Electronics & Computers Deals here!Linksys WUSBF54G Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder
Manufacturer: Linksys Inc. Part number: WUSBF54G
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- From its comprehensive documentation to its docking cradle, the Linksys WUSBF54G has all of its bases covered, making it a smart choice for travelers seeking a good Wi-Fi hot-spot detector/adapter combo.
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CNET editors' review
Linksys WUSBF54G Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder price range: $71.99 - $89.99
- Reviewed by: Stephanie Bruzzese
- Edited by: Felisa Yang
- Reviewed on: 12/09/2005
- Released on: 10/14/2005
The good: The Linksys WUSBF54G is a highly configurable dual 802.11b/g wireless adapter and hot-spot detector. It comes with a docking cradle, well-ordered documentation, and a long warranty.
The bad: The LCD screen is tiny; can't connect the WUSBF54G to a wireless network automatically (you must use the configuration utility).
The bottom line: From its comprehensive documentation to its docking cradle, the Linksys WUSBF54G has all of its bases covered, making it a smart choice for travelers seeking a good Wi-Fi hot-spot detector/adapter combo.
With the introduction of its new WUSBF54G, Linksys joins the growing ranks of manufacturers that are adding handy wireless hot-spot detectors to their Wi-Fi adapters. The WUSBF54G scans for and displays the details of available Wi-Fi networks on its built-in LCD screen, then taps into the network of your choice using its integrated 802.11b/g radio. Though the WUSBF54G's core features resemble those of other devices, such as the Trendnet TEW-429UB's, its well-organized documentation, extensive configuration tool, and handy docking cradle are worth its slightly higher price.
Toting the Linksys WUSBF54G is akin to carrying a Swiss Army Knife with about 11 implements. The front of the device sports a diminutive LCD screen that's powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery inside the case; the battery charges through your computer's USB port. If you have a desktop with USB ports on its back panel, Linksys makes it easy for you to charge the adapter--just place it in the included docking cradle, then plug the cradle's long extension cable into your USB port.
After juicing up the Linksys WUSBF54G's battery, you can unplug the adapter and activate its LCD by hitting the on/off switch on the right edge. The opposite edge features two more buttons: Scan, which causes the device to search for available 802.11b/g networks (it can show you up to 15 networks); and Scroll, which spools through those wireless networks one after the other, showing onscreen specifics such as SSID, mode (b or g), channel, signal strength, and whether the network has associated security codes. Our only advice on the WUSBF54G's design would be to expand the display size a bit and permanently attach the removable cap to prevent its loss.
Like the Trendnet TEW-429UB, the Linksys WUSBF54G ceases to show network info on its LCD once the device is attached to your computer (the info is replaced by an image of a charging battery). To connect to one of the networks you've found, you're forced to launch the accompanying configuration utility, wait for the device to show the network name, and click the name from there. It would be more useful if you could continue to see available networks on the screen even after the WUSBF54G is plugged into your system, then connect to a network by pressing one of the adapter's buttons.
Linksys does a great job with the WUSBF54G's documentation, including a straightforward, hard-copy installation guide and a comprehensive electronic user guide on CD--both of which are packaged inside a nice mini folder. Installing the WUSBF54G and its configuration utility was a simple and straightforward exercise that took just a few minutes. We proceeded to manipulate the device's many settings, which include the ability to connect to a network automatically via DHCP or by specifying your own IP address and subnet mask. The device also supports both WEP and WPA security, with or without an associated RADIUS server. Lastly, you can use the utility to view stats on wireless networks in the area and to create and store handy profiles for the travel spots you visit most.
We gauged the Linksys WUSBF54G's real-world performance using CNET's Bandwidth Meter. In our tests of the adapter in several locations, the device achieved an average throughput speed of 17Mbps; though this doesn't compare to the speed of MIMO adapters, such as the Belkin Pre-N PC Card, it's fast enough for the basic e-mailing and Web surfing needs of most travelers.
The Linksys WUSBF54G ships with a long three-year warranty. The company's toll-free tech support lines are conveniently open 24/7. In addition to the typical troubleshooting database, the Linksys support Web site offers a useful live chat feature that links you to a virtual support rep.
User reviews
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Handy/Useful Tool
by Disparky on January 31, 2007
Pros: Cool built in screen w/ a lot of wifi info. Wireless works great!
Cons: Takes about 20 seconds to scan for wifi, is not directional.
Summary: This little unit is great but I have a couple gripes. When you het the scan button, it takes a little while to find the signals. Also unlike some of ...
Summary: This little unit is great but I have a couple gripes. When you het the scan button, it takes a little while to find the signals. Also unlike some of the cheapo wifi finders, it wont let you scan an area in real time and see the signal bounce around while looking for a good one. Once you hit the button, it scans and gives you the results.. Then you can move about, scan again and repeat until you find a good spot to camp out. Those are the only gripes I have about it. I like the fast that it has a built in battery that charges from the USB port. I've used it to figure out the best place to put a range expander for my network without having to use my laptop. The 802.11B/G network adapter part of it works fine although I didn't really check the range capabilities yet. I didn't use the driver that came with it though. I just plugged it in to my desktop while it was on the "wired" router port and windows got the driver from the internet and installed it like any other wireless card. I don't care for the Linksys wireless driver uuility that installs off the CD because some wifi snooper programs wont work with it. The unit comes with a cool stand with a long cord so you dont hafta worry about it sticking out of a usb port or getting a bad signal because of location. So I guess it makes for a nice antenna as well. I paid a little over $90 for it with tax. It's a bit pricy but considering that the USB wireless adapters go for around 70 bucks and you would pay an additional 20 for a cheapo wifi finder, this is in a good price range. So ya.. I'm happy with it. Nice job Linksys.
