| Linksys Wireless-G Range Expander WRE54G |
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Model: WRE54G
Brand: Linksys
Manufacturer: Linksys
Average Rating: 
(submit your review here)
Total Reviews: 416
Platforms: No Operating System
Operating system: Windows
Form factor: External
Hardware platform: PC
Data link protocol: IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g
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| Features: |
Expand your wireless networking coverage to eliminate dead spots
Works with both 802.11b and 802.11g wireless networks
Supports 64 and 128-bit WEP encryption
Configurable through your networked PC's Web browser or the included Setup Wizard
Compatible with the Linksys WAP54G Access Point, and both the WRT54G and WRT54GS wireless routers |
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| Description: |
| The WRE54G Wireless-G Range Expander increases the effective coverage of your wireless network. Unlike other access points, this wireless expander doesn't require connection by a data cable. Just place it within range of your wireless router and bounce the signals off remote wireless devices. It's perfect for any wireless home or business network that requires wider coverage: Multi-story homes, warehouses, outdoor spaces and more. |
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| User Reviews (416 total): |
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Does not support WPA, September 17, 2005
By Patrick (NJ)
A great product and solution, but does not work if you want to use WPA security. Interesting enough to know that all linksys products support WPA and stronlgy recommend WPA but not the range extender. They even forgot to mention it clearly unless you dig into the documentation
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It finally works, September 15, 2005
By V. Valdez (Chino Hills, Ca United States)
Its a great device, but I didnt give it a 5 because it wasnt easy to setup. If you by one of this expander there are things you should remember to set it up properly.
1. The CD it came with go to you kitchen and shove it in your garbage disposal unit. The cd virtually useless!
2. Open the box make sure its in default, if not sure just press the reset button for 15 sec.
3. Go to your routers menu and write down the MAC Address. (is on the status of your router menu. Be sure to write the wireless mac and not the Wire or LAN mac. Yes there is 2 one for wired and the other for wireless.)
4. Disconnect from your routers ssid, and go to your network properties for xp start, connect to, wireless network connection(Or whatever you rename it), properties. Go to internet protocol and assign an IP like 192.168.1.100, subnet 255.255.255.0 getway 192.168.1.240, dns leave it blank.
5. Open your browser type 192.168.1.240 on address bar(default password is admin no login name you can leave it blank). Now you can change your Expander name, IP (only if there is conficting address or just for the hell of change it), gateway (your routers adress), MAC (type the mac of your router wireless mac), ssid.
6. If you have excryption match it with your routers settings(It has to be the same EX. 64 bit wep key 3 (KEY ARE NUMBERED 1 TO 4)
code 1234567890, so on the expander type 1234567890 on key 3.
7. Then save your settings. Go to you expander you should get a 2 blue led lights one for activity one for link. If you still get a orange light go back to the expander menu and double check your settings.
8. Go back to your network connection settings change your ip to whatever you had it before(mine was set to "obtain an ip address automatically" same with dns). Go to wireless tab there should be 2 ssid one is you router the other is expander. Go to your expander properties on wireless network tab, make sure the wep(if enabled on your network if not then leave it disabled) is on code right (example 1234567890) and right key number (example 3)matches. So key 3 code 12345678890 on the expanders setting on your notebook or desktop is also enabled.
9. Finally when all the setup is done go to you wireless connection and connect to ssid of your expander. And it should connect even with dynamic address, if not go back to step 1 and so on. Good Luck!
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good product, good price, September 10, 2005
By Never argue with an idiot. they drop you to their level and beat you with experience! (texas, usa)
This is a great product. Reliable and works well with other linksys wireless-G products. I have a small personal netowrk iwth neighbor. they are using a WRE54G unit along with the router... excellent setup! Kudos to linksys for creating a good product and easy to use. People... there is a ONE TOUCH CONFIG for this unit... who wouldn't rate it 5 stars.. i'd seriously question any rating less than 4 stars... they should probably get someone else to setup their network if they had problems.
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Works Just fine, September 8, 2005
By Francisco Egloff
The only thing you have to do is upgrade the firmware of WRE54G... Then, follow the instruction written on the manual.
