Manufacturer : Actiontec
Model : GS583AD3B-01
ASIN : B0018CJ9LA
Price : 89.99$
Last Price : 56.8$(Discount 36.8818757639738%
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Product DescriptionActiontec GT704WG Wireless DSL Gateway GS583AD3B-01 Routers & Gateways - Wireless
If you are a Verizon DSL customer, it is possible that you can't connect immediately to the Verizon DSL service due to the WAN IP Lease expiration issue Rick described below. However, after disconnecting the old Westell modem and waiting for a few hours, the lease on the WAN IP had expired and the Verizon server had issued a new WAN IP to the new router. From that point on the auto-configuration worked like a charm. My advice:
1) don't call Verizon customer service - they are clueless about this issue
2) don't call Actiontec customer service - they told me that the router just does not work with Verizon
3) disconnect your old modem the night before your new Actiontec shows up. That way you are ready to go immediately.
Also, Rick V mentioned below that the router does not support WEP incryption, but only WAP incryption. That is actually not correct since the "Advanced Wireless Set-up Option" allows you to select what type of incryption you want.
Now that that's out of the way I can summarize as follows:
- Set up is really easy and fast (even for Verizon customers, if you follow my advice)
- Range is great. My router is located on the first floor and I still have 54 speed on the second floor in the opposite corner of the house
- documentation is good
- configuration is very intuitive
- just with any other g routers, you can get interference from 2.4 GHZ cordless phones. I would position router and receivers away from a phone basestation
- I was able to reclaim some space on my desk due to the integrated nature (modem and router) of this product
- the already great antenna can be replaced with one of your liking, if you feel inclined to do so (it is screwed on)
- the router is a little bigger than many other routers, but standing up it does not really matter
- it was easy to get to a life customer service person. However, they also did not know about the Verizon WAN IP lease issue
Hence, I can highly recommended this modem/router.
The store had three wireless DSL Modem-with 4 port switches, and after a while of deliberating, I choose Actiontec, over two slightly better known brands (zoom and diamond) I recognized zoom, from analog phone modems in years past, and diamond, from video cards in years past, but never heard of Actiontec.
I had no clear cut winner in my hand, but the ActionTec had a copyright date of 2008, the other two had a 2007, and the Package box info seemed very complete, so I figured newer is better, right? And I had 30 days to return it, so why not!
VERY HAPPY with my decision. Cannot comment on the Zoom or Diamond, so please do not infer that they are bad, but the ActionTec GT724WGR worked perfectly, and it took minutes to set up.
I was afraid that there was some kind of "secret" settings for my ATT DSL connection, and that a "generic" DSL Modem would not work.
I followed the very simple, and easy to follow instructions, and I was amazed that I was up and running in a few minutes!
The only tricky part, was that I had to remember my SBC user ID and password (NOT MY YAHOO id, but my SBC login id!)
While my primary job deals with computers, both hardware and software, and I have done this for almost 20 years, I have to say, that I needed NO EXPERT knowledge to connect the Actiontec DSL Modem to my pc and access the internet again.
It worked fine with my VPN connection to work, and I password protected my wireless access.
I get slightly faster internet speeds, but we are talking a few per cent, as ATT has the final say as to how fast my DSL connection is.
I have not tried the wireless connection, so I cannot comment first hand on the wireless speeds or reliability , however, I read on DSLREPORTS and BROADBANDREPORTS that other people have had very strong, reliable wireless connections.
The physical device can either be positioned vertically, or horizontally,
your choice.
Only had the device for one day, so I cannot comment on long term use.
Final thoughts, I did have a little apprehension about getting a OTC DSL modem to work, as I thought that there was some propriatary issues with the ATT DSL, but really, this was "stupid simple" to set up
(ISP = DSL Extreme)
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Actiontec 300 Mbps Wireless-N DSL Modem Router (GT784WN)
Manufacturer : Actiontec
Model : GT784WN
ASIN : B004NBZ98K
Price : 89.99$
Last Price : 73.84$(Discount 17.9464384931659%
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Amazon.com Product Description
What makes the GT784WN Modem Router a better choice for you?
