Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to have an Actiontec Wireless Card or Adapter to connect to an Actiontec Wireless Gateway or Router?

Does Actiontec sell a Wireless Range Expander or Wireless Repeater, to extend a wireless networks coverage?

Can the Wireless on this device be updated or upgraded?

How is a replacement Actiontec CD obtained?

Is there a way to clear or reset the Admin username and password on an Actiontec R Series Router, Gateway or Wireless Access Point?

How do I Reset the Actiontec to its default settings?

Do Actiontec Access Points, Gateways and Routers support Wireless Bridging?

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

Do I need to have an Actiontec Wireless Card or Adapter to connect to an Actiontec Wireless Gateway or Router?
No. Actiontec Wireless products are not proprietary. All Actiontec Wireless Gateways, Routers and Access Points conform to recognized Standards, so any properly functioning Wireless Card or Adapter, that conforms to the same Standard, should be able to connect.

Does Actiontec sell a Wireless Range Expander or Wireless Repeater, to extend a wireless networks coverage?
No, Actiontec does not sell a Wireless Repeater. The Wireless Routers, Access Points and Gateways that we currently produce, do not support WDS or Wireless Distribution System. (WDS is a technology that allows the linking of several Wireless Access Points, to create one large Wireless network.)

Can the Wireless on this device be updated or upgraded?
No, the antenna on this device is permanently attached, and cannot be changed or upgraded.

How is a replacement Actiontec CD obtained?
There are two methods for obtaining a replacement Actiontec CD.
1. Downloading the ISO for free from the Actiontec Support Site. If an ISO is available, it will be posted along with all other Drivers and Software, on the support page for that product. Instructions for converting the ISO file into a CD can be downloaded along with the ISO.
2. Contacting Actiontec Technical Support by phone and purchasing one. Actiontec CDs can be purchased for $6.95 (including S&H) within the USA, and $8.95 (including S&H) for customers in Europe and the UK.
To purchase call: 1-800-371-0442 (USA), 0800-180-4434 (UK)
Please have your Visa or MasterCard ready, along with product name and model number, or CD part number if available. (MasterCard and Visa are the only cards Actiontec is able to accept.)

Is there a way to clear or reset the Admin username and password on an Actiontec R Series Router, Gateway or Wireless Access Point?
Yes, but clearing the password also resets the configuration of the device. So following a reset, the gateway or router will need to be completely reconfigured.
To reset an 'R' Series Router, Gateway or Wireless Access Point, begin with the unit powered up. Then using a small tool, depress and hold the Reset button on the back of the device for 10 seconds, and then release it. The only 'R' Series device that cannot be reset is the R4500U. This is because it was designed and built without a Reset button; but there are step by step directions for clearing a lost password available on the page for that product.

How do I Reset the Actiontec to its default settings?
Begin with the power light solid Green. Then using a small tool, press and hold the Reset button in for 10 seconds, then release the button. It will take 30 to 40 seconds for the Actiontec to restart.
(Be aware that ALL configuration settings stored in the Actiontec will be lost when resetting the unit, and that it will need to be reconfigured, once it has restarted.)

Do Actiontec Access Points, Gateways and Routers support Wireless Bridging?
No, Wireless Actiontec Gateways, Routers and Access Points do not support Wireless Bridging; they function as standard wireless access points, only.

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.