Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a way to clear or Reset the Admin username and password on the Actiontec GT704WGB DSL Wireless Gateway?

How do I Reset the Actiontec GT704WGB back to its default settings?

Should I change the Actiontecs Wireless Settings, or should I leave them at the default values?

What does the Port Forwarding error "Add virtual server name 'rule name' failed. Status 1" mean?

Is there a way to clear or Reset the Admin username and password on the Actiontec GT704WGB DSL Wireless Gateway?
Yes, but clearing the password also resets the configuration of the device. So following a reset, the Gateway will need to be completely reconfigured.

To reset a 'GT704WGB' begin with the unit powered up and with a solid Green Power light. Then using a small tool depress and hold the Reset button on the back of the device just until you see the Power light go out, and the 4 Ethernet port lights come on, and then release the reset button. (The length of time that the Reset button must be held to accomplish the reset varies slightly.)

How do I Reset the Actiontec GT704WGB back to its default settings?
Begin with the power light solid green. Then using a small tool depress and hold the Reset button on the back of the device just until you see the Power light go out, and the 4 Ethernet port lights come on, and then release the reset button.
(BE AWARE: ALL configuration information stored in the Actiontec GT704WGB will be lost when it is reset, and that it will need to be completely reconfigured, following the reset.)

Should I change the Actiontecs Wireless Settings, or should I leave them at the default values?
It is always good pratice to change the default settings of a Wireless Modem, Router or Access Point. ( See the following recommended changes. )

1. Change the Name of the Wireless Network.
( SSID, ESSID and Network Name, are different terms for the same thing. )

The Network Name should be changed to something that is unique, but easy for you to remember. It should not identify you, your household or place of business in any way.

2. Use the Best Encryption Available on your Router or Access Point.
( WPA2, WPA, WEP and WPS are the most common types available. )

Use WPA2 if possible, and WPA if WPA2 is not available. Use WPS to setup your WPA wireless security if your router and adapters are compatible with Wireless Protected Setup (WPS). Use WEP if it is the only option available on your Router or Access Point.

3. Replace the default key / passphrase with one that is unique and random.
( Regardless of encryption type, the security will hinge on the Key / Passphrase. )

If your Router will allow the use of WPA or WPA2 then you are not limited to hexadecimal characters, and your key / passphrase can be from 8 to 63 ASCII characters in length. It is recommended that the key be no less than 20 characters in length as a minimum; and it is extremely important that the characters are random. That means capitol letters, lower case letters, punctuation and NO words or names.

If you are able to use WPS then the Router and Adapter will determine your key and how it is entered.

If your Router limits you to using WEP, you will likely also be forced to use only hexadecimal characters (the numbers 0-9 and the letters A-F). This type of key is rarely case sensitive, but it is even more important to be sure to make the key as random as possible. It is recommended that you a key of 26 hexadecimal characters. This length key is referred to as either 104 or 128 bits depending on the manufacturer.

What does the Port Forwarding error "Add virtual server name 'rule name' failed. Status 1" mean?
This is a "Port Conflict" error. It indicates that at least one of the ports that you are attempting to forward are already forwarded to another device individually, or are included in some other Port Forwarding rule.