- 802.11n Built In - the Modem Router's built-in 802.11n technology allows you to surf the Internet at speeds up to 300 Mbps, up to 6x faster than previous generations' top speeds
- MIMO Smart Antenna - 802.11n also allows the use of MIMO smart antennas, which extend the range of your wireless signal while getting rid of those pesky "dead" spots in your wireless coverage
- Backwards Compatible - And, since 802.11n technology is fully backwards compatible, all older wireless devices will connect seamlessly with the Modem Router (at whatever the device's top speed happens to be)
- Automatic Configuration - Actiontec's industry-leading AutoDetect Wizard eliminates the hassles of confusing installation CDs and install guides
- Wireless Security - the Modem Router comes equipped with WPA/WPA2 wireless encryption and fully customizable firewall
- Customer Support - Actiontec provides 24/7 customer support for the Modem Router, over the phone or online
The Wireless N ADSL Modem Router is the latest in a long line of feature-filled Actiontec DSL modems. Actiontec has become a leader in high speed Internet modems and routers, shipping over 22 million Internet Access devices thus far, and our track record in innovation and customer support is highly regarded throughout the industry. With its cutting edge wireless N technology, its unparalleled ease-of-use (thanks to the AutoDetect Wizard), and the peace of mind you experience buying from an industry leader, the Wireless N ADSL Modem Router is sure to satisfy all of your modem/router needs.
Product Description
Out of the box, the GT784WN gives you the flexibility and power your need to connect all of your wireless devices. With 802.11N wireless speeds and MIMO smart antenna technology, you'll be accessing the latest in wireless technology that lets you connect at heretofore unheard of speeds, with wireless coverage that eliminates all those pesky dead spots. Also included with the Modem Router is a robust firewall and security suite that includes WPA and WPA2 encryption, unique ID assignation to prevent hacking, stateful packet inspection, denial of service protection, content filtering, and more. Actiontec bakes in other advantages, as well: our industry-leading AutoDetect Wizard, that eliminates the hassle of confusing installation CDs or poster-sized install guides; TR-069 support and remote management for service providers; and full backward compatibility to ensure that the greatest majority of legacy devices will connect.
What's in the box?
- Wireless N ADSL Modem Router
- Quick Start Guide
- Ethernet cable
- Power cord
- DSL Cable
Setup Instructions
I read the reviews on Amazon and the ActionTec modem/wireless routers appeared to be highly rated, so I purchased the Wireless N model and have been very happy.
Advantages:
1. It is cheaper than AT&T modem/router
2. It is a bit faster (I am gaining about .2-.5 MPS in my download speeds)
3. Wireless performance is excellent with greater range than AT&T modem.
4. No more dropping connections with my MacBook
5. You can actually custom name your wireless network and create your own password, AT&T assigns you a network name ("2WIREXXX") and a numerical password.
All in all quite please and have therefore given it 5 stars. Had I known about this I would have never purchased the AT&T modem in the first place. No wonder that modem only gets 2-3 stars on Amazon. I will be selling it now on EBay.
If you're having this problem:
Go to advanced settings.
Click on "IP Addressing - WAN IP Settings"
Select "PPPoe" for #2
Click on Apply
Back to Advanced Settings
Go to "Broadband" tab on the left.
Enter "0" in "VPI" box
Enter "32" in VCI" box
Click "Apply"
And, you're good to go. They had me up and running in less than five minutes.
And now we're running well. Increased speed (20% on both up and down) on all (4) devices. Much better signal throughout the house, and less clutter.
I'm very happy with my purchase. Qwest? Not so much.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Belkin N150 Wireless N Router
Manufacturer : Belkin Components
Model : F9K1001
ASIN : B004N6259G
Price : 29.99$
Last Price : 24.23$(Discount 19.2064021340447%
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Product DescriptionThe Belkin F9K1001 N150 Wireless Router! Belkin's exclusive MultiBeam antenna technology gives you powerful signal strength and maximum coverage, while minimizing dead spotsso you can connect from virtually anywhere in your home. The Belkin F9K1001 N150 Wireless Router provides wireless speeds of up to 150Mbps ideal for surfing, emailing and instant messaging. The Belkin F9K1001 N150 Wireless Router's Wireless-N technology offers twice the speed of G technology yet is fully compatible with older wireless-G networks, as well as newer 802.11n networks. Get your secure wireless network up and running in minutes. Just three easy steps, and you're you out of the box and onto the Web. The Belkin F9K1001 N150 Wireless Router's WPS/WPA2 encryption standards and preset security settings get you up and running safely. One-touch Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) securely connects multiple computers and devices with the push of a button.
During the setup, a Router Monitoring program is installed. This gives you quick and easy access to options should you wish to access more advanced setings. It is not necessary if you stick to the default.
