ACTIONTEC'S WIRELESS-READY ROUTER UPGRADES USB MODEMS.
Actiontec Electronics has debuted Actiontec Dual Mode Wireless-Ready Cable/DSL Router, the first networking solution for a home or small office that permits users to share Internet access through a USB modem. The product works with the Actiontec USB Home DSL Modem -- which holds a 20% market share in the U.S. -- as well as with Ethernet Cable and DSL modems from any manufacturer (the "Dual Mode" of the name).The new router can be used to network two desktop or laptop computers over a wired connection and a third through the unit's USB LAN port. Up to 32 additional computers can be networked wirelessly with the addition of an 802.11b-compliant PC Card. Networked computers can share files, printers and other peripherals, and multiplayer games as well as a single Internet connection, with wired surfing speeds of up to 100 Mbps and wireless access of up to 11 Mbps.
The router's ability to upgrade a USB modem for networking is an industry first, achieved by special engineering that has conquered technical problems such as loading drivers on a USB device. Previously, networking with a USB modem was not possible, forcing users to purchase a non-USB device if they wished to connect computers for shared Internet access.
Also new with this router is a first-of-its-kind installation system that dramatically simplifies the networking process. Actiontec's breakthrough installation system includes an automated setup wizard, color-coded ports and cables, and on-screen pictorial guides that offer a goof-proof means of establishing shared DSL or Cable Internet access even for the least technical user.
The networking wizard, called Connection 1-2-3, adds new computers to the network with virtually no user intervention, automatically verifying the network settings and TCP/IP readiness of each new computer and correcting problems if necessary.
Other features of the Actiontec Dual Mode Wireless-Ready Cable/DSL Router include:
-- Two WAN ports to permit Internet connection sharing -- a USB WAN port for use with the Actiontec USB Home DSL Modem, and an Ethernet WAN port for use with an Ethernet Cable or DSL modem from any vendor.
-- Three LAN ports: a USB LAN port, an Ethernet LAN port, and wireless.
-- Actiontec's exclusive dual PC Card slot configuration, with one "wireless-ready" slot for an 802.11b-compliant card to activate wireless networking and a second slot for future cards permitting applications such as wireless printer sharing and Internet-based voice phone calls via VoIP.
-- A built-in firewall for network security.
-- Advanced 64- and 128-bit wireless security encryption.
-- Advanced Web site and Web service blocking to prevent access to undesirable content, plus power filters that can audit and report detailed log files of Web browsing activities.
The Actiontec Dual Mode Wireless-Ready Cable/DSL Router carries an MSRP of $99.99 and will be available in July from mass market retailers and from the Actiontec online store at http://www.actiontec.com. Each package will include a router, an AC power adapter, an Ethernet cable, a USB cable, Quick Start Guides and the Actiontec Installation Buddy, and Connection 1-2-3. The product is compatible with Windows 98 or higher for a PC and System 7.1 or higher for a Macintosh.
About Actiontec
Actiontec Electronics, Inc. is a supplier of analog and broadband devices designed to facilitate or leverage Internet access. The company's complete line of DSL, router, wireless LAN, Internet telephony, and analog products includes the industry's first call waiting modems, home DSL modems and wireless home gateways. Actiontec products have been recognized with a Best of Show award at Retail Xchange, Editors Choice awards from CNET's computers.com and homePCnetwork.com, and Top 100 Products of the Year from Computer Shopper. Actiontec products are available through national distribution, retail outlets, and Actiontec's online store as well as through private label and Tier 1 OEM relationships. The company is headquartered in Sunnyvale, CA, and maintains branch offices in Arlington, VA; Austin, TX; Colorado Springs, CO; Irvine, CA; Auckland, New Zealand; Reading, United Kingdom; China and Taiwan.
Actiontec Electronics can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.actiontec.com.
For more information, call 408/752-7700.
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| Comment: | ACTIONTEC'S WIRELESS-READY ROUTER UPGRADES USB MODEMS. |
|---|---|
| Publication: | Modem User News |
| Article Type: | Product Announcement |
| Geographic Code: | 1USA |
| Date: | Aug 1, 2002 |
| Words: | 679 |
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