Actiontec Wireless G Ethernet Adapter

Reviews: Networking

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Richard Poelling
Kurtis
Actiontec
Jun. 19, 2005

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Quality Check

The overall quality of the hardware is not in question. All the parts from the device itself to the cables and wires that come with it look to be sturdy and reliable. The software, however, is another story altogether. From my experience, the software really brings this product down. The installation wizard was helpful up until the point where the device fails to connect. As previously stated, the addition of a site survey tool would have made a tremendous difference where ease-of-use is concerned. The included software on the CD was also partially useful and very frustrating to use. Its only purpose comes down to enabling access to the web interface which was far more useful. These flaws, although large, can be fixed easily with software downloads and firmware updates if Actiontec will take the initiative to see to them. Once you get to the web interface, you should be able to easily configure the device. In the end, I was able to get the device working, but it was by no means a simple process.

I would like to reiterate that the lack of WPA support for this product currently also lowers its usefulness. A network, like a chain, is only as secure as its weakest link. You can have a highly secure environment, but all it takes is that one router running WEP that can be cracked to bring it all down. I will say that in its specifications, Actiontec has listed WPA as a future addition by way of a firmware upgrade. At least it is on their radar and a completely fixable mistake.

Conclusion

Whether it be a laptop, desktop or a general networked appliance, the word of the day is wireless. But where does this leave all of the older products which aren't wireless? Rather than scrap all your old stuff, there is hope in a device called a bridge. By bridging a hardwired Ethernet port to a wireless connection, you can turn any device with a standard RJ45 jack into a wireless device. This most definitely will come in handy if you have wired MP3 receivers, game consoles, or even wired LAN cameras. If it has cat5, it can be wireless.

Although I had many problems with the setup and install of this product, once it was working, it worked well. Turning my MP3 receiver into a wireless receiver took no time at all, a simple switch of the cable and it was wireless. This can also work with game consoles such as the Xbox which have online capability. In the end, the only limitation is the configuration and setup of the device, not what you can hook up to it. You will be shelling out between $75-$100 for this device just for the pleasure of going wireless though. If you are trying to add wireless connectivity to a computer, you are better served to add a PCI card instead for far less money, but if you need to make your Xbox wireless, it is cheaper than the Xbox branded wireless bridge. It really all comes down to what you are trying to make wireless and how much time you have to install the device.

Pros

Go from wired to wireless
Small size
Wireless G (802.11g)

Cons

Hard to setup
Included software more of a hindrance
No WPA support
Pricey

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Page 1: Introduction
Page 2: First Impressions & Installation
Page 3: Security & Testing
Page 4: Quality Check & Conclusion

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