To solve the problem, I am required to shutdown the WAP for about 30 seconds. When I turn the WAP back on, it instantly connects to the laptop without any user intervention (which means that the laptop is working fine).

Followed all of the Linksys suggestions without any luck. Unfortunately, I need to revert back to the WAP11 or choose another brand.

Recommendation: DO NOT BUY this WAP unless you do not mind rebooting it a couple of times trhoughout the day.

I have had this access point for about 1 week and haven't had any problems staying connected to 802.11a as others have complained about. The range on the 'a' channel is not nearly as good as 'b', but the extra speed is great! When i'm sitting close to the AP (< 20ft), I use 'a' and when I'm farther away, i switch to 'b'.

My only complaint is that the range of the 'a' channel isn't that great, but other than that, this AP works fine.

The Quick Start guide assumes the 80-20 rule for configuration. If you have a different network setup, you're going to be scratching your head until you search the web for help (thanks go to SmallNetBuilder in this case). For example, the device has a default IP address of 192.168.1.250, not mentioned in the quick start and only by obscure reference in the user manual, which I finally printed. The setup program couldn't find the WAP51AB on my network until I reconfigured my computer to the 192 IP block, with 255.255.255.0 subnet mask.

The Troubleshooting chapter does not address troubleshooting, it's just an FAQ on terms you do admittedly need to know. There's no problem/resolution format. Some obvious questions are not addressed in the manual, as far as I can tell. For example, does it matter in what order you install the WAP vs. the PC card in your computer? I guess not. If you are using DHCP from a Linksys or other router, can the WAP51AB get its IP address dynamically? I don't think you want it to but it's another question that may cross your mind.

Ultimately, I got things working by moving my configuration more to the 80% side of things (local network configured to 192 IP block, etc.). Things are working well but I have to say that my freedom of movement is quite limited in my rather small house. I'm probably going to have to run "wire for my wireless" to position it in a more central location.

In summary, Linksys needs to invest more in technical writing and less in graphic design for its packaging.

UPDATE: 4 days later, I've had more experience and learned that 802.11a, while faster, pretty much needs to be in the same room (access point and client computer). So I switched to 802.11b and seem to have better range, even though the Linksys System Tray application indicates only a "fair" connection for both A and B networks. Go figure. Also, I can't really tell that 802.11b is slower than 802.11a (during basic web browsing). These aren't tests, just impressions. But maybe the "a" wasn't worth it. I don't know yet.

When I disabled WEP on the replacement unit, it froze just the the previous one had. My email to support described the status of the indicators, and that I had already tried to reset it. Supports reply was for a different product, asked me to try to reset it, and asked for the status of the indicators. Not at all helpfull.

Since I knew the exact steps I went through that caused the second unit to freeze, I asked that support try the steps I went through to determine if they had a firmware problem. They asked me to take my laptop back to the store I bought the AP from, and see if I can't get my laptop to work there. No mention of my broken access point.

I highly recommend that you do not purchase this unit.

Would recommend -- didn't expect to function outside w/ block walls, but was pleasantly surprised.

Someone should be experienced in networking to fully take adavantage of the products features but the "step-by-step" guide would allow a novice to set it up just the same.