| Linksys WRT54G Wireless-G Router |
 enlarge
|
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
|
|
|
| |
| 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 |
| |
| 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 |
| |
| User Reviews (1702 total): |
|
Linksys WRT54G Wireless-G Router - Anderson, January 29, 2006
By W. Anderson (W. MELBOURNE, FL United States)
Excellent unit. Easy set-up. Seamless integration with work stations.
|
Received V. 4: Easy installation, works great!, January 29, 2006
By J. McBride (Harlingen, TX USA)
I ordered the router from this site about 10 days ago and received version 4, not version 5 that so many reviewers have complained about. Used the CD for a very easy setup and was up and running in less than 10 minutes. Signal strength to a Dell notebook with a Linksys WPC54G Wireless-G Notebook Adapter is excellent.
|
Worst Router I've ever owned., January 28, 2006
By Richard E. Pariera
I have had the worst experinece of my life when dealing with this router and the company Linksys. The writing on the box said that it handled pass thru VPN. This is important to me becasue I use a laptop from work when telecommuting. I went from a Netgear Router to this Linksys router. Decided to upgrade to wireless when I found out that my old Netgear was not working correctly any more. Once I plugged the Linksys in my problems started. I couldn't get to my outlook any more. I talked to the Tech's with no success and could hardly understand them when they talked over the phone. I got an RMA number to send the Linksys Router back for replacement. When I received the replacement it was used and when I plugged it in it didn't work. I was so frustrated I threw in the garbage and went down and bought the new D-Link router. Thank you D-Link. Everything is great again. I will never buy another Linksys product again.
|
Great.. once you figure it out, January 27, 2006
By PERROWAH (Charleston, SC USA)
I purchased the router about a month ago. Installation was faily easy, however there were no instructions just a CD-ROM. I had to go to their technical support site to help me. Once installed it worked for about 2 days then it would constantly need to be reset for both the wired and wireless computers attached for it to connect to the internet. After about 3 weeks of this, I was fed up and retunred to the techinical site where I was promted to download new firmware. Not being a technical guy, this process was quite intimidating! However, I figured out the process and the router has worked perfectly since! Still don't know why I was forced to install new firmware! Need better instructions Linksys.
|
Awful, awful, awful. I really wish there was a "0" star option!, January 27, 2006
By Hunter (Charleston, SC)
First of all, if you are like me and are not very interested in technical jargon and will not look into it unless something is really wrong, then this review should help you out. I work on a computer all day long. I can use the internet, can install software, work with spreadsheets, Microsoft Office products, etc. What I CANNOT do, however, is build computers, write software, perform any kind of weird mods, etc.
I'm just a regular guy.
A regular guy that doomed himself by buying a Linksys router.
The first thing you need to know about these worthless products is that there are different versions.
Versions 1 through 4 (V1,V2,V3,V4) were popular with people that liked to install some kind of third-party software onto the routers that would allow them to tweak their performance.
Version 5 does not allow such capability. Don't ask me why. I guess Linksys did it to save money for some reason or another.
Personally, I couldn't care if the thing ran on magic fairy dust, I just want it to WORK!
I had a V3 for a few months that was atrocious. Sometimes it would work, sometimes it wouldn't. I downloaded all of the latest firmware updates from Linksys to no avail. Technical support is nothing short of a joke. It's outsourced to India or somewhere similar where the person on the other end of the phone will not be able to understand you. You will not be able to understand him. He will be reading a script given to him by Linksys and will not be familiar with the product. The most useful piece of advice I got out of the two guys I talked to was when I finally got frustrated and told them "thanks anyway, buddy, but you aren't helping me out" they both told me to "Have a nice day."
I took the V3 back and what I got in exchange was a V5. I didn't know that these were supposedly worse until I found a site devoted to Linksys products and their problems (www.linksysinfo.org). If you go there, check out the reviews, warnings, and horror stories about the WRT54G V5 router, the WRT54G series altogether, and Linksys' refusal to acknowledge any problem or put out any firmware that is in the slightest bit useful.
