Proprietary provider modems 3/3 (upd)

Introduction

This is the final article about proprietary modems, you can familiarize yourself with the first two Bir , EQ .

As planned, in this publication I will simply compare the key solutions available on the market. I want to warn in advance, the tables are ordered by the amount of available information. If I made a mistake, or you have more information, I will gladly include it in the article.

The tables are divided into 3 parts: equality, absolute superiority, comparable data. Maybe not the usual approach, but the comparison is simplified.
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The picture above is the first common ADSL modem from the manufacturer SAGEM, otgrevennogo Wanadoo, now Orange. Perhaps from him and went the idea of ​​creating his child.

Well, where are these tables already?

Equality

Basically, all modems have the following features, but in extreme cases they are paid extra, for example, a PLC from the Livebox (Orange) and Bbox (Bouygues).



As expected from providers, they all support ADSL2 + (up to 24 Mbps), all offer VoIP telephony, including calls to mobile phones.

The connection between the modem and the video decoder is carried out either via ethernet or via PLC.

They all do well with FTP, while for some it is on the decoder part, and in some with the modem. It should be noted that there are no similar sides with the modem part.

As for decoders, everyone is rich in HDMI, SPDIF, video recording, connecting external media and reading audio or video files from it.

Separately, I want to say about Scart, which is very common in France. The main reason for this is the French definition of the standard, and since 1980 a mandatory connector on all color televisions. Very uncomfortable, cumbersome compared to RCA, and collects a lot of noise.

And what about the superiority?

Absolute superiority

Of course, the comparison is not quite true, considering that FreeBox Revolution was released last December, NeufBox Evolution was November, LiveBox was in October 2009, and the Bbox was in October 2008. It is noteworthy that updates occur every 2-3 years (except for the last Freebox - 4 years).
With all this, only Free makes its modems itself, while the rest use contractors: Bbox - Technicolor / Sagemcom, SFR - Foxconn / Sercomm, Livebox - Sagem. As far as I know, Linux is spinning on Freebox and on Neufbox.



Undoubtedly, Freebox is the leader, having the most modern modem, but Neufbox steals 3 features. Not unimportant is the ability to view recordings on the decoder, just like a regular network folder. This is implemented using Samba, which is technically under the Freebox, but not implemented. There is a memory card reader, and it is very convenient to view fresh photos. And finally - Broadcast Control, namely control over the video. After pausing the ongoing program, you can resume it and rewind the advertisement forward or backward. Freebox can pause, but cannot rewind.

Livebox and Bbox are undoubted outsiders and offer just a little: a decoder control panel and Wifi b / g / n, like everyone else.

I will not completely retell the table, I will only note interesting features in the Freebox:

• Multichannel Wifi
• Gyroscopic control panel, like on Nintendo WII
• Download torrents through a client installed on the Freebox server
• Blue ray
• Opengl 2.0
• DECT to register multiple devices

And what you can measure?

Comparable data

I want to note that the Freebox uses fresh stuffing, in the form of the Atom and Marvell ARM 9, DDR3 RAM for the Player and DDR2 for the server. It turns out a good server, and a gaming platform for kazualok, and not only.

There is also a gigabit ethernet, and it becomes a standard in such modems.

And what from this?

Conclusion

This is the market for proprietary modems in France. Unfortunately, there is very little information about Numeribox and Bbox, while Orange promises a new modem next year. Apparently behind the Evolution and the Revolution of competitors, their modem turned pale.

I hope that I liked the post, and I will be glad to hear your comments and suggestions. And now for your attention, a couple of pictures of all modems.

Bbox - ADSL

Bbox - Decoder

Livebox - ADSL + Decoder

Neufbox Evolution - ADSL

Neufbox Evolution - Decoder

Freebox - Player + Server

Sources

wikipedia - basic information
Free, SFR, Bouygues, Orange - general data

Update

Free announced the free distribution, in the near future, of the FemtoCell module for the Freebox. As the provider at the end of the year will become the mobile operator.
Now users away from 3G street antennas, will receive a connection from their Freebox.
He is also a receiver. In case ADSL / Fiber is not available, the 3G will connect the Freebox with a street antenna.