Actiontec Launches MoCA Network Adapter To Fill In Wi-Fi Coverage Deadzones

SUNNYVALE, Calif., June 26, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Actiontec Electronics announced the launch of its WCB3000 Wi-Fi Wireless Network Adapter using MoCA—the first solution in its Whole Home Wireless portfolio.

The new adapter uses MoCA (Multimedia over Coax) to reliably extend the Wi-Fi signal via a home's existing coax wiring to more places in the home.

With everything from tablets to TVs and kitchen appliances now Wi-Fi enabled, there's more pressure than ever before on the home Wi-Fi network. According to Parks Associates, U.S. broadband households have an average of 3.5 connected devices, and nearly 50% of U.S. broadband households watch movies and TV shows online.

"The WCB3000 is designed to ensure broadband subscribers can enjoy their tablets and other devices in a 2^nd floor bedroom, out on the back patio, or in the kitchen. The adapter is an important part of our overall Whole Home Wireless strategy aimed at tackling deadzones and making sure subscribers enjoy the broadband speeds they're paying for," said Brian Henrichs, chief business development officer at Actiontec Electronics.

Using a wired MoCA connection and offering dual 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz radios, the WCB3000 delivers stronger signals, faster speeds, and better coverage compared to wireless extenders that do not use a wired connection.

Moreover, the adapter mirrors the Wi-Fi signal from the router, so consumers don't have to log into another network when they go to a different part of the house. They can move from one area or device to another, on the "same" network, seamlessly—the way Wi-Fi was meant to be.

About WCB3000

About Actiontec's Whole Home Wireless

• Dual-band concurrent 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz radios for superior performance (2.4 GHz can be used for regular web browsing, while 5 GHz can be used for online gaming and video)
• Easy to use: users simply need to plug it into the coax port to instantly turn the port into a wireless network.
• Auto-configuration when connected to compatible Actiontec routers for seamless connectivity
• TR-069 for service provider remote management

Consumers want to be able to surf the Internet while sitting in the backyard patio, send the kids downstairs for online gaming, and stream an online movie to their tablet in the bedroom. However, one wireless router or access point rarely provides sufficient coverage to reliably reach all corners of the home, leaving many homeowners stuck with deadzones and dropped signals.

To highlight the issue, an Actiontec survey of broadband subscribers revealed that 64% of respondents lost their Wi-Fi signal once per week, 45% did not think their network was fast enough; and 34% complained of dead spots.

To address this issue, Actiontec's Whole Home Wireless strategy leverages multiple technologies (including Wireless, MoCA, and Powerline) and multiple approaches (including optimizing the position of the router, boosting the wireless router's performance, and creating more than one wireless hotspot in the home).

About Actiontec Electronics

Actiontec Electronics develops broadband-powered solutions that connect people to the Internet, applications, and content they care about. Our products — including gigabit Ethernet fiber routers, high speed VDSL gateways, DSL modems, and home networking solutions — are deployed by some of the largest telecom carriers in North America. We listen to our customers, delivering future-proof solutions that help them stay competitive today and tomorrow, with faster access rates, advanced performance, and exciting applications. Our innovation has been recognized throughout the industry, with numerous awards. As a minority owned company, we're committed to the world we live in by promoting diversity among our employees and partners, and actively pushing a variety of green programs designed to reduce the carbon footprint of our company, and customers. Founded in 1993, Actiontec is headquartered in Sunnyvale, CA, and maintains branch offices in Colorado Springs, CO; Shanghai, China; and Taipei, Taiwan.

SOURCE Actiontec Electronics