| Linksys WRT54G Wireless-G Router |
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Model: WRT54G
Brand: Linksys
Manufacturer: Linksys
Average Rating: 
(submit your review here)
Total Reviews: 1702
Platforms: Windows NT, Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows NT 3.5, Windows NT 4, Windows NT 5, Windows Me, Windows XP, Windows 2000 Server, Windows
Operating system: Windows XP Professional Edition
Form factor: External
Hardware platform: PC
Data link protocol: Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g
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| Features: |
All-in-one Internet-sharing router, 4-port switch, and Wireless-G (802.11g) access point
Wireless data rates up to 54 Mbps--5 times faster than 802.11b
Shares a single Internet connection and other resources with Ethernet wired and Wireless-G clients
Interoperates with 802.11b clients at 11 Mbps
Advanced wireless security with 128-bit WEP encryption, MAC, or IP address filtering |
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| Description: |
| LINKSYS WRT54G - 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. Operates as a DHCP Server NAT technology to protect against Internet intruders Supports VPN pass-through Easy configuration with web browser based configuration utility |
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| User Reviews (1702 total): |
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Wireless Home Network, August 5, 2006
By kdplaskon (Bay Area, CA)
The product itself is great. Instructions for how to connect it to cable modem could be a bit more explicit regarding the need to determine and configure the MAC ID, but once connected, it works flawlessly. A solid, dependable product at a good price.
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Works great, and fast, August 1, 2006
By huskr2 (Issaquah, WA United States)
I'm not a super techie, so I was a bit worried about setting this thing up. However, I had this little baby up and running in less than an hour. The secret is to not use the disc that comes with it, but go directly to the linksys website. The have a setup program there (for XP only) called NetSet that is super easy. Using the disc, I kept getting a message that said that the router could not connect to the internet. No such issues with the NetSet, it found the internet and was hooked up and working in about 15 minutes. Setting the security was a little more confusing, but this router seems to have all of the bells and whistles around security, so I was able to figure it out by googling some instructions. Overall, I'm very happy.
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don't waste your money, July 31, 2006
By MF (New York, New York United States)
Really, don't waste your money on this router. I'm pretty familiar with networking technology and this router has been nothing but a headache, constantly disconnecting in the middle of streaming and then requring a complete reset in order to get back on line again -- 3 to 4 times a day! I corresponded with the company and tried everything they suggested, changing channels, reinstalling the firmware etc., but nothing helped.
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Easy. Fast. Great., July 27, 2006
By djheater (Chicago, IL United States)
Bought this to replace an aged Netgear wired with a linksys WAP. I had been perfectly satisfied with the old Netgear till Comcast changed something on their end. The day SpeedBurst rolled out in my area my Netgear started flaking out on me(giving me modem speeds essentially) I'm not entirely sure they're related but I did some research over [...] and decided it wouldn't hurt to upgrade, especially considering my WAP was wireless B.
After looking around I decided to go with the Wrt54g becuase of the ability to upgrade firmware to use QOS (quality of service) controls. I am an avid Vonage user and was always having to stop BitTorrent to talk on the phone on the old set up. Had I done more research I would have discovered that the current hardware revision is not as compatible as previous versions, :(, however, they included an onboard QOS so rather than return it, I gave it a shot and I'm happy to say it is working perfectly. I simply assigned the port my Vonage device plugs into a high priority and unless I'm nearly maxing out my bandwith caps I haven't had any complaints about clippy quality from my callers.
In short I'm perfectly satisfied with the onboard QOS and the wireless is great, a vast improvement in range and speed over the old b standard linksys WAP I used to use.
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Three stars, would rate more..., July 27, 2006
By Neil Fullagar (CA USA)
I got my WRT54G and set it up, no problem, easy to do, and it seems to work great. I can't speak for long, reliable service since I've only had it for a day...
But the main reason why I can only give it three stars instead of four (or even maybe maybe five) is that the Linksys products I bought bought to use with it (and bought it to use with) have been complete disasters and Linksys Tech Support is not the most helpful (which is being very kind and generous in the telling.) If you want to know more, see my reviews of the WUSB54G and WET54G.
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Wireless outside, July 27, 2006
By mxlaser
I can take my notebook into my basement or outside into my garden and spend time with my plants while surfing on the net all because this device lets me do that. I like to record my growing data on my notebook and instead of writing things down and coming home to write it all down again I can access my home PC and instantly work on it and reference the net. It is a great device.
