Cisco-Linksys WRT54G2 Wireless-G Broadband Router
by Linksys
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Cisco-Linksys WRT54G2 Wireless-G Broadband Router
Customer Review: Easy Setup, Reliable, Good Range
Summary: 5 Stars
I've been using a NetGear Rangemax for a number of years now - my house has sound dampening insulation in the walls, and that seems to impact range with most routers.
When I got the NetGear, it was purely for range... and the RangeMax does deliver on that promise. However now and then I'd have to unplug it to do a hard reset because it's connection with the cable modem would get funky and it wouldn't connect. Or often I'd have to http to the web admin to release/renew the IP from the cable modem. I assumed this was more of a Comcast issue.
But a few months ago I got a Macbook Pro, and life with NetGear went downhill. Hitting any sort of site with video, or downloading a large file caused the router to totally lock up. And it got to the point where I couldn't take it anymore.
So I decided to give the Linksys WRT54G2 a try. What I find confusing about the Linksys WRT series routers is just the naming conventions... there's so many, it's hard to discern what a higher model adds, and reviews seem to fluctuate. E.g. often the lower end Linksys routers seem to score better than the higher end.
But the WRT54G2 at Amazon has 300+ 5/5 ratings, so figured it was a safe bet.
Setup was a breeze, 5 minutes and was up and running. Range is as good if not better than the MIMO based NetGear RangeMax (I believe the WRT54G2 is MIMO as well). Haven't had to release/renew the IP from Comcast like I've had to do with the NetGear.
Absolutely no problems with the Macbook, and no impact with XBOX Live gaming (I play Call Of Duty 4 and 5 online). I also run Windows Vista and Windows XP boxes on the network.
I used to be a big fan of NetGear, but if you go on their hosted discussion forums - there's tons of people asking how to solve this Macbook locking up the router issue as it spans many of their products. It's very dissapointing to see that they haven't updated the router's firmware (for the RangeMax, there hasn't been an update since 2006).
Customer Review: Converted to the WRT54G2 from a Netgear MR814V2
Summary: 5 Stars
I recently replaced my Netgear MR814V2 (802.11b) with the WRT54G2. Even though I am reluctant in a bad economy to replace a functional piece of equipment, it seemed too slow, especially after recently getting an iPod Touch (802.11g). Indeed, once I purchased the WRT54G2 my wireless performance to my Touch, wireless laptop, and Wii improved significantly.
In addition to the improved performance, this router also has improved MAC address filtering. Because of circumstances I am unable to rely on password encryption so I instead rely on MAC address filtering, which means unless you have a specified identifier in the router, you can't gain a connection. The old router only allowed 4 devices under this method, so if someone came to visit who needed wireless, I had to delete an existing device to give them access. No problem with this router - it allows at least 20 devices access under this access method. No need to fight with passwords either!
In terms of the setup, it's plug and play. For the "Dummies" crowd the software walks you step by step the sequence of connections. You probably don't need to do this if you're experienced but I did it through an "abundance of caution." Everything worked great! I didn't set up passwords but it looked like the software would have walked me through that too, which is great.
I liked the footprint, even though it ended up being larger than the old device. I have a cramped wiring box for my phone, cable, and internet, but this fit fine. Not having the antenna (or its optimal orientation) to worry about is an added bonus and I have seen no relative degradation by placing the metal lid over the wiring box.
Overall I am happy with the device, although I think the price is a bit high. My Touch wireless is functional and updates to the Wii software don't take years anymore! Many of the improvements listed here may be standard, I don't know. But they have made replacing my nearly 6-year-old router worth it.
Customer Review: Great router once you get it set up
Summary: 5 Stars
I purchased this router to replace my WRT54G which died after 5 years of continuous use. Considering the performance of my previous Linksys, going w/ their product again was a simple decision. I stuck w/ wireless-G because there is little to no feedback suggesting wireless-n technology increases performance. Plus, I hoped I would have no trouble configuring my router sticking w/ a similar product.
I have AT&T's express DSL service w/ up to 1.5 Mbps downstream. I while my connection speed may not be blazing, I'm quite happy w/ the performance for my home use. I notice no drop in speed using my Linksys wireless vs. direct ethernet connection.
I was pleasantly surprised to find my signal range was slightly greater than my previous router. I only say this as I tend to get better signal quality at my laptop. I cannot offer any specs or "scientific proof," just my casual observation.
I notice a lot of people complain about setup. I spent around 2 1/2 hrs setting my network up, but it probably had more to do w/ my lack of computer savvy than the Linksys product. Initially, I followed along w/ the included CD setting up the router using my laptop (Windows based). My fatal error came when I decided to use WPA encryption - higher security, why not? Well, the CD warns that older computers (hence my laptop) may not be compatible w/ WPA. Had no problem connecting our iMac; the included instructions were easy to follow and worked beautifully. When I went to connect my laptop, trouble ensued and I really made a mess of things BFG'ing my way through fixing it. I finally configured for WEP encryption - the same I had w/ my previous router - and things are now copasetic.
Bottom line, I am very pleased w/ Linksys wireless-g routers. I probably would have had no setup problems if I had paid closer attention to the instructions. Either way, I highly recommend this product.
Customer Review: Linksyss by Cisco WRT54G2 Wireless-G Broadband Router Review
Summary: 5 Stars
Great product. I was a little hesitant to purchase my first wireless router after watching the cable guy install the one I rented from them and reading all the technical stuff that the guys who deal with wireless networks had written in the reviews, but all I wanted was to have a wireless internet connection to my computer so I don't have to run cables around the house. This was a good deal for the money and had good ratings, so I decided to try my luck.
Installation was easy. I just followed the steps on the install CD and in less than 10 minutes had a fully functional wireless internet connection. Its a little faster than the previous wireless router that the cable company had given me and the connection is always great.
My only complaint is that if my computer is off for more than 5 or 6 hours, the connection turns itself off (probably actually a good feature), and I have to manually turn it back on, but even that is just a matter of 2 clicks so it's not a big deal - an extra 5 seconds out of my day.
It's a secure network with a password so no one else can log into the network but me, and the wireless management software that comes with it remembers all that, so there's no retyping passwords every time I want to log on.
All in all, a very satisfying purchase for me and I'd recommend it to anyone. Don't let the technical guys scare you with their reviews, this is easy to use and install. :o)
Customer Review: I'm a computer idiot
Summary: 5 Stars
Product looks good and works great. I had tons of trouble getting the product to work correctly due to my limited knowledge only. I've had a desktop computer for about 4 years now running on XP and it was my first computer - I'm almost 60 years old now. I decided to buy me a laptop with VISTA and learn the new operating system before the old one quits. No where did I see in the instructions that I had to hook up an ethernet cable to my laptop to setup and configure the router. I hooked it up to my desktop and configured it first. Did not work on Wi-Fi with my laptop. Talked to Toshiba reps, Linksys reps etc. Spent hours on the phone going to different screens and typing in all kinds of IP's or whatever. I'm a second grader when it comes to computers. From what I've read you don't even need to download the CD but please tell people to download it in their laptop and not their desktop. It dawned on me to do it that way this morning and it works just fine now and took about 5 minutes. From what I understand now the only WiFi computer that will work with my router is the one I have because of the security code. When I had first configured the router with my desktop my laptop was receiving an excellent signal from the router but could not connect because of the security key. Sorry about all the yapping in just a product rating forum. Still fun to learn with an older brain. First time laptop user with a touch pad, VISTA, and hooking up a router.