| Linksys Wireless-G Range Expander WRE54G |
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Model: WRE54G
Brand: Linksys
Manufacturer: Linksys
Average Rating: 
(submit your review here)
Total Reviews: 0
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: |
Dimensions - 1.1 x 7.4 x 6.9 in (H x W x D)
Wireless Standard - IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g
Security WEP - 64/128 bit WEP |
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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 (0 total): |
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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 11, 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 3, 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 28, 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 28, 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 23, 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 23, 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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Works as advertised, July 22, 2005
By M_Six (Charleston, IL United States)
Thanks to Anthony Taylor's excellent instructions, I was able to get this working in just a few minutes. It works great and extends the range of the router nicely. The best part is that you can just unplug it and move it to another part of the house to improve reception there.
One word of caution; once you have access to the setup pages and you're about to enable the WEP, make *sure* you have the exact same settings as your router WEP. I set the passphrase right, but I left the default setting of 64-bit encryption on the extender while the router uses 128-bit. I had to reset the extender and start over again to get back in. Double-check to make sure the WEP settings are identical on both devices before enabling WEP.
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Linksys Wireless Expander, July 9, 2005
By Paul T. Hughes
The unit is probably fine. BUT getting it to work with a laptop is no picnic. AND if you get a connection after an hour of experimenting, it's hard to keep the connection. AND difficult to get on the internet. BUT other than that it's perfect!?!
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DO NOT BUY THIS PRODUCT!!!!, July 6, 2005
By Timothy A. Francis
If I could give a negative 5 I would. I bought this product and it was supposed to work with any router. I didn't. So I bought a Linksys router. It didn't work with that either. Moreover, it is only AFTER you try and setup the expander that you get an error advising you that you cannot use it with WPA security (only the mos t effective security for wireless home networks). Then, I spend an HOUR on the phone with Linksys tech support and they can't get it to work either.
I'm no technical genius, but I've setup a few different wireless networks. This is absolutely the worst, most difficult product I have ever come across. Absolutely wasted an entire day trying to get it to work. Terribly frustrating
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Very difficult to set-up but works, June 27, 2005
By J. Wu (San Jose, CA)
I needed some way to extend my network at home and since I've had the worst time dealing with Netgear products and Netgear Tech Support, I decided to give Linksys a try.
Initial set up took about 1-2 hours. I followed the step-by-step instructions written by other users but for some reason, my Linksys extender still failed to connect to my home network (I could never get two solid blue lights). Finally, I tried updating to the latest firmware as a last resort and miraculously, the Linksys extender successfully connected to the network. I've been using the extender for about two weeks now and so far, haven't experienced any dropped connections. I'm only giving this product 3 stars since this product is hard to install and the included documentation is horrible (including the useless CD setup program, which never worked for me).
Definitely try the steps outlined by previous users first but if the extender still refuses to work correctly, go to Linksys's website to get the latest firmware. You may also want to try updating your router's firmware as well.
Right now, my Linksys router is running v2.04.4 firmware and the extender is running v1.04.17 firmware.
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Works well, setup is tricky, June 26, 2005
By Stephen R. Balzac (Stow, MA USA)
Once it's setup, the product works great. Just be sure to put it in a high up location if possible; that helps boost the coverage area.
A couple of points to add to the previous comments on setup:
If you have MAC filtering turned on, make sure you put the range expander's MAC addr into your list. Otherwise, setup will fail without explanation.
When I used the setup disk (before I remembered the MAC issue), it crashed and shut down my computer's ability to see my wireless network. Fortunately, a simple reboot fixed that.
Good luck!
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Severe limitations--don't even try with a non-Linksys Router, June 25, 2005
By satchelpig (Cary, NC United States)
I have a Hawking Technology router that works without issue, but have some dead spots in my house and purchased this item to try to fix that issue.
It didn't work. I tried to configure both automatically and with the wizard, and neither worked.