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Cute readout but unit failed after one reboot
by halfalemon on January 19, 2007
Pros: Easy set up & good signal strength -- when it worked
Cons: After installation, it failed after first reboot
Summary: After purchasing a new Dell PC, I needed a wireless adapter to connect with my 4-year old wireless system. Installation was a snap. The easy set-up was accompanied with an ...
Summary: After purchasing a new Dell PC, I needed a wireless adapter to connect with my 4-year old wireless system. Installation was a snap. The easy set-up was accompanied with an intuitively managed read-out of its system check and signal strenth meter. Everything ran fine during this session. I shut down the computer and returned several hours later. The read-out on the signal strength meter was zero and there was no link. I changed USB ports, USB cables, uninstalled the software, renamed the folder, reinstalled the software and still no signal and no link. The nifty readout on the unit itself was able to detect my router, but the adapter failed to connect the signal with my PC.
I returned the WUSBF54G to Comp USA for a full refund and purchased a Belkin F5D7050 at Best Buy at about half the price of the Linksys. Installing the Belkin software was not as easy or intuitive, and I ended up reinstalling the software after it failed to fire-up a day or two later. Since then, it's been up and running with signal strength and link quality (according to Belkin's meter) better than my old PCI wireless card in my old computer. So far so good with the Belkin after a week of operation and a brief period of frustration. -
kool toy to use
by franklm on March 19, 2006
Pros: small, fast, works well with mac, and pc. I love it
Cons: no back light witch it needs to see better.
Summary: buy it and have fun finding all the open WI-FI places.
Price is fair for the size with the linksys.Summary: buy it and have fun finding all the open WI-FI places.
Price is fair for the size with the linksys.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Linksys Inc.
- Part number: WUSBF54G
- Description: The Wireless-G USB Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder is a handy, pocket-sized device that combines an easy-to-use wireless network scanner with a USB-connected Wireless-G network adapter. Now you can scan for available wireless connectivity before turning on your computer. If the scanner does find a network, just plug it into your PC and get connected. The Wi-Fi Finder detects Wireless-G and Wireless-B networks with a simple push of a button. It displays all pertinent information such as the wireless network's name (SSID), signal strength, the channel used, and whether wireless security is enabled or not. The information is displayed on an easy-to-read LCD display and can be set up to look for only open networks, all networks, or a specific named network. Discovered networks are listed in order of signal strength. The advanced wireless search technology filters out 2.4GHz interference given off by microwave ovens, cordless phones, and Bluetooth devices to provide readouts only on working Wireless-G or -B networks. With the Wi-Fi Finder built into the unit, you no longer need to power on your PC to determine if there's a wireless network connection available. Public wireless hotspots are springing up all over in coffee shops, airport lounges, hotels and convention centers. The Wireless-G USB Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder from Linksys makes it easy to find, and connect to, those hotspots.
General
- Device Type Network adapter
- Form Factor External
- Width 3.8 in
- Depth 1.1 in
- Height 0.6 in
- Networking Device Type Network adapter
- Weight 0.8 oz
- Interface (Bus) Type Hi-Speed USB
- Form factor External
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 Power, LCD display, Link activity
- Frequency Band 2.4 GHz
- Compliant Standards IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, Wi-Fi CERTIFIED
Expansion / Connectivity
- Expansion Slots Total (Free) None
- Compatible Slots None
- Connections 1 x Hi-Speed USB - 4 pin USB Type A
- Expansion Slot(s) Total (Free) None
Miscellaneous
- Encryption Algorithm WPA, 128-bit WEP
- Compliant Standards FCC
Power
- Power Device None
- Power Supply / Device None
Software / System Requirements
- Software Included Drivers & Utilities
- OS Required Microsoft Windows 98SE/2000/ME/XP
- Min Processor Type 400 MHz
- Min Processor Type 400 MHz
- System Requirements Details Windows 98SE/2000/ME/XP - RAM 128 MB
- Peripheral / Interface Devices CD-ROM, USB port
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 3 years warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 3 years
Environmental Parameters
- Min Operating Temperature 32 °F
- Max Operating Temperature 104 °F
- Humidity Range Operating 0 - 70%
Expansion / Port(s) Required
- Slot(s) Required None
- Port(s) / Connector(s) Required 1 Hi-Speed USB 4 pin USB Type A
Warranty
- Service / Support Details Limited warranty 3 years
Manufacturer info
- Linksys Inc.
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Linksys Inc. products on Shopper.com
-
- Website: http://www.linksys.com/
- Address:
17401 Armstrong Ave.
Irvine CA 92614 - Phone: 949-261-1288
- Email: support@linksys.com
- Fax: 949-823-3002
