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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 Stock Incentive Plan, and the registration of 200,000 shares of common
stock pursuant to the option grant to Mr. Sadr and the registration of 90,000
shares of common stock pursuant to the option grant to Mr. Weisman of our report
dated July 26, 1999, 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, 1999, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


                                                          ERNST & YOUNG LLP


Woodland Hills, California
May 24, 2000
