I have DSL with verizon and using the supplied Westell dsl modem. I want to find a modem that has a built in hub/switch with it to accomdate a home network. Do I have to stay with Westell to connect with verizon or will any dsl modem do it? thanks

You need a DSL router that has a built-in switch (which most, if not all now include), not a different modem. The modem connects to the router's WAN port and each of your computers connect to LAN ports on the router.

Chances are, any modem will work as long as it has router capabilities. Or, you can get a cheap modem that doesn't have routing capabilities, and buy a seperate router to use with it.

"Do I have to stay with Westell to connect with verizon or will any dsl modem do it? " I also have DSL with verizon and using the supplied Westell dsl modem. For all networks I uses Linksys router BEFSR41. It could be that Verizon ISP may be as picky as your Cable TV with respect to the cable equipment

I use Verizon and have a Westell DSL modem. My Netgear RP114 router has been working fine with it since I got DSL. You don't need to get a different modem just to connect a router. If you get a different modem you would probably need to work with Verizon to set it up since the MAC address from it is not the same one they have configured. I figure if it's not broke I ain't fixing it (no problems setting up and keeping the current hardware working). I wasn't sure about the Westell either since I was not familiar with it but the connects have been good and my 768/128 account typically hits in the range of 1-1.5gb/256. Not bad for DSL. Richard