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Actiontec
11Mbps Dual Mode Wireless Cable/DSL Router, 11Mbps Wireless
PC & PCI Cards
Reviewed
by: Dave
Haven, send
e-mail
Made
by: Actiontec, go
to the web site
Requires: Microsoft
windows 95, 98/98SE, ME, 2000, XP; MACOS 7.1 and higher;
USB; Windows 98/98SE, ME, 2000, XP; TCP/IP installed; Internet
Explorer 4.0 or newer
MSRP: US$179.99
(router + 1 PC card); $104.95 (additional PC or PCI card)
The
Actiontec Dual Mode Wireless-ready Cable/DSL Router
is a great choice for those of you who don't want
to mess around with confusing directions or long
hours of configuration. The router comes in a sleek
ultra modern case. The power and LAN lights on the
case are self explanatory and easy to understand.
When you purchase this unit and bring it home the
very first thing you will see is a very easy to ready
directions sheet that doesn't confuse you by rambling
on in geek-speak. The instructions are very easy
to understand.
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Setting
up the unit is as easy as plugging your cable modem into
the
WAN port and your PC into the LAN port. The unit comes configured
out of the box so that you can plug it in and start using
it right away. For those of you who want to get in and modify
the router's default configuration or set up some of the
more
advanced features, everything is accessible by logging on
to the device using Internet Explorer. Instructions in
the
documentation are easy to follow.
The wireless
ability of the router is unsurpassed. We found that the setup
of the wireless module was as easy, if not more so, than the
router itself. After plugging in the PCMCIA wireless card,
the laptop we were using for testing was up and running on
the network immediately. The distances we were seeing from
router to computer varied from point to point depending on
the different levels of the house we were on and what obstacles
were between us and the router. We did test the router outside
also and found that the router was able to maintain a line-of-sight
connection as far as 300 feet. The signal did degrade a bit
but performed as the specifications stated it should.
The features
of the router are numerous. We were surprised to see that
this unit has all the features found in some of the more expensive
units. The router comes with a DHCP server that can handle
253 PCs at one time. The unit offers a comprehensive line
of security settings, 64 and 128 bit encryption, Point to
Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP), Level 2 Tunneling Protocol
(L2TP) and Internet Protocol Security (IPSEC) pass through,
Web site blocking, Web service blocking, Internet Protocol
(IP) masquerading (NAT or Network Address Translation) and
Internet activity logging.
The bottom
line is there are many routers and wireless routers out there.
This kit offers you an easy set up so you can get going on
the Internet as soon as possible. It offers extensive security
to block attacks from outside sources. It is probably one
of the most inexpensive units on the market today. The setup
and management are supported by the most uncomplicated set
of directions I have ever seen. I think you will be happy
with the Actiontec Dual Mode Wireless-Ready Cable/DSL Router.
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