My testing was based upon uploading/downloading a 200k file to our server's FTP folder. The Call Waiting modem uploaded at approximately 6.1k sec, and downloaded at around 6.8k per second. Overall, performance was on par with most other 56k modems on the market today. The Creative Labs modem blaster 56k came in second while uploading at 5.8k sec, and downloading the 200k file at 6.1k per second. Evidently the Actiontec call waiting modem was not mired performance wise by having the call waiting feature built in.

While testing the call-waiting feature on the modem, I can safely say I got pretty decent results. After doing a series of "calling myself" (not like that you freak!) tests to evaluate the modem's call waiting feature, the call waiting feature worked nearly every time, except when I had somebody call me from a cell phone. Every time they called they kept getting a busy signal, very peculiar. Whether this was my local phone carrier's fault, or the Actiontec modem, I don't know. The only grudge I hold against this modem is the fact that you only have 7 seconds to talk before being cut-off. This is a very short amount of time, and barely enough to see who it is, and deciding if you want to either talk or hang up on the person (for me this is the case 100% of the time I get a telemarketer saying: "hello, Mr. Wissman" in a very monotone voice.

Keeping this review short and sweet, I managed to give this modem a 8.5/10 for performance. While the call-waiting feature worked, it didn't seem to work 100% of the time, which can be a bummer. I would have really liked to be able to chat on the phone for a longer period of time. Retailing for a little over $100 street, this modem is much more expensive then most bargain bin 56k modems that can be had for as little as $20. I would definitely recommend this modem to any poor soul who is still dialing up their service provider through a single phone line, and would like to receive calls (that knocks out about 50% of us who can't stand talking on the phone, including me :) ).

by Ryan Wissman

Price - 7.0 Performance - 8.5 Overall - 8.0

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