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Linksys WRT54G Wireless-G Router by Linksys
Digital Photo Product DetailsManufacturer: Linksys Audio: 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
Accessories:
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Linksys WRT54G Wireless-G RouterCustomer Review: Works with Mac... relatively easy setup if you know what you are doing Summary: 4 StarsI'm a Mac user, and at home I use the Apple Airport and Airport Express wireless routers. However, I needed a 2nd system to set up at work, so I bought a used version of the Version 5 WRT54G router to save some money. The install/setup CD had PC-only software, so I took some initiative to figure out how do set it up on my own. I just looked on Wikipedia to get the IP of the router, pointed my browser there, and set up the router and security in a few minutes. I was also able to download the latest firmware from Cisco and install it in a few minutes without any problems. I wouldn't consider myself too tech-savvy, but I know enough how to get started and find help online. If you're the same you won't have any problems setting this up without the setup software available.
I suppose the Version 5 and later of the WRT54G is inferior if you are interested in uploading 3rd party firmware. However, for my purposes the Cisco firmware is fine and runs a simple network smoothly. For the $30 I paid for a used unit, it is a good deal.
Description of Linksys WRT54G Wireless-G RouterLINKSYS WRT54G - 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 utility 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. 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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