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| Date Reviewed: 04/05/2008 |
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Strengths: Reliable, WEP AND WPA encryption, strong WLAN signal, flashable with Linux
Weaknesses: Power consumption higher than necessary without sleep mode
Summary: I am using this Linksys router for several months and had definitely no problems with it. The setup with a Comcast cable account was a little tricky since I first configured the account with the modem only and then had to copy the IP address to the routers settings. But there are several webpages which offer help here and this is not a problem to the router but to the Comcast settings. I am a little disappointed that there is not sleep mode, so the router always takes approx. 15 Watts per hour...
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| Date Reviewed: 11/16/2004 |
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Strengths: great performance
Weaknesses: cannot install with a mac
Summary: if you have a mac, you need a pc to run the setup disk once, but once that's taken care of, you can use macs with the router
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| Date Reviewed: 01/14/2007 |
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 Customer Service Is TERRIBLE! Strengths: was great when it was working!
Weaknesses: if it dies, don't count on getting it replaced anytime soon...
Summary: 2007-01-14 17:06:51 the router stopped working during a firmware update, power was not lost and the process was never interrupted. The router no longer works after 6 months of continuous use (and previous firmware updates). Customer service is absolutely horrible, as the unit is on backorder and has been for over a month now. No one cares to update you on the status of the RMA or to even consider sending a new unit with an updated hardware version.
Be very careful in choosing this unit, it may be popular, but it can definately fail at the hands of even experienced users.
UPDATE: I solved the problem using a very simple process found on wikipedia. Linksys customer service didn't even provide this simple information to get to "Management Mode", so I'm still not happy with them, but the product works fine again!
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| Date Reviewed: 08/04/2007 |
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Strengths: plug in and go
Weaknesses: short distance through walls, maybe 75 feet
Summary: We purchased 3 and put them in our studio in different places. We plugged in the dsl ethernet, turned it on and bang it was on. The same with our cable feed. No brainer. Cheap no installation of software was needed. Even our lone PC saw the feed. ...itza nice!!
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| Date Reviewed: 07/25/2004 |
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Strengths: -Ease of use, great set-up (hint: don't use the CD)
-Value for the dollar
Weaknesses: None yet
Summary: I'm a 5 year veteran in IT. Although I prefer a CLI to the GUI interface, this is simple enough for the non-technical. I decommissioned my Cisco AP340 for the Linksys WRT54G to take advantage of the 3-in-1 (Access point, router, 4 port switch). Don't bother with the CD setup - simply plug in all periphials and follow the set-up fold out provided.
-Wireless network-
-works with Cisco 350 Client adapters for laptops
-works with the Dell 1100 compact flash wireless adapter
-DHCP server works flawless
-Wired network-
-Same as above (minus the wireless network cards)
1. Quick hint for the all (technical and non-technical)
ALWAYS update the latest firmware available from vendor website on ALL hardware you purchase. If you can download a file from the internet, you can update firmware.
2. Wireless throughput, signal strength, etc is a 99% your environment. i.e., cordless phones (2.4 ghz), microwave oven use, brick buildings, metal (air/heating ducts), your neighbors, local business, local government's wireless network, etc can all effect your results. Use common sense and place the router/access point is as central a location of your environment as possible. Use your laptop wireless network card to help identify if your neighbor is running wireless, it helps you select a channel change if needed.
3. If you have initial set up problems, you probably didn't read the documentation (RTFM, RTFM, RTFM). Double check the vendor web site for updates/changes. It happens all the time.
4. If you still have problems - take it back to place of purchase. It happens folks. Sometimes defective units make it past manufacturing QA screens. Try a different unit before trying tech support. Previous posts are correct in that technical support is off shored to various countries (India, Mexico, Phillippines, Costa Rica, China, etc). That's business for you. Get it over it, it's here to stay.
5. You get what you pay for. This is a great product for the home environment and small office (real estate, insurance agency, etc). I don't recommend this for any larger commerical property - time is money - if your business relies on this for business critical - spend the money and go with SOHO/SMB hardware.
All in all, I give it a buy recommendation!
Good job Linksys!
