Actiontec Electronics Inc. has a new Dual Mode Wireless-Ready Cable/DSL Router that the company says will be one of the first routers to enable multiple users to log on to America Online (AOL) at the same time with just one Internet connection.
Compatible with the traditional Mac operating system (7.1 or higher), the router lets subscribers to AOL’s broadband service have more than one computer simultaneously accessing AOL content and surfing the Web. Multiple systems can share Internet connections through an Actiontec USB DSL Modem or any Ethernet DSL or cable modem. The Dual Mode Wireless-Ready Cable/DSL Router can handle two computers over a wired connection and up to 32 more using an 802.11b compliant PC, according to Actiontec.
The router features two WAN ports: one USB connection for use with the Actiontec USB Home DSL Modem and another for use with any Ethernet cable or DSL modem. The router also boasts three LAN ports: for high-speed Ethernet networking, a USB LAN port and a “wireless-ready” slot for an 802.11b compliant card, which activates wireless networking. There’s also a slot for future cards that could permit applications such as wireless printer sharing and VoIP access for Internet-based phone calls.
The Actiontec Dual Mode Wireless-Ready Cable/DSL Router features a built-in firewall, 64- and 128-bit wireless security encryption, Web site and Web service blocking, and power filters designed to audit and report Web browsing activities. It has a manufacturers’ suggested retail price of US$99.99 and comes with an AC power adapter, an Ethernet cable, a USB cable, Quick and Start Guides.