Cisco-Linksys Wireless-G Range Expander WRE54G
by Linksys
|
Our Price: $129.00 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $35.00 (click here) Category: CE See more product details |
|---|
Customers in the UK,
Buy this product at amazon.co.uk
for British Pounds
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Cisco-Linksys Wireless-G Range Expander WRE54G
Customer Review: Solved my low signal problem
Summary: 5 Stars
I had a problem with a low wireless signal from a Linksys WRT54G v.5 router connected to a Direcway DW7000 broadband satellite modem and a desktop computer on the first floor of my house to a Linksys WMP54G v.4 PCI adapter in a desktop computer located on the second floor. Both computers are Dells running Windows XP Pro with all updates.
The signal has to pass through several walls, a floor, some metal HVAC ducts and a concrete wall and is about 70 feet away. I plugged the WRE54G v.2 expander into a wall socket close to the WRT54G, pressed the auto config button on the WRE54G for 10 seconds or so and both blue lights came on. Then I unplugged it and moved it to a location still on the first floor but closer to the upstairs desktop and plugged it back in. The signal level on the upstairs computer went from fair to excellent. Before doing this the upstairs computer would not connect to the internet because of low signal strength.
It was very easy to set up since I had no security to deal with at the time. I am always amazed when something works right out of the box like this but it has been several hours so far and all is well.
Customer Review: When all else fails, read the instructions.
Summary: 5 Stars
I almost did not buy this product because of the decidely mixed reviews given by other purchasers. But since my wireless network was not reaching an upstairs room where my wife used a laptop, I had to find some workable solution to the problem. I took the plunge and am glad I did. The WRE54G works as advertised, and it installed as easily as product promotional material and installation instructions suggested it would. Maybe because I was forwarned of potential problems by the reviews in these pages I took special care. But I still had to make some decisions as I went along because the instructions were a little unclear or more generously, ambiguous. The instruction, for instance, contained some contradictary information. On the CD software envelope there's a message to "Run CD first before connecting the Device to your PC." But the Quick Installation has that as step number 3 after you've finished "Connecting the Range Expander."
When I completed the installation, I did get warning messages on both networked PCs (one wired and one wireless) that there was an IP Address conflict. I ignored both warnings and everything works fine.
Customer Review: It really works, indeed!
Summary: 5 Stars
My WiFi router and network camera are in 2 extreme ends of the house. No matter what antenna I used, the network camera only got 29% of the WiFi signal. After I installed the WRE54G, the network camera always gets 90% to 100% WiFi signal. However, 2 things you need to do in order to get the best result.
1) At First, I just plugged it at the wall power outlet. It only increased 20% of the sigal strength. After I put it at the top of a bookshelf, it boosts up to 100%.
2) Don't put it close to the microwave oven. It will be interfered every time the microwave starts.
Before you configure it, you need to
1) turn off your WiFi router's security.
2) make sure there is no device on your network is using 192.168.1.240
Then, the auto-config will work like a champ. Last but not least, restart all devices that need to get the signal from the expander; otherwise, they will still access to the WiFi router.
Don't spend money or effort on those so-called long range antennas, I have tried so many of them. None of them is as good as this expander.
Customer Review: Not As Bad As The Others Say
Summary: 5 Stars
I just got this in mail today. My wireless computer upstairs got at the best an low connection. Most time my signal would get dropped and sometimes the only fix was a restart. Ive spent a lot of waisted time over last two years. So I was skeptical of another wireless device improving my connection. Strange too, because I can open my bedroom door and see my router. But something happens with signals going up I guess. I now have an excellent signal since I connected this device. The device is only 6-7 feet away but it works great so far.
THe downfall is the set up. I spent hour with the CD included and directions. Doesnt work.... you need to go into linksys for this device and change the settings. IF you can find the IP address for this device that will help then go to linsys page name is blank and password is admin.
Fix your SSID and channel close down and save. Start again make sure it saved and then go set security. It worked smoothly. Took and hour with india girl that spoke lil english but it works. If new to computer stuff, just start with calling tech support and you will save a lot of grief...
Customer Review: Definitely worth it.
Summary: 5 Stars
I don't normally write reviews, but I felt compelled to do so after dealing with Linksys' incompetent customer service representatives. I purchased this wireless range extender to complement a Linksys WRT54G router. After following the auto configuration instructions as well as the manual setup instructions, the extender still would not work. On top of that, it disrupted the connection my wireless computers already had! I decided to contact customer service. The first representative, who barely spoke coherent English, made me perform for 20 minutes the same steps I already had done (as if I couldn't read the instructions), put me on hold, then hung up on me. The second rep. either had no idea what I was asking or had no clue what to do. The first thing the third rep. asked me was the version of my router's firmware. It turns out that it was outdated and I needed an updated version. After updating that, the extender configured itself and my network range increased dramatically. This item is definitely worth the price. So please, if you purchase this product, update your router's firmware from the Linksys website.