I want to go ahead and also warn you that there is NO WAY to know what version of these things you are getting if you are looking at it in the store unless you know the code on the box. Those are listed on the site above somewhere. Right now, I couldn't care less what version it is, to me they are ALL junk.
I always heard that Linksys was the best. This router has really shown me otherwise!
So anyway, here is my experience with the V5:
When I first got it and installed it the connection seemed to be fine for a little while, but then it just suddenly went out. For the record, I was running totally unencrypted just to make sure that the problem wasn't with an "advanced" function.
This would happen periodically, sometimes I would have signal for 3 hours, sometimes for 30 minutes. Doing some research, I found out that this is pretty much everyone's problem with the V5.
When the connection went, I had to go through a little ritual with the router and laptop to get it back:
I unplugged the router, plugged it back in, pulled up "Network Connections," disabled and then enabled the "Wireless Internet Connection." I did this 2 or 3 times. This is the dance. This is what your internet surfing revolves around. I work from home from my computer so in order to get anything done, I have to do "the ritual" several times through the day. It has been the standard operating procedure to get my "trusty" router up and running again.
One evening not too long ago, I noticed that my connection had not been lost for over 5 hours of steady work. Remember that I have been running this thing UNENCRYPTED (I bought the thing FOR its encryption capabilities) to avoid it acting up from any so-called "advanced" system bugs.
So when the signal gave me 5 glorious hours up uninterrupted service I got cocky...
(Bad mistake, my friends! Read on...)
I pulled up the interface, and switched channels from default channel 6 to 11. I figured that maybe changing to another channel wouldn't hurt and may even help. Everything was still fine.
Then I enabled WEP (the enryption thing).
Let's just say that the "fit" hit the "shan."
I knew that I had messed up as soon as I clicked the button to save the new settings. The interface went totally black and my connection was instantly dropped.
I went through my usual routine to get it back up and running (unplug, plug, disabled, enable, wash, rinse, repeat...). Well, the connection came back up with a screaming 1.0 Mbps. Nice. I will say that when it is running, I consistently get 54Mbphs all over the house even if I am downstairs (the router is located upstairs).
So I went back to the interface. The same place I have always gone before. When it pulls up, however, it is NOT the same. I double-check the address: http://192.168.1.1/. Yup, that's right. It has similar features, but looks TOTALLY different. To top it all off, the Host name is now "Lauren." I never named my host before. Who the hell is Lauren?
Desperate, I ran to linksys.com (at a blistering 1.0 Mbhs) to see if there is newer firmware. There is a 1.00.6 that was released Jan.17th. I didn't have that. I rejoiced.
I downloaded as quicky as that 1.0 Mbhs (repetition of speed for emphasis) would allow. I read the "read_me" file and it informs me that I must be wired into the router. No problem, right?
Problem. I plug into the router and...nothing. I check everything. Local Area Connection should be working right? Nope.
I again perform the ritual (unplug, plug, disabled, enable, wash, rinse, repeat...). No dice. Lauren has me in her stranglehold now.
I went back to the interface with the plan of disabling the WEP. Funny thing is, this interface says it's disabled.
Before I got cocky and changed the channel/enabled WEP I was running at 54Mbphs. I was unencrypted and dropping signal every hour or so, but I was at least speedy. After this, my connection was intermittent at best. Once in a while my speed would "turbocharge" up to 2Mbphs, but those moments were fleeting.
I haven't even shared the best part:
I tried to call technical support. Yes I am a glutton for punishment! Thank you for asking. I figured that if, for nothig else, to start the ball rolling on a warranty return (the site says you need to get a case ID # to start the process).
I get a:
"Boop-beep-beeep! Your call cannot be connected as dialed. Please hang up and try your call again. If you feel you have reached this message in error..."
