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Actiontec GT704-WGR Wireless Modem |
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Written by Nathan Loehlein
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Tuesday, 07 August 2007 |
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Page 1 of 2

Now that over half of the homes in the U.S. have broadband access and wireless networks are becoming the standard in the home, it is important to choose a product which fits your needs. Most cable internet and DSL companies have a modem you can rent or purchase through them, but there is also a small market for manufacturers to create modems for consumers. As broadband access continues to grow in the U.S. the market for third-party modems will continue to grow as well.

Enter the Actiontec Wireless DSL Starter Kit. Although the unit being reviewed has a Qwest Label on it, there is nothing specific inside the box that says it can only be used by Qwest. Additionally, there is also a Verizon-branded version which can only be used with Verizon DSL.

As stated on the box, the Actiontec Wireless DSL Router is a DSL modem, wireless router, and 4-port wired router all in one device. This is especially handy if you purchase this device and do not have a network set up, since it contains the central unit for an entire home network. Add a few wireless cards or use wired Ethernet and you have a ready to go network.

Inside the box you will find the router, a power cord, a phone cable, an installation CD, a USB cable, an Ethernet cable, 4 phone-line filters, one line splitter, and a couple of sets of instructions. There is nothing extraordinary about the packaging or the product. The router consists of a small slate-grey box with the top edges angled to set it apart from a simple box, but other than that it is pretty plain. The unit also has lights on the front to indicate which services or lines are working and a single wireless antenna on the back of it.

To get started you need to have the router connected via either the USB or Ethernet cable as the wireless is turned off by default. The reason this is done is that users who may not know much about wireless or who are not using the wireless will not leave their networks unprotected. Once you are connected enter the IP address for the router and you will be given the setup screen.
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 09 August 2007 )
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