Actiontec Wireless G Router and Network Cards

Reviews: Networking

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Richard Poelling
Brian
Actiontec
Oct. 3, 2005

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First Looks

Wireless Router

The router, like so many others before it, is simply a small box with an antenna sticking out of it. Beyond that, the design is broken up with lots of blinking lights, but then again you probably figured that out from the pictures. Basically, it is your standard wireless router with a slightly more "jagged" look compared to some of its competitors. On the back of the router are mounting holes which allow you to mount the router in any direction desired. Of particular note, the power supply contains the third grounding prong which isn't commonly seen on many routers, or very many computer peripherals for that matter.

USB Adaptor

Many of the Actiontec router's design aspects carry over to their other products. The USB wireless adapter takes on the same jagged, gray styling. Whether you like it or hate it, the biggest concern is how well it performs its wireless duties. The adapter has a slim antenna which folds into the body of the device making transport a breeze and hopefully should make it harder to end up with a broken antenna. A USB port is located on one end for connection to the computer. This allows the user to choose to connect with a standard, custom length USB cable if the provided cable is either too short or too long.

PCMCIA Card

There really isn't a whole lot to say about the laptop card. Everything is nicely encased in a metal housing with the antenna isolated in a plastic housing. You would be hard pressed to differentiate this card from any others. Of note, they did include a nice dust cover which slides over the card when it is not in use. It may not be necessary, but it is a nice touch, although you will probably lose it in your laptop bag within minutes of removing the card from it.

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Page 1: Introduction
Page 2: First Looks
Page 3: Setup
Page 4: Router Features
Page 5: Router Features Continued
Page 6: Testing & Conclusion

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Add Comment

7 User Comments

1 - Posted by blackjet on October 4, 2005 - 10:34 am

what does the 802.11 and the letter following it ie b or g stand for?

2 - Posted by handrail on October 4, 2005 - 12:37 pm

in short....

b = 11Mbps transfer rate

g = 54 Mbps transfer rate

3 - Posted by Rich on October 4, 2005 - 12:41 pm

Check out this article for more info.

http://www.thetechlounge.com/article.php?directory...

4 - Posted by blackjet on October 5, 2005 - 4:21 am

good article, u just cant beat a GB wired connection for gaming with mates tho! when u think wireless will ever get that fast? if ever?

5 - Posted by Rich on October 5, 2005 - 8:18 am

Some of the new "pre-N" routers are much faster, but it is still a wireless link. I personally would rather run the wires, but then again, I have so many wires now whats a few more. The thing I hate the most is that there is so much overhead and other stuff that is involved with the transmission of wireless signals that it may say 54 Mbps but it is really 25 Mbps. The "speed boosted" options that are advertised as 108 Mbps are actually sitting at the 50-60 Mbps range of the previous standard.

6 - Posted by blackjet on October 5, 2005 - 8:59 am

yea i perfer the wires too...

7 - Posted by Rich on October 5, 2005 - 6:13 pm

Wireless is good if you can't run wires, but a Gigabit connection can reach speeds of 300-500Mbps. Show me a wireless that runs that well and then I will think about it.

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