| Linksys BEFW11S4 Wireless-B Cable/DSL Router |
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Model: BEFW11S4
Brand: Linksys
Manufacturer: Linksys
Average Rating: 
(submit your review here)
Total Reviews: 1079
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, IEEE 802.11b
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| Features: |
Connects to a broadband modem, a 10/100 Ethernet backbone, or wireless network
Long wireless operating range supports 300 feet indoors and 1,500 feet outdoors
Provides roaming, best access-point selection, load balancing, and network traffic filtering
Configurable through your networked PC's Web browser
Can act as a DHCP server for your existing network |
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| Description: |
| The Linksys BEFW11S4 is your all-in-one networking device This wireless router features support for the 802.11b protocol, which lets you wirelessly access your network and the Internet from up to 800 feet (outside), or 300 feet (inside) away |
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| User Reviews (1079 total): |
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Surfing in bed now ... pretty happy so far, September 20, 2001
By Kevin Woodward (Soquel, CA United States)
Let's call this rating 4.5 stars ... I purchased the BEFW11S4 router along with the Linksys PCMCIA card for my home desktop system and laptop, respectively. Basically I wanted the ability to surf the Web from my laptop anywhere in the house (in bed, on the sofa, watching TV, etc.) using the wireless connection but also have the hard-wire ports available as a backup. I'm using the wired port from my desktop that is located 70 feet away in another part of the house where the DSL line/modem live, but the wireless connection via my laptop to write this review. All I can say is so far so good and no real complaints. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was some of the setup/config I had to do eventually wasn't covered in the manual and I had to call tech support at 800 number to get up and running. The quickstart setup and driver installation takes about five minutes total for both the router and the card and I had absolutely no trouble following the directions. I knew the card was connecting as it was clearly getting a signal, and there were a couple tweaks that the tech support operator helped with immediately. The basic problem I had was with DNS ... I had to enter some basic DNS server settings in both the router and the card's TCP/IP properties and immediately began surfing the Web! Pretty cool. Tech support was solid, responsive, friendly ... but like most these days really overworked. It took me a day to get a callback but once I did, no problems. They even gave me some good advice for extending the range of the wireless service, such as trying different channels, antenna positions and downloading a new driver from the company Web site. That's something none of the other reviewers who had problems mentioned trying, but very sensible. I should also say that I consider myself a novice network admin at best. The real selling points for me were the price/feature set and the PC World "Best Buy" recommendation. The $40 in rebates I got at the time I purchased were an unexpected bonus, but unfortunately no longer offered. OK, so it wasn't 100 percent plug-and-play, but anyone who deals with networking -- home or office -- will tell you some minor tweaking is to be expected. Don't be discouraged or let this prevent you from diving in -- I'm glad I did!
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It never worked!, September 17, 2001
By Richard Periut (Little Ferry, New Jersey United States)
Horrendous, horrible, and a waste of my time. Bought the router, the card, and the adapter. After many long and frustrating hours with tech support (and waiting for them to call back :( ) They told me on three different occasions, that I should exchange the router, the card, and the adapter. I did and needless to say, it ended up costing me money in gas and tolls, as well as time. The bottom line is they still couldn't figure out what was wrong, and eventually, the last tech support (who hardly spoke English) simply told me to return the product and get another model. Can you imagine that? What loyalty to the company. Makes you wonder what really happens behind their doors.Needless to say, I did just that, and bought Netgear. Regarding Netgear? Fantastic!!!!!!!! Up and running in a jiffy, and I'm enjoying my wireless access. Richard Periut
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works okay, but linux users beware, September 15, 2001
By gch@lcs.mit.edu (Cambridge, MA)
First, this product is a fabulous concept. It contains
everything you need to set up a wireless network in
one small box. Unfortunately, I encountered
several difficulties in actually getting it to work.
In particular, it worked fine for a computer running
Windows 98, but not for a computer running Linux.
Furthermore, I found the technical support to be rude and
ineffective.I finally ended up getting everything to work by installing
the latest firmware upgrade. Hopefully things will
continue to work smoothly.
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Works as expected, September 13, 2001
By unknown
Worked for me as expected. No setup problems or range problems. Similar positive feedback from 2 others I know that have the same linksys product.
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"Special Bus", September 11, 2001
By unknown
You must have ridden the "special bus" to school if you cannot get this working. My 3 year old daughter figured it out in 10 minutes! The folks who submitted negative reviews must be technically challenged, and should go back to trying to set the clocks on their VCR's.
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No problems, September 11, 2001
By unknown
I had it up and running with no issues. Works great. It was originally recommended to me by several people at work who also own the product.
