| Linksys BEFW11P1 EtherFast Wireless Access Point + Cable/DSL Router with PrintServer |
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Model: BEFW11P1
Brand: Linksys
Manufacturer: Linksys
Average Rating: 
(submit your review here)
Total Reviews: 44
Platforms: Windows NT, Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows NT 3.5, Windows NT 4, Windows NT 5, Windows Me, Windows XP, Windows 2000 Server, Windows
Operating system: None
Form factor: External
Hardware platform: PC
Data link protocol: Ethernet, Fast Ethernet
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| Features: |
Connects your wireless network to a high-speed broadband Internet connection and 10/100 Fast Ethernet backbone
Long operating range supports 150 meters (indoors) and 500 meters (outdoors)
Configurable through your networked PC's Web browser
Compatible with all major operating systems
Functions as a DHCP server and a print server for your existing network |
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| Description: |
| The EtherFast Wireless Access Point + Cable/DSL Router w/PrintServer provides the ideal solution for connecting your wireless network to a high-speed broadband Internet connection and a 10/100 Fast Ethernet backbone. Configurable as a DHCP server for your existing network, the EtherFast Wireless Access Point + Cable/DSL Router w/PrintServer acts as the only externally recognized Internet gateway on your local area network (LAN) and serve as an Internet firewall against unwanted outside intruders. The Router can also be configured to filter internal users' access to the Internet.The EtherFast Wireless Access Point + Cable/DSL Routers' high-powered antennas provide an operating range of up to 500 meters, providing seamless roaming throughout your wireless LAN infrastructure, and its advanced user authentication feature ensures a high level of network security. The EtherFast Wireless Access Point + Cable/DSL Router's easy to install and easy to use-Windows-based diagnostics and statistic tools put you in control of your network. |
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| User Reviews (44 total): |
Page 1 2 3 of Total 3 Pages
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dont get it, October 9, 2003
By user
it gets constant "hang ups" and drops the connection adn has poor range so , i am in my basement and every five minutes i have toi run upstairs to unplug it then plug it bnack in. and it allways drops durring big long downloads, and the more i want the download, the more it drops th eocnnection. I believ ethis is the worst router to get. Ever.
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Don't buy this product!!! Read my message!, August 18, 2003
By user
I got the Linksys BEFW11P1 about a year and a half ago. It is horrible! I had to return it once and still had the same problems--> needs reboot + reset about 5 times a day.
I called Linksys tech support about 20 times and they asked me to do this and that with no difference. They even told me to replace my Cisco cards to Linksys, which I did. It was even worst with the Linksys cards!
Finally I got tried and called again Linksys tech support (probably the 21st time...). There was a nice tech guy who told me that BEFW11P1 is the worst model they have and I should upgrade to WRT54G as it's one of their best. However, he said if I have AOL it might cause some problems (fixable he said). I have BellSouth as ISP so it's not applicable to me.Sure, did... I got the WRT54G and VUALLA! it's working great for several days. NO NEED TO REBOOT OR RESET 5 TIMES A DAY...
It took me about 30 seconds to get it out of the box, set my PPPoE settings, change some security settings (don't need my neighbors to use my xDSL, *LOL*) and here you go surf the web! If you're looking for a reliable router, THIS IS THE PRODUCT FOR YOU!
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Linksys should be ashamed, March 26, 2003
By user (Berkeley, CA USA)
I've had the same problems other people have found running this router/print server. To re-iterate, it is necessary to reset the router after some period, generally between five minutes and an hour, because it keeps freezing. I have upgraded the firmware and it still blows.Linksys should recall this piece of equipment or offer money back to anyone who ordered it and tried to run it on a windows XP machine. I will try the Netegear router and continue to talk trash about the Linksys company from now on.