Here is the number: (1-800-326-7114) Try it for yourself. It seems to work now, but on that night it took FOUR HOURS to get through.
I try the "Live Help" on the site. This part kills me: I cannot keep a connection long enough for someone to come up to speak to me.
When I finally got through to technical support, the guy at the other end asked me what version the router was. I told him that it was version 5. He promptly informed me that there was no such thing. Yes, I am serious.
After an excruciating 30 minutes in which he blamed everything from me to my computers to my neighbors to hackers and the place where I bought the router he FINALLY gave me a Case # just to get me off the phone.
After I got off the phone with him I bit the bullet and reset the router by pressing the button on the back. If you do this, make sure you are NOT plugged into the router with your PC or ESPECIALLY the internet. I, personally, don't know why but this was stressed to me by persons much, much more capable with these things than I am.
It came back up as before. Channel 6 and unencrypted, which is how it will remain until I figure out what to do with this infernal thing. I would sell it on Ebay or something but I don't know if I am evil enough to charge someone for this kind of pain.
Let my story serve as a warning. DO NOT BUY THIS ROUTER. DO NOT BUY A LINKSYS PRODUCT. STAY AWAY. STAY FAAAAAR AWAY.
(Remember that part in the movie "Red Dawn" where they go see their father in that concentration camp and he starts screaming "AVENGE ME! AVENGE ME!" because he knows that he will never get out alive? Yeah, I kind of feel like that guy when I am "talking" to you guys through this review.
Sigh.
***Update***
I called Linksys customer service today in an effort to allow them to stand behind their product and allow me to exchange this V5 for a V3, what I originally had. Yes, the V3 died on me and was not great either, but upon doing some research after all this, I feel that with the available 3rd-party firmware available, a V3 would be my best bet.
I finally got through to someone after waiting for 10 minutes. He seemed helpful enough and I explained my situation. I verified that I was, indeed, using the latest firmware from Linksys and that the problem was continuing. I asked for the replacement multiple times, each time he would put me on hold to speak to his "team leader." I politely agreed to hold each time. Each time he would come back, he would say that Linksys would exchange my V5 with another V5. I explained to him that I did not want a V5. I wanted the V3 that I originally paid for. I want the product that had the exact specs that I researched when I decided to purchase a Linksys router. That product is the WRT54G V3.
He asked me a few more questions and then put me on hold to talk to his "team leader" once again. When he came back, he told me once again that his "team leader" told him that Linksys would not exchange the product. They would send another V5. I told him that perhaps it was better if I spoke directly to the team leader.
He seemed to agree and again I was put on hold. He came back and told me that I was going to have to wait "5 minutes" to speak to the team leader. I was again put on hold.
Same guy comes back with an offer to troubleshoot my router. I refused, since the only thing that has done for me before is to knock me offline and make the entire thing screwy until I reset it back to default.
He asked me some more questions, which I answered. The entire exchange was polite and civil, until finally I once more asked when I would be able to talk to the "team leader." It was then that I was hung up on.
Once more, I want to warn people AWAY from not only this router but ANY LINKSYS PRODUCT. I can understand a company cutting a few corners to save money, but since the V5 is a completely different product than the V1, V2, V3, or V4, Linksys has released it silently as the same product, therefore essentially lying to the public.
I will not let this rest and I will continue to update this product review with my "progress" with Linksys. Hopefully, this will help others steer clear.
Wish me luck...
***Final update***
I was all ready to throw in the towel and go get another brand of router. I was speaking to a more tech-proficient friend of mine that convinced me to give Linksys one more shot. He told me to search for another V1 trough V4 WRT54G and upload some third party firmware on it. Seeing no real harm in trying, I found a V3. I brought it home, plugged it up and immediately downloaded what is presumably some of the best third party firmware available for these routers. It's called "HyperWRT +tofu." I don't know if the author would approve of me putting the website up on this review but you can just google what I have in parentheses to find the download.
