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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Customers in the UK,
Buy this product at amazon.co.uk
for British Pounds
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Cisco-Linksys WRT54GL Wireless-G Broadband Router
Customer Review: Rock Solid and Macbook Easy
Summary: 5 Stars
I have installed two of these as wireless routers over the past year for Macbook users with no particular problems. I couldn't be more pleased with simplicity of installation and their performance. Both were installed via Snow Leopard OS, Safari and our local Charter cable internet ISP.
As others have noted, I found no need to install any software. I connected the router to the cable modem using the supplied ethernet cable and then plugged it in to the power adapter. As Charter suggests, I then unplugged the cable modem from it's power source, immediately plugging it back in to force a reboot: then did the same reboot on the Linksys. The wireless internet connection was immediately available; no problems. For some users this may be all you want to do. Most users would be a advised to access the router to set up wireless security and perhaps update the firmware. I found the default setup provided a powerful and stable wireless signal, including all rooms in a large two story home.
I chose not upgrade to third party firmware, but downloaded the latest firmware from Linksys. Since Mac's automatically unzip compressed files, the .bin file download is ready to go. Access the router by entering the default 192.186.1.1 in your browser and enter the default name (blank) and password (admin) in the resulting dialog box.. At this point you are able to set up security and review the currently installed firmware, to do as you will.
The G speed is more than adequate for currently available high speed internet in this country and the technology of this router has a well earned reputation. Highly recommended
Customer Review: The benchmark for wireless routers.
Summary: 5 Stars
To this day, I don't get why people bother buying any other router. Cisco/Linksys hit one out of the park with this router. I have three of them now and not because some have failed but I am using the others as a repeater and a bridge (with other firmware).
Newer generations of routers are becoming more like new versions of Madden NFL football. Same thing, more gimmicks to make people buy them. This is a simple yet feature loaded device that is continuously reliable for long periods of time. I have had all kinds of other routers before this one that have to be rebooted once a week at least, this one has been going strong for 3 months with no signs of trouble. Also, it is wireless G. So what? I bet your internet connection isn't faster than this thing can transmit. This is the gimmick that really sells routers. Everyone wants the next gen router that has 100000000mbps transfer speeds with 10 bands. Well, that's great if you are transferring files internally but when it comes to your internet connection, it doesn't matter. You are always limited to that speed. Also, the only benefit of an N router vs this one is the range although the range on this one isn't bad at all.
Next upside is the fact that you can customize the firmware with third party versions which enable things such as turning it into a repeater and a bridge.
With all that said, this is the router to buy. It's cheap, loaded with features, easily expandable for the technically inclined, and easily set up by those who aren't. Buying another router is just silly.
Customer Review: Spend The Extra $10!
Summary: 5 Stars
I wanted to wait four months before reviewing the Linksys WRT54GL wireless router because this is the third such router I have owned and each brand lasted only for that much time.
I first want to say, 'This router freaking works!' That is basically all I care about, not speed or features or anything else, I just want to turn on my computer or laptop and have the internet work. With this router, I hooked it up out of the box four months ago, set the security password, and have never touched it once! It works 100% of the time, that is why I gave it 5 stars.
The two previous routers I owned were from Trendnet and TPLink - both models being the same speed as the current Linksys. Both times I chose these two cheaper models because they were $10 cheaper than the Linksys but had nothing but problems with both ending up in the trash can after 4 months. The Trendnet router would lose connection for 10 seconds every two mintues which disrupts an applet I run that requires a consistant connection. FRUSTRATING! Spend the entire four months changing setting, researching, etc. to no avail. The TP Link router worked for two months and then would completely lose connection every other day - would not receive packets making internet unusable even though a connection was detected. Again, spent the remaining two months constantly adjusting settings to no avail. Both models were cheap and I wouldn't wish their reliability on even my enemies.
The Linksys just plain works, but it is $10 more. It's pretty easy in my book, spend the extra $10.
Customer Review: Can't ask for more
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought my Linksys router three months ago, so my router's been kicked around a little, and I have to say the router has been an incredibly worthwhile purchase. Being a starving student I had to shop around for the best and cheapest router. I did a lot of research on- and offline and after a lucky break at Best Buy that prevented me from getting the inferior WRT54G--my credit card was rejected--I discovered the superior WRT54GL here at Amazon and bought it (The credit card went through this time).
What puts the WRT54GL over the top of all the other dozens of routers I researched and other Linksys models was that it has twice as much Flash (8MB) and RAM (16MB) as the WRT54G and the WRT54GS and that it gets third party support. The third party firmware, DD-WRT, manages to not only improve the router but also compliment it with new features that the default firmware doesn't have while still being accessable to a moderately skilled computer user like myself.
Setup was a breeze and once the router is connected it stays connected. In the three months I've had it I haven't had the connection drop once and I've used it daily with my laptop and to play video games online on my PSP and DS. I haven't noticed any difference in Web speed from being wireless or being connected right to the router and I download music and movies from iTunes quite a bit so I'd certainly notice slowdown.
I couldn't be happier with the Linksys WRT54GL. I feel I made the best possible purchase at the best price.
Customer Review: Good for Experts and Novices
Summary: 5 Stars
I am very impressed with the Linksys-Cisco WRT54GL Wireless-G Broadband Router. I am no networking guru, yet I was able to set this router up in a pretty straightforward manner, with almost none of the complications I expected. I used to enjoy experimenting with networks when I was younger, so its nice to know I have the options this router allows, but to tell you the truth, I'm so satisfied with what came in the box that I probably won't be changing it any time soon -- in fact I bought another for my parents, who were having a terrible time with the wireless router they rented from their ISP (They are very happy with this router as well.)
The signal is strong enough to pick up a hundred feet away, through at least one wall. The encryption package offers several options, including WPA 2. I have had one failure that occurred while I was setting the router up, all I had to do was unplug it for ten seconds to reset, and it has worked perfectly ever since. The directions are very good, clearly written and comprehensive (including security precautions.)
The last thing I love about this router is the additional options allowed by the ethernet ports on the back -- all the old computers (including an Apple IIe) came out of the garage and are now connected to the internet, and to each other. This is a fabulous product right out of the box, I can't imagine what can be done with it by people who really know what they are doing. I am very satisfied with this purchase.