| Buffalo Technology AirStation Turbo G High Power Wireless Ethernet Converter ( WLI-TX4-G54HP ) |
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Model: WLI-TX4-G54HP
Brand: Buffalo
Manufacturer: BUFFALO
Average Rating: 
(submit your review here)
Total Reviews: 86
Form factor: External
Hardware platform: PC
Data link protocol: Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g
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| Features: |
Buffalo AirStation Turbo G High Power WLI-TX4-G54HP - Bridge + 4
BUFFALO TECHNOLOGY |
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| Description: |
| The Buffalo Turbo G High Power Wireless Ethernet Converter is an extremely versatile wireless client adapter. Use it to wirelessly connect gaming consoles, desktops, laptops, media players, printers, UNIX workstations, and any other devices with Ethernet ports. With a built-in four-port switch, up to 4 devices can be simultaneously connected to the Ethernet Converter for instant wireless connectivity. The Ethernet Converter supports AOSS, allowing you to configure a secure wireless connection with the push of a button, and offers the advanced security for WPA (TKIP, AES). Once the simple browser-based setup or AOSS is complete, the Ethernet Converter can be moved from one device to another without reconfiguration. |
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| User Reviews (86 total): |
Page 1 2 3 4 5 of Total 5 Pages
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Does its job really well!, March 6, 2007
By user (St. Louis, MO)
I have a few computers and a printer that are network ready, but not wireless. This device works great for that. The device connects to your wireless network(open, wep or wpa) and allows regular wired Ethernet devices to connect.
It can be configured from any type of computer. The easiest way is to set your IP address to 1.1.1.2, default gateway to 1.1.1.1, mask to 255.255.255.0, then point your browser at http://1.1.1.1 and you are ready to configure. Once you have setup the router, switch your network configuration back to DHCP.
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If you are looking to make your Sling Box wireless, BUY IT!!!!!, March 3, 2007
By user (H-Town Texas)
After searching for a couple of months for something that could enable me to connect my sling box through wireless connection, I decided to buy the Buffalo.
When it arrived I hooked it up and worked immediately. I did not even have to install software!!!!
The connection speed is great.
Inexpensive versus "wired" bridges, EASY set-up and it works fantastic.
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I am impressed, February 22, 2007
By user (Surprise, AZ USA)
Plugged it in & connected a XP laptop. I was going to install the software, but I was already connected to my wireless network (D-link 524-G). Glad I didn't try to run any network cable. Could not have been easier. Now that I know it works, I'll connect my X-box.
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Great product - easy set up, February 18, 2007
By user (New York, New York USA)
This product worked flawlessly from day one and only took about 15 minutes to install and get working. Have been using for some time now without a hiccup. Fast, simple to install at a great price. I am using my AirStation to provide an ethernet port for an Avaya VPN IP phone where I can not get a cable. Works great with plenty of bandwidth.
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For Mac users, February 8, 2007
By user
Bought one for a mini mac that didn't have AP card. Had it up and running in 5 minutes. Liked it so much bought another for another Mac mini. Yep, it works with a mac and is cheaper than an AP upgrade. Been working for over 6 months and no drops, resets or other problems.
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Great Product, Installation was a breeze, February 7, 2007
By user
I use the Buffalo AirStation for my Slingbox, and I am very happy with this unit. There are no drops in the signal, and the Slingbox is 100% compatible with this ethernet converter. I am yet to plug other items on the converter (it has 3 other open ports), but I dont anticipate any problems.
the only recommendation is that the installation instructions are a little misleading, so be careful.
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Connecting to Google wifi at Mountain view, February 1, 2007
By user
Google has rolled out free wifi for Mountain view, CA and they recommend this product as one of the options for boosting their wifi signal when used indoors.
Since this was a cheaper options than buying the Wifi modem, so I got this device for my laptop. I was very satisfied with my decision on the first day itself when I saw the average download speed on my bit-torrent client notching up 50 kbps and also rendering web pages pretty fast. Occasionally it even peaks at 85+ kbps!.
After taking the extra trouble to place this device at the window sill of my apartment, nearest to the Google wifi transmitter, I discovered that that average download speed jumped to 85 KBps and would peak out at 130 kbps at night!
