| Linksys WAP54G Wireless-G Access Point |
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Model: WAP54G
Brand: Linksys
Manufacturer: Linksys
Average Rating: 
(submit your review here)
Total Reviews: 154
Form factor: External
Hardware platform: PC
Data link protocol: IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g
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| Features: |
Supports data rates up to 54 Mbps--up to 5 times faster than 802.11b
Backwards compatible with existing IEEE 802.11b devices at 11 Mbps
Supports 64- and 128-bit WEP encryption
Wireless MAC address filtering
Router not included, so you cannot connect multiple users to the Internet |
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| Description: |
| LINKSYS WAP54G - 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. |
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| User Reviews (154 total): |
Page 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 of Total 8 Pages
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After a few days of headache configuring it, the thing works like a charm, December 5, 2005
By B. Ray
Setting up the Linksys was a threefold pain, but after wrestling with the configuration I'm consistently getting 54Mb throughout my house. I flip the thing on and forget about it.
The three obstacles in setting up the WAP54G were:
1) The auto-setup program on the included CD continually blew up. My online chat with tech support led nowhere, the chat session dropping about 20 minutes in.
2) My private subnet doesn't include the factory default IP for the Linksys (or most other network devices), so I had to temporarily switch over my PC and router IPs and subnets to connect to the WAP54G's config web server. Note this isn't the fault of Linksys, but food for thought if you have to do a manual configuration from an "unconventional" private subnet.
3) The documentation doesn't give a lot of guidance on setting up WPA2 security for a Windows client. After a great deal of web sleuthing I discovered from Microsoft's site that my XP Pro SP2 notebook required a download to support WPA2.
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nice AP, after figured out how to use as AP client, December 2, 2005
By matt.mingkee (Brooklyn, NY United States)
the primary reason to get this AP is using it as wireless repeater
however, I also would like to make it wireless ethernet bridge
I found it has a lot of restriction to make AP client and repeater work, even with 3rd party firmware
the configuration is fairly easy, pick 192.168.1.245 (or your own IP)
on AP function page, it shows that wireless AP client works ONLY with another WAP11, WAP54G; and the repeater works ONLY with WRT54G and WAP54G (I have WRT54G V3.3)
such restriction makes it far from perfect, because you can't use it to make your PS2 or XBOX to connect to wireless
there're a lot of no-brand name AP has a lot of flexible function, such as regular AP, wireless client (AP-AP, AdHoc or Infrastructure), repeater (WDS)
Linksys and 3rd party should consider this when writing newer version of firmware
update: after figured out how to connect to my wireless router, it works perfectly
use AP client mode, temp turn on SSID broadcast and turn off MAC filter, then use site survey, your wireless router info should appear, pick it, and revert to normal
if you use MAC filter, you need to add the MAC address on your LAN card connected to WAP54G to your wireless router
you can also use 3rd party firmware to adjust the output power, however, the signal don't have big improvement when the power is more than 40mW
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Best solution for extending range of WRT54G router, October 18, 2005
By - Glen (Tampa, FL United States)
My friend bought one of these to extend the range of her WRT54G on the second floor of her home. She was getting 2 bars and poor connections on the first floor, so we set this up down stairs as a repeater to avoid additional wiring. Now she gets all 5 bars and excellent connections on all computers on the first floor.
Get this if you have the LinkSys WRT54G router and you need to extend your range into trouble spots in the house. It's cheaper than the range extender product and supports encryption.
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Great addition to wired network, October 18, 2005
By c hurst (Indiana)
Linksys access point is easy to hook up. I recommend using all the same brand for the sake of simplicity. Make sure you set up the security options.
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Linksys Support, September 21, 2005
By Mr. T. K. Vu (London, UK)
Just thought i'd add my 50pence worth.
I've had to use Linksys UK phone support on numerous occasions. My father uses the Linksys wireless router to connect with his AOL account (always a tricky one with AOL independent software) and the Tech Support was amazingly efficient.
On my own Linksys router at home, I had some problems setting up P2P software and again rang them. The Tech support is the one of the best i've seen. I've not had to wait in the queue and can talk to someone straight away.
