LinksysCisco- WRT54G2 Wireless-G Broadband Router

Cleaning up old reviews and just wanted to say that at the time this was an excellent wireless router. I upgraded to a much more powerful router but have kept this one on a shelf as an emergency backup.

Update: I opened my client Gaming Software Yesterday, updates and playing are just as efficient as my old wired configuration. I have also taken to disconnecting the Laptop from the Network, and removing the USB adapter - at night. This not only protects the machine a little more, but the adapter does get warm, and this gives both the adapter and the USB port a rest. If you use a USB adapter to speed up your connection, you may want to implement this strategy.*****************************************I was looking to go wifi mainly for my new  Kindle 3G Wireless Reading Device, Free 3G + Wi-Fi, 3G Works Globally, Graphite, 6" Display with New E Ink Pearl Technology . I was thinking of a new Belkin (which was cheap), but the reviews and the fact that the price increased in my cart - turned me to other solutions. I did a little research, including calling Comcast for their recommendations. I took the plunge with this router - since it sported 54mbps. I had it in my cart for awhile, and decided to add on the  Medialink - Wireless G USB Adapter - 802.11g - 54Mbps - 2.4ghz - Windows 2000 / XP / Vista 32-Bit / Vista 64-Bit / Windows 7 Compatible  - since the ole card in my laptop could do some g at best - but was really configured for b.***************************Installation and ConnectionWhen the router arrived, I put off hooking it up for a couple weeks - after the holidays is pretty busy. When I finally got around to it, my old router and modem died during set up (see my review for  Philips SPP4061D/17 6-Outlet Home Office Surge Protector  with the Story - too long to repeat again). I ran out and purchased the  Motorola SURFboard SB5101U DOCSIS 2.0 Cable Modem - RoHS , got that registered, then started the wifi setup with little food, and little sleep.Since I'm an old network pro, I tried to set up the basic connections, settings, etc manually. The router refused to save the settings. So with a heavy heart (and equally aching head), I inserted the CD.The set up started pretty quick, and it wanted that protected mode (the funny little button in the middle that I've never used), very badly. During this time, I was still connected to the router from my Laptop via ethernet. The router generated a key for the pass phrase, I changed one character, and proceeded with set up.An error occurred setting up Network Magic, and setup ceased. This was fine with me. I decided to test the connection with the Kindle first. I could not connect with the pass phrase. When I went to the Roku, it initially picked up the signal, but wouldn't connect with the pass phrase either. Of course, I tried to change the pass phrase manually, but again, the firmware would not save the settings.So on a whim, I ran set up again. This time, I put in a manual pass phrase (I love concocting obscure passwords anyway). Again, Setup exited without Network Magic. I was able to connect my Kindle now, and played around a little. I went to the Roku, and the connection had died. It disappeared from both the Kindle and the Roku. THIS IS WHERE SOME SIMILARITIES START TO EMERGE FROM THE PREVIOUS REVIEWS.Thinking solution, apparently we must install that friggin Network Magic. So, opened CD again, and clicked install Network Magic. Now, the program configured the Network (activated something with the firmware), but then installation of Network Magic stalled. Waited about 20 minutes, decided to give a call to Customer Support. They kept wanting me to hang up because static on line (calling from cell phone). By now - I was REALLY REALLY frustrated (no wine in house, probably a good thing). Even though I could hear him fine - he just would not discuss anything. I hung up, and went back to the computer.Voila, Network Magic was done. Network Magic launched, the Firmware seemed okay for the moment, Hooked up the Kindle and the Roku, everything seemed to go well (Netflix gave some sort of message that piece of Hardware missing, then went right to streaming - hhhmmm - wonder if that has something to do with going from wired to wireless).However, my system was running REALLY sluggish. Pulling up Task Manager, my main svchost.exe file (which usually peaks around 100,000k, time to reboot) - was a whopping 194,000k. This was NOT going to do. I looked at Start Up programs, and deselected Pure Networks (always check for new start up programs, when installing new software).I then went into Services, stopped Pure Networks Manager (since I was going to use Windows to manage the Network), and set to manual. (PS - I later uninstalled Pure Networks manager, but the service remained on the computer). I then stopped and set to manual the Network Manager Service (that service is now gone from the Computer).I rebooted, the number of running processes and the size of svchost.exe was back to normal (on start up after reboot, under 50k, normal around 52k). I have not had any problems with connections, and Windows Network sees all the devices connected. I could also make changes through the Admin Console, and they would stick.Preliminary Conclusion: Proper setup of this Router