Cisco-Linksys WRT54G2 Wireless-G Broadband Router
by Linksys
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Category: CE
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Digital Photo Product Details
Manufacturer: LinksysAudio: English (Original Language)
Format: CD
Platform: Windows
Model: WRT54G2
Product features:
- All-in-one Internet-sharing router, 4-port switch, and Wireless-G (802.11g) access point
- Shares a single Internet connection and other resources with Ethernet wired and Wireless-G and -B devices
- Push button setup feature makes wireless configuration secure and simple
- High security: Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2), wireless MAC address filtering, powerful SPI firewall
- Windows Live OneCare 2.0 (Up to 3 Users)
- Norton Antivirus 2010 1-User [OLD VERSION]
- Dragon NaturallySpeaking 10 Standard [OLD VERSION]
- Nero 8 Ultra Edition [OLD VERSION]
- Roxio Creator 2010 [OLD VERSION]
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Cisco-Linksys WRT54G2 Wireless-G Broadband Router
Customer Review: Sometimes Install is Not for the Faint of Heart, Get Rid of Network Magic, and Watch Your WiFi Bloom, Recommended for Apartment
Summary: 5 Stars
Update: I opened my client Gaming Software Yesterday, updates and playing are just as efficient as my old wired configuration. I have also taken to disconnecting the Laptop from the Network, and removing the USB adapter - at night. This not only protects the machine a little more, but the adapter does get warm, and this gives both the adapter and the USB port a rest. If you use a USB adapter to speed up your connection, you may want to implement this strategy.
I was looking to go wifi mainly for my new Kindle 3G Wireless Reading Device, Free 3G + Wi-Fi, 3G Works Globally, Graphite, 6" Display with New E Ink Pearl Technology. I was thinking of a new Belkin (which was cheap), but the reviews and the fact that the price increased in my cart - turned me to other solutions. I did a little research, including calling Comcast for their recommendations. I took the plunge with this router - since it sported 54mbps. I had it in my cart for awhile, and decided to add on the Medialink - Wireless G USB Adapter - 802.11g - 54Mbps - 2.4ghz - Windows 2000 / XP / Vista 32-Bit / Vista 64-Bit / Windows 7 Compatible - since the ole card in my laptop could do some g at best - but was really configured for b.
Installation and Connection
When the router arrived, I put off hooking it up for a couple weeks - after the holidays is pretty busy. When I finally got around to it, my old router and modem died during set up (see my review for Philips SPP4061D/17 6-Outlet Home Office Surge Protector with the Story - too long to repeat again). I ran out and purchased the Motorola SURFboard SB5101U DOCSIS 2.0 Cable Modem - RoHS, got that registered, then started the wifi setup with little food, and little sleep.
Since I'm an old network pro, I tried to set up the basic connections, settings, etc manually. The router refused to save the settings. So with a heavy heart (and equally aching head), I inserted the CD.
The set up started pretty quick, and it wanted that protected mode (the funny little button in the middle that I've never used), very badly. During this time, I was still connected to the router from my Laptop via ethernet. The router generated a key for the pass phrase, I changed one character, and proceeded with set up.
An error occurred setting up Network Magic, and setup ceased. This was fine with me. I decided to test the connection with the Kindle first. I could not connect with the pass phrase. When I went to the Roku, it initially picked up the signal, but wouldn't connect with the pass phrase either. Of course, I tried to change the pass phrase manually, but again, the firmware would not save the settings.
So on a whim, I ran set up again. This time, I put in a manual pass phrase (I love concocting obscure passwords anyway). Again, Setup exited without Network Magic. I was able to connect my Kindle now, and played around a little. I went to the Roku, and the connection had died. It disappeared from both the Kindle and the Roku. THIS IS WHERE SOME SIMILARITIES START TO EMERGE FROM THE PREVIOUS REVIEWS.
Thinking solution, apparently we must install that friggin Network Magic. So, opened CD again, and clicked install Network Magic. Now, the program configured the Network (activated something with the firmware), but then installation of Network Magic stalled. Waited about 20 minutes, decided to give a call to Customer Support. They kept wanting me to hang up because static on line (calling from cell phone). By now - I was REALLY REALLY frustrated (no wine in house, probably a good thing). Even though I could hear him fine - he just would not discuss anything. I hung up, and went back to the computer.
Voila, Network Magic was done. Network Magic launched, the Firmware seemed okay for the moment, Hooked up the Kindle and the Roku, everything seemed to go well (Netflix gave some sort of message that piece of Hardware missing, then went right to streaming - hhhmmm - wonder if that has something to do with going from wired to wireless).
