Cisco-Linksys WRT54G2 Wireless-G Broadband Router
by Linksys
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Cisco-Linksys WRT54G2 Wireless-G Broadband Router
Customer Review: Linksys WRT54G2 Router- A Review
Summary: 4 Stars
The Linksys WRT54G2 Router has been installed on my home computing system for two weeks, now, and I am very happy with it. It took three phone calls to Linksys techncal support with some problems in the process, but the final result was most satisfactory.
My ISP (Verizon) tech support recommended a Linksys Router, but did not specify a model. Some on-line research indicated that an early version of the WRT54G router was well-received, but the same model was changed (and less satisfactory) when a newer model was released. The G2 model that I found listed on Amazon was newer than, and apparently quite different from, the models covered in the reviews I read. I ordered it.
When it arrived, I discovered that the enclosed software CD was for Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows VISTA -- NOT for the Windows 98SE system which was my primary internet-connected computer to which I would be connecting through Ethernet cable. So, before further unpacking the router or trying any installation, I called Linksys Tech Support. I simply wanted to ascertain if the router could be connected to/work on my Windows 98SE system. The tech support lady answered that yes, it could, and she proceeded to sort of step me through the installation. I was not ready to do that at that point, and the phone connection was rather bad (fading volume and the support agent had a pronounced accent which made it difficult for me to understand her). Therefore, I terminated that call.
When I got things unpacked and sat at my Win98 computer, I called again and got another agent. No communication problems this time. This agent proceded to ask me for the information required to install the router on my Windows 98 computer. We got much of the information (such as the IP address), but when she asked for the "IP Location" it scrolled off my screen and I could not get it. She said that was necessary to install the router on that computer, so we terminated the call at that point. I later recovered the information, including the "IP Location," and called back.
I got a third tech support person, and he simply and clearly stepped me through connecting and installing the router on my Windows 98 computer. As near as I could tell, he never needed the IP location. In fact, it appeared that the Linksys had replaced my "dynamic IP address" with a new IP address (a permanent one?). When my computer was communicating successfully through the router, I gratefully ended my call with Linksys.
By the way, I should mention that in none of my calls to Linksys for technical support did I have to wait more that a couple of minutes to speak with an agent. I was pleased about that.
My Windows XP in the basement and Windows Vista Laptop in the next room, both connected to the Linsys wireless network with no problems.Linksys WRT54G2 Wireless-G Broadband RouterLinksys Wireless-G Broadband Router WRT54G2 - Wireless router + 4-port switch - EN, Fast EN, 802.11b, 802.11g
Customer Review: Trouble setting up, Linksys Technical Support terrible!
Summary: 2 Stars
I received this product yesterday and the router's setup CD errored out almost immediately. During the very start of the setup, when it scans for Internet ports, it kept reporting error 311, that I could not set up the router on a wireless connection (???). My PC setup is a very simple arrangement. I use Windows XP. My Motorola cable modem is connected directly to an Ethernet port on the back of my PC. A router or any wireless device has never been connected to my PC.
After checking my device/network settings (all fine) and rebooting the cable modem and PC, and retrying the setup CD several times, all with the same result (the error), I called Linksys Technical Support. (I also found that others reported this same error on Linksys' forum, but the question was never answered).
Support was horrible. First off, it was so noisy there I could barely hear the guy. He had problems hearing me as well, and he initially asked if I could call back on another phone. I was calling on a land line phone, the problem was on his end... it sounded like a crowded party over there. 100 people all conversing at the same time.
I explained the problem. He did not have me check anything on my PC or walk me through anything. He came to the conclusion that the problem was a setting in my cable modem and he gave me 2 options. #1, he could install "a diagnostic program" on my PC remotely, but this would cost $9.95. #2, I can call my ISP (Cablevision) and have them make the modem "router-compatible". Both options seemed ridiculous but I opted to call Cablevision and run this by them rather than pay $9.95, which I deemed unfair.
In all honesty though, although my conversation with Linksys Support lasted all of ten minutes, I was happy to get off the phone with them as communicating through all the noise on his end was arduous to say the least.
As you probably suspected, Cablevision said there are NO setting in the modem that they can change, and the rep at Cablevision was very familiar with my router as he owns one himself. He walked me through checking my network settings, etc. He was familiar with the router's setup CD and the router's setup process. We were on the phone for about 30 mins. He was baffled and ended up telling me that I really needed to call Linksys Technical Support again.
I didn't call Linksys back. In the end, I was able to set up the router without using the CD. So far, so good. As far as Linksys Technical Support is concerned though, they get a flying "F". They were a useless waste of time.
I purchased this wireless router so my Playstation 3 can wirelessly connect to the Internet, and I have to add that the wireless setup on the PS3 side was amazing. After finally getting the router set up, I dreaded the thought of setting up the PS3 to communicate with it, but as far as the PS3 end of it is concerned, it automatically configured and connected itself to the router's wireless signal in less than a minute.
Customer Review: Disappointing; Set Up Issues
Summary: 3 Stars
Got this to use with a Verizon DSL plan & Verizon supplied modem. Installed and set it up on a low end Compaq SR5233WM desktop with 2GB memory and Vista Home Premium.
I thought since it was a newer model it'd work better with Vista, but setup was not easy: On the first 2 attempts, the setup program got to the point where the router was to be connected to a power source; after powering it up, the software gave an error message not recognizing the router and saying to check the connections, etc. (which were fine). It finally installed on the 3rd try.
Next, when it came time to add a laptop wirelessly, I was surprised to see that the router name, network name and security settings I assigned during installation were NOT applied, yet the Lynksys data sheet printout indicated they were applied! After much fussing and time, went into advanced settings to make the corrections. Fortunately that worked. Adding the laptop was the easiest and fastest part of the setup. Judging by the number of unsecured Linksys networks I see whenever (and wherever) I go into my laptops' "connect to a network" utility, makes me wonder how many Linksys users are out there thinking that their security settings are set when they really aren't and their signal is unsecured....