is NOT easy, since for some reason - mine would not save manual setting until a Network Configuration took place, which installs Network Magic. Disabling/Deleting Network Magic boosts performance of both your PC and the router. I believe the disconnect problems folks are experiencing are the result of using this software on the various different PC Platforms - it does seem the firmware and configuration (at least on my device and disk) are tied into the Installation of Network Magic - hopefully, this review will help.PS - check out my Image for speed comparing Lan vs. wifi on the  Medialink - Wireless G USB Adapter - 802.11g - 54Mbps - 2.4ghz - Windows 2000 / XP / Vista 32-Bit / Vista 64-Bit / Windows 7 Compatible  page. Under both configurations, I am now running ABOVE normal for my ISP, where as before, I was running slightly UNDER par performance. NOTE: I did wait 2 days before installing the USB adapter, wanted stable, secure wi-fi connection first. Intranet is 54Mbps************Pros:Great range for my apartment, speed. While an N router is faster and provides greater range, my Comcast non-Blast connection tops at 25mbps download. So speed is not a factor. Also, I get great bars throughout the 770 sq ft apartment, on the Kindle - bars only drop once I get in the farthest closet (drops to 3 bars, then goes back up to 5).Perfect for multiple connections. I have the wifi set up on the computer, wifi streams perfectly for Netflix and other shows (including You Tube) on the Roku box, and very speedy on the Kindle vs. the 3g mode. I do uploads, same speed as with LAN/ethernet connection.Had up since 1/9/2011, no dropped connections, never needed to reboot. Continues to stream uninterrupted, can Play Games with wifi.Cons: setup. See rant above.Using Windows Vista, not the CD software, no problems with router. Network magic (and Pure Network), are junk. Reports around the Web link the connection issues with those programs. Use Windows and your Firewall to manage the network.**************Other: though I haven't done this yet, it is recommended to set up a Lan connection for Administering the Router (the router remembers the ethernet connection originally used to set up, you can delete and change that address if you want - address usually ends 101. This is the same behavior as my old Linksys router). You can then disable wireless access to Administration. This is a more secure environment from hacks, but my neighbors seem somewhat clueless regarding this (even the guy whom works for Microsoft below me - received Netgear router from Comcast, but keeps it wired).My setup works perfect for my needs, so the more expensive models (N routers and cards), albeit newer technology - really aren't necessary for a start up network, nor an apartment set up with speeds maxing out at 25mbps. It pays to research your needs, PRIOR to getting all that equipment. With this router and USB connector, I only see a few networks in the apartment complex. With the N of the Roku - I have a whole line of networks to choose from, their boos in Distance is not necessary.CONCLUSION - biggest recommendation - if you are at least 80% tech savvy - stop using Network Magic (and the Pure Network Service), and use Windows to manage your Network. The steps for Managing your Network with Windows is beyond the scope of this review. Try to run setup again if you are experiencing disconnect issues, drops. Make sure (if you are not able to set up manually), that the set up disc says and completes - CONFIGURING NETWORK. Good Luck. Kindle 3G Wireless Reading Device, Free 3G + Wi-Fi, 3G Works Globally, Graphite, 6" Display with New E Ink Pearl TechnologyMedialink - Wireless G USB Adapter - 802.11g - 54Mbps - 2.4ghz - Windows 2000 / XP / Vista 32-Bit / Vista 64-Bit / Windows 7 CompatiblePhilips SPP4061D/17 6-Outlet Home Office Surge ProtectorMotorola SURFboard SB5101U DOCSIS 2.0 Cable Modem - RoHSMedialink - Wireless G USB Adapter - 802.11g - 54Mbps - 2.4ghz - Windows 2000 / XP / Vista 32-Bit / Vista 64-Bit / Windows 7 Compatible

I went over tons of reviews, including the 5 stars, 1 stars, & 2 stars the most, for this and other versions of this, plus the Belkin models and others even. I came to the conclusion on getting this one, because it seemed to suit what I'd be using it for, to share the connection so I have access to Xbox Live. Mainly to get DLC for games, any updates for the system, news, watch previews for games & movies, possibly even try streaming some movies to watch, & try out some arcade games. Basically, anything you can get w/o a Gold Membership.I got the new version of the Xbox network adapter, the black 1 w/ 2 antennas, and yes I know, that supports the N band, so why not get a router that uses the N band or has both the G & N? Because most of the ratings and reviews for those, for Linksys and other types, were pretty bad, some had just as many 1 stars as 5 stars, some had more 1 stars than 5 & 4 stars, and well, you get the idea. Some stated for a few of the "N" versions that it was rushed and that's why it has problems. While this model may have 100 1 stars (at the time of this writing), it has close to 4 times as many 5 stars, and that's not even mentioning the 4 star ratings.I noticed 1 pattern the most while reading all of the 1 star ratings for this, a lot of people