I then got on the phone with customer support. Although the person was a little difficult to understand, they were polite, but then told me that I needed to get version 2 of this device, which, confusingly enough, has the same product ID number, but, as others have noted, includes a different image on the front with an ethernet connection.
It may be a bit of an oversimplification, but the techie I spoke with basically indicated it was pointless to try to use the thing with anything other than a Linksys router. I find it extremely irritating that this was not indicated on the packaging or marketing materials.
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WRE54G version 2, June 12, 2005
By R. Yurkovic (New Jersey)
I just purchased and installed the WRE54G V2 unit. I waited for the version 2 (just out a month ago) because it is an easy setup for wireless access points using WPA security. Linksys customer service (NOT the OUTSOURCED TECH SUPPORT) advised me that since I was running WPA security, I needed version 2 and then told me how to identify the Version 2 box in the store. The customer service guys know the unit much better than the tech support people and that made the sale.
In a store, if you look on the box packaging, check out the back and look for an ethernet connection on the front of WRE54G (in the photo) with a ethernet cable protruding from it. That is version 2 - version 1 does not have ethernet connectivity and does not show a cable coming out of the front. The back of the expander unit itself will say WRE54G Version 2 as the model number, but you have to open the box to see that. Some stores have them in stock and some do not yet. Ordering online is obviously tricky so I went to the store (something I usually do not do). It would be nice if online vendors would show the version number ... that would have been a sale.
Very EASY installation with WPA security engaged on the WAP54G V2 access point while installing the expander. I advise using the CD installation method on your PC as opposed to using the auto-setup button to ensure a flawless and easy installation. Just follow the steps, done in several minutes. Works as described ... secure 802.11g/b reaches to far corners and multiple floors.
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Setting up the WRE54G - caution!, May 22, 2005
By Robert A (Los Angeles, CA)
This device works great, now. But it took 4 hours, mostly on the telephone with tech support in India and the Phillipines to figure it out. The problem enters into the equation when you enable WEP encryption, since the online knowledge base and the installation CD do not tell you how to properly make it work. So here's what I suggest:
#1 Make sure you have downloaded the latest firmware for your router and the range expander.
#2 If you have ANY problems after step one, ask to speak with senior level technical support right away. The front line tech support people aren't properly trained, and the installation software won't get the job done.
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linkstinks, May 10, 2005
By G. R. Talarico
Do not waste your money on this piece of junk. I never ever got it to work even after numerous attempts. I struggled through the cryptic online instructions and wasted hours with the useless phone support personal who spoke an unrecognizable form of english.
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Works fine with compatible equipment, May 10, 2005
By Many Interests (SC)
I found the setup and installation for the Linksys Range Expander was fairly simple when connecting it to a secured Linksys router. My speed at the periphery of my router was running at about 38Mbits and jumped immediately to 54Mbits once the Range Expander was installed. I had spent a good bit of time earlier making sure the router was configured and security enabled while replacing the older 11b equipment I had been using. If you aren't familiar with networking, I would suggest getting help from the outset. It may save on some of the frustration folks experience. Use the Linksys utilities rather than those proffered by the operating system. Mixing the two up in the process of installation can definitely cause problems.
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Watch Out for Compatibility Issues and POOR Linksys Support!, May 8, 2005
By pcarucci (Massapequa Park, NY USA)
I purchased this product after a discussion with Linksys tech support concerning signal strengh problems encountered after switching over to a router model that had included phone ports for broadband phone service. The Linksys tech was from India, somewhat lacking in English skills, and DEFINITELY in technical knowledge- symptomatic of the effort to drive American tech jobs to the lowest possible bidder.
The tech assured me that the range expander was compatible with my router after keeping me on hold for a few minutes. Needless to say, it was not compatible with my router, and refused to connect to my wireless network. Linksys acknowledged the error of the technician, but refused to switch mine for a compatible product.
Sooo, take this as a warning and double verify compatibility before buying this product, and DON'T take the word of a Linksys technician. Do otherwise, and you may also become a victim of outsourcing.
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