Linksys by Cisco WIRELESS G BROADBAND ROUTER WITH SPEEDBOOSTER (Linksys-WRT54GS)

Reviewed by: n337

Duration of ownership: 7 Days

Strengths: -Excellent Signal -Easy Web-based Setup -Works Great

Weaknesses: -Software Based Setup doesn't work -Antenna's aren't disconnectable

Overall: This router has worked well for me so far. The signal is great, consistant, and has stayed connected even with multiple stand-by's on both wireless and wired networks and being connected all day. The setup worked great, once I closed the software based and opened the web based configuration. The software works untill it tries to connect to the router. Once you setup your router through the web-based setup, the software works great and tells you all of the devices and internet information in one easy to use interface. I was going to put a set of Powered antenna's outside so that I could acess the wireless in my backyard, but the antenna's don't come off. It doesn't matter though, because the router is strong enough that I don't need powered antenna's. The signal reaches with the built-in antenna's. Great Product that I would reccomend to anyone.

Reviewed by: Glassman2

Duration of ownership: 2 Weeks

Strengths: Great convenience and performance throughout home.

Weaknesses: Software was useless for setup. Finally reverted back to Windows and installation was a breeze. I have no idea exactly why the accompanying software failed but the instructions were followed to the letter but could not get connected. After restoring the computer back to the original configuration I allowed Windows to handle the chore we were on the net in less than 10 minutes.

Overall: Service so far has been great but the setup using the Linksys software was nothing short of a nightmare. I am no computer geek but have always been successful loading new programs from CDs as they're usually fail safe if you follow the instructions. This was an exception! Maybe Linksys should recommend that purchasers use Windows to install the product and save the expense of including a CD.

Reviewed by:

Strengths: Initial set up.

Weaknesses: Tech support

Overall: Mine died after 3 months. Spent many hours trying to get it going again with tech support. It was hard to communicate with tech people because English was not their first language. They replaced it twice, I had to pay return shipping. It still didn't work. In the end tech support would put me on hold and hang up.

Reviewed by: shagnat

Strengths: Simple, and easy to use.

Weaknesses: Would like some monitoring software just for giggles.`

Overall: I had never done a home network and was intimidated at trying after reading some others' horror stories.All of my worry was for naught. This thing is totally plug 'n play with my custom built Home Desktop and my HP Pavilion notebook. Desktop is running XP, laptop is running Vista Premium Home.Some folks said NOT to run the CD first. I don't know why, all it does is tell you how to hook things up. My router is old. I had bought it a few years ago anticipating working more from home, but, that never panned out, so I just left the router in the box. I had thought about returning it and getting a newer N router, but, saw way too many horror stories about those.I took the plunge and hooked this thing up by the directions on the CD, and wahla, no problems at all. It's been working for a week w/out a hitch. I ran the firmware upgrade and still NO problems.Some others who have problems with this unit just have bad luck. This thing is just too simple to goof up. Really, no smoke, simple easy and works great!!

Reviewed by: mavigozler

Strengths: You tell me

Weaknesses: Providing a working device without customer hassle

Overall: I helped a very hesitant relative pick out a wireless router for his home and we decided Linksys was the most inexpensive on the shelf providing the needed capabilities.Now you can change the word "inexpensive" to "cheapest" with all the connotations that word has about product quality.The WRT54GS stopped working after 2 months, which was 1 month beyond the distributing store's return policy and of course, 10 months or 22 months? before the Linksys warranty ends (depending on whether it was a year or 2-year warranty).Once the tech support verified that the device was beyond user servicability---no LED lights at all came on when the power was hooked up...we didn't know if it was a dead AC adaptor or a burnt-out board in the device----they issued a return merchandise authorization (RMA), which itself was hard to get because the first tech support guy apparently did not register the RMA number---and it did not help that he barely knew how to speak intelligible English----and it took a 2nd call to get a new RMA. When my relative learned he would have to print out two RMA labels---which were not made printable in emails from Linksys----and that he would have to pay for shipping before Linksys send out a replacement---which he assumed would be just as defective, my relative told me that he has a simple policy on NOTHING-BUT-HASSLE warranties: and that is that if the product is defective and breaks within the term, he eats the cost but will never buy a product from the maker again. He said even if he got the replacement and it ended up working without defect for years, he would probably never buy from the manufacturer again and would warn others from doing so.And I agree.At least there are companies out there who warranty their products against defects and assume all the costs associated with replacement.Linksys is not one of them.If a company will NOT assume the costs of replacing their defective products (with the exception of the time and hassle of the user in doing shipping and handling), then their products better work and work perfectly at least through the warranted period. Otherwise, you can write off another customer of that manufacturer and all whom he has influence over.

Reviewed by: edwardjd

Strengths: - Easy installation for windows XP & Vista- Easy upgrade firmware

Weaknesses: - Should have a ON/OFF button- powerful antenna should be provided instead of norma lones.- doesn't have user manual

Overall: First of all I intended to purchase wireless draft-N router. After taking a lot time reading user's reviews & technical reviews, I concluded just waste money to buy those stuff & anyway N-technology is just draft only. The draft-N might be considered is WRT330N. But this router's expensive. So I decided to go with cheaper WRT54GS at BestBuy (version 7.0). It works great from the first time installation. At present I'm running dual-boot (XP Pro & Vista Ultimate) so I have to do installation twice: full & complete setup at the first time (on XP) & just re-enter SSID & psw at the 2nd time (on Vista). My laptop is far away about 100ft from my WRT54GS, but it's still works great & the speed's quite good. Very highly reccommended this router for those just need 802.11g & 802.11b & note that you should choose version 7 (the latest from LinkSys).One more thing I shuold say about user manual. Going together with WRT54GS is a CD (inluding driver & software), brochure, installation guide, & frequently asked questions (too simple). It doesn't have a user manual to show about trouble shooting so users know to go & find a solution such as how to upgrade a firmware, etc. I reccommend about an official forum on the LinkSys web-site at http://forums.linksys.com/ . You can find several useful solution from this.

Reviewed by: tadejr

Strengths: Easy to setup, logical

Weaknesses: I'm not aware of any

Overall: It gives you many different options. If you are not just a person who knows only how to press next, next, next when you setup something new, you can easly setup this router. With the product you receive manual which is easy and understandable. Can be compare with manuals for dummies. You don't need more then half hour and your network is running perfectly.