had trouble getting it to work with their laptop, or couldn't get it to work with it at all, so yes, if you want to use it for use with your laptop, I do recommend reading the 1 star reviews and comments for them, to get an idea of what to expect, and find and solutions beforehand (what I do usually, I bookmarked certain comments/discussions that talk about what to do if "this" or "that" happens). Others had trouble w/ installation, maybe they got a dud, it happens, doesn't necessarily make it a bad product though, I could of gotten a crappy one, stuff happens, problem is people base most things on first impressions. Some people had massive trouble with installation, maybe their computers weren't 100% compatible w/ the router,I don't know, I've seen some people mention some of the computers or setups they have, and I have no clue what they're talking about, lol. Me, I have a Dell Computer that is 6 years old, currently using XP w/ service pack 3, and I had no issues whatsoever with installation, it was pretty quick and painless. Frankly, I thought there would of been more to it, more manual labor, but, nope. But, maybe it's because I have a basic setup, who knows.Hell, I had more problems with the Xbox network adapter and getting into Live than with the router. First, the disc that comes with it (which I need to install because I've never been connected before) says mixed media so it won't read, unless (and I found out this next part by, you guessed it, reading the reviews & comments of the product) you keep the disc in there, make sure the 360 is set to read the disc when you turn the system on, then, turn the 360 off, then back on, then it will work. That wasn't even the hardest part, I already had a Windows Live account (different gamertag name and everything than the 1 associated w/ my offline tag, didn't have the intent on getting Live back then), which you had to enter the email & password for on the 360, but it's with a different gamertag, so I couldn't get into Live unless I joined as a new member, but then all my achievements, etc, won't show. So, I had to make a new Windows Live account, then tried to log into Live again on the 360, using the new email & password, and voila!, it worked, took me a while to figure that out though, and after reading a bunch of help topics on migrating, etc. Needless to say, I spent a lot more time than with the router, the router was the easy part.If you follow the instructions on the screen to the letter, as in, carefully and by-the-book after putting the installation disc in for the router, you "should" have no trouble at all. yes, it does install Network Magic, which expires after a week and then from what people are saying (I've had this 2 days), asks for money, if that's the case, just uninstall it, people said. Anyway, onto the last and other important stuff, my 360 is nestled in an entertainment stand with my VCR, and PS2, it is about 30 feet roughly away from where I have the router, since my computer is in the bedroom. The signal has to travel down the hall, and go around 1 wall, but as for how many walls it would have to pass through (though I imagine if it can avoid going through then it would?), there's 3, and then pass through the wood of the entertainment stand of course. The only interference would be the microwave nearby, and my cell phone pretty much. Also, the 360 controller I have is wireless, and that works on the 2.4Ghz bandwith as does the router, but, I have had no problems whatsoever so far. I was watching game demos and movie demos with no interruption/stutter/slowdown.I downloaded the 2 DLC's for Dragon Age, the biggest one, I think it was 296 Mb's, took just under 4 minutes, the other one that was 139 Mb's took like 2 minutes, if that even. A while ago I downloaded the arcade free trial for some Pirate game, can't think of the name right now, but that was 553 Mb's and I timed that one to the letter, it took 7 minutes and 14 seconds to finish. That, to me, is pretty darn good, I figured it would take a LOT longer, or maybe I just have low standards/expectations. Oh yeah, before I forget, you know where it shows you the connection for the 360, there's 4 bars there, just like for a cell phone, well, I have 3 lit, I think that's pretty good. So, 3 lit for about 30 feet away, maybe a bit more.I did get a free 1 month trial to the Gold membership, so I did some other stuff like try the 1 vs 100 (which I love), and I had no issues with that either, like it's stated in the title, works like a charm so far. Also, doing things by-the-book means putting in the installation disc first, BEFORE you do any connecting of wires, when it's time to connect something, like disconnect the ethernet cable from your computer and connect it to the router, and then connect the router to the pc, it will prompt you, I bet there's some people who connect stuff before they are told, and yes, believe it or not, that can cause problems and even screw up the whole installation. If you are using for Xbox Live, make sure when it's time to name the router, you name it something you will recognize, really, if you keep it as Linksys, nothing more, when the 360 has to search for routers in the area, there will be a list if there's a lot using them also, and you have to find yours on the list, just a piece of advice.

