Customer Reviews

Qwest Actiontec M1000 DSL Modem

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Having been an early adopter of DSL a decade ago, I was not too dismayed when the Cisco 675 modem that came with my Qwest (at the time, USWest) service sputtered and eventually failed. I bought this modem--the Actiontec m1000, branded for Qwest and sold as their "Broadband Starter Kit"--as a likely-sounding replacement. The swap was not without incident, which required a visit from a helpful Qwest technician (after a couple of hours on the phone with tech support), but that wasn't the modem's fault: Turns out Qwest had made upgrades since I had originally subscribed, and the new modem was never going to work until they upgraded my account accordingly. They did so, and since then the modem has worked flawlessly. I'd recommend it, though my sole DSL experience is with USWest/Qwest, so I have no way of knowing how it would handle other providers.

1) Setting up DSL service using the quick connect disc (not a very quick connect). Wish that DSL setup was quick, as I'm the type of person that need the internet like NOW! Something like that way that it is done through most cable internet providers, which involves the Mac Address of the modem. Copying down user ID info, wish I had done that the first time more details about later.

2) Surfing the Web everything seems to be working fine. Dropped the internet after about 12 hours use, did not think much of it. After rebooting modem everything seems to work fine, so it seemed that is all it needed. After a mouth it is dropping the Internet every 1-12 hours and rebooting its self (something tells me it was always doing this). Called Qwest's Tech Support turns out that a setting in the modem need to be changed. This could be the reason the first one I had was losing the internet. With the setting changed to what Qwest uses, no more dropping of the Web.

3) Qwest uses tips:
a) First login to the modems setup page by typing in the modems IP address (tip IP address should be 192.168.0.1).
b) Left click on Quick Setup tab
c) Left click on Advance IP Configuration
d) Select PPPoA
e) Left click Apply

4) Pros:
a) Setup was pretty easy.
b) Modem setup Interface is very simple to understand.
c) ADSL 2/2+ Modem so works with major DSL providers.
d) Small footprint when standing up.

5) Cons:
a) PPPoA not default even though banded for Qwest.
b) Some settings not auto set by carrier.
c) Cannot disable NAT Firewall without losing internet (reason for the 3 star rating).
d) Had to call Qwest Tech Support.

6) Overall this is a good modem and with the right setting you will not have dropping of the internet on the modems side. Only wish that the NAT Firewall could be disabled without losing the internet.

The M1000 is fine in most cases. But there's a bug in the firmware (all versions) that blocks port 80 from being passed through when this is configured for use with a /24 set of static addresses.

Also, its MTU setting cannot be changed and will frequently fragment packets in PPPoE mode which can cause trouble (timeouts) on incoming connections if you're hosting an Exchange Server. Most of Qwest's new DSL circuits are configured as PPPoE now, but the DSLAMs support both, so set this to PPPoA and it will still train up and give you a nice 1500 MTU.

In summary, if you're a /24 static IP customer who is hosting Exchange, use PPPoA. If you're hosting a web site, though, you'll have to go with another modem, like the Actiontec GT701 which will pass port 80.

I was able to pick up my Actiontec M1000 for $14 (along with a bunch of line conditioners) and it works great!

Now I will say that I don't have Qwest as my ISP, I have Earthlink. All I had to do is change the VPI/VCI to 0/35 and it works like a charm!
For those who are wanting to use this modem with another ISP, here are the VPI/VCI numbers that you will have to change to get the modem to authenticate.
Qwest 0/32, Verizon 0/35, SBC 0/35, AT&T 0/35, SW Bell 0/35, Sprint 8/35, TDS 0/35, Bell South 8/35, CenturyTel 8/35, EarthLink 0/35, Embarq 8/35, and GSInet 8/35

Other then that, it's a great modem. The Quest firmware is easy to setup and configure. But do some shopping around, you can get this modem for MUCH less.

Pros:
Lots of features.
Works!
Works super well with my Linksys WRT160N, much better then my super old Netopia modem.

Cons:
None.

I bought this modem to replace an action tec wireless modem that just wouldn't stay connected to the qwest network (it was a modem from qwest). This modem has dropped my connection very little in the last two months. The ease of use was acceptable. I am currently running it to my linksys wireless router and everything is working smoothly. I can't comment on the modem speed as I pay only for 1.5 MB DSL so any modem could handle my speed. Overall the modem is good. I have no negatives to report at this time, but check back in a year.

It is OK for a DSL modem. The wireless add on really isn't good (see separate review). Also, this only has one Ethernet port on the back, so you better be ready to buy a multiport router or switch if you do anything on a real network. Finally, a minor issue, it looks like there was more investment in the glowing qwest logo on the front, than any other feature of the device. Next time, I hope qwest spares me the glowing logo and gives me an extra Ethernet port! Buyer beware.

Bought this from Qwest in 2007. Solid performance till date. Currently has a 12 mbps connection and I regularly get 10-11 mbps down on this. Added the wireless module on-to it in 2010 (highly recommended - only $20 from Qwest). Run a host of devices (3 computers, 1 Roku Netflix streaming, 1 iPhone, 1 wireless ip camera, 1 Vonage VOIP) nonstop on this. Now I am upgrading to 20 mbps and Qwest told me that this modem is capable of handling that speed as well.

This modem is fast and easy to set up, and should work well for most home users. We've been using it for 7 months without any problems. For more sophisticated users, having only one ethernet port is limiting and there are very few configuration options.

It was a simple pull out the old, put in the new with this modem. Yes, you must know your password, but fifteen minutes with tech support will get your password and the rest is easy.

After a month the modem has had no operational glitches, even after power outages and DSL line outages (I live in a rural area.)

This order is to replace my original 3 year-old Qwest Actiontec M1000 DSL Modem which was dropping my connection to the Internet several times per use and after reading other modem problem reviews, I decided it was time for a new modem. Since installing the new modem (I had no problem with installation using the included CD and my ISP Qwest website for their updating the application) I have had no further problems with disconnects or slow surfing! According to other reviewers if you want home networking, you have to order the optional $20.00 wireless connection.