Actiontec GT701D Ethernet DSL Modem with Routing Capabilities

I purchased this modem to work with my new wireless router. I purchased a wireless router (called Pandora's Hope) that automatically filters out undesirable internet content (i.e. porn) to spare my family.I wanted a small, simple modem for my new router to plug into. This modem fit the bill exactly. Simple, only one Ethernet port (for my router), no wireless feature, good performance, and small (I didn't measure it, but was pleasantly surprised by how small it was - I'd guess no more than 3-1/2" X 4-1/2"). I plugged it all in and the installation wizard was a breeze - up and running in about 5 minutes.I have Qwest/Century Link service and it worked just fine. Setup was no problem, so I didn't have to call and deal with frustrating Century Link customer dis-service (a huge plus).Here's the thing. I have to return this fine modem to Amazon. Why? Because it's for ADSL only. Although it will support speeds up to 24 Mbps, Qwest/Century Link can't provide my local area with speeds greater than 3 Mbps using ADSL. I have to upgrade to VDSL for better performance. Unfortunately I ordered this modem without knowing that I would need VDSL technology, or the difference between ADSL & VDSL, or even that VDSL existed.I can't knock this product because I didn't know what I needed. It has performed well while I've had it, but I need to switch to VDSL. I credit Amazon with having a great return policy. You can buy this modem with confidence if you have ADSL.

Considering the ratings were so high and the design is new I'm definitely disappointed with this product, although it does perform sufficiently so I thought it did deserve the three-star rating.My previous modem lasted many years and it was very popular for many years, but I think it finally reached the end of its lifespan, which is why I bought this. The setup for this modem wasn't super easy, but I'd say it was a little easier than my old modem.Once it did get up and running I was mostly disappointed with the options it provided. I didn't see where I could change the MTU anywhere, although I've never had a need to change it with my old modem. There wasn't a simple connectivity test like my old modem had. There are a few "ping" tests with the Actiontec modem, but they don't do much more than say "the internet is/isn't working". My last modem had a series of tiered connection tests that told me at what point my connection actually failed. It also had a very verbose diagnostic output, which is useless for most users but it's very helpful for technicians.One thing that I know a lot of console gamers complain about is their NAT type and how it affects the quality [if not the ability] to game online. It was pretty simple to disable NAT/DHCP on my old device, plus disabling DHCP didn't affect my ability to manage its settings in a web browser. The Actiontec has maybe 3 or 4 different options that may or may not affect the NAT type of a console. Unfortunately the options and their affects are not well documented. In the end I think the proper way to disable DHCP is to setup IP Passthrough and login using PPPoE on your router. The bad thing about this is that you lose all visibility of the modem settings and activity (i.e. you can't check its settings in a web browser anymore). The only way to re-enable browser management is to factory reset the modem which means you have to change all of your settings back to get the internet working again. This is definitely the most annoying and frustrating part of this modem.I cannot prove this part, therefore I won't let it affect my rating, but I'm pretty sure this modem has a small NAT table or does a poor job at cleaning it up. I don't use BitTorrent often, but when I do I have to be very careful about the number of concurrent connections I have open. I used to be able to download 10 or so torrents at once without completely crippling other users on the network (although it did affect their throughput). With this modem I can only run about three downloads at once, otherwise my network becomes unusable for other users, regardless of how much bandwidth my torrenting machine is using. This indicates to me that my computer isn't hogging all of the bandwidth but the modem is having trouble managing all of the different connections coming through.On the plus side, since I've gotten it setup the way I like it I haven't had the connection drop like I did with my old and dying modem. I also haven't noticed it get very hot the few times I checked on it, which always concerned me with my old modem.There don't appear to be a lot of good options as far as DSL modems go, so this is probably one of the better ones, but I still can't say it's good.

First time AT&T user. Followed the AT&T setup instructions for AT&T registration first, then used the actiontec quick setup. I had an internet connection and the modem worked great until I unplugged my laptop ethernet cable and plugged it into my SMC wireless router. This seemed to crash the modem and I couldn't even get to the setup screen at [...]. Called actiontec tech support. They were very helpful, but eventually determined the modem was dead. Got a replacement from Amazon, but this time I used the steps as posted in the review by NoviceUser to use the modem in "bridged mode" (whose DSL provider is also AT&T):1.) Follow the "Quick Start Guide" from Actiontec to configure the modem according to your specific ISP provider.HINT: You need to know your ISP's (AT&T) member ID and password. If you don't remember, you may call your ISP to find out.2.) After configuration is complete, confirm that you are connected to the internet.3.) Click "Advanced Setup" on the Main Menu.4.) On the "DHCP Settings" page (the list on left side of your screen), turn off DHCP Server. Clink "Apply".5.) On the "WAN IP Address" page, click "Yes" on the warning. Select RFC 1483 Transparent Bridging. Click "Apply".Please note: The internet light on the modem will be off, and it will remain off in bridged mode.6.) Remove the Ethernet cable from your computer, and plug it into the "Internet" port of your Router. (Now, your modem will be connected to your router)7.) Turn on your router by following your rounter's set up instruction.8.) Enter your ISP's member ID and password (same as above)in your router settings. Follow instructions in your router's to enable DHCP on your router.9.) Now you are connected to the internet by using your new modem and router in "Bridged" mode.Only difference is in step 7: I had to put my wireless router in PPPoE mode (not DHCP) and then enter my AT&T username (primary e-mail address you make on AT&T registration) and password. I also use the "always on" mode. Now, it works great!All in all not so bad to setup, except if you're a first time using AT&T DSL. In this case you have to go through the AT&T registration process before step 1 in the above instructions to obtain your DSL username and password and to setup your internet connection. But, this isn't so bad if you can follow the instructions given to you by Actiontec and AT&T. Note: during the AT&T registration process before going through the above steps, AT&T will not be able to recognize this modem automatically. You have to register your modem manually (not difficult).The steps provided in the review by Raj are basically the same and were also helpful:"Works great. Does not run hot. Using it for almost a week. Came with a 2 page booklet with steps for configuring it major ISPs like AT&T, Verizon. Had to search the internet for steps to configure it in bridged mode with my router. Wish instructions for configuring into bridged mode were given in the user manual. Basically, you have to perform the following steps:1. Auto-Configure the modem with your ISP by directly connecting the modem to your computer. Follow the instructions given in the booklet/user manual/ISP letter to enter the PPPoE username & password.2. After configuration is complete, confirm that you are connected to the internet.3. Click 'Advanced Setup' on the Main Menu.4. Turn off DHCP Server on the 'DHCP Settings' page. Click Apply.5. Go to 'WAN IP Address' page and click Yes on the warning. Select RFC 1483 Transparent Bridging. Click Apply.6. The Internet light on the modem will turn off and always remain off in bridged mode.7. Remove cable from computer and plug into WAN port of your Router.8. In your router settings enter the PPPoE username & password. Follow instructions in your router's user manual to enable DHCP on your router.You should now be connected to the Internet using your modem & router in bridged mode."All in all, a great modem, and the price is right. Great tech support. If the instructions indicated that I should use the bridge mode before plugging in my wireless router, and gave the steps listed above, I'd give this modem 5 stars. But, because the first modem died on me, I gave it 4 stars.Big thanks to NoviceUser and Raj!