Linksys WPC54GS Wireless-G notebook adapter with SpeedBooster
Manufacturer: Cisco Part number: WPC54GS
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The WPC54GS offers a decent bang for the buck and is an excellent choice if you plan to use it with other Linksys SpeedBooster products.
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CNET editors' review
Linksys WPC54GS Wireless-G notebook adapter with SpeedBooster price range: $29.98 - $49.58
- Reviewed by: Xiao Ming Wu
- Edited by: Allen Fear
- Reviewed on: 09/01/2004
- Released on: 04/01/2004
The good: Reasonably priced; good security features; helpful configuration utility.
The bad: Speed-enhancement feature works only with other SpeedBooster products.
The bottom line: The WPC54GS offers a decent bang for the buck and is an excellent choice if you plan to use it with other Linksys SpeedBooster products.
Setting up the Linksys WPC54GS notebook adapter with SpeedBooster is fool-proof. The adapter comes with a printed quick-installation guide that walks you through the process, which consists of installing the software on the accompanying CD and inserting the PC Card into your laptop. This takes about two minutes. The guide also gives you instructions on how to disable the Wireless Zero Configuration tool built into Windows XP so that you can use Linksys's Wireless Network Monitor to configure the WPC54GS. You can use either utility to manage the WPC54GS, but we recommend that you use Linksys's configuration tool because it provides more granular information about available network connections. For example, the Linksys Wireless Network Monitor lets you see the operating channels of neighboring networks, which can help you avoid interference by identifying a less crowded channel for your own network.
The WPC54GS includes support for WEP and WPA encryption. This makes the adapter both backward compatible with networks using older and weaker WEP encryption and forward compatible with networks that have already moved, or plan to move, to the newer and stronger WPA encryption scheme.
The WPC54GS uses Broadcom's Afterburner technology for its speed enhancements. Afterburner has both advantages and disadvantages compared with the Atheros-based speed enhancements in the D-Link DWL-G650 and the Netgear WG511T. In terms of raw performance, Atheros delivers better results with regard to both throughput and range. But the Atheros solution relies on channel bonding, which uses a wide swath of spectrum and is more apt to create interference for neighboring networks than Linksys's SpeedBooster products are. The SpeedBooster, a.k.a. Afterburner, solution enhances speed while limiting itself to a single nonoverlapping channel, which makes it a good alternative if you live in a dorm or an apartment building with neighboring wireless networks.
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Maximum throughput tests (Throughput in Mbps) |
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Throughput tests with mixed b/g clients (Throughput in Mbps) |
The Linksys WPC54GS notebook adapter with SpeedBooster comes with a respectable three-year warranty and one of the best all-around support packages in the business. You get toll-free, 24/7 support for the lifetime of the product and a wealth of helpful online support offerings that include product-specific setup guidelines for multiple operating systems, FAQs, troubleshooting solutions, driver updates, live chat with support staff, and a copious knowledge database that contains how-to information for the WPC54GS's setup and configuration, as well as fixes for a wide array of common networking issues.
User reviews
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Works well at my college dormitories and all around campus! A perfect 10 out of 10.
by ComputerTech9 on November 20, 2006
Pros: The range of the wireless g notebook adapter is amazing.
Cons: The cons are that it can lose the connection (happens very very rarely).
Summary: I recommend this card as well because it is from Linksys. Linksys is an industry leader that makes quality products.
Summary: I recommend this card as well because it is from Linksys. Linksys is an industry leader that makes quality products.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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No Problems
by bknowledge on January 22, 2006
Pros: The interface sets it apart
Cons: Could break
Summary: I got it with the matching router for my first home network. The brand has a good rep so I bought it the next day I got broadband installed. My ...
Summary: I got it with the matching router for my first home network. The brand has a good rep so I bought it the next day I got broadband installed. My sister uses it in her laptop and only wanted something that works, the only time it didn’t work was because I was missing with the network and I was awaking out of bed for it. Never had a drop connection or problem connecting to the router and it runs just as fast as wired connections. The interface also tell you what networks are available, if they’re secure or not and what channel it’s on. For someone who didn’t care about running a line to use the internet , now the card never leaves the laptop slot and like I said earlier will not used wired. Great product.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Linksys does it again!