Before using this device my average download speed (using the laptop's inbuilt wifi card) for the same scenario was <20 kbps. This implies a gain of 300%!!
I agree this speed is still paltry compared to Cable and DSL based internet options, but you cant beat the fact that this one time investment gets you free internet 24*7 in my area.
So overall, I would higly recommend this product for the same purpose.
CONS
- I am using it at < 50 yards from the wifi transmitter. I have no idea how well it would work at higher distances.
- performance indoors is relative to the position of the device.. for best speed I have to place it on the window sill :)
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Excellent product WITH 4 port switch built in!!!!, January 31, 2007
By user (NJ)
Excellent product. It is so easy to install, I thought something was wrong. I had to call support just to make sure I didn't miss any steps ... that is how easy it was. Absolutely amazing.
I hope buffalo puts linksys out of business. They clearly excel in making products that (a) are easy and (b) that work.
The only feature I wish this had was a wireless level indicator ... so I can see how much of a signal it is receiving from my access point. However that is a non-issue, since it works so well.
10 thumbs up.
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Easy setup on old machine, January 31, 2007
By user (New York, NY)
I bought this for my Dad so he could connect to a neighbors wireless router he is sharing with. I am not using the antenna it came with using a Hawking HAI15SC 15dBi Hi-Gain Directional Corner Antenna.
Neighbor doesn't use Buffalo router has a Linksys and had no issue at all setting this up, found the SSID connected and worked. 1,2,3. Couldn't be more simple. When we setup encryption no issue either. It was a painless experience. My Dads computer is OLD, a P2 300mhz w/ 1gb ram and running Windows 2000. Works like a charm. I would not hesitate buying this again. In fact I think I will buy one for myself.
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finally...., January 25, 2007
By user (phx, AZ)
I have a computer(my kids) that is in an odd spot(read: dead ) not near a ethernet jack so I've been on the hunt for a usb wireless adapter. Tried Linksys and Netgear usb wireless adapters with crappy results( my kids couldnt get online because signal strength was trash). Finally found out about this little baby woohoo!!! Its like they're on a LAN line beautiful. I had some setup issues (didnt realise that for any wep 128 bit encryption to work my network had to be "open" not "shared") but once I got past that .... its been all love :O) Like I said its as good as being plugged into a LAN line. I'm using this with d dlink 524 router. I'm so happy with this that i'm going to buy another one to replace my netgear me101 (dont like being forced to broadcast my ssid, even though the me101 has been working like a champ for over 2yrs)
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Best In Class, January 23, 2007
By user (Boston, MA USA)
The only way this unit wouldn't work for someone is if they received a broken unit or they were technically retarted, so keep this unit clear of all sales guys. As for the rest of us, this thing rocks.
I bought the WLI-TX4-G54HP after I couldn't find the equivalent from Linksys. I had a similar Linksys 802.11g bridge / switch on order and it was mysteriously cancelled by the distributor. Lo and behold, all retailers have the Linksys 802.11g bridge / switch either out of stock or on backorder. The Linksys unit got such bad user reviews for flakiness, that I have a hunch that Linksys is just discontinuing the product. Good news for me, because this unit is better and about $100 less expensive.
Here comes the Buffalo WLI-TX4-G54HP to save the day. I hooked the unit up to my network, renumbered my wireless laptop to 1.1.1.2 and connected to the unit immediately via the browser on 1.1.1.1. After adding my SSID, 128-bit WEP key, and hard-coding the IP of the unit to match my subnet, I was on my way.
This unit is currently in use at my house as an ethernet bridge link to my ReplayTV and it worked better than a wired connection! (I might be having duplexing issues on my wired jack. This wireless bridge helped me circumvent those issues.) In any case, my ReplayTV instantly got a DHCP lease and it's happier than it has been in a long time.
My main wireless AP is Linksys model that supports 802.11g, so don't be nervous about buying this unit if you don't already have a Buffalo AP or router - it will work with any other 802.11g wireless AP regardless.
