Cisco-Linksys Wireless-G Range Expander WRE54G
by Linksys
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Our Price: $129.00 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $29.98 (click here) Category: CE See more product details |
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Cisco-Linksys Wireless-G Range Expander WRE54G
Customer Review: WRE54G: as usual w. Linksys product, installation is rough
Summary: 4 Stars
I am getting to think that I buy Linksys products just because I am getting used to their idiosynchrasis - i.e. the products' installation instructions are basically somehow flawed (even though I am sure they work if one makes a few adjustments to what the manuals say!) I must also say that product reviews by users on Amazon.com are an excellent source of technical info/help.
My setup consists of a Satellite (Hughes) internet service with corresponding modem, feeding into a WRT54G Linksys Wireless Router which in turn is connected via cat5 to a Desktop and wirelessly to a Dell Laptop. I have to mention that the range of the WRT54G (a stock v.5 unit)is very good as it is.
I have given my new WRE54G a final kick... before possibly electing to return it - this seems to work:
0. DO NOTHING to your wireless router (mine is a WRT54G - see above) - leave Router's IP address/channel alone and encryption (WPA or WPE) in place if you are using such protection. That's what I like about those steps: no disruption of the wireless network's settings in use! Also, my wireless laptop is at WRE54G install time in range of the Wireless Router. Sat Internet Modem > WRT54G ...>... 50ft wireless ...>...Wireless Laptop used to setup the WRE54G. NOTE: That Laptop can actually be any computer. Preferably however one normally used as wireless unit on the network including the Internet connection>B'Band Modem > Wireless router > and now the WRE54G.
1. Change the IP of that computer/laptop you are to setup the WRE54G IP/access the WRE's internal web screen, if needed - i.e. if that computer's IP (from the local LAN NIC, not the wireless card) is on another subnet than 192.168.1.xx. Use something like 192.168.1.1 for example. This is necessary to access the WRE54G's internal web screen.
2. MAKE SURE that your internet connection via b'band modem DOES NOT at this time do through a proxy - mine normally does (Satellite Internet provider=Direcway/Hughes - proxy server advised/required). You have to dig really deep into Linksys EsyAnswer/KB site to even see that suggestion!! Momentarily disable proxy server in IE > Tools > Internet Options > Connections > LAN settings.
3. Power up and connect the WRE (I have version 3) to that computer's newly re-IP'd LAN port (the WRE54G comes with a short cat5 cable).
4. Just to make sure that a LAN connection has been established, ping the WRE thus connected. Should return satisfactory result.
5. Access the WRE's web screen via 192.168.1.240. Screen should come up. Defaut PW is of course admin at this time.
6. And now we are ready to enter specific information pertaining to your own wireless network, as follows:
a. Enter - if necessary - the IP address you want the WRE54G to have on your wireless network - to be on same subnet as Wireless router used for your wireless network. My network is on subnet 192.168.0.xx: I set the WRE54G on IP address 192.168.0.240.
b. Same with subnet and gateway
c. Check mode (mixed/b or g only)
d. Enter new SSID and enable/disable broadcast - same settings as Wireless Router's.
7. Now it is time to select/enter Wireless Security settings: actually exact same settings as your Wireless Router's.
8. Change the WRE54G password while you are at it! Save settings and that's it! Finally unplug the WRE54G from power outlet AND LAN connection to the computer used to set up the Extender; locate/power up the WRE54G somewhere appropriatly a bit away from the laptop, in range of the Wireless Router, and in sight from the wireless laptop for initial testing (just so you can actually see if the blue lights come on: they should in the following sequence - top blue > top red/bottom blue > both blue if everything is OK.) To initially test-drive everything, I placed the WRE54g about 30ft from the Wireless Router and 20ft from the wireless laptop (which I make sure still connects to the Wireless Router.)