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The range-expander I bought did not work., September 6, 2005
By Objective Physicist (Bedford, MA USA)
I tried to go through the installation instructions for the wireless range expander and found that my PC system consistently failed either to find the range expander in the network, or that it could not be set up and run properly when it could be found. I called Linksys and worked through some diagnostics with a technician. After several failures, he informed me that I should return the product to the store where I bought it.
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Apparently, THEIR ALL BROKE RIGHT OUT OF THE BOX, August 31, 2005
By dvd-archive (Chicago)
Look at the reviews and error message documents. Even after I knew what I was getting into, the theme seemed to be: Once you get it going it's fine. On a secured Wi-Fi? Forget it. Unsecured; it keeps timing out. I had a competent network engineer in my office who worked on it for 4 hrs and we both eventually gave up.
The Netgear is no good for me because employees will hit the reset button and screw it up for days at a time. So I reluctantly went with a Linksys and it seemed fine for weeks until someone hopped on with a Netgear card and screwed it. I bought a Linksys card and crossed my fingers.
The router is alright if you don't mind calling somebody, BUT THE RELAY/EXTENDER IS WHOLLY UNUSABLE.
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Works well with Version 2 hardware, August 30, 2005
By triode fan (California)
I followed Anthony Taylor's installation steps and it was a breeze. It was up and running within a few minutes. I got the version 2 hardware which may have previous problems addressed. There is no way to tell what version of hardware without opening the retail box.
I returned my Belkin Pre-N router after 2 days when it dropped the links 3 times. The signal strength and transfer rate varied a lot.
I am much happier with the Linksys WRE54g range expander. My signal level improved from very low to excellent.
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Linksys Wireless Expander, August 26, 2005
By J. M. Neibert (New Jersey)
Difficult to configure with instructions that are not complete. Users must have the right firmware on their wireless router but this information was only available on the Linksys website.
The auto configuration and the unit does not seem to work without the SSID broadcast being on.
The Expander also tends to lose it's connection to the router without warning.
Not a product for the computer novice. A lot of trial and error to get it to work.
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Minor setup issue....but definite must have., August 22, 2005
By Early Adopter #716 (Dallas, TX)
After a minor setup issue this expander has worked flawlessly for me for a few weeks.
My house is 4500 square feet and this combined with the WRT54GS router gives me complete coverage inside and out of the house. My average % of signal strength is 70%.
The only advice I can give is that you must setup this up in your network with WEP DISABLED......the instructions actually guide you to do the opposite - and while I HIGHLY recommend you enable WEP in general....for setup you must do this with it OFF.
Other than that.....quick setup and a great product.
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Linksys Wireless-G Range Expander WRE54G, August 20, 2005
By Phil Lanese (Sacramento, Ca.)
Contrary to other people i had no problems getting this up and running. Signal strenth vastly improved and connection very stable after 2 weeks of use.
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Don't expect much from this unit, August 19, 2005
By H. Ofman
Easy to setup, but coverage area wasn't improve too much.
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Wireless Rang Expander, August 15, 2005
By the doc (New Jersey)
No brainer installation...just plug it in. Still have not figured out the security side. "Help Pnone Service" is quick and they appear to be interestd in helping for any problems. Just be prepared to understand a heavy overseas (Indian?) accent.
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Great accessory, August 13, 2005
By aspiemom (NY)
Works well - I can finally use my laptop out on my deck.
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Easy configuration but problematic use., August 12, 2005
By F. Palmeira (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
The configuration without WEP is easy, but in some days it simply decides not to function. Gives up the WEP!
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Take care with this product you can be frauded!!!!! - see my experience, August 4, 2005
By Josue (SAm)
Please read the e-mail chat with customer support.
They promote the range expander with specifications that are not accurate.
They took me around 1 and half hour on the phone and couldn't find a solution, they accepted that they were wrong and anyway they didn't solve my problem with responsibility.
I wouldn't reccomend to deal with linksys because then it willbe a headache if anything goes wrong.
(for reading porpuses I took out identifications and edited redundant text).
Hi, my name is XXXXXX How may I help you?
