Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster
Manufacturer: Linksys Inc. Part number: WRT54GS
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Accessories
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The Linksys WRT54GS is especially well suited for networks with both 802.11g and 802.11b connections.
Read more
Where to buy
| store | customer rating | inventory | tax & shipping | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon.com Marketplace |  | See Site | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 11/07/2009 |
CNET editors' review
Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster price range: $179.99
- Reviewed by: Xiao Ming Wu
- Reviewed on: 06/09/2004
- Released on: 03/01/2004
The good: Fast mixed-mode speeds; removable antennas; easy to set up; VPN pass-through.
The bad: No mounting bracket; slower enhanced speeds than those of routers from D-Link and Netgear.
The bottom line: The Linksys WRT54GS is especially well suited for networks with both 802.11g and 802.11b connections.
User reviews
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Easy to install, very good speed.
by pbscn on May 7, 2005
Pros: Good conn. Speeds 80-125M typical, WPA-PSK encryption and others.
Cons: Like the man in the video said, no wall mount bracket.
Summary: I recently purchased my first wireless router, the Linksys WRT54GS and 2 WMP54GS PCI adapters cards for my 2 desktop pcs. In short, they work great. I get connection speeds ...
Summary: I recently purchased my first wireless router, the Linksys WRT54GS and 2 WMP54GS PCI adapters cards for my 2 desktop pcs. In short, they work great. I get connection speeds from 54 - 125 MHz on both computers, one on the same floor, one upstairs. I use the router to connect to my DSL modem which came with my Earthlink DSL subscription. I knew almost nothing about the wireless security so I was a little hesitant to go wireless - not a problem at all. Linksys has a great tutorial on their website which explains the different types of encryption. Instead of the old WEP, I switched to WPA-PSK which is much more secure (my old wireless card, SMC 54Mhz would not support the new WPA standard). When you logon to your router (much like a website) it even has its own tutorial info if you need it. I got the system up and running right away. I did take me a couple hours of reading up on the encryption stuff to get up to speed on that though. Summary: It works great. I highly recommend.
32 out of 33 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Best Home Wireless Router!
by mcs37 on March 10, 2005
Pros: Easy setup, flawless performance, simple maintenance
Cons: No local gigabit routing?
Summary: I've tried numerous routers in my time and this particular Linksys is the best home router I've ever used. I used to be a huge fan of NetGear ...
Summary: I've tried numerous routers in my time and this particular Linksys is the best home router I've ever used. I used to be a huge fan of NetGear but their wireless products were always a hassle, so I switched to this Linksys router and haven't turned back. I've bought it numerous times (different locations) and still would highly recommend it to everyone. The wireless performance is fantastic with my mixed network (PowerBook upstairs never skips a beat) and the local network seamlessly blends.
How could they make this product better? I'd recommend adding some on-board DNS server, so the router itself can act as a DNS machine to the whole subnet (right now, only windows machines recognize each other by hostname--my UNIX/Mac machines need to use IP addresses). Also, throw in gigabit networking and you've got an even better unit.
But honestly if you're just looking for a solid home router, this is the one to get, bar none. Never had any problems and love its performance.26 out of 27 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Good product, fantastic online help
by adrian72 on April 30, 2005
Pros: Fantastic online help
Cons: Doesn't always reconnect automatically
Summary: Bought this recently. Experienced some problems setting up, which I understand is common for most routers from what I read before I bought it. However I was extremely pleased with ...
Summary: Bought this recently. Experienced some problems setting up, which I understand is common for most routers from what I read before I bought it. However I was extremely pleased with the customer service - (1) the web site has a tool that will automatically set up the router for you (2) if you have further problems the web site has an excellent online chat support facility.
13 out of 13 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Get ready for a headache
by lil_wheat on March 21, 2005
Pros: Looks like a Linksys
Cons: Doesn't act like a Linksys
Summary: I'm in the process of getting my 2nd replacement in as many months. Works better as a wired hub than anything else. I wouldn't waste the money on ...
Summary: I'm in the process of getting my 2nd replacement in as many months. Works better as a wired hub than anything else. I wouldn't waste the money on it, unless you need a doorstop.