9. Now experiment with the new connection with the WRE54G. It should kick in as the stronger connection right away if you reboot or if you disable/then re-enable the wireless connection on the wireless laptop. You'll see that when you are connecting to/using the WRE54G to connect to your Wireless Router, the signal strength is indeed higher. In fact, if you can run NetStumbler (free wireless detection software) and thus run a Site Survey, you'll see that two APs show up, same network SSID (i.e. the Wireless Router and the WRE54G, now considered as an AP itself). Of course the WRE54G will show much stronger signals.
10. Then if all is OK, experiment with placing the WRE54G as suggested otherwise - i.e. at the periphery of the wireless range obtained by just using the Wireless Router.
11. Seems to work so far. I do not otherwise detect loss of signal or b'band speed. This thing does seem to work. I have placed the WRE54G in many different locations and I am truly AMAZED at its range extension potential. NOTE: I assume that in case of presence of signals from BOTH the Wireless Router and the WRE54G at a given location (since both devices are on same channel/SSID/Protection scheme), one might have to reset the wireless connection on the remote(s) laptops (or to reboot) to allow it(them) to pick just one (the stronger of course) connection.
I was looking all along for a way to set up the WRE54G without having to go thru the rigamarole of changing other settings elsewhere on the network, using the dreaded Install CD or other cumbersome procedure! As I change my encryption WPA code often, I'll just have to change that info in one more device (besides my WRT54G and the Linksys wireless bridge WET54G - another excellent, not cheap Linksys product which i recommend also and which I use to make my Sat internet service available to another building on my business premises). Simple enough however!
I have diligently read all reviews on this site (300+ - I am a reading-the-manual type of guy!) and many of the solutions suggested to install the WRE54G do work. The latest one avoids having to mess with anything else on the wireless network besides the WRE54G Itself and the - only momentarily - the computer used to setup the unit.
5 stars for the unit's performance, minus (as often suggested!) 1 star for the cumbersome and incomplete Linksys install info. HOWEVER, there is actually some better information about Linksys products in their own EasyAnswers site (which acts as a KnowledgeBase for Linksys products).
Customer Review: Save yourself the hassle of returning it and DON"T purchase!
Summary: 1 Stars
I should begin by saying that I like Linksys, I've owned a WRT54GS for about 5 months and use their subscription blocking service and have been very happy with it. Backed by Cisco, I think they build solid products.
That is, with the exception of the Wireless Range Expander. Last week, I purchased the Linksys WRE54G. We have a 802.11g wireless network and we wanted to expand it to a second building on our property. In order to do this, I realized I would need something to expand the range and also an ethernet bridge because I wanted to be able to use some wired ethernet devices without stringing wires. For the range expander device, I had been looking at different solutions for some time and, despite some negative reviews, I thought the WRE54G was worth a try.
I brought it home and opened up the packaging looking for the documentation. After looking through the box twice, I realized that one of the little two page brochures enclosed was all the documentation enclosed! This made me a bit nervous right off, but I had hopes that maybe the setup really would be that easy.
I was wrong.