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So far so good, September 9, 2001
By tabish89 (New York, NY)
The Linksys Wireless 4 Port Switch/Router has been a great solution for my purposes. It helped me put the "mobile" back into mobile computing. I have a three laptops which share a high-speed cable modem connection. It was been great. There were a couple of bugs encountered on install, however, after reviewing the user-manual closely I was able to fix all of these problems. This is definitely a great product!!!
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As Good as it Gets, September 8, 2001
By Joe Reilly (Mechanicsville, VA United States)
This product is (a) an incredible value, given its feature set, (b) a breeze to set up, and (c) as reliable as a home-consumer product can be. Home wireless technology has its limits, and Linksys is not immune to any of them. I think this accounts for most negative feedback on the product. But, be aware: Linksys has packaged the best combo cable/DSL router, mini-switch, and wireless access point on the market. Competitive products use the same hardware technology, but the browser-based set-up and administration functions offered by Linksys set this device apart. For the novice, it is easy to set-up. The default configuration will work for most. For the networking enthusiast (me), it offers capabilities not expected from an inexpensive home-consumer product (static/dynamic routing, port filtering/forwarding, DHCP server, logging, etc). If this "one size" does not fit all, it comes damned close. I likely sound like a Linksys employee or stockholder, but I am simply a satisfied consumer impressed with this versatile product. Good stuff. And fun to tinker with.To folks considering wireless networking: Do it!
To folks considering this product: Buy it!
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Good, September 7, 2001
By drevs (Calgary, AB Canada)
System works great after initial setup. However setup was a pain. I am using both Macs and PC's on my network and therefore using third party networks card to work with the Linksys router. Airport card for the G4 initially did not want to talk to the linksys until the firmware on the itself and on the linksys was upgraded. Once this was done everything was peachy. Get great reception at every point in my house(all three stories). Troubleshooting was not much fun and linksys support is non-existant. I adivise anyone setting this up to first get the latest download and then try to get it going. You'll save yourself a headache if you do. Now that my network is working properly I'm a happy camper.
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A Terrible experience, September 6, 2001
By The Emperor Protects! (Port Orchard, WA USA)
In a nutshell, I have a mainstream PC and this thing never worked. I spent two days of my life, 36 hours on the phone with their less than helpful tech support (both regular and supervisory), I had to replace the item twice, buy new cables and all was for nothing. I ended up returning the router and all the accessories. Purchased an Intel Anypoint. My advice to anyone considering a purchase, stay far away.
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Great for very small home networks., September 5, 2001
By flfundoc (Spring Hill, Fl United States)
Especially good if you want to include a laptop. The wireless feature is adequate, but don't expect truely mobile. Household appliances, brick and metal walls can slow or prohibit transmission. But, it is nice setting up in the next room and surfing the web, and printing on the home priter without hooking up cable each time. Be sure to follow the installation process in the EXACT order reccomended in the manual. I know just enough that I tried to short cut a step or two. Cost me hours of undoing. However, on my other computers I learned my lesson; installation flew through--and the system has never needed any attention from me again.
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Note for the range, September 1, 2001
By HanNation King (Los Angeles, CA USA)
This product comes with a utility to monitor the "link info"
When the red light is blinking, it doesn't mean there is no connection. You will not see "link quality" and "signal strength" indecation when the red light is blinking, but there is still link!!! I just walked out of my house (after three or four walls) and I am still online a few handred feet away from the house.The only thing important is the "current Tx Rate" indicator.
Don't complain about the range!
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Needs Power-on Reset several times a day!, September 1, 2001
By unknown
There is a MAJOR and KNOWN software problem with this box. Linksys customer support told me to disable DHCP but the thing still "hangs up" several times a day and must be power-cycled to get it going again. I am an IS admin and bought this thing for my home network. The same problem exists with the 4-port gateway and 8-port gateway products.
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Great Product, August 31, 2001
By unknown
I purchased the BEFW11S4 Wireless AP and Router along with the WPC11 Wireless Network PC Card . First, I received my shipment in less than 36 hours. Second, both products were installed and working in less than an hour. I am on Windows 2000 with a cable modem connection to the internet. I had to set the "Host Name" and "Domain Name" settings on the setup tab in order to connect to my cable ISP. I also enabled the "IPSec Pass Through" on the advanced tab in order to use my extranet VPN clients. I was able to go anywhere in my house and maintain an uninterupted connection. I also maintained the connection while sitting on my gazebo at the edge of my property. This is 110 feet from my access point and must travel through 3 walls and several moveable obstacles. I did notice that my Link Quality and Signal Strength would register "Not Applicable" at this distance, but I maintained the connection no noticeable performance problems.
