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Cisco-Linksys WAP54G Wireless-G Access Point by Linksys
Digital Photo Product DetailsManufacturer: Linksys Audio: English (Original Language) Format: CD Platform: Windows Model: WAP54G Product features: - Supports data rates up to 54 Mbps--up to 5 times faster than 802.11b
- Backwards compatible with existing IEEE 802.11b devices at 11 Mbps
- Supports 64- and 128-bit WEP encryption
- Wireless MAC address filtering
- Router not included, so you cannot connect multiple users to the Internet
- Supports data rates up to 54 Mbps-up to 5 times faster than 802.11b
Accessories:
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Cisco-Linksys WAP54G Wireless-G Access PointCustomer Review: Restoring Lost Service Summary: 5 Stars
Update October 10, 2010
I've used this WAP now for an extended period of time with generally no insurmountable problems. This is a replacement unit as the first one was returned to Linksys as faulty. When I was setting up the replacement I had to call Linksys to help me set up the WAP. It appears that the setup process can be fraught with problems.
Yesterday I lost wireless access again and had to reset the WAP. Recalling the problems I had the first time, with the replacement WAP, I checked the notes I kept and also checked on line and discovered a lot of people are having problems with the setup of the WAP54G. In spite of all this I still had several hours of frustration in trying to get the laptop back in wireless operation. The installation disc never did work and I noticed one writer said to not use the disc; the following steps are a condensed summary of what I used to get back in wireless operation.
The following steps finally did the job and got the laptop back in wireless operation.
1. Reset the WAP using a paperclip in the reset button on back, press the reset button down until the small green light on the front of the WAP goes out and then remove the power plug for at least 10 seconds. This should restore the WAP to the default factory settings.
2. Make sure your WAP is attached to the router directly, not through a switch.
3. Using a computer which is attached directly to the router, open a browser window and type in 192.168.1.245, this is the default IP for the WAP and should open the settings window.
4. Once the settings window is open I recommend leaving the IP in the static, default position at the above IP that worked much better for me. One thing to keep in mind is the necessity of saving any change before you go to the next window; if you don't any changes are lost. Go to security and click on reset security and it should rotate to a higher security setting as the default is no security.
5. Select a name for your wireless network so you can easily identify it when you use your laptop to search for a local signal. In my area I have around 7 wireless networks available so it really helps to be able to quickly recognize yours.
6. When you are done, having saved all of your changes, just close the window and you should be back in business. When I was going through my setup process I saved the IP address to my favorite places and let my computer remember the password so I could just click and be back on.
7. One very important thing before you close the window; record your passphrase as you will absolutely have to have it to access your secure wireless network. You are given the option of choosing a passphrase or letting one be automatically assigned. However you do it, record it in a safe place as you will have to have it to establish a connection to your network.
8. When you open your laptop, right click on your wireless connection icon and search for available networks. You will recognize the name you have given yours and select and click connect. A window will come up requiring a password and that's where you type in the passphrase you have setup for security. Your laptop should than connect to your WAP and you're in business again.
Original review
I have an Ethernet home network which is working perfectly. I decided to get a laptop and at first connected it to the network by an Ethernet cable. I had been told that in no time at all I would want to go wireless and that turned out to be true.
I researched connection options as I wanted to add the wireless capability to the existing Ethernet network and found that something called a wireless access point existed. This seemed to be the right answer as I did not need another router.
All of my network equipment was Linksys so I decided the Linksys WAP54G would be the best way to go. As usual, Amazon had as good a value as anyone on the equipment so I ordered it from Amazon. Once the WAP54G came in it set up and installed without any problems.
I had read a lot of information about wireless security so I followed the Linksys instructions very carefully in selecting the highest level of encryption available for home use. This was not difficult to do but did require that one read the installation alternatives and proceed carefully.
It is now in operation and has not given any problems. It has been interesting to note that there are 6 wireless networks in my area; three of them have no encryption at all, two of them have the lowest level of encryption, and only mine has the highest level. All that says to me is that they were not careful in setting up their security level when they installed the software.
I guess the moral of this story is to carefully read and select the highest level of encryption if you don't want your network to be public.
Description of Cisco-Linksys WAP54G Wireless-G Access Pointou?ve got the network ? now enhance it with Wireless-G access up to 54 Mbps. Now it?s easy to grow your network by adding computers, printers and other wireless devices, without stringing cables. Also compatible with Wireless-B devices . Reliable connectivity allows you to move your laptops, or set up your devices all around your home or office. Or add Access Points to two separate networks and create ?cable-less cable? connectivity between them. Amazon.com Product Description The Linksys Wireless-G access point lets you connect Wireless-G (802.11g) or Wireless-B (802.11b) devices to your network. Because both standards are built-in, you can protect your investment in existing 802.11b infrastructure, and migrate your network clients to the new screaming-fast Wireless-G standard as your needs grow. For more information on the differences between an access point and a router with access point, see the following table: To protect your data and privacy, the Wireless-G access point can encrypt all wireless transmissions. The MAC address filter lets you decide exactly who has access to your wireless network. Configuration is a snap with the Web browser-based configuration utility. Wireless-G is the upcoming 54 Mbps wireless networking standard that's almost five times faster than the widely deployed Wireless-B (802.11b) products found in homes, businesses, and public wireless hotspots around the country--but since they share the same 2.4 GHz radio band, Wireless-G devices can also work with existing 11 Mbps Wireless-B equipment. Future-proof your wireless network with the Linksys Wireless-G access point. You'll enjoy Wireless-B connectivity today, and be prepared for a high-speed Wireless-G tomorrow. The Linksys Wireless-G access point is compatible with Windows 95, 98, Me, NT 4.0, 2000, and XP. |  See a comparison diagram of the different wireless technologies. | Wireless networks are rapidly becoming more popular and coming down in price. Since they don't require cables, you can use the devices anywhere in an office or home, even out on the patio. There's no need to roll out an Ethernet network cable to each room of a house; you can network anywhere--without wires. Outside the home, wireless networking is available in hotspots at coffee shops, businesses, and airports--great when you're on the road and need to get some work done. For convenience, wireless networking is the answer. Which Wireless Standard Is Right for Me? Now that you've decided to create a wireless network, the next step is to figure out which wireless standard to use. Basically, a standard is a set of specifications for a device. All devices that follow a specific standard share operating characteristics, such as the radio frequency used and maximum data transfer speed. For wireless networking, there are three standards to choose from at this time: To learn about the differences between the standards and select the right one for your network, click here for an easy-to-understand chart. |
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