[ssl-3]

When I last used DSL, I was using AT&T uverse (which is/was VDSL with multicast video layered in).

I configured the provided gateway/router-widget to provide a "DMZ Plus" mode for my router (a custom box running Tomato or OpenWRT or something), and I called to get ports 25 and 80 unblocked. And then, plus-or-minus some completely-surmountable difficulty with making dynamic DNS behave properly it all worked fine.

For years.

I never connected anything other than my router to the ISP-provided device.

There's probably some corner cases where this configuration falls flat, but I never ran into them.

What might be some practical advantages of what you suggest?

[consp]

> What might be some practical advantages of what you suggest?

Using half the power

[justsomehnguy]

You have some other more demanding problems if the power usage of an additional DSL modem is a concern for you.

Well okay, you shelled out $29.99 for a new shiny USB DSL modem. How many years should pass to at least have a ROI?

[ssl-3]

Half?

A device runs on electricity and performs a function. It consumes power at a rate of x.

You're telling me that a device that performs the same function will consume power at a rate of precisely x/2 simply by virtue of being plugged into USB?

[throwaway2037]

How much power difference?