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Great product no problems, August 31, 2001
By Bob Mistele (Bloomfield Hills, MI USA)
This is a great product. After reading the reviews i decided to buy it despite the horror stories. First thing i did was make sure the firmware was up dated and the drivers were up to date. The product has been great. It works perfectly for the dsl i have. I use a linksys pcmcia card and get good range and speed. I love being wireless. The range haven't bothered me. It works fine down stairs in my living room and works out side so it seems fine to me. Set up time was none. It was so easy and fast to do. Buy this product if you want to do what it says.
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Generally, works well..., August 31, 2001
By david@bauer.net (NJ -- USA)
I bought the wireless cable/dsl router and a linksys pcmcia wireless network card. I use excite @home cable service for internet access. I had trouble getting it connected because the order in which the devices are powered up makes a difference (cable modem -- wait -- router -- wait -- release/renew IP on your pc). Linksys tech support was very helpful. I get good signal strength on the wireless card, but both wireless access point and my laptop are near windows. Biggest issue is that the troubleshooting documents are *really* weak.
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Up and Running in 15 minutes., August 31, 2001
By shengs75 (Omaha, NE United States)
This product is great. I'm typing on my laptop in my living room right now. I live in a small apartment, so my signal is great. There's 4 ports if you want to connect your lan wire to it or you can use the wireless capability. You can serve as many computers as you want under DHCP. By default it's set at 50. I have 2 laptop and 1 desktop, so I don't think I'll ever reach over 50. If you have more you can go ahead and change that. The configuration was very easy. All you need is a browser. I had to use my Netscape browser, because my IE 6beta was giving me JavaScript errors. So, be sure to use a browser that will work.... My friend has the same router, but he still can't get it to run correctly wired, although he says it works perfectly wireless. I use wireless in the office and also at home now. It seems to me that the wireless connection is actually faster than wired! I see web pages come up a lot quicker. Maybe it's just because I'm happy to see that everything works. Good luck everyone.
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Range is poor and manual/tech support are horrific, August 31, 2001
By unknown
Not recommended.
The documentation is just plain wrong, and is fraught with error after error in configuration and setup instructions. Wait time for tech support is huge (20-40 minutes), and tech support reps know very little and keep repeating the same few scripted instructions. Finally after 3 hours of frustration, I enlisted our corporate MIS folks, who were able to get things working, but only after much struggle. I live in an apartment, and the range through concrete walls is less than 30 feet.
There must be a better solution!
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Works as advertised. Easy config. No Problems., August 28, 2001
By unknown
I have a DSL line going into this box, which allows me and my girlfriend to share the connection. I'm plugged directly into the box, but since my girlfriend is across the apt., I got her the wireless USB network adapter from Linksys. Her distance from the wireless router is about ~30 feet, and her signal strength and reception have been fine. If both of the doors between the two rooms are open, the router is not-quite line of sight to the USB receiver (there's a wall in the way). We've tested it with both doors open and closed, and there hasn't been any trouble with siqnal quality and reception. I'm not sure just how much further this signal could go, but for my purposes, it's a great device! Also, as a DSL customer, I REALLY REALLY like the "keep alive" feature of this router. I've had my DSL connection open for weeks with no problems. Great job, Linksys!
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BEFW11S4 is a winner! - UPDATE!, August 28, 2001
By unknown
I was shocked after reading the thumbs-down reviews of this product, despite being a long-time user of Linksys products. I even hesitated to purchase this product, but finally decided that I needed to try it for myself since it contained too many features for the money to pass up! Setup was a breeze!(...) For the novice, this might be a bit intimidating, but I barely wisked through the manual and went on to the online setup and had this unit working in under an hour - and I mean ALL features in under an hour! I've always recommended their products to my friends who respect my unbiased opinion, as I work as a Systems Analyst. The BEFW11S4 has better range than my WAP11 that I purchased a few months ago (or at least in the location that I have it located it has better rage to my Linksys wireless PCMCIA card). With two WAP's now located at opposite ends of the house, I have full wireless coverage.The router was easy to set up as well. I have a static IP from my ISP and had an existing DHCP server on my internal network, but had no problem turning off the Linksys DHCP server and using it with my existing server. I simply entered the route IP as the gateway in my existing DHCP server setup, rebooted, and it worked great! I have never contacted Linksys's tech support, so I cannot tell you one way or the other about the quality of their support, but I have never had a DOA unit. However, if you aren't technically inclined, you may wish to seek out help from one of your friends before you try to install this unit. Overall - highly recommended and the best bang for the buck(...)
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