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The Better Router Brand, July 26, 2006
By Paul Jacobs (Temecula, CA USA)
Warning: If you are changing from a wired to a wireless router, you might encounter installation problems. I went with Linksys after the D-link wireless router I bought failed to connect and I gave up hope of talking to D-link tech support after 45 minutes on hold. The Lynksys WRT54G encountered the same problems, but I was able to get through to tech support almost instantly. I finally called my DSL provider (Verizon) and they got me back online before tranferring me to a Linksys tech, who talked me through each step and got be back online sans wires! I know, normally I hate Verizon too, but they really came through. The Lynksys tech support makes all the difference! The WRT54G works very well!
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Wireless router, July 26, 2006
By My Opinion (NYC)
I had difficulties setting up because of my spatial logistics -- using a desk top in one room with a cable modem and router in a closet near unit entry. Got all the help I needed. Also, had problems with a firmware update when my IT sophisticated son, tried to do it -- he had to use his laptop connected directly to router, which is why I couldn't do it; I was advised not to risk a disconnect by trying to do it wireless. Got lots of help and resolved. Only a mild technical issue. I noted that my connection strength varied widely from very low to very good without change in location of adaptor or router. Advised to do firmware update. This did not seem to resolve. Just did it yesterday and haven't contacted Linksys again. However, has not been a problem in a practical sense. Always able to connect. Dated 5/18/07. In the last couple of months have had transient disconnects -- i.e. "wireless not connected". Usually only for a few minutes, but an inconvenince; at least once for several hours. My next door neighbor with similar unit having similar problem. This seems to be some sort of interference because it is affecting two of us in the same locale, although I have no way to know if at the same time. But I plan to contact Linksys to discuss.
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Check your laptop first, July 24, 2006
By Benson C. Look (San Jose, CA USA)
I have a Toshiba A35-S1592 laptop, running Windows XP home edition. SBC now ATT DSL internet service provider with a 2Wire model 1000HW home portal.
I wanted to go wireless with more laptop computer. I have an unsecured portable D-Link 54G wireless module I use when traveling. My laptop hooks up easily. But I wanted greater range and security at home. So I bought the WRT54G router.
I thought it would be best to use the WPC54G wireless adaptor with this router instead of the integrated wireless on my computer. The adaptor arrived first. Installed and configured and it worked great. No issues.
A week later the router arrived and the nightmare began. First day it took three hours before I could get the Ethernet line to work. Constant reboots reloads etc. Next another hour to regain the wireless operation. Frustrating day.
The next day I decided to add the security features. As soon as I did that I could get no connection to the internet. All the lights showed that everything was operational. I could connect directly to the SBC DSL modem. I could go wireless to my D-Link. Nothing could get the laptop to communicate with the router. Three frustrating late night hours, I decided to go to bed.
Third day, try again. Went on line and tried their help menus. After another two hours I finally got the Ethernet line to work. No wireless. Linksys software showed the card operational but no internet connection.
Next day, I deleted the wireless software and started from scratch. Installed the router and used the integrated wireless on my laptop. Everything works.
So for some reason the integrated wireless on my laptop interfered with Linksys. I had it disabled and it still did something. I had thought it best to use a Linksys card to talk to Linksys router.
I have use Linksys products before in setting up friend's small office and it was straight forward. Read reviews on this router and I thought what could go wrong?
Haven't put the security features back in yet. Now that I got it up, I am a bit scare to do that just yet. After all of this, I learned that this model of Toshiba uses Dlink as part of its integrated wireless system. Should have gone with a Dlink.
Right now I am happy that everything is working the way it should.
I would recommend this router.
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MAKE SURE YOU READ THE WARANTEE!!!, July 21, 2006
By ARE
This router worked great for a couple of months. Unfortunately my laptop stopped detecting the router. After 3 days of troubleshooting and speaking to three representatives we discovered (oh what a surprise) that the router was no longer working.
Without a receipt (yes - shame on me for not keeping it) they refused to pay for shipping. They will be kind enough to provide me with a replacement only because this is my FIRST issue with it. This is certainly not a company that stands behind their product when all goes wrong. Not even for a mere five bucks for shipping. I'd rather eat the router and go with a new brand.
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Excelent product, July 18, 2006
By aguilarch (San Jose Costa Rica)
I am very happy with my acces point.
it works very fine, easy configuration and high security.