Pros: I've always liked linksys equipment but decided to try the netgear 108 router and pc card based on reviews I had read. But I returned the netgear equipment for the linksys router and pc card with speedbooster. Easy setup, works everywhere in the house at
Cons: Range could be a little better but with the repeater it works well.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Dissapointment on Notebook Adapter/ Linksys Headache
by dallas59 on March 25, 2006
Pros: Other Linksys Products OK But Not Notebook Adaptor
Cons: Can't Unistall Utility Manager/Linksys Tech No Help
Summary: OS Windows XP Pro. Linksys Headache. You can't uninstall the old utility manager or install the new utility manager, therefore you can't configure your Linksys adaptor. There is ...
Summary: OS Windows XP Pro. Linksys Headache. You can't uninstall the old utility manager or install the new utility manager, therefore you can't configure your Linksys adaptor. There is an uninstall utility available, but CD and trying to get it from Linksys Tech is like getting blood from a turnip. Microsoft Uninstall Utility doesn't detect Linksys. I use a Linksys wireless router and PCI card on my PC with no problems, WEP key changes without problems. No dropped signals.. I just bought and installed a NETGEAR adaptor and walla!... 3 minutes tops and I'm surfing the net. Clean...clean...clean install! Configeration for Netgear is simple and fast. Works great with Linksys wireless router.
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Will NOT work with WIN 98
by 21kev on September 19, 2005
Pros: Dont know, had to bring it back
Cons: No support for win98 or ME
Summary: No drivers for windows 98 or ME. Device ONLY supports win2000 and XP. The install program crashes and manual install of the drivers will not work. In small print on ...
Summary: No drivers for windows 98 or ME. Device ONLY supports win2000 and XP. The install program crashes and manual install of the drivers will not work. In small print on the side of the box, the only supported devices are win2000 and XP and it means just that. Do not buy this device if you have a 98 or ME machine you want to use it on, it will NOT work.
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Fast with good range
by johnsonle1 on April 10, 2005
Pros: Inexpensive, Fast, decent range
Cons: Possible software conflict with XP SP2
Summary: For the price you get good range with very fast speeds. If you need better range get the WPC54GX i think it is.
This is a great bang for the ...Summary: For the price you get good range with very fast speeds. If you need better range get the WPC54GX i think it is.
This is a great bang for the buck.
1 tip if you have SP2 on XP Pro just install the driver and not the linksys software to avoid any conflicts. I had connection drops until I ditched the Linksys config utility, I belive SP2 doesn't like it. Once setup it's rock solid. -
Easy setup, good range so far.
by djtonyb on April 7, 2005
Pros: good link through cinderblock
Cons: drops config occasionally
Summary: My first foray into wireless networking, decent Peer-to-peer network with laptop & desktop, but will be upgrading soon with router & another desktop pc. Extremely easy setup out of the ...
Summary: My first foray into wireless networking, decent Peer-to-peer network with laptop & desktop, but will be upgrading soon with router & another desktop pc. Extremely easy setup out of the box, hope that router setup goes as smoothly. Occasionally lose config on laptop, but have dealt with large networks where computers religiously lose their connection and need to be reminded of their network settings, so no big deal there.
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Good, for an XP Pro Machine
by FirefoxBrowser on February 27, 2005
Pros: Speedbooster, Works well on my system running XP Pro SP2, and Easy to install
Cons: Support Stinks, and hard to get driver installation right
Summary: I have an older dell latitude c600 notebook PC and I have used this card for 1/2 year now and it works just fine. The only MAJOR complaints are ...
Summary: I have an older dell latitude c600 notebook PC and I have used this card for 1/2 year now and it works just fine. The only MAJOR complaints are Support S%@ks and I had a little trouble getting the driver installed right.
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Major Disappoinment
Pros: Can't think of any.