Updated
So.. here's the short version of the issue. The wireless portion of the router drops out CONSTANTLY, while the wired ports stay hot. This happens .. ohh.. 20 times a night. It's the perfect router if you're working from home, plenty of disruptions. At one point I had two different wireless cards connected within 10 feet of the router.. both dropped out. This is the 2nd unit and the exact same issue. Buy a Netgear11 out of 13 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great if you don't set up security
by jxp01a on July 13, 2005
Pros: Great reception
Cons: Security diminishes signal strength
Summary: When I first set up the router, it was great in that I was able to access the internet from anywhere in my house. But when I started to setup ...
Summary: When I first set up the router, it was great in that I was able to access the internet from anywhere in my house. But when I started to setup my WEP or other security functions, my signal strength dropped from 54gbs to 11mbs. I was only to able to use my laptop in the room where the router was and when I left the room, the signal dropped. It's great if you're not worried about someone hacking into your connection.
8 out of 9 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Very unreliable product - do not buy
by Brendan Boulter on May 25, 2006
Pros: At least it didn't explode and kill someone
Cons: Unreliable, drops connection regularly, DHCP unresponsive, needs hard reset
Summary: I bought the Linksys WRT54GS recently and have been very disappointed with it. THe unit did not function correctly "out of the box" and the first thing I had to ...
Summary: I bought the Linksys WRT54GS recently and have been very disappointed with it. THe unit did not function correctly "out of the box" and the first thing I had to do was to upgrade the firmware. I am running the latest firmware version, but the Linksys box regularly drops the connection to the Internet. The DHCP server is often unresponsive. The DOS command "ipconfig/renew" sometimes solves the problem, but often it does not. I usually end up rebooting the Linksys box and manually connect to it using the Windows wireless networking utility.
I would not recommend this product to anyone.
Can I give it a -10 rating?5 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Be very careful of the VERSION 5 units!!!!!
by JLKC on December 4, 2005
Pros: Wireless range, setup
Cons: Poor quality and overall performance.
Summary: Be very careful of buying a VERSION 5 unit. My unit locks up many times a day requiring a re-boot of the router itself. Apparently the version 5 units are ...
Summary: Be very careful of buying a VERSION 5 unit. My unit locks up many times a day requiring a re-boot of the router itself. Apparently the version 5 units are relatively new and have major internal software/harware changes from previous versions. I have installed the new firmware load and worked with tech support but don't have a resolution. I will be returning the unit and buying another brand.
5 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Wireless Truly Made Simple
by AnneSW on May 16, 2005
Pros: Very Easy Installation; Stable Device
Cons: None Yet
Summary: After the less-than-one-day failure of our D-Link 624 wireless router and further research into routers known to be stable with our DSL service and modem (as well as devices with ...
Summary: After the less-than-one-day failure of our D-Link 624 wireless router and further research into routers known to be stable with our DSL service and modem (as well as devices with lower failure rates according to forums), we purchased this Linksys unit. The installation process was even easier than the excellent one that comes with D-Link. From start to finish, it took less than 10 minutes from opening the box until having the wireless network up and running. Most of that time was spent opening the box. As of this date, the Linksys unit has been stable; my business laptop and my son's PSP can access the web without difficulty; the PC wired to the unit has kept its Internet connection; and the range seems very good.
5 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.
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CNET underates how Good this Machine is!
by bobmitch on March 4, 2005
Pros: Fast, reliable and GREAT support
Cons: None at this time
Summary: Over the past few weeks...I upgraded from an old Netgear MR314, b router, which for three years served me well. I can't remember ever having the router drop ...