I did this a couple of days ago and, let me tell you, this thing is a DREAM. The firmware not ony makes the router reliable, it makes it more powerful as well. It increases the range and speed of your internet connection. Additionally, it added features to the interface. Most importantly, though, is that it was EASY TO SET UP. I just downloaded the software, went into the user interface, and browsed for the file. I hit the button, the file updated, and I was in business. The website even told me some great recommended settings.
I know that it must sound like I am peddling this firmware or something, but that's only because it has saved me so much grief. If only I had done some research back when I first bought this router I would have saved so much time and effort. If you do use this firmware, there is a donation tab on his website.
After all said and done, the V3 is chugging right along. It sends my signal faithfully, the speeds are fast, and I haven't dropped a connection yet. It's encrypted and I have even been able to choose just what computers to allow on my network, something that may sound like no big deal but is basically an act of God for someone as computer-inept as myself.
In conclusion, I would have to say that this router is great ONLY IF:
You get a pre-V5.
You download third party firmware (be sure to download and install it plugged into the router, not wirelessly)
You don't waste your time with Linksys customer service or tech support.
I really hope my (VERY LONG) review has helped someone out. It's been a long, strange trip indeed. Also, in spite of my happiness with the router now, my awful experience with Linksys makes me keep this rating at a 1 star. It's unfortunate, but I believe its necessary to warn others away from atrocious customer service and a company that intentionally lies to its customers.
|
Too bad zero stars is not a choice, January 26, 2006
By FearSys (Dayton OH USA)
I decided to try a different brand after having 2 different d-link routers fail on me within a year. I picked up the WRT54G and within hours of install I had to reset it. No big deal, I thought maybe is was something I did. That turned out not to be the case. Days 2 and 3 required at least 2 resets each day. The wireless is the problem. After a while my laptop and my sons desktop (wireless) would drop, but my wired desktop was fine. I took the router back and bought the Belkin F5D7231-4. The setup was great and so far my connection has been solid.
|
A Cisco Product - Never a worry!, January 26, 2006
By Twice (Seattle, WA)
Easy installation, good customer support, you can't go wrong.
|
lack of address reservation makes this useless, January 25, 2006
By tallmanwilsonsd (San Diego, California United States)
This router does not have ip address reservation that all my previous netgear routers have. This is a feature that I, and countless others NEED and is the only reason why I'm returning this and switching back to Netgear. Are you listening Linksys?
|
New Version 5 - Linksys Abandon's Linux Operating System, January 24, 2006
By Wifi Guy (Montana)
The new version 5 hardware has been cheapened in two ways, the DC power brick is cut from 12V at 1000mw to 500mw. The second way is the system memory has been cut from 4MB of flash to 2MB.
The new V5 system also runs on VxWorks instead of Linux. If you do any hobby development at all, you cannot use this unit, period! Even trying to load the old Linksys code that (4.20.x) will not work because of the 2MB limit.
To those that don't do hobby development, make sure all the features you want are already there, as there is little room left to add anything.
I for one, will have to look for another solution. Bad move Linksys.
|
Works as is, but not with Sveasoft, January 23, 2006
By James Ryan (Northern California, USA)
In spite of reliability problems with previous Linksys routers, I bought this one because the WRT54G was supported by Sveasoft. Now it turns out that I was shipped the V5 version of this router which has been modified to NOT run this popular, powerful, inexpensive firmware. This was NOT mentioned in the product listing.
I can't imagine what motive Linksys had for this, since they don't get revenue from their own firmware. It just seems like a downgrade for no reason.