It is a great product for your home or small office.
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Nice product at a very nice price., July 17, 2006
By Howard F. Worsey (Boone, North Carolina)
Thusfar the router has worked just fine. Had a problem after the first week when we could not connect to the wireless network with a laptop, but called support at Linksys and they solved that problem in about one minute. Wait time was short and the technician knew what she was talking about. Am very satisfied with everything about this purchase so far.
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Absolutely no problems, fast and reliable., July 15, 2006
By Traveller (Oklahoma, USA)
Purchased the item a few days ago, 07/2006, unpacked and went through installation. I initially tried to install without CD, did not succeed, but when inserted the CD all went smooth. Obviously they improved something in the process, as I expected problems after reading all the horror stories.
I did not need to reboot the router since I powered it on on the first day. I definitely recommend that piece of hardware.
One thing - it needs an active internet connection to configure. Installation will not work if you do not have one.
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Terrible setup, great performance, July 15, 2006
By Digital Literati Apprentice (Atlanta, GA USA)
Do yourself a favor and bypass the included setup disk and go right to the web based admin utility (http://192.168.1.1). If you have ever setup a wireless router before it is pretty simple from there on. If not, you'll need a friend that has or another internet connection to Google for the directions -- there's nothing in the package to help you. The setup program on the included disk is nice looking (when it runs) but never completed for me before it crashed or just gave up and told me my "system does not meet the minimum requirements for a home network". Give me a break. That said, once up and running it has performed flawlessly. It connects with everything I have (i.e. my laptop and Tivo). In addition, range has been much much better than the Netgear it replaced. If not for the time I wasted on the setup program I would give it 5 stars.
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Get the WRT54GL instead, July 15, 2006
By Just a reviewer
I'm glad I read the reviews that told me to get the Linksys WRT54GL instead of this model. After version 4 of the WRT54G, Linksys is using a different OS and have downgraded their flash and RAM memory by half of what they used to have. Normally, a higher version implies a better product, but in this case, the opposite has happened.
If you are wondering why some reviews are so bad and some are good, the version number may be one factor.
Get the WRT54GL, which is what WRT54G is supposed to be. Then if you want, you can flash the firmware to a much better third-party like DD-WRT.
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Strong choice, especially for the price range., July 15, 2006
By Ken (Dallas, TX)
Easy network and wireless setup. Establishing security was no problem. Very simple browser interface for settings. The speed is great and we have not had a problem with dropped connections. The signal strength is not great, but the range covers the apartment with no problems. I upgraded the firmware from their website with no issues. Overall it has been a very effective and easy to use wireless router at the low-end of the price range. Used with 1 PC hardwired and a laptop wireless, both running WindowsXP.
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Solid router, July 13, 2006
By Riaz Nasir Virani
Almost any of the major brands nowadays can give you a decent home router. Linksys routers, however, are like the Toyota of networking products. They offer well built, well supported, and reliable products that are just better quality than the others. This one is no different.
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It's a silly little thing..., July 12, 2006
By P. Allen (DC)
...but this router doesn't run Linux anymore. If you're looking to mod the firmware you're going to want a WRT54GL.
There's nothing more annoying than getting the wrong thing in the mail and then having to ship the think back on your dime!
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Fine if it works, bad customer service, July 11, 2006
By Sharon Harris (Millbrae, CA United States)
The one I bought worked fine at first. Technical support was good but once they determined the unit was defective, their customer service was extremely bad. Tech support can't transfer you to customer support and you need customer support to get a replacement unit. Customer support doesn't answer their phones (I was on hold for 45 minutes). They only sometimes answer email. Due to this experience, I will never buy a Linksys product again. They don't offer enough to overcome the bad customer support experience.
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ANOTHER POS ROUTER # 2 FOR ME., July 11, 2006
By iron maiden
I THOUGHT IT WAS MY COMPUTER, CABLE PROVIDER OR ME. BUT NOOOOOOO !!!!!!!
IT WAS THIS PIECE OF GARBAGE ROUTER THAT KILLED MY INTERNET CONNECTION.
IF YOU HAVE A MAC, BUY AIRPORT WHICH I WILL BE BUYING. THIS WILL BE MY THIRD ROUTER. STAY FAR FAR FAR AWAY FROM LINKSYS AND NETGEAR ROUTERS.
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