Hi, i bought a range expander and I can't connect with my router
XXXXXX: Alright. Please confirm that you are using a WET54G. (...)ok i have the Linksys Wireless-G Range Expander WRE54G
and i can't connect with the router
XXXXXX: So this is an initial set up for this wireless expander, right?
Miguel: yes
XXXXXX: That's alright.
XXXXXX: Ok. What is the hardware version of it and what is the model number and version of your router?
after set up give me this error: "Can not associate with this ap in repeater mode"
XXXXXX: So you are using a BEFW11S4V4 router. Let me verify some information. Also, what is teh exact version of the WRE54G?
Miguel: where i lookthat?
XXXXXX: You may check that underneath the device itself. There's a word LINKSYS, down below there's a model number and version.
XXXXXX:Ok. There's a serial number and MAC address and model number with version.
Anabelle G(14455): Alright. But it does not show any version like WRE54GV2?
I can't find the version, only show wre54g
XXXXXX: Then if there's no any version, then it's a version 1 wireless expander.
XXXXXX: Ok. the Wireless Expander you have will not work with a BEFW11S4V4 router. This BEFW11S4V4 router will only work with a WRE54GV2.
Miguel: oh nooo
XXXXXX: Otherwise, you can return the WRE54G and look for WRE54GV2.
XXXXXX: I mean ask for a verison 2 for WRE54G.
but in the information that you have in the sites said that work with 802.11b Standard
XXXXXX:Alright. Lety me verify some information. Please hold on.
The problem is that I'm in another country Anabelle G(14455): I see.
XXXXXX:Hold on for a few moments while AI verify this information.
Standards: IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g
Buttons: Autoconfiguration, Reset
LEDs: Blue/Red-LINK, Blue-ACTIVITY
(....)
XXXXXX:Wait, i'll check on it.
XXXXXX:As I have verified again with my higher technical support that this router will only work with a WRE54Gv2 as it's tested already. So what I can suggest you here is to ask for a replacement into V2. You may contact them or email the retailer where you buy purchased this WRE54G.
XXXXXX: the problem is that i'm in another county, not in the states
XXXXXX:I understand that. Where did you buy this WRE54G?
and i bought this product because the data sheet say that work with B
in one of internet
XXXXXX: If the WRE54G is V2 but since the device itself is a V1, then this will not work on it.
XXXXXX:And what retailer is that.
XXXXXX:this will work with a G router. Let me double check on it.
the funny think is that I bought Linksys to don`t have compatibility problems
XXXXXX: Thank you for waiting. The router that will work on this WRE54Gv1 is the WRT54G with all versions and WRT54GSV1 but it still depends on teh firmware of the router.
please tell me what to do because i want that it work
XXXXXX: But all routers now has the updated firmware already that will work on the WRE54Gv1.
XXXXXX: Alright. If you do not want to return this WRE54G to the retailer where you purchsed it, you have the option to switch router into G router(WRT54G or WRT54GS), then that's the suggestions I can gave you.
Is your problem too and the information sheet say that is compatible with B
XXXXXX: I apologize for the inconvenience this may cause by the data sheet.
Yes that Linksys have inhis site
XXXXXX:Alright. And again, I apologize for the inconvenience.
what is the price that linksys can give me the router?
because you haveto understund that im in other country and change the expanger is not so easy like in the states
XXXXXX: For that information, I do not have it since were more on technical concerns. If you want you may contact Linksys Customer Service so you can verify with them how much this Wireless G router so you can buy a new router.
XXXXXX: Yes, I understand that it's far from the United States.
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No problems, July 29, 2005
By G. Vartanoff
I was up and running in about 5 minutes. Make sure WEP is disabled on your router before starting the install process. I also upgraded firmware on the router, and eventually the range expander. I plugged in the expander, navigated to 192.168.1.240 on a browser on the network, and setup the expander. Then I enabled WEP on the expander, then the router. Everything worked well. Maybe I am just lucky based on all the negative reviews here.
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No Trouble With Set-up, July 29, 2005
By S. Rose (New York)
I got to tell you--after reading all the reviews about how difficult this thing was to set up, I was really really scared. But, I had a gift certificate to spend, so I said "What the heck?" Well, I had ABSOLUTELY NO TROUBLE AT ALL setting this thing up. All I did was follow the instructions. YES, I had WEP enabled. All you need to do is know your key (I wrote it down) and set up is ridiculously easy.