Cons: I thought I was upgrading to a faster router and card. Bought the laptop card and the PC card, got the router for Christmas. It was very difficult to setup and everytime I reboot my laptop I have to go throught he setup process again to get it to work. Th
2 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Kind of Sucks
Pros: Clean design, utility looks like it should work.
Cons: inability for utility to generate hex keys congruent with many airstations. seem to also have problems grabbing ip from avaya aps as well. this on w2k, perhaps xp works better with this card.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Part number: WPC54GS
- Description: The Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster is the simple way to add or upgrade wireless connectivity in your notebook computer. Just slide it into your notebook's PC Card slot and enjoy high-speed wireless network access while retaining true mobility. The Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster incorporates the next generation of Wireless-G. In standard Wireless-G (802.11g) mode, the Notebook Adapter can connect to wireless networks at an incredible 54Mbps. With Linksys new SpeedBooster technology enabled, your "real-world" wireless network performance increases by up to 35%! Unlike other speed-enhancing technologies, SpeedBooster is 802.11 compliant, fully compatible with standard Wireless-G, and a "good neighbor" to other wireless devices and technologies, using a single 2.4GHz channel as specified by the official wireless standard. And, unlike other technologies, with SpeedBooster you'll see an overall speed improvement even when running a mixed network of SpeedBooster and regular Wireless-G devices. Once you're connected, you can keep in touch with your e-mail, access the Internet, and share files and other resources such as printers and network storage with other computers on the network, wherever you wander. At home, you can surf the web or use instant messaging to chat with friends while sitting out on the patio. Your wireless connection is protected by up to 128-bit encryption. The included Setup Wizard will walk you through configuring the adapter to your network's settings, step by step. You'll also be able to connect with any of the growing number of public Wireless-B (802.11b) hotspots springing up in coffee shops, airport lounges, hotels and convention centers. And as those hotspots upgrade to the high-speed Wireless-G standard, you'll be ready to take advantage of the increased speeds. Get your notebook connected to Wireless-B, Wireless-G, and SpeedBooster wireless networks with the Wireless-G Notebook Adapter with SpeedBooster from Linksys.
General
- Device Type Network adapter
- Form Factor Plug-in module
- Width 4.5 in
- Depth 2.1 in
- Networking Device Type Network adapter
- Height 0.3 in
- Interface (Bus) Type CardBus
- Weight 1.8 oz
- Form factor [Jul 2, 2008 from CDS: Networking] Plug-in module
Antenna
- Antenna Internal integrated
Networking
- Data Link Protocol IEEE 802.11b ,
IEEE 802.11g - Connectivity Technology Wireless
- Data Transfer Rate 54 Mbps
- Networking type Network adapter
- Status Indicators Link activity,
Power - Frequency Band 2.4 GHz
- Network / Transport Protocol TCP/IP
- Spread Spectrum Method OFDM
- Features SpeedBooster technology,
DHCP support - Compliant Standards IEEE 802.1x,
IEEE 802.11g,
IEEE 802.11b - Line Coding Format DBPSK,
DQPSK,
CCK,
OFDM Expansion / Connectivity
- Expansion Slot(s) None
- Compatible Slots 1 x CardBus
- Connections None
- Expansion Slot(s) Total (Free) None
Miscellaneous
- Encryption Algorithm AES,
128-bit WEP,
64-bit WEP,
TKIP - Compliant Standards IC,
FCC
Power
- Power Device None
- Power Supply / Device None
Software / System Requirements
- OS Required Microsoft Windows 2000 / XP
- Min Processor Type 300 MHz
- Min Processor Type 300 MHz
- System Requirements Details Windows 2000/XP - RAM 128 MB
- Peripheral / Interface Devices CD-ROM
Environmental Parameters
- Min Operating Temperature 32 °F
- Max Operating Temperature 131 °F
- Humidity Range Operating 5 - 95%
Expansion / Port(s) Required
- Slot(s) Required 1 CardBus
- Port(s) / Connector(s) Required None
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Cisco products on Shopper.com
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- Manufacturer:Cisco
- Address:
170 W. Tasman Dr.
San Jose, CA 95134 - Phone: 800-553-6387
- Email: tac@cisco.com
