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                                  EXHIBIT 23.1
                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8) pertaining to the registration of 200,000 shares of common stock under the
1997 Non-Executive Officer Stock Option/Stock Issuance Plan and the registration
of 150,000 shares of Common Stock under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan, of our
report dated July 29, 1998 with respect to the consolidated financial statements
and schedule of ACT Networks, Inc. included in the Annual Report (Form 10-K) for
the year ended June 30, 1998, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


                                       /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
                                       -----------------------------------------
                                       ERNST & YOUNG LLP


Woodland Hills, California
December 29, 1998