Maybe I got lucky? I don't know. What I do know is thing was up and running (two blue lights) in less than 15 minutes.
Also, my router is on the 2nd floor of my house and I put the expander in my basement (under ground, no windows). My desktop in the basement went from "Very Low" to "Excellent" signal strength. No problems at all.
This was a great purchase for me.
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Only compatible with Linksys., July 27, 2005
By Randy Dodd (Novato, CA United States)
Here is an update from Linksys.
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We already have two versions of WRE54G. The version 1 will only work with routers that support WDS or Wireless Distribution System while version 2 is expected to work with all the wireless access points and wireless routers available in the market.
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I found that the Apple Airport Express has built-in extender/bridging capability but only works with Airport. So the same is true of Linksys. DOn't mix products.
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Must read if you want this thing to work !, July 24, 2005
By dccanuck (DC)
Ok, I bought this unit about 6 months ago. I have probably put 12 hours into it. Thus, 3 stars. Tried all the tips on here, tried troubleshooting, and finally have found the holy grail:
1. Read the instructions by other reviewers but don't follow them. I tried them - they didn't work for me.
2. Start the setup program off the CD ROM. (make sure your unit is set to factory defaults - if you're not sure, strick a needle in the reset hole and hold it for 15-20 secs. Unplug/ replug in unit)
3. When the setup program asks for the 'network' , make sure it is selecting your access point. When I did it, it would default to the extender. Select your access point from the list. Before you hit 'yes' to connect, have the exteneder in hand.
4. After hitting 'yes' , press the autoconfig button on the extender as hard as you can and hold it until the screen shows that it is found. This was the biggest stumbling block for me - nowhere have I read that you need to hold the button down in the setup. If you don't do this, the unit will not be found- I think the software confuses the extender with another network out in the ether. Interestingly, the found extender will have the same name as your SSID. Look carefully at the config to the left and notice that the specs are actually the extender's.
5.I think you click connect next. I got an error on my screen that said I couldn't connect. I closed it. The signal on the laptop jumped immediately to 100% but I noticed that the internet stopped functioning. Note- it is not immediately apparent that the extender is working except for the improved signal.
6. Open a browser and type 192.168.1.240 - go into the interface with nothing in the username and 'admin' as the password. Upgrade the firmware in the help tab. I have 1.04.17 I think. Also, while you are here, copy the MAC address of the extender down on paper or into your clipboard.
6. Reboot everything.
7. CRITICAL STEP- some guy on a different forum gave me this tip. Go into your router's webconfig utility and add the MAC address of the extender to the internet policy. On my WPC54G, it is under 'Access Restrictions' - click on 'enable' access and click on 'edit list of pcs' - add the extender's MAC address to the list and save. Close the edit list screen. Click the 'Save settings' button on the 'Access Restrictions' page.
8. Surf away! I literally just got mine setup in the far end of my house and have a full signal. I used to get 15% at best.
Good luck. Linksys could mqake a killing on these things if they made them user friendly...
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Strong Product - Non-Intuitive but Manageble Installation, July 24, 2005
By MG (Washington, DC)
Just finished installing the Linksys Wireless - G Range Expander (model WRE54G)to work with my Linksys WRT54G router and Dell laptop (Latitude D600). From box to working took less than 1 hour but only thanks to previous reviewer tips.
In particular,
1. Disable WEP and MAC filtering
2. Update router and expander firmware to the latest versions. You can download both from the Linksys website and upgrade each component (router and expander) from their web-based consoles (192.168.1.1 and 192.168.1.240, respectively). My blue lights lit up right after I updated the Range Expander firmware.
3. Restore WEP and MAC filtering. Be sure all your WEP keys are identical across your router, expander, and laptop.
Our router is upstairs and my laptop is in our 1st floor office where signal reception is marginal. After installing the new expander I get excellent (5 bars) signal strength all the time. Really made a big improvement in download times and no more "The page cannot be displayed" messages. Woo hoo! Definitely worth the effort.
Thanks to everyone for the tips.
Good luck.
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