Each and every day the popularity of the Linksys Compact WUSB12 Network Adapter slips. In the beginning consumers couldn’t get enough of these little popular devices primarily because of their compact size, travel ability, and full compatibility for Series 2 Tivo users.

But in recent time home networks have started to make their way to the Wireless-G standard which is five times faster than the Wireless-B standard which the WUSB12 uses. Even Tivo users with software version 7.1 (downloaded automatically for those Tivo users connected by phone or LAN) no longer have to use the WUSB12 for certain Wireless-G network adaptors are now supported, leaving the WUSB12 with their single selling point – their compact size and travel ability. This is perhaps why they still cost more than their Wireless-G counterparts that are more bulky and don’t travel as nicely.

I have mine because I had a Tivo before software version 7.1 and now that I have 7.1. I don’t plan to spend the extra money and throw away my WUSB12. Plus, I purchased it off of a guy from eBay and with shipping my total cost was a mere $34.99 only slightly used. Amazon.com has them new for about $56.99 and some retail outlets have them for close to $100.00. I would seriously recommend you decide if you really want to buy one of these and base your decision entirely on how much travel you do and would need a compact wireless network adaptor.


INSTALLATION
Installing the WUSB12 was extremely simple. Easier for me because I was using this for a Tivo machine. I simply turned Tivo off (by unplugging it), inserted the WUSB12 into a free USB port on the back of the Tivo, released the little antenna, and proceeded to turn Tivo back on.

If you don’t have Tivo, I’d imagine that installing the WUSB12 is very much like any other USB device (kind of like my USB flash drive). For example, you should always install the CD first before actually plugging in the USB device. You do this because the CD was designed specifically for this USB device and if you plug in the device first Microsoft Windows tries to install it for you and frequently fails to install it properly. You are always better off installing what is on the CD first instead of letting Windows install it.


CONFIGURATION
With Tivo, there really wasn’t much to do. I had already set up my home network and set up a WEP (wireless entry point) password. Tivo recognized the existence of the home network and that a password was required. I entered the password into Tivo and I was up and running.

Since a Tivo is basically a computer running the operating system Linux, Windows users will have to do much the same. After installing it the configuration is basically two steps. Find the broadcast of your home network and then enter in any passwords that have been set up to protect your network.

PERFORMANCE
Signal strength is very important when it comes to the WUSB12. Most network adaptors are the type where a USB cable plugs into the computer and then extends the network adaptor to a point on the computer desk allowing the adaptor more of a direct sight to the router. The WUSB12 however plugs directly into the PC itself so unless you have open USB ports on the front of your PC you will have to plug it into the rear of your PC. Because most people have their PC’s on a desk or floor up against a wall, this can “smush” the WUSB12 and hinder its reception because it has to deal with a wall and other electrical power cords.

This is even worse of us Tivo users. My Tivo is on the bottom of my home entertainment console. Since the USB port is in the back the WUSB12 is drowning in a sea of power cords which help block its reception. The distance between my router and my WUSB12 is only about 20 feet but it never gets better than 70% reception (Tivo’s can tell you signal strength).

I may be investing in an extension cord someday if this 70% begins to limit me which it hasn’t done thus far.


QUICK NOTES
► Believe it or not but the WUSB12 actually comes with a neck cord that attaches to the adaptor’s cap. This makes it easy to carry around.

► The network adaptor can be used with the antenna either down or flipped up. I have seen a change in reception and recommend that the antenna always be flipped up. But….

► The antenna is a little on the flimsy side and could very easy be broken off, especially if it snags on something behind the computer or behind the Tivo.

► This is a USB 1.1 device so transfer speeds are limited.

► This is however compatible with USB 2.0.

► Two LED lights on the device tell when the device has power and when it is receiving a signal. Pretty straight forward – red for power, green for signal.

► WARNING - Tivo users, once the WUSB12 is plugged into Tivo it may no longer work if you want to plug it into a computer. This is because the Tivo updates the firmware of the adaptor possibility making it useless for PC’s.


OVERALL
Even today for those Tivo users looking to hook their Tivo’s up to their home network you can’t go wrong with the Linksys WUSB12. Even though the signal strength remains pretty constant in the 70% range we still have no problems using the broadband features of Tivo like Music and Photo’s. MP3’s transmit from my PC to my Tivo with no delay. Transferring a recorded program can still take a bit of time, but recorded shows are normally between 1.6GB and 2.4GB depending on the recorded quality.

I do apologize that I cannot exactly tell you how the WUSB12 works with a PC or laptop but I feel pretty confident that my usage of a Tivo which is part of the computer family is an adequate example.

Although the 70% signal strength is fine for us Tivo users I’d be a little skeptical if I was buying this for my computer. This may work great for a laptop since there is bound to be less obstruction and only distance as a main factor – but with computers unless the USB port is in the front (which opens up issues of the device being kicked or broken off) plugging it into the back of a PC not only makes the travel ability feature mute but all the various power and data cords that come out of the back of a PC get in the way to the WUSB12’s signal strength.

So I guess by deduction – the WUSB12 is great for laptop and Tivo users. Adequate for everyone else. And with the invent of Wireless-G, it is also outdated.


RELATED REVIEWS
Linksys WRT54G Wireless-G Network Router
Linksys WUSB54G Wireless-G Network Adaptor



Recommended: Yes