost on ebay - but things progress! |
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Rating: Review Date: 06/22/09 |
Cons: None
Pros: SmallEasy to useEasy to setup Comment:
This little modem has been great! I set it up with my Teksavvy service about 2 months ago and I've been getting the advertised 5Mbps speeds without problems! Thomson makes a nice modem! Highly recommended! |
Pricematched from directcanada to save a bit, but even at the regular price this is a decent modem. Currently using it with teksavvy, works great so far.