| Linksys WGA54G Wireless-G Gaming Adapter |
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Model: WGA54G
Brand: Linksys
Manufacturer: Linksys
Average Rating: 
(submit your review here)
Total Reviews: 159
Form factor: External
Hardware platform: Game console
Data link protocol: IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g
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| Features: |
Lag-free head-to-head or Internet gaming at up to 54 Mbps, without stringing wires
Converts wired-Ethernet-ready game consoles to Wireless-G (draft 802.11g) network connectivity
Works without drivers on PlayStation2, Xbox, and GameCube
Also connects to Wireless-B (802.11b) networks at 11 Mbps
One year limited warranty |
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| Description: |
| The Wireless-G Game Adapter gives any wired Ethernet-equipped game console wireless connection capabilities. The Game Adapter can be used in two different ways. If you have an existing home wireless network and a cable or DSL Internet connection, the Game Adapter lets your PlayStation 2, Xbox or GameCube attach to the network so you can get into online games without running wires to the game room. Or, use a pair of Game Adapters to form a "cable-less cable" between two game consoles for head-to-head gaming - in the same room, or all the way across the house. It's completely driver-free, so it works on any platform. Since there are no drivers to load, setup is a snap. In some cases, it works right out of the box! If your setup's a little different - just configure the network settings through your PC's web browser, plug it into your game box, and go. The Wireless-G Game Adapter provides lag-free gaming with communication speeds up to 54Mbps when connected to other Wireless-G devices. It can also connect to Wireless-B (802.11b) devices and networks at 11Mbps. Spend your time gaming, not stringing wires, with the Linksys Wireless-G Game Adapter. |
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| User Reviews (159 total): |
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Works Great on XBox Live, December 7, 2006
By St. Louis Slugger
My son and I game alot and use the Linksys WGA54G Wireless-G Gaming Adapter to get our DSL conection into the living room wirelessly, It works great with no lag time at all, all game work flawlessly. There have been one or two incedents where my wife or I will be on the computer with several high bandwith web-pages open at the same time and my son said he noticed some lagging. Nothing significant. Highly recommended for anyone looking to make there gaming expierence go wireless.
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This thing is terrible, December 4, 2006
By John T. Kline (lexington, ky)
I have owned this thing for about a year and somehow got it to work with the xbox at my old house after hours of frustation. I just got a 360 and took this out of storage since moving and guess what, it still sucks. Now I remember why its been in storage, trash day is Friday and thats where it will be. Just run a long ethernet cable, wireless is pretty crappy anyway...
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If you value your sanity, stay away., December 1, 2006
By John
I have spent a lot of money on a lot of useless electronic things in my day. But not a single one of them has frustrated me like this tremendous piece of death. I bought it at Staples for about 100 bucks, which seemed pricey but I was determined to play the new Madden online (I have the PS2.) I read the box a few times, and I couldn't get any real information from it. I use a Macintosh, and the box doesn't mention that the supplied software will not work on a Mac. Okay, fine. I used an old PC I had, and threw the disc in. I checked all the connections, but every time the start-up wizard would claim that the adapter could not be found. I must have tried 30 times. I gave in and called the support hotline, but that futile, as they outsource their Tech support to India. Needless to say, communication problems arose. I called five times. Each time more unsuccessful than the last. The most success I had was when I manually typed in the IP so I could tell it how to bypass my wireless password (WEP) This seemed to work until I plugged in the unit to my PS2. All three lights were on, but the thing would not connect. I am surprised Linksys allowed such a shoddy product to be released, as they usually have great wireless hardware. This, however, will drive you to the brink of insanity and then throw you off the edge. I returned the thing last week, and I have never felt so liberated. I have heard that D-Link makes a functional wireless game adapter, but I have not been able to locate said device. Anyway, if you take one thing from this review, let it be this: DO. NOT. BUY. THIS. YOU WILL BE MISERABLE.
Thanks for reading.
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All setup as described here, UNIT NOT STABLE., November 16, 2006
By Fabian Lamaestra (San Jose, CA)
After reading the detailed reports here for how to setup this Linksys gaming adapter unit, everything worked great for several days. I setup the fixed IPs, and all the rest of the settings through the web interface, all seemed well.