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Excellent wireless access for Sony PS3, January 18, 2007
By user (Springfield, IL)
Like many people, I was just glad to get a hold of a PS3 for Christmas, but didn't know that the cheaper model (the only one I could get) did not have wireless access. A shame, because Sony provides no answers if you don't get the higher priced ($599) model. I purchased the Buffalo Tech Air Station and found it very easy to set up with my Mac laptop and Safari browser, and it works like a charm with my wireless DSL portal. I've bought LinkSys products in the past and have found them very cumbersome. I'd strongly recommend the Buffalo AirStation to anyone.
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Specialized but handy device good for bridging networks, January 18, 2007
By user
The Buffalo Ethernet Converter fills the specialized need for connecting a wired Ethernet device to a wireless network. It works well for this, but I find that it is especially useful for bridging networks between buildings. The Ethernet Converter allows you to search for wireless networks in range, then connect to the network of your choice. Once connected, that network is repeated out the wired ports on the back of the unit. To bridge between buildings, start with a Buffalo Access Point unit switched to bridge mode, and connect it to the existing network. Press the configuration button on the Access Point, then within 30 seconds press the configuration button on the Ethernet Converter. That's it - you're hooked up and running. I like this unit a lot.
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Awesome Product!, January 13, 2007
By user (Bowie, MD United States)
Deserves 10 stars! Push button setup using AOSS is ingenius!! This ethernet converter turns wired to wireless in a snap. I will never buy dlink, netgear, or linksys wireless router ever again!
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Used with Sony Locationfree + PSP, January 11, 2007
By user (New Jersey, USA)
I use this to stream TV from Sony's Locationfree to a PSP. This connects the Locationfree device (wirelessly) to my Apple Airport Extreme Router, allowing me to watch TV on my PSP (Or laptop)and also anywhere outside of my home where there is a HOTSPOT.
Great product, easy to use.
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Dead simple setup and maintenance, January 10, 2007
By user (Austin, TX USA)
I have tried several other ethernet bridges in the past, with disastrous results. My network uses WPA encryption with a shared password (TKIP, for those scoring at home), which also happens to be the de-facto standard for securing a wireless network. However, not all vendors support this standard fully. Many of the manufacturers essentially force you to use their routers and switches in order to guarantee their own bridges will be compatible (even though D-Link's bridge claims WPA, they only support 'their' WPA. I wasted 4 hours of my life before finding this out...avoid it like the plague).
Thankfully, this Buffalo converter is different. For starters, the setup is dead simple. (I used the web configuration, which I recommend over the Windows-only software.) What I love is that the web setup is basically ONE PAGE. No silly wizards to run through, no menus and submenus to navigate through. One page. You scan for networks, pick the one you want, choose the encryption, enter a password, click submit. That's it. You are up and running.
I bought my first Buffalo bridge to connect a Mac desktop to my wireless network. After the success there, I've since bought two more to connect a TiVo Series2 DVR (HIGHLY recommended over the TiVo Wireless USB adapter, which does not support WPA) and a second Mac for my kid.
Two other nice features of this bridge:
1) High powered. With a 2-story house, I have had issues getting a good signal to the wireless router using other bridges. Not the Buffalo. Even from a router on a different floor and on the opposite corner of the house, I consistently get a signal status of "STRONG". Nice.
2) Multiple LAN ports. This thing doubles as a switch. With more network ports available, I have the flexibility to add a networked XBOX, or Vonage, maybe even the new Apple TV, all without having to hassle with more equipment or wireless setup. No other bridge offers this feature...I can't understand why.
In short, nothing comes close to replicating the features this bridge provides. It's standards compliant, easy to set up, simple to operate, and works long after you've forgotten it's wireless. If you want something that just works, go with this bridge.
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Works Excellent, January 4, 2007
By user (Orlando, FL USA)
Purchased the buffalo air station back in July 2006 and had it up and working in about 15 minutes. We haven't had to do anything with it at all, it has worked flawlessly without any trouble at all. It is plugged up to our tivo, as the usb devices do not transfer fast so, we connected it via eternet to the airstation and transfers are as fast as, if they were connected directly to our router. Excellent product, we own two of them total. I would recommend this product to anyone.