Compare this to Palm (i bought a Palm PDA) and their support is horrendous. Extremely difficult requiring complicated registration procedures before you even get near the help. Palm is crap for support.
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Average, September 9, 2005
By Red (Maryland)
Sometimes I am unable to get online and have been unable to determine why. Seems to interfear with cell phone use as well. Most of the time the product works.
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Linksys WAP w. Mac PowerBook, September 8, 2005
By Jerry Friedman (Asheville)
The product works perfectly, but Linksys' "We don't do Macintosh"attitude is for the birds. The setup CD is for Windows only, and there was no package insert nor a website describing the setup procedure. I had to email Support who gave me a) the magic key, e.g., the IP address of the WAP device, and b) instructions on what to do once I arrived at the WAP setup
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GREAT!, August 27, 2005
By R.G. (Miami, FL.)
Just excellent for the price!
This AP can do everything u want it.
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Simple setup.., August 20, 2005
By TEK (Louisville, KY)
I have a Linksys BEFSR41 wired router, so when I started bringing my wireless work laptop home, I decided that I needed to get a wireless access point rather than another (wired/wireless)router. Basic setup was simple; I was up and running in ten minutes with the very basic documentation. I am a pc tech for a hospital, so I have more than the ordinary skill needed to configure the WAP. Even so, I downloaded the docs from Linksys' site to be sure that I'd done everything properly. I hadn't. While I'd set the encryption, I hadn't turned off brodcasting the access point's name. A really good hacking program could have gotten access.
Definitely download the documentation from Linksys' site.
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Good Buy, August 2, 2005
By Ray Detwiler (Austintown, Ohio)
I used to have A netgear wireless router, burnt up in a week. Then I got broadband phone service but they didnt have a wireless router. So I got this one, hooked it right in, it detected instantly and I have wireless internet right on the spot. Of course I logged in and setup wep protection and such. It also has a very good range and I can pick it up at 54mbps in the basement of my house through earth and thick walls of concrete and wood. Excellent Buy!
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Excellent product ,better than expected, July 30, 2005
By antowell
Decided to use an Access Point with my Linksys BEFSR41 DSL router rather than replace my hardwired router with total wireless. Works like a charm all over my house - my son and I sat side by side in kitchen(Access Point is in an upstairs bedroom several rooms away) and both used our laptops with better performance than hardwired .
Initial problem with Install/Setup and configuration, went straight to Linksys website, immediately got an online chat session with Linksys technical support and problem solved in minutes. Great support from Linksys - no waiting in phone queue. Their documentation may not be perfect but support is good.
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Not for personal use, July 28, 2005
By pfizer (, USA)
This item may be very useful in a business setting. However, it is very unlikely that it could be used in many homes. It cannot plug directly into a broadband modem, and it requires that it detect your system before you can set it up. So if you live near several other stronger signals this becomes increasingly difficult. Once again, they never said this product was intended for home networking..but in my opinion it would be a rare situation when you would need it for home networking.
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Almost everything it's cracked up to be!, July 23, 2005
By original_star_gazer (Clinton, SC USA)
This great product from Linksys works very well, is fast, and extraordinarily convenient. The software was easily installed and hook-up a breeze. I attached this unit to a Linksys wired router.
The only draw-back for me is that my router is equipped with a VoIP phone line. I wanted to stack the units together to save space, which according to the instructions is a viable option. However, with the equipment in this configuration I had a problem with the Access Point interfering with the VoIP and dropping my phone line to the point where I had to use a software "reset" to gain use of my phone again. I moved the Access Point from the top of the router to a place slightly above and to the side and the problem dissappeared. Not a bad problem, just not convenient for the space saving idea. C'est la vie.
In all other ways this unit is perfect for use with my laptop! I'd buy it all over again.
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This is a great WAP, July 15, 2005
By brentillius (omaha, ne)
I first bought one of these for work. We needed wifi quickly, and just went to Best Buy and picked one of these up. I first upgraded to the latest firmware before anything, and had the thing set up and configured in less than 15 min. I have bought two more of these for my own personal use - I love that I can use it as a wireless client as well as access point. I have an entire network segment at home plugged into one of these in client mode so I didn't need to purchase cards for every computer in that area. I have never had problems with my own 2, but occasionally (every few months or so) the one at work will freeze. Not a big deal though, cycle the power and you're up and running. I highly recommend this product.
