Qwest DSL and Actiontec modems...a match made in hell!
Shortly after moving into my new home, I signed up for Qwest DSL. My goal was to set-up DSL on my desktop computer then configure my D-Link wireless router so I could use my laptop on the porch or patio.
Initially, I attempted to set-up DSL with my old SBC/PacBell DSL Modem. No luck, but since I bought it for $25 from Craigslist over 2 years ago, buying a new one wasn't a big deal.
BestBuy had a Zoom DSL modem for $99, which seemed a bit pricey at the time but i bought it anyway. What I didn't realize while at BestBuy was, the wireless was built into the modem and my plan was to connect my current D-link router to the modem, rather than spend additional money on something I didn't need.
So, off to CompUSA I went. I had seen a "Qwest approved" Actiontec DSL modem at the Tigard CompUSA a couple weeks earlier but we were going to the JantzenBeach store and the selection wasn't the same. I found a different Actiontec modemfor $69, no wireless (I checked before buying this time). Satisfied with my purchase, I figured the DSL & wi-fi would be flowing in no time. HA!
As it turns out, the Actiontec modem which I had just purchased had a built-in router (for wired networks). I was able to connect to Qwest DSL but could not create a wireless network using my D-link router (despite the Actiontec claims that the router function could be turned off). SO, I boxed up the modem and headed back to CompUSA to get a single-port DSL modem.
After explaining my situation to the clerk at CompUSA, I was able to exchange the 4-port modem for the basic single-port Actiontec modem. Oh boy! Now I'm really gonna be set to surf the web!! By this time, I had contacted Qwest's tech support a couple times and had my User Name / PPPoE password and I felt very confident that hooking up my wi-fi rounter to this modem would be a cinch...just like it was when i had SBC's DSL. WRONG!! Still no go. I could connect to Qwest if I had the modem wired to my ethernet card but not through the D-link. I tried turning off various functions, resetting the modem and the router....nothing doing. I knew from reading the modem's documentation that I could get tech support for advanced issues (like this one) for a mere $29.95 per session. No way!! Not going that route! So, at 11pm, I disconnected the modem and re-packed it in the box.
Then, a moment of weakness...I unpacked the Zoom DSL modem (with wireless router) just to see if it could be nice. If it worked, I thought, the D-link router could go on E-bay or Craigslist.
The cables were conncected to the modem and I popped the install CD in. A quick software install, User Name / PPPoE password entered and PRESTO it worked beautiffully (and the modem wasn't approved by Qwest)!! Easier to configure than the D-link router plus a more robust interface and selection of features. Such a deal and to think, I had bought this modem first but never tried it out. What an IDIOT, I could have been wallowing in 54mbps of Wi-fi days ago.
Anyway, if even a couple Qwest DSL users in the blog-o-sphere reads this, don't buy Actiontec's DSL modem if you plan on creating a wireless network. The Zoom DSL wireless modem is your best bet.
Initially, I attempted to set-up DSL with my old SBC/PacBell DSL Modem. No luck, but since I bought it for $25 from Craigslist over 2 years ago, buying a new one wasn't a big deal.
BestBuy had a Zoom DSL modem for $99, which seemed a bit pricey at the time but i bought it anyway. What I didn't realize while at BestBuy was, the wireless was built into the modem and my plan was to connect my current D-link router to the modem, rather than spend additional money on something I didn't need.
So, off to CompUSA I went. I had seen a "Qwest approved" Actiontec DSL modem at the Tigard CompUSA a couple weeks earlier but we were going to the JantzenBeach store and the selection wasn't the same. I found a different Actiontec modemfor $69, no wireless (I checked before buying this time). Satisfied with my purchase, I figured the DSL & wi-fi would be flowing in no time. HA!
As it turns out, the Actiontec modem which I had just purchased had a built-in router (for wired networks). I was able to connect to Qwest DSL but could not create a wireless network using my D-link router (despite the Actiontec claims that the router function could be turned off). SO, I boxed up the modem and headed back to CompUSA to get a single-port DSL modem.
After explaining my situation to the clerk at CompUSA, I was able to exchange the 4-port modem for the basic single-port Actiontec modem. Oh boy! Now I'm really gonna be set to surf the web!! By this time, I had contacted Qwest's tech support a couple times and had my User Name / PPPoE password and I felt very confident that hooking up my wi-fi rounter to this modem would be a cinch...just like it was when i had SBC's DSL. WRONG!! Still no go. I could connect to Qwest if I had the modem wired to my ethernet card but not through the D-link. I tried turning off various functions, resetting the modem and the router....nothing doing. I knew from reading the modem's documentation that I could get tech support for advanced issues (like this one) for a mere $29.95 per session. No way!! Not going that route! So, at 11pm, I disconnected the modem and re-packed it in the box.
Then, a moment of weakness...I unpacked the Zoom DSL modem (with wireless router) just to see if it could be nice. If it worked, I thought, the D-link router could go on E-bay or Craigslist.
The cables were conncected to the modem and I popped the install CD in. A quick software install, User Name / PPPoE password entered and PRESTO it worked beautiffully (and the modem wasn't approved by Qwest)!! Easier to configure than the D-link router plus a more robust interface and selection of features. Such a deal and to think, I had bought this modem first but never tried it out. What an IDIOT, I could have been wallowing in 54mbps of Wi-fi days ago.
Anyway, if even a couple Qwest DSL users in the blog-o-sphere reads this, don't buy Actiontec's DSL modem if you plan on creating a wireless network. The Zoom DSL wireless modem is your best bet.
posted by stephen at
28.2.07
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