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Easy setup, January 3, 2007
By user (bloomington)
This product was easy to setup and install. It took me longer to get it out of the box than to set it up.
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One of the best, but opt for the WHR-HP-G54 if you have a WDS or Buffalo router. Also, 125 High Speed Incompatible with TiVo., December 31, 2006
By user
The WLI-TX4-G54HP is not perfect, but it is one of the best bridges out there. Unlike most bridges from Netgear, Linksys, and D-Link, the Buffalo Technology WLI-TX4-G54HP has 4 Ethernet ports built in, eliminating the need for a separate switch. This is key, since the advantage of a bridge versus wireless adapters is that one bridge can be used for multiple devices (e.g. in an entertainment center to support a TiVo, Wii, Xbox, Xbox 360, PS3, Slingbox, etc). The costly and time consuming alternative is to buy and configure a separate wireless adapter per device, one of which costs as much as the WLI-TX4-G54HP, and many of which don't even support the latest network security encryption.
Compared to other network equipment, setup was relatively straightforward. If you have a Buffalo router or access point, you can use one touch AOSS setup, which worked seamlessly, defaulting to the highest level of encryption supported by all devices (e.g. WPA-AES/CCMP). However, your AOSS settings on your Buffalo router default to supporting 125 High Speed if supported by all devices on your network which can cause issues on the WLI-TX4-G54HP (see below). Also, using AOSS to configure the converter disables any custom settings on your router such as disabling SSID broadcast (a highly recommended security practice), so you'll probably opt to configure your converter manually.
With Manual configuration you have the option of using the PC configuration software or the built-in web-based configuration tool. The only hitch with using the web-based configuration tool is that you have set your computer's wired Ethernet adapter IP address manually to 1.1.1.2 since the converter's IP address defaults to 1.1.1.1 and you have to be on the same subnet to connect to it since there is no built-in DHCP server (to do this, Right-click Network Places, click Properties, right-click your Local Area Connection, click Properties, click TCP/IP, click Properties, select Use the following IP address, and enter IP address 1.1.1.2 and subnet mask 255.255.255.0). Once you change your computer's IP, you can log into the tool, change the network and security settings and change the static IP address of the configuration tool to an IP on your subnet (e.g. 192.168.x.2) so you can manage it from any computer on your network. Don't forget to change your IP And DNS back on your computer back to automatic detection after you are done configuring your device.
On the downside, if you are using the WLI-TX4-G54HP in 125 High Speed Mode mode (aka g+ SuperSpeed, Gplus, HSM, SpeedBooster, Turbo G, Xpress, WME), which is only possible when used on a network with all 125 High Speed compatible devices, it freezes up and requires a power cycle when used under intensive bandwidth conditions, which I discovered when trying to transfer video between two TiVos connected to two WLI-TX4-G54HP converters and a Buffalo WHR-HP-G54 router (all of which support 125 High Speed Mode). This can be avoided by disabling the 125 High Speed frame bursting mode on your router. You will not experience this problem on a non 125 High Speed network (or even if you have a 125 High Speed Network with any non-125 High Speed devices on it since every device must support it to enable it).
Finally, if you have WDS-compatible router, such as any Buffalo router, you are better off using another WHR-HP-G54 router as a bridge since it provides the same functionality as the WLI-TX4-G54HP but also acts as a repeater to extend your network signal, and costs about the same price online. In fact, the WHR-HP-G54 looks identical to the WLI-TX4-G54HP, except that the latter lacks a WAN port and a switch to change from router to bridge mode. The only downside to using the WHR-HP-G54 as a bridge, is that doing so requires disabling 125 High Speed Mode on your router, but since this doesn't work well anyways, it isn't really a disadvantage.
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Wow!, December 25, 2006
By user (Dallas, Texas)
I was very weary for a "Buffalo" product, not having good experiance in the past. Netgear, D-Link, Belkin, and many pain killers later I was about to give up. I found this box and thought I would give it a try. About 5 minutes later my XBOX 360 and my DirecTV receiver were both online and I was in shock. Amazingly easy to configure with any wireless router - just enter your SSID and your password - and BAM! You're online. ENJOY! By this with ease - it will work and is the only solution I found that has four ethernet ports.
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