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Works Great, When It's Working!, March 14, 2003
By user (Los Angeles, CA USA)
I have to echo the statement of another user. I used this BEFW11P1 for 13 months, without significant problems (occasional reboot necessary, printer server needed to be reset sometimes). But now that I too have slipped out of the warranty period, my wireless functions have ceased entirely. The router still works if I remove the WPC11 card that plugs into the bag of the unit (giving it wireless capabilities).So far the best response I've gotten from Linksys is that I should make sure it is configured correctly. Seeing as it was working for 13 months, I don't see that as being the legitimate source of the problem personally. And not a big fan of being blamed by a company for a fault in their product. They tried that when I was initially have problems with the unit (freezing often) when I first got it. Eventually I figured out how to find the latest firmware upgrade (available on their ftp site but not the website), and that fixed it. Generally, unit seems mediocre at best. And customer service seems awful. So I guess I'll check out Netgear this time. Linksys has good prices, but I cannot imagine trying them again, even if the problems with the BEFW11P1 are limited only to that unit.
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Unusable, notably with XP, January 3, 2003
By user (US & NL)
Don't buy this product. I have Windows XP and I need to reset it about every hour, sometimes even every 10 minutes, because the wireless link will crash continually. Also, I never could use the print server, which only works for simple printers and not e.g. HP OfficeJet systems. In retrospect, I'd rather have had a router with more ethernet ports (this one has only one). It's never really been stable, but since I got XP it is hopeless (even if I do *not* let XP manage my 802.11, which also appears buggy)Update - I decided to get the MR814 from Netgear. Should have done so months ago. All problems gone, much better signal, more ethernet ports and it looks better as a bonus.
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Drops Internet Connection frequently, January 1, 2003
By user (virginia beach, VA United States)
I've owned this product for just over one year. It drops the Internet connection so frequently, I've lost count as to how many times I've had to reset the device. Now that it has just slipped out of the one year warranty, it has dropped all wireless functionality.I don't recommend it.
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Panasonic users beware..., December 3, 2002
By user (Plano, TX United States)
The only trouble I had with this router was the simultaneous use of a Panasonic 2.4gHz cordless phone. Whenever the phone would ring, I would lose the wireless signal from the router to the wireless receiver. This problem was remedied, however, by replacing the Panasonic phone with a different brand. Since then, I have not had any trouble.
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limited resuls, November 23, 2002
By user
customer support was non-existent. product stopped working if large file was printed or multiple small print jobs were executed. experienced similar issues with the data transfer. had to reset by unplugging several time a week.
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Weak inconsistant signal, October 29, 2002
By user (Sugar Land, Texas USA)
This was NOT easy to install. It took a month back and forth to the computer store to get the right PC cards, then replacing with the USB card because the Linksys PC cards require 100% use of the computer port of choice. So back to the store to get a USB powered port adapter. Now, brand new, the signal for 40 feet between computers varies dramatically from zero to 100% and frequently disconnects from the DSL on the computer sitting directly next to this unit. It works (finally), but intermittantly, which is useless. Since it took me two months to figure all of this out, I cannot return it. Tech service suggests I purchase the BEFW11S4 unit because the antennae are better.DO NOT BUY THIS UNIT!
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Longevity is questionable., September 29, 2002
By user
Worked well for about 18 months, then started to require frequent reboots. Finally the power supply or something else has died. On hold with tech support, it appears longevity of this product is the main question. Reading other reviews, I wouldn't recomend a purchase of this product.
