Cisco-Linksys WRT54G Wireless-G Router
by Linksys
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Category: CE
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Digital Photo Product Details
Manufacturer: LinksysAudio: English (Original Language)
Platform: Windows, Windows 2000, Windows 2000 Server, Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows NT, Windows NT 3.5, Windows NT 4, Windows NT 5, Windows XP
Model: WRT54G
Product features:
- All-in-one Internet-sharing router, 4-port switch, and Wireless-G (802.11g) access point
- Wireless data rates up to 54 Mbps--5 times faster than 802.11b
- Shares a single Internet connection and other resources with Ethernet wired and Wireless-G clients
- Interoperates with 802.11b clients at 11 Mbps
- Advanced wireless security with 128-bit WEP encryption, MAC, or IP address filtering
- Wireless data rates up to 54 Mbps - 5 times faster than 802.11b
- Nero 8 Ultra Edition [OLD VERSION]
- Dragon NaturallySpeaking 10 Standard [OLD VERSION]
- AmazonBasics RJ45 Cat5e Ethernet Patch Cable (50 Feet/15.2 Meters)
- Adobe Photoshop Elements 9 (Win/Mac) [OLD VERSION]
- Microsoft Office Home and Business 2010 (Disc Version)
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Cisco-Linksys WRT54G Wireless-G Router
Customer Review: Awful, awful, awful. I really wish there was a "0" star option!
Summary: 1 Stars
First of all, if you are like me and are not very interested in technical jargon and will not look into it unless something is really wrong, then this review should help you out. I work on a computer all day long. I can use the internet, can install software, work with spreadsheets, Microsoft Office products, etc. What I CANNOT do, however, is build computers, write software, perform any kind of weird mods, etc.
I'm just a regular guy.
A regular guy that doomed himself by buying a Linksys router.
The first thing you need to know about these worthless products is that there are different versions.
Versions 1 through 4 (V1,V2,V3,V4) were popular with people that liked to install some kind of third-party software onto the routers that would allow them to tweak their performance.
Version 5 does not allow such capability. Don't ask me why. I guess Linksys did it to save money for some reason or another.
Personally, I couldn't care if the thing ran on magic fairy dust, I just want it to WORK!
I had a V3 for a few months that was atrocious. Sometimes it would work, sometimes it wouldn't. I downloaded all of the latest firmware updates from Linksys to no avail. Technical support is nothing short of a joke. It's outsourced to India or somewhere similar where the person on the other end of the phone will not be able to understand you. You will not be able to understand him. He will be reading a script given to him by Linksys and will not be familiar with the product. The most useful piece of advice I got out of the two guys I talked to was when I finally got frustrated and told them "thanks anyway, buddy, but you aren't helping me out" they both told me to "Have a nice day."
I took the V3 back and what I got in exchange was a V5. I didn't know that these were supposedly worse until I found a site devoted to Linksys products and their problems (www.linksysinfo.org). If you go there, check out the reviews, warnings, and horror stories about the WRT54G V5 router, the WRT54G series altogether, and Linksys' refusal to acknowledge any problem or put out any firmware that is in the slightest bit useful.
I want to go ahead and also warn you that there is NO WAY to know what version of these things you are getting if you are looking at it in the store unless you know the code on the box. Those are listed on the site above somewhere. Right now, I couldn't care less what version it is, to me they are ALL junk.
I always heard that Linksys was the best. This router has really shown me otherwise!
So anyway, here is my experience with the V5:
When I first got it and installed it the connection seemed to be fine for a little while, but then it just suddenly went out. For the record, I was running totally unencrypted just to make sure that the problem wasn't with an "advanced" function.
This would happen periodically, sometimes I would have signal for 3 hours, sometimes for 30 minutes. Doing some research, I found out that this is pretty much everyone's problem with the V5.
When the connection went, I had to go through a little ritual with the router and laptop to get it back:
I unplugged the router, plugged it back in, pulled up "Network Connections," disabled and then enabled the "Wireless Internet Connection." I did this 2 or 3 times. This is the dance. This is what your internet surfing revolves around. I work from home from my computer so in order to get anything done, I have to do "the ritual" several times through the day. It has been the standard operating procedure to get my "trusty" router up and running again.
One evening not too long ago, I noticed that my connection had not been lost for over 5 hours of steady work. Remember that I have been running this thing UNENCRYPTED (I bought the thing FOR its encryption capabilities) to avoid it acting up from any so-called "advanced" system bugs.
So when the signal gave me 5 glorious hours up uninterrupted service I got cocky...
(Bad mistake, my friends! Read on...)
