My two yens worth....

Could give you model numbers but being in the Big Mikan I doubt very much that you can get the same equipment.

In any case, I have a few friends with OS X. All of us have routers, some of us HAD DSL Modems. Basically, found that the modems were unstable (different brands) and the drivers were at best clunky.

Thing I like about the Router option is it is just a piece of networking equipment. No drivers required. Just plug it in and away you go. The DSL modems they offer here needed drivers.

Anyway, as I said, Japan is different to the rest of the world... or at least that's what they keep telling me.