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Components:
Wireless Cable/DSL Router model No. GE144000-01
Wireless-Ready Cable/DSL Router model No. GEU404000-01
PCI 802.11b Wireless Adapter model No. HWP01170-01
USB 802.11b Wireless Adapter model No. HWU01170-01
Review
 About
the only companies people see when looking for a home network solution
are Linksys, D-Link, and Netgear. This may make some people wonder what
else is out there beyond the three major companies. In a world of seeming
monopolies Actiontec emerges with a strong product.
Founded in 1993 Actiontec provides solutions for data communications
and mobile professionals. The company is able to keep its products affordable
by manufacturing it products off shore. Actiontec’s line includes
DSL Modems, Wireless Networking, Home Gateways, Routers and VoIP devices,
and analog modems. This wide line of communications hardware provides
solutions for just about any communications demand.
This review has a lot of ground to cover. For the entry
level networking solution Actiontec has created the perfect tool for the
job. Installation for a network based on the GE144000-01 took a mere 30
minuets just by following the instructions provided with the router and
cards. The router’s instructions are in a colorful step-by-step
fashion with a screen shot that goes along nicely with each step.
 The
router was setup according to instructions and the Internet connection
ran flawlessly. The next task was to setup a laptop with the USB Wireless
Adapter. This was just as simple to do, plug in the adapter, insert the
included CD-ROM and Windows will find and install the drivers for you.
Once your Internet browser is setup the Internet is all yours.
 As
with the Wireless Cable/DSL Router model No. GE144000-01 the Wireless-Ready
Cable/DSL Router model No. GEU404000-01 was just as easy if not easier
to install. For the GEU404000-01 all you need to due is put in the included
cd and follow the on screen step-by-step guide. The guide does not skip
a single step throughout the process and assumes that the user has never
seen anything like this before. I do not think you could ask for a simpler
install.
For those that are still new to any type of networking file
and print sharing my get a little complicated, however Actiontec does
a great job of explaining things. It is only a slight problem but instructions
for print and file sharing are only included in the Wireless Adapter boxes
not the router box. Once everything is setup you have a complete working
network.
From 36 feet from the router it was able to maintain a consistent
signal strength of 50% at 11mb/s through 2 walls and a garage of junk.
This is more than enough bandwidth for any broadband Internet connection
or LAN game. Unless you plan on doing large amounts of file transfer over
the network the 802.11b network is all that you will ever need.
Using the Qcheck software, we tested both the response time
test, which Qcheck returns the minimum, maximum and average number of
seconds it took to complete a transaction and a throughput test, which
returns the amount of data per second that was successfully sent between
the two endpoints.
For the throughput test we averaged around 4.141mbps, which
is not bad considering the distance. This provides more than plenty bandwidth
for a dsl or cable line to run to its fullest potential. The response
time test sent 100 bytes 3 times and had an average response time of 4
ms. The results were approximately the same both routers. There is not
detectable difference in speed.
With a MSRP of $149.95 the Wireless Cable/DSL Router model
No. GE144000-01 and the Wireless-Ready Cable/DSL Router model No. GEU404000-01
with a MSRP of $165.95 both seem to be priced a bit high compared to its
larger competitors. However, with their simple install and strong performance
both seem like products that just might be worth the extra cost to someone
new to networking. The GEU404000-01 does have more extreme pluses and
minuses compared to the GE144000-01. The GEU404000-01 costs more but you
seem to get less for your money. There is only one standard Ethernet port
that limits the possibilities of expansion to wireless cards only.
If a brand new computer user asked me
which companies to look at for his home network, Actiontec would defiantly
be on the top of my list. Their ease of install makes for a very smooth
transition into the realm of networking. If I had to pick between routers
my pick would have to go for the Wireless Cable/DSL Router model No. GE144000-01.
Even though it does not have quite as simplified install process its built
in antenna and inclusion of a 4 port switch gives a user more options
when a new computer is added to the home.
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10 / 10 |
OVERALL SCORE
96%
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9 / 10 |
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9 / 10 |
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10 / 10 |
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10 / 10 |
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9.6 / 10 |
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