Note: I'm a network engineer, so the dual-fixed-ip recommendation [one for each segment] is actually pretty normal in other network bridging appliances. I suspect the MS game adapter simply performs the DHCP handshake better than this unit and that is why it is so easy to setup.
Then the weird stuff started.
After having had this unit turned on for several days, I notice the connection would become slow and not quite as fast as when the Linksys is first turned on. Yet, the XBOX still shows the signal between 48 and 54 Mbps. Strange.
I have reproduced this several times, booting the linksys device, then playing all kinds of games online for hours, running XBMC and playing media through the network perfectly. All is good for several hours, but come back the next day after leaving the Linksys on all day/night, turn on the XBOX, and the network connection is spotty again, but the link details show a full speed connection in the XBOX wireless interface details.
A swift power cycle of the Linksys unit solves the problem immediately, but why should I need to do this? I suspect some NIC buffer is being filled on the Linksys and the power cycle clears out the unit's network buffers.
If anyone has figured out what settings to use to keep this thing stable, I am ready to listen, maybe I should select a G-only network and set the speed at 54 or 48 fixed, maybe that will work?
Anyway, I am getting tired of power cycling this thing every day.
Good Luck,
F.
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BobW, September 23, 2006
By BobW (Florida)
Warning! Don't make the same mistake as I!
Do not purchase this product if you utilize a higher level encryption (like WPA)! This adapter will only support WEP, and it's very misleading on the box! In fact, it doesn't even mention anything about encryption, but that if "your setup's a little different - just configure your network settings through your PC's web browser, plug it into your game box, and go."
Hah! After spending an hour on the phone with tech support, I found out that their developers are "working" on releasing a firmware that will support WPA, but until then, I'll have to use WEP encryption, which is so 1990s (and this product was released in 2004)! If you don't care about wireless encryption, then this product is for you, but you're just asking for neighbors to eavesdrop on you!
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Biggest Hassle Ever, September 14, 2006
By Cheap Scientist (honolulu, HI, USA)
Thank goodness for Red Rhino's review and suggestions as I had no idea why this was not working. First, ignore the Linksys setup disc. It is useless. Use the web browser to access 198.168.1.250. This works whether you use DHCP or force your network card (the one in your PC) to 198.168.1.249. If you do that, make certain your subnet mask is 255.255.255.0 and gateway is 198.168.1.1. (If there are any other wireless networks in the area, block 'em out, even if it means putting the Linksys and your pc in a closet. For reasons unknown, the Linksys caused my pc to assign a weird private address to itself. Voodoo!) The biggest problem with the WGA54G is setting up WEP security. Do this before setting up the WGA54G. I chose WEP with 128 bit encryption, and open network authentication. Your choices are very limited. My passphrase was set in my Netgear Wireless router/access point menu. This gave me a 26 character Key, built out of letters A-F and numbers 0-9. Write this sucker down! Then you are ready to return to the PC where the WGA54G is connected to. Sounds like you need 2 PC's, right? Well, it helps. Anyway, open up Control panel, network connections, right click Wireless Network connections, and go to properties. Head to the Wireless Networks tab, click on View Wireless Networks, and hopefully you'll see your SSID there. Connect to it. At this point, you will get to a password menu, but if you don't, you can access it later, as long as the named network gets into preferred networks. You modify this through properties, choosing Open, WEP and typing in your 26 character Key twice. Ain't that fun. Choose key index 1. Under Authentication, disable IEEE 802.1x. Under Connection, click Connect when this network is in range.
Hopefully, this saves you some major aggravation. Amazing how lazy and shortsighted Linksys was in not automating all of this for you. Pathetic. Anyway, the WGA54G is happily connected to my Mac now, but it took me 3 pc's to set it up properly.
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wstsd Obi 1, September 7, 2006
By Omo Egbo (Cali)
Oh my where to begin? Bought this product a few months ago for my ps2 and eventually xbox 360. Initially I ran the setup cd, hooked up the unit to my ps2, nothing, wouldn't work. After hours fiddling with everything from the advanced setting menu of this component to the setting menues of my wireless router. I finally got it to work.