I pulled up the interface, and switched channels from default channel 6 to 11. I figured that maybe changing to another channel wouldn't hurt and may even help. Everything was still fine.
Then I enabled WEP (the enryption thing).
Let's just say that the "fit" hit the "shan."
I knew that I had messed up as soon as I clicked the button to save the new settings. The interface went totally black and my connection was instantly dropped.
I went through my usual routine to get it back up and running (unplug, plug, disabled, enable, wash, rinse, repeat...). Well, the connection came back up with a screaming 1.0 Mbps. Nice. I will say that when it is running, I consistently get 54Mbphs all over the house even if I am downstairs (the router is located upstairs).
So I went back to the interface. The same place I have always gone before. When it pulls up, however, it is NOT the same. I double-check the address: http://192.168.1.1/. Yup, that's right. It has similar features, but looks TOTALLY different. To top it all off, the Host name is now "Lauren." I never named my host before. Who the hell is Lauren?
Desperate, I ran to linksys.com (at a blistering 1.0 Mbhs) to see if there is newer firmware. There is a 1.00.6 that was released Jan.17th. I didn't have that. I rejoiced.
I downloaded as quicky as that 1.0 Mbhs (repetition of speed for emphasis) would allow. I read the "read_me" file and it informs me that I must be wired into the router. No problem, right?
Problem. I plug into the router and...nothing. I check everything. Local Area Connection should be working right? Nope.
I again perform the ritual (unplug, plug, disabled, enable, wash, rinse, repeat...). No dice. Lauren has me in her stranglehold now.
I went back to the interface with the plan of disabling the WEP. Funny thing is, this interface says it's disabled.
Before I got cocky and changed the channel/enabled WEP I was running at 54Mbphs. I was unencrypted and dropping signal every hour or so, but I was at least speedy. After this, my connection was intermittent at best. Once in a while my speed would "turbocharge" up to 2Mbphs, but those moments were fleeting.
I haven't even shared the best part:
I tried to call technical support. Yes I am a glutton for punishment! Thank you for asking. I figured that if, for nothig else, to start the ball rolling on a warranty return (the site says you need to get a case ID # to start the process).
I get a:
"Boop-beep-beeep! Your call cannot be connected as dialed. Please hang up and try your call again. If you feel you have reached this message in error..."
Here is the number: (1-800-326-7114) Try it for yourself. It seems to work now, but on that night it took FOUR HOURS to get through.
I try the "Live Help" on the site. This part kills me: I cannot keep a connection long enough for someone to come up to speak to me.
When I finally got through to technical support, the guy at the other end asked me what version the router was. I told him that it was version 5. He promptly informed me that there was no such thing. Yes, I am serious.
After an excruciating 30 minutes in which he blamed everything from me to my computers to my neighbors to hackers and the place where I bought the router he FINALLY gave me a Case # just to get me off the phone.
After I got off the phone with him I bit the bullet and reset the router by pressing the button on the back. If you do this, make sure you are NOT plugged into the router with your PC or ESPECIALLY the internet. I, personally, don't know why but this was stressed to me by persons much, much more capable with these things than I am.
It came back up as before. Channel 6 and unencrypted, which is how it will remain until I figure out what to do with this infernal thing. I would sell it on Ebay or something but I don't know if I am evil enough to charge someone for this kind of pain.
Let my story serve as a warning. DO NOT BUY THIS ROUTER. DO NOT BUY A LINKSYS PRODUCT. STAY AWAY. STAY FAAAAAR AWAY.
(Remember that part in the movie "Red Dawn" where they go see their father in that concentration camp and he starts screaming "AVENGE ME! AVENGE ME!" because he knows that he will never get out alive? Yeah, I kind of feel like that guy when I am "talking" to you guys through this review.
Sigh.
***Update***
I called Linksys customer service today in an effort to allow them to stand behind their product and allow me to exchange this V5 for a V3, what I originally had. Yes, the V3 died on me and was not great either, but upon doing some research after all this, I feel that with the available 3rd-party firmware available, a V3 would be my best bet.
I finally got through to someone after waiting for 10 minutes. He seemed helpful enough and I explained my situation. I verified that I was, indeed, using the latest firmware from Linksys and that the problem was continuing. I asked for the replacement multiple times, each time he would put me on hold to speak to his "team leader." I politely agreed to hold each time. Each time he would come back, he would say that Linksys would exchange my V5 with another V5. I explained to him that I did not want a V5. I wanted the V3 that I originally paid for. I want the product that had the exact specs that I researched when I decided to purchase a Linksys router. That product is the WRT54G V3.