I had previously attempted to installing a Buffalo WZR-HP-G300NH, which was highly recommended to me by friends who have used it successfully. After nearly pulling out all my hair, I ended up returning the device. For some reason the wireless signal would not detect properly. I returned it as recommended by Buffalo support and tried another. Same issue, so I sent the second back as well.
From there I went with a D-Link DIR-655. It took some tweaking and manual channel switching before it would work, but at least it worked.
After hooking up the Belkin N150, I was amazed to see that, after following the setup instructions, it was up and running! I successfully connected my MyTouch 4G phone, iPad 2, and Gateway laptop. I didn't have to tweak anything. Oddly enough it also had a stronger signal than my D-Link DIR-655 (which has three antennas). All the devices gave me 4bars at the farthest location in the house, where the D-Link DIR-655 often moves down to three or lower.
Out of curiosity, I checked the internet speed between the Belkin N150 and D-Link DIR-655. The D-Link DIR-655 gave me a download speed of 7414kbps with a 1417kbps upload speed. The Belkin N150 gave me a 8785kbps download speed with a 1140kbps upload speed (I used the integra Telecom speed test and have Comcast as my internet provider). This tells me that their internet speed is pretty much the same, as the speed tests in general tend to fluctuate a bit.
One negative about the Belkin N150 is that the LAN ports on the back are only 10/100 whereas the D-Link DIR-655 is 10/100/1000. That said, for the price, I was extremely impressed with the Belkin N150 and will be recommending it to friends and family who are looking for a good buy.
INSTALLATION:
One of the negatives for this product was immediately apparent - poor setup directions. Yes, if you can look at a picture and figure things out, you'll get the gist, but it's not what I would call clear. The manual is on the included CD, but since that's step 3 according to the minimal instructions, you'd not know that by just a glimpse.
Following the pictures it's a plug things in; AC to the wall and into the back of the router, with 10/100 connections (4 of them) on the back of the router and one marked 'modem', being self explanitory. Since this is the low-end of the Belkin offerings, don't expect anything fancy, but in truth, that may be why this is as close to a plug n' play router as any I've ever seen. That ease of use is its biggest selling point to me.
After the software attempted several times to connect the router to the modem, offering up solutions to try on the screen on my desktop, it was the resetting of the modem by unplugging its AC power for 15 seconds and then powering it back up, that finally did the trick. Finally the opportunity to enter the SSID (network name) and password - both are on the bottom of the router and also on a tag attached to it - came up. Advanced settings are also an option here, but if you are unfamiliar with networking, no need to mess with it. The router has a firewall and is configured with WPA/WPA2 security type settings.
Following the connection being made, the software wanted to update to the most recent firmware. I did that update, which took 3 minutes to complete on my Windows 7 machine.
The entire installation of software and connecting to the modem took me 30 minutes. That's much faster than any of the other four routers I've installed in my home previously, and other than talking with the modem, things went off without a hitch. I then went to my laptop and inserted the CD, installing the necessary drivers and security on it within 3 minutes. Two Roku's, an iTouch, a Nintendo DS an Android phone and a Wii, all accepted the network password, effortlessly networking my household.
PERFORMANCE:
Prior to adding this router I had internet speeds via cable of 19 to 15 mbps downloading. The addition of this router to the setup boosted the speed on my home network about 20 percent, loading web pages more quickly. Since all the devices are not 'N', it's not at its peak of performance, but it seems stable and quick following installation.
SECURITY:
This is always an issue, and something in the 'advanced' settings that I probably will look into more in the coming days. For now I'm satisfied with the WPA/WPA2 security, and the way the Belkin router ships, you couldn't ask for an easier way to get novices connected than by having the pre-set SSID Network name and password proprietary to each router. The idea simplified installation and setting up the connections with devices, but the short password is a minor concern for me.
This really is the easiest to set up wireless router I've ever encountered. I think it's perfect for anyone with basic wireless needs (surfing, watching TV, emailing), but not ultra-fast internet speeds. Check out the other devices in the Belkin line for the ones recommended for heavier useage. It seems to have good range and offer good data transfer speeds. It's as close to plug n' play as you'll get with such a device, and so the true test will be in its durability and security strength.
Overall I'd recommend it. The price is very inexpensive for a wireless router which is good, but keep in mind it's simple in terms of features - which is good for some, and not right for others.