I put in the setup CD and clicked the setup button. Simple so far. Clicked next, and next again. Setup was now going to locate my Linksys router to establish a link. Sounds good and since the WRE54G only works with three Linksys products, how hard could this be, right? Click next...a few seconds pass...NO WIRELESS NETWORK IN RANGE. What? I'm only a few feet from my router. I'll try again. It was surely just a mistake. So I tried again, and again, and again to no avail. OK, so now I'll disable the encryption (even though it is supposed to support WEP 128 bit) and try again. Nope, didn't work. OK, how about the auto configuration button. Nope, that didn't work either. So I went online to try to find more information. Linksys.com didn't help. Google...there we go. But the info I got really wasn't very good news. Several people had lots of trouble setting this range expander up and though I am not a novice on computer issues, I didn't understand the settings they were saying I'd need to change. Boy, this was taking awhile and it still wasn't working. OK, resort to calling Linksys. I got a customer service rep without too much of a delay and went through my problem. I tried to explain what steps I had already taken but in typical patronizing form, they dismissed all the information I gave them and started from scratch. OK, I guess I handle that. So we went through various settings, tried the auto config button (again!), reset the device, changed more settings...and on...and on. Finally, after an hour of work, the rep said that I would have to upgrade the firmware and she would transfer me to the senior tech support rep. OK, maybe we're making progress. So I get the senior tech and we start the process and hello, hello, are you there? They disconnected me! OK, start over. Call in again, explain (quite frustrated) what happened and I need to speak to the senior tech. OK, they'll transfer me. Finally. After being on hold for 15 minutes, as they are transferring me, they disconnected me again! This can't be happening. Try one more time. So the third call to tech support. I explain everything again and ask to speak to the senior tech. He refuses and says I can't speak with him. What?!? I explained everything again. No, he reiterated, you cannot speak with the senior tech. OK, so now what? The tech would help me. So even though I had done all this once, he went back to the beginning and made me redo everything I did with the first tech. After 45 minutes, he finally was able to get it up and running. OK, two hours with tech support and two disconnects later, it's finally working. So, I asked for his help turning encryption back on and here comes the blow, "The wireless range expander doesn't work with any encryption, in fact, if you turn encryption on, it will screw up your entire network. We know that it's published that it works with encryption but this is a known issue and we'll have new firmware out soon" WHAT! That one floored me. They are selling a product that says it works with WEP encryption when it's a "known issue" to Linksys that not only will it not work but in all likelihood will mess up your entire network. I pressed the tech rep for a date on the firmware release and he wouldn't answer. I said that if they hadn't gotten firmware released in the 6 months since the product came out I wasn't sure that "soon" would arrive very quickly. I then asked to speak with a manager and, after putting me on hold for another several minutes, the tech returned and promptly hung up on me! Very bad customer service, Linksys! (2+ hours, 2 disconnects, 1 hang up and a product that doesn't work).
The wireless range expander was returned the next day.
OK, so now you're disappointed that a product you thought would solve all your problems, doesn't really work after all. But here comes the good ending. In my online searches find info on how to get the Linksys Wireless Range Expander to work, I came across another solution. I purchased a Linksys WRT54G router and loaded third party Sveasoft firmware onto it (available at www.sveasoft.com). After some tweaking and getting settings correct (the people in the Sveasoft forums were a great help), I have the router set up as a repeater (via WDS) WITH ALL 4 ETHERNET PORTS WORKING as a wireless bridge!!! This cut my costs by two thirds. In my original plans, I thought I'd have to pay $99 for the Linksys Wireless Range Expander and another $100 or so for a wireless Ethernet bridge but by going with the WRT54G router w/Sveasoft firmware, it only cost me only $49 (router) and $20 (Sveasoft). It's been a rock solid connection with my main router, dramatically increased my wireless range, given me usable Ethernet ports without any additional wiring, and I can still use the subscription URL/parental control service from Linksys since my main router has original Linksys firmware. I couldn't' be happier.
Just stay away from the Wireless Range Expander (WRE54G)...
Customer Review: Expander Works Well with WRT160N Wireless Router
Summary: 5 Stars
Even though that Linksys has not tested this expander with their new WRT160N Wireless "G" and "N" router I found that is is possible to work to extend the signal 50 feet or more. Previously I was getting only one bar of signal at 45 feet but now I have 5 bars.
I gave the item 5 stars for Performance of the unit and 5 Stars for Amazon's customer service who replaced the first and according to Linksys Tech support, defective unit, and they shipped it 2nd day air. I give Linksys Tech support 4 stars for getting me up and running. I subtracted one star because the first tech did not recognize the first unit was defective as it has two blue lights (about which more below) but did not increase the signal level. I give the documentation and CD-ROM that came with the Linksys expander 0 (ZERO) stars as it is worthless. Even though I am an engineer and familiar with networking I had to call Tech Support to get running as the CD-ROM could not even find my router that I knew was working correctly as I had just received 29 emails by wireless.