He asked me a few more questions and then put me on hold to talk to his "team leader" once again. When he came back, he told me once again that his "team leader" told him that Linksys would not exchange the product. They would send another V5. I told him that perhaps it was better if I spoke directly to the team leader.
He seemed to agree and again I was put on hold. He came back and told me that I was going to have to wait "5 minutes" to speak to the team leader. I was again put on hold.
Same guy comes back with an offer to troubleshoot my router. I refused, since the only thing that has done for me before is to knock me offline and make the entire thing screwy until I reset it back to default.
He asked me some more questions, which I answered. The entire exchange was polite and civil, until finally I once more asked when I would be able to talk to the "team leader." It was then that I was hung up on.
Once more, I want to warn people AWAY from not only this router but ANY LINKSYS PRODUCT. I can understand a company cutting a few corners to save money, but since the V5 is a completely different product than the V1, V2, V3, or V4, Linksys has released it silently as the same product, therefore essentially lying to the public.
I will not let this rest and I will continue to update this product review with my "progress" with Linksys. Hopefully, this will help others steer clear.
Wish me luck...
***Final update***
I was all ready to throw in the towel and go get another brand of router. I was speaking to a more tech-proficient friend of mine that convinced me to give Linksys one more shot. He told me to search for another V1 trough V4 WRT54G and upload some third party firmware on it. Seeing no real harm in trying, I found a V3. I brought it home, plugged it up and immediately downloaded what is presumably some of the best third party firmware available for these routers. It's called "HyperWRT +tofu." I don't know if the author would approve of me putting the website up on this review but you can just google what I have in parentheses to find the download.
I did this a couple of days ago and, let me tell you, this thing is a DREAM. The firmware not ony makes the router reliable, it makes it more powerful as well. It increases the range and speed of your internet connection. Additionally, it added features to the interface. Most importantly, though, is that it was EASY TO SET UP. I just downloaded the software, went into the user interface, and browsed for the file. I hit the button, the file updated, and I was in business. The website even told me some great recommended settings.
I know that it must sound like I am peddling this firmware or something, but that's only because it has saved me so much grief. If only I had done some research back when I first bought this router I would have saved so much time and effort. If you do use this firmware, there is a donation tab on his website.
After all said and done, the V3 is chugging right along. It sends my signal faithfully, the speeds are fast, and I haven't dropped a connection yet. It's encrypted and I have even been able to choose just what computers to allow on my network, something that may sound like no big deal but is basically an act of God for someone as computer-inept as myself.
In conclusion, I would have to say that this router is great ONLY IF:
You get a pre-V5.
You download third party firmware (be sure to download and install it plugged into the router, not wirelessly)
You don't waste your time with Linksys customer service or tech support.
I really hope my (VERY LONG) review has helped someone out. It's been a long, strange trip indeed. Also, in spite of my happiness with the router now, my awful experience with Linksys makes me keep this rating at a 1 star. It's unfortunate, but I believe its necessary to warn others away from atrocious customer service and a company that intentionally lies to its customers.
Description of Cisco-Linksys WRT54G Wireless-G Router
Wireless-G is the emerging 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. The best part is, since they share the same 2.4GHz radio band, Wireless-G devices talk to existing 11 Mbps Wireless-B equipment. Operates as a DHCP Server NAT technology to protect against Internet intruders Supports VPN pass-through Easy configuration with web browser based configuration utilityAmazon.com Product Description The Linksys Wireless-G broadband router is really three devices in one box. First, it's a wireless access point, which lets you connect Wireless-G or Wireless-B devices to the network. There's also a built-in four-port full-duplex 10/100 switch to connect your wired-Ethernet devices. Connect four PCs directly, or daisy-chain out to more hubs and switches to create as big a network as you need. Finally, the router function ties it all together and lets your whole network share a high-speed cable or DSL Internet connection.
To protect your data and privacy, the Wireless-G broadband router can encrypt all wireless transmissions, and it supports the industrial-strength wireless security of 802.1x authentication and authorization. The router can serve as a DHCP server, has NAT technology to protect against Internet intruders, supports VPN pass-through, and can be configured to filter internal users' access to the Internet. Configuration is a snap with the Web browser-based configuration utility.
With the Linksys Wireless-G broadband router at the center of your home or office network, you can share a high-speed Internet connection, files, printers, and multiplayer games with the flexibility, speed, and security you need!
Wireless-G is the 54 Mbps wireless networking standard that's more than four 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 interoperate with existing 11 Mbps Wireless-B equipment.
Because both standards are built-in, you can protect your investment in existing 802.11b infrastructure, and migrate 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:
|
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. 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.
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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