Summary: Over the past few weeks...I upgraded from an old Netgear MR314, b router, which for three years served me well. I can't remember ever having the router drop signal, etc. So most naturally, I thought...good luck with Netgear...get another one. So I purchased the WTG624v2...and so the Nightmare begins! 8 days with no issues and I thought...gee...maybe I don't have that "reboot" problem that others suffer from. At first..NO...then came the problem that I read about where the router forgets all the addresses and even though it doesn't drop signal of any kind or reboots...It does forget the DNS address and you can't access the internet without rebooting manually. So I get by that and wait a few more days to see what is going to happen...and lo and behold...Mr "Reboot" not only introduces himself to me...but the router reboots at least 6 times in 3 minutes...to a point that the last reboot recovery didn't look so good. All the lights stayed yellow for quite awhile. So as you can imagine...I took that bad boy back for a credit and got the Linksys WRT54GS. Then I downloaded the latest firmware and flashed with gritted teeth. What an incredible router! I posted my dissatisfaction loudly on the Netgear forum. Not only that...I now have a three year warrantee...and I was able to access technical support on the phone and get a few questions answered from a tech with a good attitude. I complimented him and Linksys. If my first day's experience is any indication of what to expect...I will most likely be a Linksys customer for a very long time. Funny how Netgear tech support has two questions for you when you call: 1. Serial Number 2. Credit card number.
Good Luck Netgear...you're gonna need it.4 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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No problems for me
by inzune on January 22, 2006
Pros: reliable connection, easy setup
Cons: none to date
Summary: I bought this Speedbooster router to upgrade my D-Link DI-614+ which had a hard time maintaining connection and speed to the other side of my house (50feet) through three walls. ...
Summary: I bought this Speedbooster router to upgrade my D-Link DI-614+ which had a hard time maintaining connection and speed to the other side of my house (50feet) through three walls. I had a Linksys Speedbooster card on my laptop, so I decided to get the matching router rather than get all new gear. I got a good deal on the WRT54GS on eBay. It installed without problems, including WPA. I get fine connection all over my house, keeping up to my 1.5Mbps DSL. I also got a WUSB54GS for my wife's computer in the kitchen, which also works just fine. BTW, I use 900Mhz and 5.8Ghz cordless phones to avoid interference.
3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Linksys Inc.
- Part number: WRT54GS
- Description: The Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster is really three devices in one box. First, there's the Wireless Access Point, which lets you connect Wireless-G, Wireless-B, and other performance-enhanced SpeedBooster devices to the network. There's also a built-in 4-port full-duplex 10/100 Switch to connect your wired-Ethernet devices together. Finally, the Router function ties it all together and lets your whole network share a high-speed cable or DSL Internet connection. The Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster incorporates the next generation of Wireless-G (802.11g) networking. SpeedBooster technology is a compatible add-on to standard Wireless-G, which increases "real-world" wireless network performance by up to 35%. Unlike other speed-enhancing technologies, SpeedBooster is fully 802.11 compliant, 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.
General
- Device Type Wireless router
- Form Factor External
- Width 7.3 in
- Depth 7.9 in
- Height 1.9 in
- Weight 1.1 lbs
Networking
- Connectivity Technology Wired, Wireless
- Integrated Switch 4-port switch
- Frequency Band 2.4 GHz
- Data Link Protocol Ethernet, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, Fast Ethernet
- Switching Protocol Ethernet
- Network / Transport Protocol L2TP, PPTP, IPSec, PPPoE, TCP/IP
- Remote Management Protocol HTTP, Telnet
- Status Indicators Power, Port status, Link activity
- Features DMZ port, NAT support, DHCP support, VPN passthrough, Dynamic DNS server, MAC address filtering, Auto-uplink (auto MDI/MDI-X), Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI)
- Compliant Standards IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.1x, IEEE 802.3u, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g
Communications
- Type None
Expansion / Connectivity
- Expansion Bays Total (Free) None
- Expansion Slots Total (Free) None
- Interfaces 4 x Network node - Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX - RJ-45, 1 x Network - Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX - RJ-45 ( DMZ )
- Compatible Slots None
Miscellaneous
- Cables (Details) 1 x Network cable
- Encryption Algorithm AES, TKIP
- Authentication Method RADIUS
- Compliant Standards CE
Power
- Power Device Power adapter - External
Software / System Requirements
- OS Required Microsoft Windows 98SE/2000/ME/XP
- Min Processor Type 200 MHz
- System Requirements Details Windows 98SE/2000/ME/XP - RAM 64 MB
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 10 - 85%
Manufacturer info
- Linksys Inc.
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Linksys Inc. products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.linksys.com/
- Address:
17401 Armstrong Ave.
Irvine CA 92614 - Phone: 949-261-1288
- Email: support@linksys.com
- Fax: 949-823-3002
