Cisco-Linksys WMP54G Wireless-G PCI Adapter
by Linksys
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Category: CE
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Manufacturer: LinksysAudio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Format: CD
Platform: Windows
Model: WMP54G
Product features:
- Product Type - Adapter
- Complies with IEEE 802.11g draft standards, and backwards compatible with IEEE 802.11b products
- Supports up to 128-bit WEP encryption and WPA security
- Up to 128-bit WEP encryption
- 32-bit PCI Interface
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Cisco-Linksys WMP54G Wireless-G PCI Adapter
Customer Review: Works like a charm
Summary: 5 Stars
I purchased this wireless card to install in a 7 year old Dell Dimension 2350 desktop computer running Win XP Home SP 3 that was re-located to our basement rec room when we purchased a new Win 7 machine. After reading many of the reviews posted here I was undecided whether I should take the advice of some reviewers and ignore the Linksys instructions which advised to install the software first before installing the card into the computer case. Other reviewers suggested installing the card first, then using the software disk to only install the driver and not the full software package. I ultimately decided to follow the Linksys instructions, and I'm very glad that I did.
My set up has a Verizon FIOS combination modem/router on the upper floor office of a two story house. The desktop computer located there is hard wired into the router via a standard ethernet cable. When the old desktop computer was moved to the basement, two floors down, my concern was that the signal would be so weak that either the card would not conect to the router at all, or speeds would be so low as to make it impractical to use.
Because I had installed a Linksys Wireless G PCMIA card into an old notebook computer that lacked an internal card, my first experiment was to see if this card would connect the notebook to the FIOS router. So I took the notebook to the exact location in the basement where the desktop was going to be placed and turned it on. When it immediately connected to my network and the signal strength remained within an acceptable range, I decided that the Linksys WMP54G Wireless-G card might just be the answer for the desktop.
The software installation was a snap. I shut down the computer, unplugged it and quickly installed the card into one of the available PCI slots. I powered the computer back on, booted up, and held my breath, hoping it would work, but also kind of expecting it to give me a problem of the kind described by other reviewers.
I expected to find that the Linksys software had over-ridden the built in Windows network manager with its own proprietary network management tool, as some reviewers have described, but this was not the case. This is exactly what had occurred when I had installed the Linksys PCMIA card in that old notebook, making the set up somewhat problematic and time consuming while I had to play with its unfamiliar settings. Perhaps Linksys has modified its software so that it does not pre-empt the Windows network manager. In any event, when the computer booted the Windows network manager appeared on screen, which was a very pleasant surprise.
It took two attempts before the card was able to connect to the network. I think the first attempt may have timed out, I'm not sure. But at that point I was thinking, oh oh, here's a problem. But before doing anything else I simply put in my key once more and tried again. The card connected on this second attempt.
I have shut down and turned the computer back on several times and each time upon booting up the card has flawlessly connected to my network without any further input from me. Signal strength has fluctuated from a low of 12 Mbps to a high of 48 Mbps with an average of 24 and 36. Signal strength has also fluctuated between "low," "good," and "very good." Regardless of the reported signal strength and speeds, I have had no issues with opening a variety of web pages, and they all appeared to have loaded relatively quickly. I haven't tried downloading any large files or watching streaming video, so I can't determine yet how that will go, but by and large, I am very satisfied with this card giving me internet access on this old PC without having to try to drop ethernet cable down two floors.
I have used Linksys wireless equipment (three routers, three wireless cards) until I signed up for FIOS and retired my latest Linksys router. I have never had any issues with Linksys equipment, and they have proven to be very reliable. This Linksys WMP54G Wireless-G PCI Adapter has, so far, been fine. But then, it's only been in use for a couple of weeks.
I would recommend that if you purchase this card follow the instructions provided by Linksys. Install the software first, shut down your PC, unplug from the electrical source, and then install the card. When you re-boot, you should see the Windows network manager on screen. Search for your network and put in your WEP or WPA key when prompted. If it fails to connect on the first attempt, try again. It should connect and you are done.
I tried moving the card's antenna around at the back of the computer to see if it would make a difference on signal strength, but I don't think antenna placement has any effect. One last piece of advice, if you run into a problem when doing your install, only call Linksys as a last, desperate resort. Their tech support is not very good and you will just waste your time and your issue will most likely not be resolved. Better to use the old Google and try to find a solution to your problem on some of the various online tech forums. Linksys gets high grades from me for its hardware, but an "F" for tech support.
In sum, I'm certainly pleased with this product and would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone who wants to untether their desktop PC.
Description of Cisco-Linksys WMP54G Wireless-G PCI Adapter
The Linksys Wireless-G PCI Adapter installs in most desktops and lets you put your computer almost anywhere in the building, without the cost and hassle of running network cables. Now you dont have to drill holes in your walls and climb through the attic or cellar to get connected to the network. Once youre connected, you can keep in touch with your e-mail, access the Internet, use instant messaging to chat with friends, and share files and other resources such as printers and network storage with other computers on the network. The Wireless-G PCI Adapter connects you with Wireless-G networks at an incredible 54Mbps And for added versatility, it can also interoperate with all the 11Mbps Wireless-B (802.11b) products found in homes, businesses, and public wireless hotspots around the country.Amazon.com Product Description The Linksys Wireless-G PCI card installs in most desktops and lets you use your computer almost anywhere in the building, without the cost and hassle of running network cables. Now you don't have to drill holes in the walls and climb through the attic or cellar to get connected to the network. Once you're connected, you can keep in touch with your e-mail, access the Internet, use instant messaging to chat with friends, and share files and other resources such as printers and network storage with other computers on the network.
The Linksys Wireless-G PCI card connects you with Wireless-G networks at an incredible 54 Mbps. And for added versatility, it can interoperate with all the 11 Mbps Wireless-B (802.11b) products found in homes, businesses, and public wireless hot spots around the country. And in either mode, your wireless communications are protected by up to 128-bit encryption, so your data stays secure.
Don't hassle with running cables through your house--get your desktop connected the easy way with the Linksys Wireless-G PCI card.
|
See a comparison diagram of the different wireless technologies. | Wireless networks are rapidly becoming more popular and coming down in price. Since they don't require cables, you can use the devices anywhere in an office or home, even out on the patio. There's no need to roll out an Ethernet network cable to each room of a house; you can network anywhere--without wires. Outside the home, wireless networking is available in hotspots at coffee shops, businesses, airports--great when you're on the road and need to get some work done. For convenience, wireless networking is the answer. Basically, a standard is a set of specifications for a device. All devices that follow a specific standard share operating characteristics, such as the radio frequency used and maximum data transfer speed.
To learn about the differences between the standards and select the right one for your network, click here for an easy-to-understand chart. |
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