However, for the last 3 months for no apparent reason it stops working at least once a week. I am sure it is not my wireless router because my laptop located in the same room, with a wireless pcmcia card connects just fine. Typically when the unit stops working, I run through the advanced setup, ensure that all the settings are in order, reneter and save them, and it works again. Today I fired up my xbox 360 and once again the unit doesn't work. Tried to reenter info to no avail. Now for some reason I can't even locate the bloddy thing!!! The startup cd can't locate the device and the IP address used to access the system settings can't seem to locate it either EVEN THOUGH IT IS PLUGGED IN TO MY ROUTER!!!.
I also tend to agree with most of the reviewers, the instructions where not helpful in the least.
This is truely a piece of junk, save yourself the hassle and get something else.
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I need Help BCZ, June 22, 2006
By Bob Vila
Will this thing connect to a Belkin 802.11g Network Adapter?
Will this thing work with a new slimmer PS2?
And lastly will it connect to a router that is not made by linksys?(Westell Veralink Model 327)
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Not 100 percent Xbox 360 compatible, April 11, 2006
By Mike E. Straw
I bought this because I have a house full of Linksys equipment and I figured this would make installation and setup a breeze. My wireless router is the WRT54GX2, with 4 wired ports to go with the wireless. The setup and install of the game adapter was no problem, even with WPA encryption.
To make a long story short(er), both my Xbox and Xbox 360 worked great with Xbox Live ... and then I could not get Xbox live on the Xbox 360 to work with Xbox games. Xbox live kept insisting that I needed an update, yet the update would always hang. After 3 calls to Microsoft (and about 4 hours of tech support) a support supervisor told me that this adapter is NOT on the compatible list, but is also not on the incompatible list. (Notice how the product description does not mention Xbox 360.) Anyway, once I moved the TV and Xbox 360 across the basement and was able to use a wired Ethernet connection, the update completed and I was back on to Xbox Live with Halo 2.
For me, this game adapter was not 100% compatible with the Xbox 360 and Xbox live. I could play on line fine, but updates and free downloads did not work. I'm now deciding whether to run a 70 foot Ethernet line to my Xbox 360 or go with the Microsoft wireless game adapter.
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IF you can get it configed, works great!!!, April 5, 2006
By Red Rhino (Atlanta, GA)
Ok, several other people have left reviews here on troubles configuring this device and I ran into the same. After hours and hours of searching the web, I found a tip here and a tip there and eventually got it configured. Hopefully this will help someone who is having some trouble configuring this device.
First I have the WGA54G v2, however, I believe these should help anyone who has v1 or the AG devices.
1) Plug the adapter into your CPUs ethernet port with the RJ45 cable that comes with it and the other end into the game adapter.
2) Since the game adapter will default to 192.168.1.250, you will need to configure your ethernet port to work with the above address. I set mine to 192.168.1.249.
3) Plug in the power for your game adapter and give it about 30 seconds to boot up and configure itself. Open your browser and go to 192.168.1.250 (may want to run the setup on the CD first), but some people may be able to go directly to the game adapter without running the setup CD.
4) Once you are logged on the game adapter, be sure to set up your WEP settings, if you want to use it. Sorry WPA or WPA2 security doesn't work, so you have to configure your whole network to use WEP.
5) On the advanced page you need to be sure you are using a Mixed Mode even if all your devices are 'G band', also don't forget to set the router to mixed too. Cloning should be disabled and don't forget to set the gateway.
6) After changing the settings on the game adapter and you can test your device by pinging 192.168.1.250 on your network. If you get a response your are set, if not, you should start over and make sure you set up everything correctly.
7) Once you have the game adapter working, unplug it from your computer and plug it into the game console. You will need to set your game console to use a static IP as well. Configure your game console to use a static ip as well. (at least I had too, I used 192.168.1.251)
Linksys tech support is hopeless, don't even waste your time calling them. IMPORTANT: if your wireless light doesn't stay on, don't worry about it. Mine doesn't and it works fine, I spent hours trying to get it to turn on when it was working all the time. As long as you can ping it you are fine.