My setup procedure was as follows:
To set this up with the WRT610N Cisco (Linksys) wireless router in Microsoft's Windows you'll need two Ethernet cords and the patience of Job.
On the wireless router plug one Ethernet cord into jack #2 which will go to your desktop or main computer (my base computer is a laptop set up like a desktop with external keyboard and mouse and additional hard drives for storage and backup) and the other Ethernet cord into any one of the other jacks which will go to the Extender. I recommend that you setup your distant computer (if this is a separate unit----my two are) and have it in contact with your router, albeit at one bar of signal. This latter point will allow you to tell if the extender is actually working. You can't assume that two blue lights are an indication the unit IS working---only an improvement of the signal level will do that.
First, setup the extender close by your router and main computer and plug it in to power (not yet into the router with the Ethernet cord). Plug the router from jack 2 into the main computer Ethernet jack. In your web browser (I use Firefox and since I have Windows I also have Internet Explorer----I used both in the setup but you can use the same one but I recommend two separate windows so you can see the settings of both the router and the extender at the same time) in the space for the address type 192.168.1.1 (the address of the router). A window will appear. You want to go to the Wireless tab and under that to the Wireless Security tab. From the drop down menu for security (it probably reads WEP when first reaching this window)select "Disable." Do this Also, on drop down menus for both frequencies. Select "G" Only (as far as I know this extender will not work on the higher "N" frequency). Click "Save Settings" at the bottom of the screen. A separate window with a confirmation appears----click "Continue."
Next, plug the extender into the router with the second Ethernet cord with the power on. At this point the one light on the extender will be blue and the other red. In a second browser window type in the address space 192.168.1.240 (the address of the extender). You'll get another window. The important part is that the SSID in both the router and extender have the same name---say, Home Wireless. Check to see that the security on the expander is disabled. Click "Save Settings" and a window will appear "Rebooting." Both lights on the extender should now go blue. If they do go to the next step.
Unplug and take the extender midway between the router and the remote computer and plug it into power. Hopefully, both lights come on blue. If they do check the remote computer to see if the signal has improved. If it has you're almost done.
Take the extender back to the main computer area and plug it in to the power and the Ethernet cord to the router. Go to the browser and access the extender again (192.168.1.240). On the screen for security WEP and 64 bit from the drop down menus. In Key 1 type in a 10 digit number you'll remember---your phone number is good (without the hyphens------1234567890). Save Settings. A window appears and says Rebooting and the lights turn to red and blue---you've lost the connection until you set the router to the same settings.
Go to the second Browser window and access the router (192.168.1.1) and set the security to WEP, 64 bit, key 1: 1234567890. Make sure that the TX key (1 is recommended to get the best range)is the same for both the router "Save Settings" at which point the extender 2 lights should both go blue. If they do move the extender to the position to extend your range and plug it in to power. At this point you can also unplug the router from the Ethernet port of the main computer. If both lights are blue on the extender in the desired location check to see you have improved signal on your remote computer. If you do you're done. If you don't, call Tech Support!
I downloaded and printed 36 pages of reviews from this website which were helpful but because the first unit was defective even with 2 blue lights and the 2nd CD-ROM could not find my router, I called Tech support. You'll need the model number and serial number of both the router and expander if you call. Allow about 1 hour for the call and be ready to get accustomed to an unfamiliar accent. I suggest a portable telephone so you can be in constant communication with Tech Support when moving the expander and checking the signal on your remote computer
Customer Review: Itr deos work with the Wireless G Router...
Summary: 4 Stars
People keep saying it does not work with [their] router?
It comes with a set up CD that is so easy (if you can't read [like most of the reviewers]it has pictures)!!
