Cisco-Linksys WRT54GL Wireless-G Broadband Router
by Linksys
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List Price: Our Price: $54.95 You Save: $25.04 (31%) Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Buy Used: from $30.00 (click here) Category: CE See more product details |
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Cisco-Linksys WRT54GL Wireless-G Broadband Router
Customer Review: Excellent hardware for running Linux operating system
Summary: 5 Stars
IYCC uses this router at its factory in Laredo, Texas, and has installed it for clients. We usually install a version of DD-WRT ([...]), and are enthusiatically happy about the results. We have one in our warehouse, where the daytime temperature is often well over 104 fahrenheit (40 celcius) degrees, and we run it overclocked. Despite the punishment, the router runs without failure day in and day out.
It has been known for several years now that the Linksys WRT54G series of routers, running the Linux operating system, performs better than commercial-grade routers, with lower energy consumption and better features. Most, if not all, models of Linksys WRT54 routers can run Linux without any problems, but this particular model (the WRT54GL) is allegedly engineered with components that run best with Linux.
The hardware inside is no different in kind from the hardware on other models, and is even a bit lighter on RAM and flash memory than some. Our only conclusion is that Linux is so much more efficient that it just doesn't need more hardware to do the same work. Less hardware means less heat stress, so one would expect more stability and reliability. Perhaps that's why it runs so well in our warehouse.
You may be asking why you should pay an extra ten to twenty dollars when the other models of the WRT54 will run Linux too. I can only answer for myself: I'd rather spend twenty more bucks and be assured it will "just work". Our engineering time is worth more than $20 if there's a problem, so I just pay the freight. I also have to admit that I feel better about paying for a product that is engineered for the most advanced operating system on the planet than working with a half-baked, crippled, proprietary OS.
Loye Young
Isaac & Young Computer Company
Laredo, Texas
http://www.iycc.net
Customer Review: Easy setup *after* finding good directions for DSL configuration
Summary: 5 Stars
OK, I have Netzero DSL and this wireless router. Initially, I couldn't get it to work - and I mistakenly searched the internet looking for how to get this router to work with my particular DSL service. Bad idea - it ended up sending me down the wrong path - for three hours. And NetZero's help page on setting up wireless with DSL made things worse in this case.
Forget the NetZero wireless instructions - they don't apply in this case - at least with this model. You do NOT need to disable DHCP on the router and you do NOT need to change any firewall settings.
"Setting-Up a Router with DSL Internet Service"
In my configuration, I did not even need to enable PPPoE! It worked with the "Automatic configuration - DHCP". Basically all I needed to do was to change the local IP address on the Linksys router to 192.168.2.1 as specified and voila!
Lots of great security features with this model - MAC address filtering, time filtering, WEP2 encryption, etc. The signal is very strong and I can be anywhere in the house or on my property and still connect.
The only minor complaint is that the "wizard" sends you through the initial setup process, but it doesn't really help you with your specific type of connection. If it had a "Try generic DSL settings" that works with most DSL connections, that would have saved me three hours of pulling my hair out - disabling DHCP, firewalls, VIM's, Gateways, etc. There is no reason that they couldn't do this, especially since they have a FAQ that covers this topic. This would have made the setup even easier and faster.
UPDATE: I was also able to connect across the street at my neighbor's house, which is about 100 feet away. The signal was low, but I was able to connect nonetheless. The router is on an outside wall.
Customer Review: excellent!!!!!!!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
I've had it for no more than 72 hours now, but this is what I think about this.
This is a review from a customer who read A LOT of comments on this product before buying it, and basically, I did what almost everyone recommended to do with this:
WRT54GL + DD-WRT.
I didn't even try the stock firmware, I just upgraded to DD-WRT rite when I got the thing. I made sure I had downloaded the right version, which should be, the mini_generic. I installed it, and, it basically SUCKED. The connection kept dropping every half an hour or so. I had to go back to the router, and reset some cables, for it to work again.
For that reason, I decided to go back to the stock firmware (v4.30.2). All I can say, is that it's AMAZING! The connection hasn't dropped ever since, and the signal is strong, everywhere I go in my house, which is exactly what I need.
Now, this is the thing. I'm a total noob in configuring routers and wireless devices, and maybe I needed to do something else with the firmware for it to work fine, but this was my experience.
All I'm using the router for, is to go on the internet, and check my email n stuff, obviously download large files and everything, and also my bro uses his NDS to play online, but that's it. And so, this router works perfect for me, I even put a password to the network using the WEP encryption setting, and it's been great. No complaints.
So, my advice? Buy this thing, and install the stock firmware v4.30.2, and you're good. 3rd party firmware didn't work for me. Plus, if you're not an advanced user, and if you're not gonna use the features that DD-WRT (or any other third party firmware) has to offer that the stock firmware doesn't have, then you don't need it.
Excellent product! HIGHLY recommended.
Customer Review: The Little Box That Can
Summary: 5 Stars
This is my second WRT54GL and it was an easy buy after my positive experiences with the first one. The original was flashed with DD-WRT v23 and it has been up and running without fail for over a year and a half (just upgraded it to v24 with no problems). Even if you're not into changing the firmware don't bother with the included software as it's garbage. Instead, hook your computer up with the included lan cable, type 192.168.1.1 and configure the router appropriately.
As other reviewers have stated DD-WRT and other third party firmware add greater functionality to the router and are highly recommended. Do a google search "for how to flash the wrtgl with dd-wrt firmware" and you'll find a great visual guide for flashing the router at M&L Adventures. IMPORTANT - make sure you use the micro or mini version of DD-WRT the first time you flash it as the latest linksys firmware does not allow flashes over 3MB. Once you've flashed the router with the mini DD-WRT then you can apply the regular flash DD-WRT v24(5/24/08) std. If you apply the standard without first applying the micro/mini you'll brick the router (I did it twice before figuring out the sequence). You can recover the router but it's a pain. Download latest linksys firmware and get tftp2.exe (google it) to load original firmware back onto router.
I am using my second router as a repeater bridge (DD-WRT functionality) to extend the range of my wireless network. Can't stand having a PS3 with limited connectivity. I am now able to effectively stream Netflix and Hulu to my PS3 using Playon server software. Yeah.
Overall, this is a rugged dependable router that is inexpensive and supported by free third party firmware that further enhances its capabilities.
Customer Review: WRT54GL Wireless-G Router purchase
Summary: 5 Stars
Purchased this LinkSys Cisco wireless G band router about a month ago to replace a three year old NetGear unit that was developing an inability to reliably (and quickly) connect with the net. I really didn't want or need to upgrade my wireless laptop computer to the newer and faster N-band capability so I was shopping for reliability and price in this replacement. My research indicated that (free)3rd party software could be easily flashed into this LinkSys unit if I needed more than just basic setup up and that potential additional flexibility led me to purchase one.
Unit arrived with Amazon's usually good shipment speed. I followed the directions and setup disk for the install but needed to go into the manual router configuration (via browser) to get it to work with my existing home and wireless network settings. This is not a difficult process if you've done it before, but it wasn't just 'plug and play'
In the past month, I have had NO problems. Speed is excellent and connections reliable. Somewhat improved signal strength on the wireless side. It also solved a problem I was having with my faster Windows 7 desktop establishing the internet connection on the old NetGear unit. I have had no reason to pursue 3rd party router software as the standard LinkSys stuff is working fine. This router currently supports a quad-core desktop PC, wireless laptop, Vonage phone modem and connects via cable modem to the internet. It resides on the second floor near the front of our house and the wireless range is sufficient to reach all first floor rooms and the back porch.
I think this is a very good bang-for-the-buck value. Happy Camper here.