Linksys WRT54G Wireless-G Router
LINKSYS WRT54G - Wireless-G is the emerging 54 Mbps wireless networking standard that's almost five times faster than the widely deployed Wireless-B ( 802.11b ) products found in homes, businesses and public wireless hotspots around the country. The best part is, since they share the same 2.4GHz radio band, Wireless-G devices talk to existing 11 Mbps Wireless-B equipment. Operates as a DHCP Server NAT technology to protect against Internet intruders Supports VPN pass-through Easy configuration with web browser based configuration utility
The Linksys Wireless-G broadband router is really three devices in one box. First, it's a wireless access point, which lets you connect Wireless-G or Wireless-B devices to the network. There's also a built-in four-port full-duplex 10/100 switch to connect your wired-Ethernet devices. Connect four PCs directly, or daisy-chain out to more hubs and switches to create as big a network as you need. Finally, the router function ties it all together and lets your whole network share a high-speed cable or DSL Internet connection. To protect your data and privacy, the Wireless-G broadband router can encrypt all wireless transmissions, and it supports the industrial-strength wireless security of 802.1x authentication and authorization. The router can serve as a DHCP server, has NAT technology to protect against Internet intruders, supports VPN pass-through, and can be configured to filter internal users' access to the Internet. Configuration is a snap with the Web browser-based configuration utility. With the Linksys Wireless-G broadband router at the center of your home or office network, you can share a high-speed Internet connection, files, printers, and multiplayer games with the flexibility, speed, and security you need! Wireless-G is the 54 Mbps wireless networking standard that's more than four times faster than the widely deployed Wireless-B (802.11b) products found in homes, businesses, and public wireless hotspots around the country. But since they share the same 2.4 GHz radio band, Wireless-G devices can also interoperate with existing 11 Mbps Wireless-B equipment. Because both standards are built-in, you can protect your investment in existing 802.11b infrastructure, and migrate to the new screaming-fast Wireless-G standard as your needs grow. For more information on the differences between an access point and a router with access point, see the following table: 
See a comparison diagram of the different wireless technologies. | Wireless networks are rapidly becoming more popular and coming down in price. Since they don't require cables, you can use the devices anywhere in an office or home, even out on the patio. There's no need to roll out an Ethernet network cable to each room of a house; you can network anywhere--without wires. Outside the home, wireless networking is available in hotspots at coffee shops, businesses, and airports--great when you're on the road and need to get some work done. For convenience, wireless networking is the answer.
Which Wireless Standard Is Right for Me?
Now that you've decided to create a wireless network, the next step is to figure out which wireless standard to use. Basically, a standard is a set of specifications for a device. All devices that follow a specific standard share operating characteristics, such as the radio frequency used and maximum data transfer speed.
For wireless networking, there are three standards to choose from at this time: To learn about the differences between the standards and select the right one for your network, click here for an easy-to-understand chart. |
Linksys WRT54G Wireless-G Router Accessories
 Linksys WPC54G Wireless-G Notebook Adapter
Linksys WMP54G Wireless-G PCI Adapter
Linksys WUSB54G Wireless-G USB Adapter
Linksys WUSB54GC Compact Wireless-G USB Adapter
Microsoft Wireless Notebook Optical Mouse 3000 - Slate
Linksys BEFCMU10 Ethernet Cable Modem
Motorola Surfboard SB5101 Cable Modem
TiVo AG0100 Wireless G USB Network Adapter for TiVo Series 2 and Series 3 DVRs
Linksys Wireless-G Range Expander WRE54G
Linksys WAP54G Wireless-G Access Point
Linksys WRT54G Wireless-G Router Reviews
if you know what you're doing it takes 10 mins to set up and secure. i've yet to use the cd or the automatic configuration button. it is undoubtedly comparable to more expensive units. i would like a little more range though. this is best budget wireless device on the market.
What do you expect. I don't do any manual configuring besides using EasyLink advisor. I use for my home network and haven't had really any problems at all. This review is based on those facts and those facts alone. It is a $40 dollar router.
The signal goes on and off and I had to keep figuring out if it was the DSL failing or the router. Setup was okay but the network password was almost impossible to decipher. It may be there but I couldn't find it within the menus nor help section.
There were very few times I had to reset the modem so I'm think the router is the culprit. It is at the low end of the price range but maybe I got a lemon. Although this isn't a long range router the signal reaches through my walls and into another room.
Many times I reset the router and the signal came back. I didn't see a good way to change the password options. This also includes some direct router connections, not just the wireless signal.
There were 2 lines of numbers and letters, plus it was hard to differentiate the letter 'o' with zero.
The included nework management software is not required and a bit tiresome if you already understand networking, but would be very useful for a beginner. This is a good, stable product, and unlike a previous Linksys routers I have owned, firmware updates seem to work properly without any special tricks (reason for this purchase). Wireless range is perfectly acceptable within an average scale home.
It costs a bit more, but you'll find it has more memory and thus can support more features with new firmware. If you've come here looking for a router to reprogram with DD-WRT, you should really consider buying the Linksys-Cisco WRT54GL Wireless-G Broadband Router (Compatible with Linux) instead. Worth every bit of the extra $8 or $10.
|