I hope these directions helps save someone the hours I spent figuring this out, and I really, really, really wish Linksys would do better with their documentation.
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PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!, April 2, 2006
By Chris (Maryland)
i cannot get this to connect to the playstation....after i attempt to connect online with my playstation, i get a prompt saying:
"There was a time out while attempting to connect to the network. Please check your network connections"
WTF??? i've spoken with about 8 linksys tech people (no, i'm not kidding, it's been at least 8) and they all walk me through the same process.....same end result - IT WON'T WORK!!!
i'm currently on my THIRD linksys gaming adapter....they can't all be defective like the tech support people say.
i don't get it...and with all the time i've spent, i don't wanna give up....3 trips to best buy now and probably the better part of 12 hours on the phone to friggin new dehli....
i can be reached via email at: cp0861@yahoo.com
i'll offer a small reward if anyone gets me online....ps2 or xbox game of your choice shipped to you. i'm that determined...
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Needs better documentation, but once configured it works, March 17, 2006
By Don Young (Round Rock, TX USA)
As most people have noted, the documentation is sorely lacking. If you need a product that's easy-to-use right out of the box, this probably isn't it. However, if you don't mind configuring the adapter manually, this one works very well.
My home network isn't a "wide open anyone can connect" setup. I have encryption, pre-shared keys, and other security options, so I was fully prepared to do some manual configuration on the game adapter. And that's what I had to do. Once I got the configuration working, my PS2 had no problems connecting.
Here's some suggestions on making the configuration easier:
1) Give the wireless adapter a static IP address. Do not use DHCP. It's easier to bring up the web-based configuration page if you know for sure what the game adapter's IP address is.
2) For the default gateway (which can't be set using the setup CD for some reason), you'll probably want to use the IP address of your home router.
3) When using the web-based configuration page, you'll have a computer connected directly into the game adapter. Also use a static IP for that computer because you'll be using a similar configuration for your PS2 or X-box.
4) On the computer connected to the game adapter (during configuration), verify that the computer can get to the "outside world" by bring up www.yahoo.com or something like that.
That's all I can think of at the moment. I didn't try the head-to-head configuration since I only have the one adapter, so I can't comment on how well that works.
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Horrible, February 15, 2006
By Nvila (Atlanta, GA USA)
This is the first product I have ever felt a need to review.
It works, for a few hours, or a few days, maybe even a week.
Then it quits working. Restarting doesn't help. Disconnect, drag back to your computer, run the setup utility, put everything back together, eventually it will work again. For a little while.
Absolutely horrible experience, simply amazingly bad.
Additionally, setup directions are tremendously lacking, it picks IPs that won't work on the network it is used on, and make no mention of what you need to change or why.
I have tried it with two different wireless routers, both of which my laptop could consistently connect to without problem, so it is definitely this "gaming adapter".
Save yourself the frustration, buy a different product.
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Frustratingly bad, February 6, 2006
By OMD (New York, NY)
I am a long time Linksys user and always choose their product when I need routers or wireless equipment. I bought the gaming adapter becuase of the Linksys name even though the reviews were less than stellar.
Needless to say, I have finally given up after a year and removed it from my set up. I bought it to connect my Xbox to Xbox live and have had nothing but trouble. First of all you need a PC to do the initial set up. Second of all, no matter how many times you configure it via the set up tool or the web interface it is a complete gamble if it will work the next time you power it up. The adapter is incredibly unstable and has terrible data rates,
I tested the signal quality of my laptop and the Linksys Game Adapter side by side. My laptop with a Linksys card shows a signal strength of 98% while the game adapter shows 41%. How is this possible considering the adapter has an antenna!!! I also found the it will only work in "mixed" mode. If I switch the router and adapter to run in "G" mode only they will not connect. Becasue of this I can't run my network at optimal speed.
After 3 hours of trouble shooting last night I give up and will question any future Linksys purchases.