Once you put the cd in bang, you have expansion:
This from their support regarding compatibility with LINKSYS WRT54GS WIRELESS-G BROADBAND ROUTER WITH SPEEDBOOSTER,
"This router will work with the range expander. Make sure that a latest firmware should be loaded on it to work with the range expander. You may follow these procedures to configure the WRE54G using the setup wizard:
1. Insert the Setup Wizard CD into your PC's CD-ROM drive. The Setup Wizard should run automatically, and the Welcome screen should appear. If it does not, click the Start button and choose Run. In the field that appears, enter D:\setup.exe (if "D" is the letter of your CD-ROM drive).
2. Click the Setup button to continue this Setup Wizard. Clicking the User Guide button opened this Guide. To exit this Setup Wizard, click the Exit button.
3. Make sure your access point or wireless router is working properly before you continue with the SetupWizard. Click Next to continue or Exit to exit the Setup Wizard.
4. The Setup Wizard will run a search for your wireless network. If found, you will be asked to confirm the settings. If the settings are correct, click Continue and proceed to step 7. If you'd like to choose a different wireless network, proceed to step 5. If no wireless network is found, a screen will notify you when no access point is detected on your network. Click Continue to survey your network for any access points or wireless routers, and proceed to step 5. You can click Cancel to exit the Setup Wizard.
5. The site survey results will display all available access points and wireless routers in your network. Select the one you want and then click Yes to continue. Then proceed to step 6.You can click No to return to the Welcome screen of the Setup Wizard.
If you want to manually enter settings, click Manual. The Configure Wireless Settings Manually screen will appear. Enter the SSID of your network. Then select the channel setting of your network.
If your network uses WEP encryption, select WEP from the Encryption drop-down menu. Click Next to continue and proceed to step 6. If your network uses WPA security, select WPA. Click Next to continue and proceed to step 6.
If it does not use wireless security, select Disabled. Click Next to continue and proceed to step 7.
6. If security is disabled, then proceed to step 7. If security is enabled, the appropriate Security Settings screen
will appear. Enter the WEP or WPA settings. Then click Next to continue or Exit to exit the Setup Wizard.
7. After the Setup Wizard has found an access point or wireless router with which to communicate, it will now search for the Range Expander. Select the one you want. Then, click Yes to continue, or click No to return to the Welcome screen of the Setup Wizard.
8. You will be asked to enter its password. Enter the default password, admin. Then, click Enter to continue. To exit this Setup Wizard, click Exit.
9. The Configure Network Address Settings screen will appear. Enter an IP Address and appropriate Subnet Mask for the Range Expander. Then enter the IP Address of your network gateway, as well as a descriptive name for the Range Expander. Then, click Next to continue or Back to return to the previous screen.
* IP Address. This IP address must be unique to your network. (The default IP address is 192.168.1.240.) If you are not sure about what to do, keep the default IP address.
* Subnet Mask. The Range Expander's Subnet Mask must be the same as your network's Subnet Mask.
* Gateway. This IP address should be the IP address of the gateway device that permits communication between the Internet and the local network (this is usually your network router). If you are not sure about what to enter, keep the default Gateway IP address.
* Expander Name. You can assign the Range Expander any name up to 32 characters in length, such as its location (garage, downstairs, living room).
10. If you have the WRE54G v2, proceed to step 11.
If you have the WRE54G v1, enter the MAC address of your access point or wireless router. You can find theMAC address on a label located on the bottom panel of the access point or wireless router. Then, click Next to continue or Back to return to the previous screen.
11. You should now review the settings you've chosen. If these settings are correct, click Yes to save these settings. If you wish to change any of the settings, click No. You will exit the Setup Wizard and can start it again to change your settings.
After the expander's configuration, you may now locate an optimum location for the Range Expander. The best placement is usually at the edge of your wireless network. Fix the direction of the antenna. Try to place it in a position that will best cover your wireless network. Normally, the higher you place the Range Expander's antenna, the better the performance will be. Proper positioning of the antenna can enhance its receiving sensitivity.
If you have further questions, you may send us an E-mail at support@linksys.com so that we may further assist you."
Customer Review: Take care with this product you can be frauded!!!!! - see my experience
Summary: 1 Stars
Please read the e-mail chat with customer support.