However, my system was running REALLY sluggish. Pulling up Task Manager, my main svchost.exe file (which usually peaks around 100,000k, time to reboot) - was a whopping 194,000k. This was NOT going to do. I looked at Start Up programs, and deselected Pure Networks (always check for new start up programs, when installing new software).
I then went into Services, stopped Pure Networks Manager (since I was going to use Windows to manage the Network), and set to manual. (PS - I later uninstalled Pure Networks manager, but the service remained on the computer). I then stopped and set to manual the Network Manager Service (that service is now gone from the Computer).
I rebooted, the number of running processes and the size of svchost.exe was back to normal (on start up after reboot, under 50k, normal around 52k). I have not had any problems with connections, and Windows Network sees all the devices connected. I could also make changes through the Admin Console, and they would stick.
Preliminary Conclusion: Proper setup of this Router is NOT easy, since for some reason - mine would not save manual setting until a Network Configuration took place, which installs Network Magic. Disabling/Deleting Network Magic boosts performance of both your PC and the router. I believe the disconnect problems folks are experiencing are the result of using this software on the various different PC Platforms - it does seem the firmware and configuration (at least on my device and disk) are tied into the Installation of Network Magic - hopefully, this review will help.
PS - check out my Image for speed comparing Lan vs. wifi on the Medialink - Wireless G USB Adapter - 802.11g - 54Mbps - 2.4ghz - Windows 2000 / XP / Vista 32-Bit / Vista 64-Bit / Windows 7 Compatible page. Under both configurations, I am now running ABOVE normal for my ISP, where as before, I was running slightly UNDER par performance. NOTE: I did wait 2 days before installing the USB adapter, wanted stable, secure wi-fi connection first. Intranet is 54Mbps
Pros:
Great range for my apartment, speed. While an N router is faster and provides greater range, my Comcast non-Blast connection tops at 25mbps download. So speed is not a factor. Also, I get great bars throughout the 770 sq ft apartment, on the Kindle - bars only drop once I get in the farthest closet (drops to 3 bars, then goes back up to 5).
Perfect for multiple connections. I have the wifi set up on the computer, wifi streams perfectly for Netflix and other shows (including You Tube) on the Roku box, and very speedy on the Kindle vs. the 3g mode. I do uploads, same speed as with LAN/ethernet connection.
Had up since 1/9/2011, no dropped connections, never needed to reboot. Continues to stream uninterrupted, can Play Games with wifi.
Cons: setup. See rant above.
Using Windows Vista, not the CD software, no problems with router. Network magic (and Pure Network), are junk. Reports around the Web link the connection issues with those programs. Use Windows and your Firewall to manage the network.
Other: though I haven't done this yet, it is recommended to set up a Lan connection for Administering the Router (the router remembers the ethernet connection originally used to set up, you can delete and change that address if you want - address usually ends 101. This is the same behavior as my old Linksys router). You can then disable wireless access to Administration. This is a more secure environment from hacks, but my neighbors seem somewhat clueless regarding this (even the guy whom works for Microsoft below me - received Netgear router from Comcast, but keeps it wired).
My setup works perfect for my needs, so the more expensive models (N routers and cards), albeit newer technology - really aren't necessary for a start up network, nor an apartment set up with speeds maxing out at 25mbps. It pays to research your needs, PRIOR to getting all that equipment. With this router and USB connector, I only see a few networks in the apartment complex. With the N of the Roku - I have a whole line of networks to choose from, their boos in Distance is not necessary.
CONCLUSION - biggest recommendation - if you are at least 80% tech savvy - stop using Network Magic (and the Pure Network Service), and use Windows to manage your Network. The steps for Managing your Network with Windows is beyond the scope of this review. Try to run setup again if you are experiencing disconnect issues, drops. Make sure (if you are not able to set up manually), that the set up disc says and completes - CONFIGURING NETWORK. Good Luck.
Description of Cisco-Linksys WRT54G2 Wireless-G Broadband Router
The Linksys Wireless-G Broadband Router is really three devices in one box. First, there`s the Wireless Access Point, which lets you connect both screaming fast Wireless-G (802.11g at 54Mbps) and Wireless-B (802.11b at 11Mbps) devices to the network. There`s also a built-in 4-port full-duplex 10/100 Switch to connect your wired-Ethernet devices together. Connect four PCs directly, or attach more hubs and switches to create as big a network as you need. Finally, the Router function ties it all together and lets your whole network share a high-speed cable or DSL Internet connection.Digital Cameras and Photo Categories
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