Two stars rather than 1, because it did work right out of the box without problems.
|
|
|
WAP54G v5 - Not that great.., January 22, 2006
By David Feeney (Land O Lakes, FL)
I upgraded my Linksys 802.11b (which always worked fine) to this "g" model for the improved speed. I have been disappointed with its performance. Initially, I noticed it was SLOWER than my old router. After reading reviews on the internet (which I should have done before I bought it) I learned of many complaints about version 5. I hurried to my office and flipped over the router and there it was, v.5 on the bottom. Reading on, I learned about the firmware updates so I downloaded them which helped improve the speed a bit. Now, the problem is streaming video. With my old router, I used to be able to watch movie trailers and other streaming feeds. This v.5 stutters and locks up the video. If I can't resolve this problem I will likely find another router.
|
Very poor network performance....and from Linksys too!, January 20, 2006
By B. Little (Hamden CT, USA)
I have a BEFCMU10 Linksys cable modem and decided to buy this companion router. What a mistake.
I spent two hours messing with settings trying to get it to work properly. First...it's routing speeds are erratic and unpredictable. Second...the menus are not user-friendly. And Third...it has no ability to assign a static IP to an individual MAC address. So much for locking down your network from phishing(!)
A friend has the same model and has the same problems, and after Googling it I found many comments that this router is known for it's issues. So I put back my 2 month old Netgear WGT624 router which incidentally worked perfectly out of the box and refunded the Linksys. Too bad........it would have been nice to match everything.
|
Ignore the complaints, works great., January 20, 2006
By Dude (So Cal.)
I just got a v5. No big deal. Works great out of the box, not much to configure. I'm sure most people with problems forget to power off/reset their cable modem before connecting the router. These things either work, or don't, not very complicated to get setup. Also, my throughput is almost twice as fast with this Linksys. I ran wired speed tests with the Dlink, 5 minutes before I disconnected it, 4.8mbps, and the new Linksys - 9.5mbps !!!! 10 minutes later. WOW!! I'm replacing a D-Link DI-524 wireless G router. Much stronger wireless signal as well.
Yeah, it doesn't have the RAM the older version had, but who cares. 99.99% of us aren't going to load a the GPL Linux code on it anyway.
|
it just works for few days, January 18, 2006
By W. A. Vargas
this router only works properly for about a month.
|
I would give it 0, January 17, 2006
By Rong Rong Wang
the version 5 is junk ive been disconnected 2times a day and i have there newest firmware...for the love of god i downloaded 5 updates on firmware and the only thing its cahnged are the slow dwnlaod speeds NOTHING ELSE it still disconnets
|
Version 5 of this router isn't as good, January 17, 2006
By James Lin (Los Angeles, CA USA)
I received a WRT54G v5, which is the latest hardware version of this router. It has half the amount of RAM and flash memory as the previous versions, so it can no longer run the third-party Linux firmwares.
This router works well if you just plan to surf the web and maybe play an occassional online game. Configuring BitTorrent to run on this router was a pain though. Any sort of BitTorrent traffic would completely kill internet access, and eventually I couldn't even log into the router anymore.
|
Nice product, January 17, 2006
By S. McCloy (Texas)
My new Linksys WRT54G has been great! I had a little trouble setting it up; the setup program on the CD kept locking up and we had to find another route. However, Linksys Technical Support was very knowledgeable and courteous.
|
Once you figure it out, it's great!, January 17, 2006
By surfsaar (Jacksonville, FL United States)
I had a hard time setting it up, but after talking to the right Linksys customer service rep who put me onto a website where I was able to download an application that automatically setup the router in conjunction with my DSL modem, everything was fine!
|
Good product but TERRIBLE Tech Support, January 16, 2006
By S. Bhosale (Chicago, IL)
Product worked just fine for 2 yrs and then one fine day the wireless gave out (wired router function still worked). Tried to call tech support - was on hold for 2.5hrs before giving up. They do not tell wait times during hold and I did not want to wait to infinity. Tried live tech chat and got no response for over 1hr. Gave up.
This company had great support about a yr+ back. I remember taking to svc reps in under 10mins during 1st year of use. Guess they don't think people care about support - wrong!
|
Buggy junk, January 16, 2006
By Phillip Lewis
Stripped down model. Incapable of full speed operation.
|
|
|
| Copyright 2001-2007 WiFiReview.com |
|