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Worked right out of the box, January 19, 2006
By PenguinSix.com (Chesapeake Beach, MD United States)
I use my wireless bridge with the PenguinRadio Internet radio and the thing worked right out of the box--no configuration. I just plugged it in and it connected to my wifi network (I don't have a password and am one channel 1, so that might have helped).
I haven't even played with the configuration utility, but will try to see if it is as complicated as some reviewers have said.
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Like everyone else plan on spending some time setting this up., December 27, 2005
By Michael Verdello
Just to state the obvious the documentation is not the greatest in the world. After about 8 hours of trying I finally got this thing running. I give it a 2 because of setup. For those that had no problem with setup,,, CONGRAT's. But for those who are using some of the more advanced network features on your wireless router good luck. You can get this product working correctly so I do not want to sway you against the purchase. The wire-less is nice and clean, plus it makes connecting devices that aren't in the greatest of locations much Easier. My advice is to read through these reviews they have a lot of information that is useful. I wish I had taken my own advised earlier in the game. I'm not going to repeat what I did to get it working because after I did get it working I realized that someone actually had the same problem I did and I found it after I decided to read through the reviews. Funny this site isn't even a technical forum and there is more information on this site then on the linksys site. If you are having trouble connecting to the adapters IP (192.168.1.250) find the review on configuring your local NIC with a hard IP address. This person had the same issue I had. Good luck!!!
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OK.............., December 15, 2005
By McFukurMom (sedalia MO)
Its great when you reset it 400 times and it finaly works. error -911 error -912 DAMN IT if it gets unplugged you have to reset it over and over again. Takes me about 1 to 2 hours to get working again. Called linksys and they will not tell me how to reset it proper they say its my connection or PS2 what douchebags
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Not just for gaming, November 25, 2005
By unknown
Awesome ethernet bridge. Simple set-up using hard wire ethernet to router and main PC. Take it to your remote PC, in my case one upstairs that does not have ethernet capability, and plug it into the PC's ethernet card and bingo, on line with high-speed wireless. That simple. Linksys markets a wireless G ethernet bridge seperately for more $$$ but don't be fooled. This work just the same, has a smaller footprint and costs less.
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Excellent Product, November 21, 2005
By Lizardking (USA)
Like all Linksys products, I've found this to be an excellent product. I just don't understand why people have so many problems with Linksys - EVERY home network or small business network I've set up has been with Linksys equipment. I've never had a problem - and I've had some ODD setups.
My home setup is as follows. 2nd floor has BEFSR41 Router to EG005W Gigabit Switch and WAP54G Access Point. Gigabit Router conencts to two PCs using Marvell Gigabit LAN adapters onboard. WGA54G Game Adapter is connected to EZXS55W Switch which then connects to Xbox and Dreamcast (and soon to be Xbox 360). Yes, the WGA54G can act as a bridge for multiple devices. It's just more flexible than a standard bridge when using consoles because consoles can change the settings.
Settings (such as IP info and security settings, like WEP key) can be changed by a PC or appropriate console (XBOX works, Dreamcast does not) when you Flash to 1.10 Firmware. Flashing firmware does not erase network settings. You do not need the CD to setup this hardware....just use a physically connected machine and log into 192.168.1.250 - this will not work over wireless, it must be connected via ethernet cable. I would suggest entering all of your security settings and "reboot" the Game Adapter by unplugging it for 10 seconds and plugging it back in - This seems to be key for getting it to work with new settings.
Also, remember, if you have MAC address filtering on your WAP, add not only the MAC address of the Game Adapter, but also any units you may have downstream of the adapter. If worse comes to worse, reset the unit and start from scratch by disabling security on your router to see which setting you may be having problem with. An open router to an open adapter is going to work from the get-go 9 out of ten times. Remember the "rebooting" trick after each setting change on the adapter.
Wireless networks do not set themselves up....and anyone with half a brain should be able to be successful with this setup.
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Let down by Linksys..again., September 21, 2005
By J. R. Ramirez
This is the second item I have purchased from Linsys which has not worked as promised. I purchased the same product from another manufacture which has worked as described. Linksys tech support is less than desirable. I would not recommend Linksys. I think a United States based tech support would be helpful.
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