This router is looks great and works pretty well too. I bought this product when my old router fell out of date and no longer functioned with my computer. So far I have had no problems. The set up was easy and the software walked me through it very quickly. I use the router for my computer and gaming console and so far the connection works fine with no consistent lag. This router also looks very slick with a stream lined look and feel to it. However, I will say that Link-Sys customer support is pretty bad. They helped me before my old-router died on me and everything went pretty well. After my old rig became out of date though, they told me that my free technical support time had ended and asked me to pay 30 dollars for a one year extension on it. That's only slightly less than I payed for the new router. Everything else is great though and I would recommend this router to anyone who needs one. Just keep in mind that eventually Link-Sys won't help you with your problems.

The short version of my gripes:The most recent WRT54G2 (version 1.5) that I received was defective. It didn't have the decency to simply not work; it stuck me with an intermittent connection that had me wondering what other gremlins were lurking in our network for almost three additional business days. I've had two other WRT54G2s in the last four years, because the ones that did work only work for about two years. Not what I hope for in terms of quality.And now for the long version, since I need to vent:Perhaps I deserved this latest misery because I was being a bit lazy in the first place, but Linksys really cranked out crap with this model.I'm the techiest of the people in my office, so I get stuck with the network equipment. However, I'm not that much above a novice so I prefer to stick with simple things when possible. Four years ago, our office got a first gen WRT54G2, and it was configured by an outside tech person. Two years later, it craps out on us. I discovered we could still get the same model, so I bought another, because I'd noted all the configuration settings from the first one, and knew it would be quick to get the second one going. It was, but that one also lasted just over two years and got flaky last month. Seeing the writing on the wall, I started shopping again and found that I could get version 1.5 of this same model. I knew there were fancier routers out there, but I wasn't super confident I'd configure them correctly if they were a lot different from what I was used to, so I thought I'd take the easy way out and ordered this router for a third time.I configured it and put it into service early one evening, and when I left the office everything seemed to be working fine. Later that evening, I realized it had lost its little mind and there was no internet access at our office (from outside the office, as well as inside, as I found out the next morning). Restarting it did get it online again, but I had suspicions that I might have caused this error somehow so I reset it to factory defaults and configured it one more time.When I put it back into service, I found that we had internet access, but it was intermittent. Because the router was new, I thought surely it was the least likely culprit... so I talked to our ISP, who confirmed it wasn't their issue or the modem's (which made sense, since our connection to our file server was also intermittent), and then I did the second "easiest" thing I could, which was to replace our switch. The old switch was unmanaged, so I couldn't tell if it was malfunctioning, but it was less expensive and faster to buy another than to call our expensive IT people. After putting in the new switch, I realized it had not been the problem.My next move was to call for server support, since all our traffic goes through it. Dell said our NIC could be failing, and offered to replace it but it would take another business day. Since I still wasn't 100% confident that this new Linksys router was "good" I decided to pick up another router at Best Buy and try it out. I got a shiny new Netgear R6300 and it has more options and capabilities than our old Linksys (and faster wireless, too). Although the configuration options were numerous, I was still able to wade through the configuration and get it working. That is what fixed our connection, finally.I spent THREE working days on this network issue because 1) I'm not an expert, as I said, 2) configuring and swapping these things does take a little time even if you're good at it, in my defense, 3) I spent MANY hours on the phone with our outside IT people and Dell, and 4) do you know how long it takes to research your next move when your internet connection is constantly dropping out? This has been a really frustrating week, my coworkers have been quite angry about it all too, and I had many other things I wanted to spend my time doing. I hope to save someone else from a crappy Linksys product. If you are fortunate enough not to get a dud in the first place, be advised that this router dies about every two years anyway.And for the record, yes, I had updated to the current firmware as soon as I opened the box.