4/27/11 UPDATE:
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Medialink - Wireless N USB Adapter - 802.11n - 150Mbps - 2.4ghz - Windows 2000 / 2003 / XP 32-Bit and 64-Bit / Vista 32-Bit and 64-Bit / Windows 7 32-Bit and 64-Bit Compatible
Manufacturer : Medialink
Model : MWN-USB150N
ASIN : B002RM08RE
Price : 89.99$
Last Price : 19.99$(Discount 77.7864207134126%
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Product Description Medialink - Wireless N USB Adapter - 802.11n 150Mbps
* Compatible with any Brand 802.11g or 802.11n Router Using 2.4ghz Wavelength
* Microsoft WHQL Certified
* Supports WEP, WPA and WPA2 Security
* Live US Based Customer Service
Offering the ultimate in simplified Wi-Fi installation, Medialink's 150Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter offers a simplified one click installation. Insert the CD, click "install software" and the utility will auto-detect your operating system and install the appropriate drivers. (Windows 7 Users, just plug and play! No CD required.)
Compatibility
- Any PC or Laptop with a USB port, 733MHz CPU, and 64MB Memory
- Any brand 802.11g or 802.11n router using 2.4ghz wavelength
- Windows 2000, 2003, XP 32-Bit/64-Bit, Vista 32-Bit/64-Bit, Windows 7 32-Bit/64-Bit
- NOT COMPATIBLE with Xbox 360, PS3, Blu-Ray Players, Roku Boxes, or any device that does not run an Operating System. Also will not work with Dual Band Routers that only broadcast N speeds on 5ghz wavelength.
Microsoft WHQL Certified
Unlike many Wi-Fi adapters, Medialink adapters are Microsoft WHQL certified to ensure compatibility with the major operating systems listed above.
Security
This adapter provides state of the art standards-based security features: WPA/WPA2, IEEE802.1X, 64/128-bit WEP. With these enhanced security features, you can encrypt your data and only allow authorized users to access your wireless network.
Customer Service
Medialink products are backed by superior customer support. If you need assistance you can call us Tuesday - Saturday 9am to 6pm Eastern or email us after hours. Please have the security type and password ready if you need help troubleshooting your connection.
Lo and behold, I plugged it in and it was recognized within seconds. In under a minute, the box was connected to my network and I was streaming YouTube video to my upstairs bedroom. I was absolutely amazed.
This dongle is not yet listed on WD TV Live's supported device list, and I've found no previous posts or reviews confirming this compatibility. Hope this helps those looking at this for the same reason that I was.
When I received it I was upset to see that the packaging claimed support for Windows only, and the Medialink web site has only Windows drivers. But the instruction leaflet says that OS X and Linux drivers are on the CD and sure enough, they are.
Medialink claims that this is one of the smallest Wireless N USB adapters and I believe them - it's half the size of an Actiontec adapter I recently reviewed.
I first tried it under Windows 7. The driver installed nicely and the adapter worked, though I found the configuration utility confusing and could not figure out how to use WiFi Protected Setup (WPS). I did manage to create a profile typing the WPA2 key by hand and that worked. The signal strength was somewhat lower than the Intel card (with its three antennae in the netbook lid), which was understandable. Speed was excellent, though. Note that this is a 2.4GHz only adapter - 5GHz is not supported.
I then tried OS X. The CD contains drivers for several earlier versions of OS X, but not 10.6 (Snow Leopard). I tried the 10.5 driver and the installation appeared to hang after a while. However, when I rebooted and inserted the adapter, everything seemed to work. This time I managed to figure out how to use WPS and it connected with my router without problems. Unlike with an AirPort or some Apple-supported device, there's no indication in the menu bar that there's a connection, but the "Ralink Wireless USB" utility that launches when the adapter is connected confirmed it was there.
Medialink also includes a rather large desktop base with a hefty USB cable attached, should you want to use it. I tried it and it did work.
Pros: Support of Windows, OS X and Linux (I suppose - I didn't try Linux), compact size, good performance
Cons: Confusing configuration utility
Edit: December 29, 2010
I noticed that the Amazon description no longer mentions Linux and Mac support, so I called Medialink to ask what's up. I was told that they found the market for the adapter on Linux/Mac OS smaller than they thought and they didn't have expertise in those operating systems, so they no longer advertise Mac and Linux support. However, drivers for those ARE still on the CD and if they get any newer driers from Ralink (the chipset vendor), they'll pass them on (on the web site, I assume.) I still recommend this adapter for Mac OS users, but be prepared to be "on your own" if you're using Mac OS or Linux. (And sorry, I can't provide support either!)