Gambit624's Full Review: Linksys WRT54GS Wireless Router
The WRT54G is my first foray into the world of wireless internet in my home. I purchased this from a friend who bought it, but realized that it didn't have what he wanted, so he offered it to me for half what he paid for it. I decided to jump at this.
I'm not a big fan of wireless technology. Between someone outside my home accessing the signal, and a host of internal issues that can cause loss of signal such as a microwave, house construction, it was just not something I wanted to have to deal with. This device has helped change my attitude towards the wireless world.
Switching from my old wired router, I began to use the CD that came with the router. I learned that this would slow me down. It stopped at the WPA security screen twice before I decided to reset the router and configuring the router manually through my browser. To me, the CD is just a coaster. However, for those who don't have experience in setting up routers, it is a good tool to help you set up the router. Just prepare to spend some time working with it.
This router has both WEP and WPA wireless encryption for the wireless signal. I suggest the WPA, as it is a little more secure. The setup for the wireless in the router (which is accessible through your browser) is very simple and straight forward. It gives you several options as to what signal to broadcast (B,G, or Mixed), and if you want to broadcast your SSID (which is the name of your wireless network.) I have the SSID Broadcast set to off. Other than the security settings, everything else in this section is more geared for more advanced users. Worst case if you change one of those settings, there is a reset button on the router, which will bring it back to the Factory Default settings.
One item that I do question on this item is the physical construction. Specifically, the outside of the router. The plastic feels a little flimsy than the previous router that I had, which was also a Linksys. I would take great care in handling this device. It seems quite brittle. Other exterior items, such as the Cisco Systems logo that lights up when the wireless is active is a nice touch. This is in conjunction with the regular green light for WLAN.
This wireless transmits at a max transmit rate of 54mbps for the "g" standard, and 11mbps for the "B" standard. It's pretty standard in that respect. I took my laptop out in my backyard (on the G band) and made it about 25 feet into my backyard before I lost signal. This translates into about 35 feet total from the router. However, in between my router and my backyard are a door to the basement and the door going outside through my kitchen, in which I suspect is generating some interference. I don't think this an accurate test of the routers range, but since I won't do much internet outside, it's not a major issue. The laptop is usually upstairs from where the router is, and my wife has made no complaints about the speed of her browsing.
For the routers wired ports, they work as any other wired router I've ever used. I have three systems hooked into it (two regular desktops and an older system that is being used as a file server). It works as expected. Through the wireless signal, it also allows me to share those resources with the laptop. It connected the two drives I'm sharing off the file server with ease, as it should have.
Bottom line about this router is that it is a good starter wireless router. While it does have a decent wireless signal, and it's Encryption is pretty solid, the construction of the unit itself gives me pause to solidly recommend this unit.
Recommended:
No
Amount Paid (US$): 25 Driver Availability: Windows, Linux, and Mac
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