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Crashed constantly, then stopped working -- tried 3 of them!, September 23, 2002
By user (Stamford, CT USA)
To make a long story short, I'm throwing out my Linksys BEFW11P1 and buying a NetGear. The gory details: My first unit (yes, this has been a saga) "worked" for several months, but needed to be rebooted about 3-4 times a day and I was never able to get the PrinterServer to work. After about nine months, I finally decided to upgrade the firmware to fix these problems, and that's when the real problems started. Soon after the upgrade, both of my computers lost their association with the router. Linksys tech support spent about 45 minutes with me and then determined that the unit was a goner. An RMA and three weeks later (!), I received unit #2. Unit #2 worked for about four hours and then went south -- I couldn't get on the Internet and I couldn't even access the router's setup web pages -- even when directly connected to its PC port. An RMA and about five weeks (!) later, unit #3 was eventually shipped to me and after about 36 hours of working, it also went south. I spent countless more hours with tech support (who was as patient and persistent as you could hope, but simply did not have the deep skills needed for the job) -- to no avail. And if these problems weren't bad enough, it gets worse. These problems started before my one-year warranty was over, but due to Linksys' slow response to my problems, the warranty is now up. How does Linksys respond? They've basically said that I'm stuck with the unit because the warranty is now up. I will never buy from Linksys again. I just ordered a NetGear who my friend tells my works flawlessly.
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Do not buy this product, September 12, 2002
By user
I got this product a few weeks ago. It was regularly crashing. Finally, after working for about 3 weeks, it died. Linksys first issued an RMA and then offered to replace it with a model without the print server on it. However, they are not willing to refund the difference. They specifically told me that this product is being discontinued, because it is defective. ...
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crashes all the time, September 8, 2002
By user
I bought this router over a year ago. Installation was easy enough, and the print server worked (although it was a little bit slower than simply using one my computers as a windows print server). The main problem, though, is that this thing ALWAYS crashes. Three or four times a day, I'd have to power-cycle it (turn it on and off), because the router would simply lose its wireless connection. This was a pain as I usually work upstairs with my router downstairs, and I'd have to run up and down a few times a day just to keep my Internet connection going. (I don't mind running, but not because of some manufacturer's faulty product...) Furthermore, I suggest you not bother flashing the product with newer firmware, because it just DOESN'T WORK. I always ended up flashing the router back to an older version just so I could use the router.Bottom line: There are a lot of better choices out there. Check out practicallynetworked.com for some recommendations. If you want to share a printer, consider designating one of your comptuers as a print server. This is done easily enough in W2K/XP by installing a local printer and sharing it. By the way, I've recently replaced this router with a promotional one I received for free from 2Wire, and I've had no problems with that. Plus, the 2Wire's software is much, much better. I must say this Linksys is one product I don't miss at all.
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Serious problems with this product, August 7, 2002
By user
I purchased this product 5 months ago, and after 2 returns I am trying to get my money back. In case you have any doubt whether to buy this product call Linksys sales (number available on their web site). I just talked a sales representative who says he doesn't recommend the BEFW11P1. It is a hybrid product and is not updated anymore. He says buy a separate Wireless AP/Router and print server. He recommended the BEFW11S4. If you want to understand the real pain of buying this product, here are the gorey details:
4/19 - 5/8: traded mails with Jennifer Cambay (12 mails total). She stopped answering 4/29. Sent 2 mails to ... that weren't answered.
5/13: Talked to Ricky. He approved an exchange. RMA #RH01015236
6/12: Talked to William who gave more suggestions that didn't work
6/21 Talked to technical support again. Second exchange approved. RMA #XH01121359
7/9 Talked to Jason. Called customer service to check status of exchange. Explained they are having shipping system problems. Should ship in next few days.
7/18 Called customer service again. Still shipping system problems. Should ship in next few days.
7/23 Replacement unit arrived
8/6: Talked to Hanam at 2nd tier technical support. Suggested anti-virus problems & interrupts. Didn't solve problems.
8/6: Talked to Tyler at technical support. Same suggestions as previously. He says to call back next day.
8/7: Talked to Carrie at technical support. She says to call sales or customer service to get money back
8/7: Talked to Linksys Sales. He says they don't recommend BEFW11P1 anymore. Hybrid product. Not updated anymore.