They promote the range expander with specifications that are not accurate.
They took me around 1 and half hour on the phone and couldn't find a solution, they accepted that they were wrong and anyway they didn't solve my problem with responsibility.
I wouldn't reccomend to deal with linksys because then it willbe a headache if anything goes wrong.
(for reading porpuses I took out identifications and edited redundant text).
Hi, my name is XXXXXX How may I help you?
Hi, i bought a range expander and I can't connect with my router
XXXXXX: Alright. Please confirm that you are using a WET54G. (...)ok i have the Linksys Wireless-G Range Expander WRE54G
and i can't connect with the router
XXXXXX: So this is an initial set up for this wireless expander, right?
Miguel: yes
XXXXXX: That's alright.
XXXXXX: Ok. What is the hardware version of it and what is the model number and version of your router?
after set up give me this error: "Can not associate with this ap in repeater mode"
XXXXXX: So you are using a BEFW11S4V4 router. Let me verify some information. Also, what is teh exact version of the WRE54G?
Miguel: where i lookthat?
XXXXXX: You may check that underneath the device itself. There's a word LINKSYS, down below there's a model number and version.
XXXXXX:Ok. There's a serial number and MAC address and model number with version.
Anabelle G(14455): Alright. But it does not show any version like WRE54GV2?
I can't find the version, only show wre54g
XXXXXX: Then if there's no any version, then it's a version 1 wireless expander.
XXXXXX: Ok. the Wireless Expander you have will not work with a BEFW11S4V4 router. This BEFW11S4V4 router will only work with a WRE54GV2.
Miguel: oh nooo
XXXXXX: Otherwise, you can return the WRE54G and look for WRE54GV2.
XXXXXX: I mean ask for a verison 2 for WRE54G.
but in the information that you have in the sites said that work with 802.11b Standard
XXXXXX:Alright. Lety me verify some information. Please hold on.
The problem is that I'm in another country Anabelle G(14455): I see.
XXXXXX:Hold on for a few moments while AI verify this information.
Standards: IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g
Buttons: Autoconfiguration, Reset
LEDs: Blue/Red-LINK, Blue-ACTIVITY
(....)
XXXXXX:Wait, i'll check on it.
XXXXXX:As I have verified again with my higher technical support that this router will only work with a WRE54Gv2 as it's tested already. So what I can suggest you here is to ask for a replacement into V2. You may contact them or email the retailer where you buy purchased this WRE54G.
XXXXXX: the problem is that i'm in another county, not in the states
XXXXXX:I understand that. Where did you buy this WRE54G?
and i bought this product because the data sheet say that work with B
in one of internet
XXXXXX: If the WRE54G is V2 but since the device itself is a V1, then this will not work on it.
XXXXXX:And what retailer is that.
XXXXXX:this will work with a G router. Let me double check on it.
the funny think is that I bought Linksys to don`t have compatibility problems
XXXXXX: Thank you for waiting. The router that will work on this WRE54Gv1 is the WRT54G with all versions and WRT54GSV1 but it still depends on teh firmware of the router.
please tell me what to do because i want that it work
XXXXXX: But all routers now has the updated firmware already that will work on the WRE54Gv1.
XXXXXX: Alright. If you do not want to return this WRE54G to the retailer where you purchsed it, you have the option to switch router into G router(WRT54G or WRT54GS), then that's the suggestions I can gave you.
Is your problem too and the information sheet say that is compatible with B
XXXXXX: I apologize for the inconvenience this may cause by the data sheet.
Yes that Linksys have inhis site
XXXXXX:Alright. And again, I apologize for the inconvenience.
what is the price that linksys can give me the router?
because you haveto understund that im in other country and change the expanger is not so easy like in the states
XXXXXX: For that information, I do not have it since were more on technical concerns. If you want you may contact Linksys Customer Service so you can verify with them how much this Wireless G router so you can buy a new router.
XXXXXX: Yes, I understand that it's far from the United States.