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Awesome Product - PERIOD !!, May 23, 2005
By Tahoe Computer User (Lake Tahoe, NV)
THis is an awesome product, handsdown !! THe set-up is easy (takes about 15 minutes total) and the functionality is impressive. I can be 330 feet away (yes, we measured it!!) at our swimming pool area, transmitting through 3 walls ane one solid 8 foot fence and still be able to use my laptop perfectly !!
Don't waste your money on the other manufacturer's inferior products, use the leader in the industry (Cisco) and be done with it. I have read the so-called "negative" comments from other users and truly feel it is just other manufacturers employees told to submit phony "bad claims" while they sit at their desks!
I might add that my neighbor works in UC Berkeley's IT hub and he also said that this Linksys product is the one that they recommend to students and faculty alike for both lab and home use applications. He said the value proposition of this product and its consistent reliability make it the clear leader for wireless access points. I'd give this 7 stars if I coul....it is an excellent product !!
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Linksys once again, May 17, 2005
By jobrien (Atlanta area, GA USA)
I already had a Linksys wired DSL router. I debated over replacing it with a wireless capable router instead; but decided to avoid additional hassles and just do an AP. I knew I wanted to keep with Linksys because of their rep. and because of my current experience with them.
The WAP54G was a breeze to set up. I had it up and running the first time in probably 15-20 minutes (w/ Windows 98). It hooked right up; and I stacked it right ontop of my router.
I had connection to the Internet with my laptop in no time. The range seems to be just fine in my house as I can access from my den, my garage and my back deck with the AP in my hallway office (using mainly full signal strength). I also plan to use my Dell Axim PPC with the AP as well once I get it.
This AP comes with the latest wireless security, WPA. I recommend setting up the security. Elect not to broadcast your SSID and "Enable" your WPA security. It is said that only about 10% of wireless network users have security enabled. Enabling your security will prevent unwanted "ease-droppers" and others from "borrowing" your connection.
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Excelente, pero hay que configurar, February 23, 2005
By britoc (CARACAS, DF Venezuela)
Es mi primer router inalambrico, y en cuanto a rendimiento, conectividad e instalacion inicial es excelente. Sin embargo, es necesario un conocimiento mas detallado del equipo para programar la seguridad requerida. Luego de varios ensayos y errores, se aprende a conocer el router muy bien y los cambios o modificaciones se realizan muy rapido (acceso Web inclusive). Es verdad que frecuentemente se desconecta, por lo cual es bueno cambiar de canal (frecuencia) el enlace con el router, debido a que es principalmente por interferencias.
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Better than I expected, February 3, 2005
By Douglas Miller (Charlotte, NC USA)
This is the first time I have ever set up a wireless network. The installation was a breeeze and the connectivity is excellent. I'm typing this in my dining room, with my access point downstairs. A sold purchase.
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Works like it is supposed to., January 28, 2005
By B. R. Palmer (Charlotte, VT USA)
It took me 15 minutes from the time I opened the box to adding wireless capability to my existing home LAN. The directions were perfect. Operation is perfect. Speed is great. I would look no further for an low cost way to add wireless.
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Excellent choice for a Wireless Access Point., January 4, 2005
By Whutever
I purchased this item with the Linksys WPC54GS Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster and had no issue's that other reviewers spoke of. Installation and setup was straight forward to the point that it seems silly to mention it but all I did was follow the step by step instructions. I have the notebook adapter installed in both a IBM T40 running WinXP SP1 and a Gateway Solo 9550 running WinXP SP2. We have a 2400+ sq. ft. home and even when I am on the other side of the house the speed only drops to 36 Mbps or so. The access point is setup in a front bedroom in our home so the signal goes through many walls to reach the laptop when in use. So from my perspective, this works wonderfully and am thoroughly enjoying the freedom to roam around the house with my laptop. I should also note that we have 5.8Ghz cordless phones. My previous experience was that 2.4Ghz phones interferred with the wireless network.
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