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Features Advertized Do Not Work, August 3, 2002
By user (Chicago, IL United States)
I bought this router over the BEFW11S4 for 2 reasons:
1) It had the print server
2) It supported VPNNeither of these features worked. The print server seemed to crash every time I printed more than 2 pages. I then spoke to Linksys and they said my printer wasn't certified. However, this isn't listed anywhere of what they vertify until they sent me a document after I log a case about it. As for VPN, it did not work via a DSL connection that uses PPPoE due to the fact that you couldn't set the MTU setting to 1492 as needed. I returned it for the BEFW11S4 - V2 and it's working great for VPN and then decided to use Windows Print Sharing for my Print Server connection. Also don't expect good technical support from Linksys. One out of the 11 people I spoke to was great, 2 were alright and the rest I had more idea about their products than they did.
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Ok, For Firewall and Options, July 17, 2002
By user (Mid-State NY USA)
This is NOT a very smooth Linksys product for Windows XP, nor do they have drivers yet. A 3 star rating for WinXP necessary, but not sure for another Windows OS. I have extensively tested this product for XP - not the best performer I've seen from Linksys.
It installs alone through XP very well, but it would be a bit of a pain if you didn't have much experience with XP Setup of WI-FI and general networks. If installation is attempted from the CD, the Network settings and Connections get confused. BOTTOM LINE - As for the wireless connection(s), they do not stay connected indefinitely. The router requires a RESET after so many hours.
I do like all the security options, they are very useful and fail-safe. The installation software was well written for it's purpose, but not very XP compatible (yet?). DO buy this for Win 9x Applications/Uses if you don't mind resetting the router every so often, but I couldn't recommend professional use.
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poor user manual and tech support, July 4, 2002
By user
took me 3 frustrating nights and some info i found on the internet but i finally got everything to work.just a few tips for people....
1. default password is "admin" to get to the setup page
2. make sure you enter a device name under the setup page or else the print server won't work
3. if you have a hp712c printer you need to disable the bidirectional support for the print server to work
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Print Server Does Not Work, June 15, 2002
By user (Deer Park, New York USA)
After serveral calls to Linksys tech support which is horrible, I found the print server does not work with Windows XP. I'am returning it
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Many problems logging into the web based setup utility..., June 8, 2002
By user (the Midwest)
Web based setup utility looks pretty. Was impressed at first. Great documentation. Don't change the internal LAN IP address or DHCP scope. I have had to firmware flash the unit several times. Works for a while then can't reach the unit again through the web based setup utility. Called tech support, sounded like I was not very bright for changing the internal scope. Guess it would be better to re-scope my entire LAN? Why is the product capable of re-scope? Very dis-satisfied with the product. Have purchased another brand, very stable product, unlike the Linksys, very satisfied now. Have had problems with a Linksys ethernet print server, also in the past. Will never buy Linksys anything again. First time to complain like this in my life I think.
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Reliable, fast, works great!, May 9, 2002
By user
I bought the unit because I run a laptop-only network at home, and did not have a desktop unit to use as a printserver. I had never set up a router OR a wireless network before. Even so, it only took about an hour to read the manual and set up 2 laptops, a DSL connection, and an NEC laser printer, all with 128-bit encryption. I'm running W2K on one laptop, W98 on the other. The only glitch in the setup was that the web-based setup program asks for a username and password which is NOT given in the manual (HINT: try "admin" and "admin" -- change this after setup so that your neighbor doesn't alter your settings). Since I'd heard bad things about the Linksys PCMCIA cards, I purchased 2 Orinoco Gold cards instead. I'm extremely satisfied with this combination. It is truly a "set-and-forget" device. I have had no problems with printing and websurfing from both laptops at once. The speed is excellent. The printserver is rock stable. It even reacts appropriately to out-of-paper errors, and resumes correctly when the paper is replaced. The range is limited, but I'm working in a noisy environment (New York City). Moving the 2.4 GHz cordless phone to the other side of the room helped. I've seen a lot of lousy reviews of this device, but I've been completely happy with mine. (Once I figured out the setup password).
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