Cisco-Linksys WRT54GL Wireless-G Broadband Router
by Linksys
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List Price: Our Price: $49.99 You Save: $30.00 (38%) Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Buy Used: from $39.99 (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: WRT54GL Wireless-G Router purchase
Summary: 5 Stars
Purchased this LinkSys Cisco wireless G band router about a month ago to replace a three year old NetGear unit that was developing an inability to reliably (and quickly) connect with the net. I really didn't want or need to upgrade my wireless laptop computer to the newer and faster N-band capability so I was shopping for reliability and price in this replacement. My research indicated that (free)3rd party software could be easily flashed into this LinkSys unit if I needed more than just basic setup up and that potential additional flexibility led me to purchase one.
Unit arrived with Amazon's usually good shipment speed. I followed the directions and setup disk for the install but needed to go into the manual router configuration (via browser) to get it to work with my existing home and wireless network settings. This is not a difficult process if you've done it before, but it wasn't just 'plug and play'
In the past month, I have had NO problems. Speed is excellent and connections reliable. Somewhat improved signal strength on the wireless side. It also solved a problem I was having with my faster Windows 7 desktop establishing the internet connection on the old NetGear unit. I have had no reason to pursue 3rd party router software as the standard LinkSys stuff is working fine. This router currently supports a quad-core desktop PC, wireless laptop, Vonage phone modem and connects via cable modem to the internet. It resides on the second floor near the front of our house and the wireless range is sufficient to reach all first floor rooms and the back porch.
I think this is a very good bang-for-the-buck value. Happy Camper here.
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: No longer a five star router and the possibel reason.
Summary: 1 Stars
I am among the people who buy this router because of the 5 star review and so called 3rd party firmware support. But the truth is this router almost freeze daily, mostly at night, when it happens, there is no single packet recieved from the wireless router, which means the wireless is completely down, you need to manually restart the router to make it work again.
I am trying to find the possible solution for this problem, you can google "wrt54gl freeze" or "wrt54gl lockup" to see how common this problem is, people give numerous suggestions, such as "try using tomato or dd-wrt firmware", "TCP time out tweak" or "Qos", none of these really make sense but I still tried all of these and it does not work. The only one I find may be reasonable is the one [...]/. In short, due to the author, the reason the router freeze is due to a very cheaply maded power supply, so when there is sudden drop of power grid, which is pretty common at night when a lot people using electricity, the router can not get enough voltage and malfunction, thus not a single packet you will recieve from the router.
According to the author, the wrt54g is also affected due to a similar design in router power supply. For $60 router using an outdated broadcom chipset with slow CPU and almost zero function firmware, linksys still want to save pennies from several capacitors of power supply, I really have nothing to say.
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Update: I don't know that amazon dose not allow url in user review, if you are interested in the artile about the power supply issue, try google "Savel brain dump in English wrt54gl".
Customer Review: Use Caution!
Summary: 3 Stars
If you're a wireless novice, you may find yourself in Router Wilderness. The instructions don't provide a step-by-step guide. You can't tell from the manual that when you set up security, you should be using an Ethernet connection. If you don't, you'll find yourself locked out -- in other words, you'll lose your Internet connectivity.
Moreover, the EasySecureSetup didn't work as described. In fact, the manual mentions it then leaves you hanging as what to do next, except watch the Cisco logo flash. The manual is merely a reference, not a user, guide.
The setup program on the CD isn't very helpful. That's because you have to use an online utility to do the actual setup.
Also, the signal strenth is inconsistent. I use Netfix's Instant Viewing a lot. Frequently, in the midst of watching a movie, the feed stops and is replaced by a notice saying that my connection speed has slowed and Netflix is trying to compensate. Because my PC is only 20 feet from the router, this is unacceptable.
The Cisco Web site has a user forum that is very helpful. If you post a question you're bound to get an answer within 36 hours.
Cisco needs to rewrite its documentation so that even a novice can set up the router without any slip-ups.
The manual for the USB Newtork Adapter with WI-FI Finder isn't much better. Because there is no correlation between the adapter and router manuals, you might think you were installing two totally unrelated products.
I made a living writing instruction manuals, and this isn't the way to do it.
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.