After getting this all sorted out, the Linksys Easy Link Advisor software began acting up; sometimes it launches, sometimes not. Maybe I'll eventually get that sorted out. Conclusion: What should have taken 10-20 minutes at most took hours to sort out and I'm really bugged the Lynksys software network security settings printout confirmed security settings, name, etc. were taken when they were not. If it wasn't such a bear to get set up, I'd have rated it higher: Wireless signal/range meets my needs, connectivity is good, etc. I also just installed a Belkin My Essentials router, about as low end as you can get, for a friend; it was a much faster, easier, straightforward setup than this thing and it had me wishing I'd gone for that over the Lynksys. The Belkin was also smaller and could be stood vertically to minimize the footprint.
Follow up: Gave up on the Linksys Easy Link Advisor Software; had to reinstall it when I wanted it to run. It also caused a Vista error message on shut down, saying a program wasn't properly initializing. Ran system restore, reinstalled everything except the Linksys software, and no more problems. (I'm sure the problem was the Linksys software; I made the mistake of reinstalling it after running system restore, and the problem was back). If I need to get at the router settings, I go directly to the Linksys setup page online. One more thing: The ability to wall mount it saves desk space.
Oct. 2009 update: Unit has been on 24/7 since set up and is working OK but had to reboot it 2, maybe 3 times so far. So, other than the disappointing set up & software issues, I'm more or less satisfied.
Customer Review: Problems from the start
Summary: 1 Stars
I just bought the router today and the thing does not work. I followed the installation procedures and I am having problems connecting with the internet with the router present.
The installation was a snap but after the installation, I could not connect. I talked to Tech Support and they helped somewhat and I was treated well but the woman admitted to me that they are getting many calls about connection problems. She helped me connect my desktop but my laptop was not working wireless or with the network cable with no success. She said that I would have to go to level 2 support...
Network settings can be difficult and I get really worried when tech support tells you to set the IP and Netmask addresses. How do they know it will not mess up your settings or conflict with other things? (My DSL connection uses DHCP and so the router should be able to use the same which was not happening)...
I am an engineer and not a technical slouch... I am successful is diagnosing problems but the router should work as designed otherwise you have to configure every machine connection individually which is not how the router was designed.
I did a second install which did not work either. This router is going back to Fry's; I do not know if the G version of this router is worth it or should I try another brand (it is hard to decide between the reviews that I read from the other vendors)...
One more thing that I do not like with the router:
There is a software package that is installed called Network Magic. This is basically useless software unless you get the Pro version... The idea of this software is that you can get information about network speed (in the Pro version) and whether you are connected to the network or not... You are given a limited trial period to the Pro software version... The installer does not allow you to chose whether or not to install this product (it would be a nice touch)...
Update:
I tried installing one more time and I was having nothing but trouble...
I exchanged this router with a Netgear wgr614 v9 and it is now working. I had a few minor issues with the install (I will have a review soon for that router), but it is working with my desktop.
I updated the wireless card on my Laptop with a new Netgear wireless G card and I am having no issues with seeing my network. I entered my WEP password and it is working great...
I was also able to share files on my desktop to copy to the laptop with copying the files first to a flash device and then connecting the flash device to the laptop; to much hassle to do... I also updated the Trend Micro Firewall wireless and it has been a pleasure to have a working router...
I was able to go into the living room and surf wireless on my laptop which was great...
Customer Review: BEWARE OF SETTINGS DURING INSTALLATION!!!
Summary: 3 Stars
When installing this router I did not choose parental controls, however it automatically installed them! Normally that wouldn't have been a problem but it kept me out of my online banking, wouldn't allow me access to Outback Steakhouse coupons etc! I tried to get rid of the controls, but it did not recognize my email or password as I never entered them because I never installed them.
A call to customer service got me to a Middle Eastern Tech that was difficult to understand and did nothing to help me...all he had me do was reset my router, told me it was fixed, and it was not. I emailed for help and never got a response. I told another tech I was going to return it for a refund and get another brand and was laughed at because "It had been too long for a refund" (its been a month!)
I even tried to remove the software so I could try and set it up again but guess what? They hide the software under a different name. (no Linksys,Cisco,Trend Micro) I was finally able to locate it only because it was the only thing I installed that day. Doing a google search verified WebEx Communications was owned by CISCO!
I even enlisted my sister-in-law to help me. Working as tech support for an internet company, she tried to fix it herself with no luck. Finally I called Linksys tech support again and 3 hours later and a few frustrated choice words for the tech my sister-in-law was able to remove the controls for me.
Finally my router is working correctly and now I can actually surf the net. This was a nightmare and didn't need to be. Everyone I talked to recommended this brand but nobody ever heard of this problem, and Now I find out ther are numerous people all over the country having this same problem it is not just me! I thought after the free 30 day trial of the security it would go away...it didn't.
At one point the tech was trying to get my sister-in-law to a certain page, and it wasn't working. While he had her on hold,(to check his other resources) she was able to get to the correct page a different way and when the tech came back he asked her how she did it!!! He had no idea how to do it.
The thing is I am happy with the router now that it is working properly, but I am very upset that this company took over two computers and put parental controls on when we didn't want them!!! We are in our fifties and don't need an internet babysitter!!! We don't have kids living here or using our computer.
The sneakiness, unhelpful tech support, and unresponsive online customer service has caused an extremely unhappy customer!!!
Word of mouth is your best or worst advertisement...this is the worst!!!
I would have recommended on the basis of the router but given all the other facts I would never again recommend or buy their product!!!