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| Date Reviewed: 07/10/2004 |
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Strengths: Very fast...firewall...easy, intuitive web interface...easy to host web page with this router
Weaknesses: Setup was not as easy as one would wish
Summary: Ok...
Read all the reviews before I went and purchased this product. First, I cannot believe some of these 'networking professionals' and 'electrical engineers' are having the problems they are. While I did have to abandon the automatic setup CD (would not work), I had no more problem setting up this router than I did with any other. My problem revolved around the fact that I could not get my cable modem to assign the IP to the router. Once I held the 'reset' button in for about 30 seconds on the router, powered off the cable modem and router and did all that in the right combination, the IP was assigned and I was off and running. That was, no kidding, the only hiccup I had. And, again, that seems to be a recurring problem with every router I've used with this particular ISP, so it may not even be a problem with the Linksys router.
Everything else from the web intereface to the speed of the router is superb. This is my third router and I switched to this one because I'd purchased really cheap ones before (you get what you pay for!) and I couldn't host web pages through 'em and it was a real pain to get the Belkin router web interface to come up...a real hit and miss affair. So, I ditched the Belkin router for the Linksys and I'm more than happy now.
Only reason I didn't give it Five Stars is because I did have to rely upon my limited networking knowledge to get it running. The install CD did not work (said my computer did not have an Internet connection...I could surf the net, so something is dorked up with their automated processes). However, it only took me about 15 minutes for it to finally get the IP loaded and I've now got two computers hooked to it and I'm transfering data between them and surfing the net on both as I type this.
Since this is my third router in less than a year (hard wired, to 11b, to 11g), I'd say buy Linksys and stay away from Belkin...my own personal opinion of course. But, one that I've learned from experience.
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| Date Reviewed: 04/12/2006 |
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 Don't do it Strengths: Easy config interface
Weaknesses: No Static DHCP. Didn't work with friend's VPN
Summary: For more than a week this router frustrated my friend and I. He was trying to use it to connect into his work VPN and it absolutely would not do it. We tried all the known settings. He kept trying to tell me that he would take it back and get a different one and I told him it was the configuration and not the router itself. Finally he returns it and gets a netgear and he has been problem free ever since. Made me look foolish. Beware
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| Date Reviewed: 05/07/2003 |
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Strengths: Set up was easy for a techie, quick connection, good range, works well with other brand cards, little to no packet loss, and a great section for dynamic dns service
Weaknesses: none
Summary: I have been completely satisfied with this router. I originally had an SMC and was not happy with it's perfomance or reliability. I would recommend this router to any of my family or friends looking to set up a wireless network.
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| Date Reviewed: 03/26/2003 |
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Strengths: Firmware updates doesn't restore the router to factory defaults. Great signal strenght.
Weaknesses: Updates: Need to update both Firmware and drivers for best performance.
Summary: I had the D-Link 614+ and this is much better. Router is mounted upstairs under the desk (upsidedown) and my signal strength with this router is 80 - 85 being downstairs in the opposite end of my house. I have 2 2.5GHz wireless phones (one near the router and the other where I am downstairs)and have NO problems. My signal stays strong while on the phone and I don't lose my connection. The Linksys router (WRT54G) has givent me a 10% - 20% better signal strenght than the D-Link, even after a driver/firmware upgrade. Connectivity to my ISP has been flawless and communication between two desktops and a laptop has been perfect. I print from my laptop to a shared printer on one of my desktops and have had NO problem. This unit is by far MUCH better than the D-Link. With Cisco aquiring Linksys, I can only expect even better things to come. Another point to note, my neighbor has a wireless router in there house. With the new PC Card (WPC54G) I am seeing their network with a signal strenght of 40 where before I was seeing at 32. Guess there is a difference between the two PC Cards. Linksys Router does have WEP, SSid broadcast blocking, and MAC filtering.
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| Date Reviewed: 03/25/2003 |
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Strengths: Easy to set up with the CD and Wizard driven Setup.
Fully compatable with XP.
Weaknesses: Not easy to setup Raw without the wizard.... Even with understanding of WEP and other Wireless features on the older Access Point I had.
Summary: Linksys PCMCIA card Model WPC11, that IS on the list of supported cards, would not work. Had to buy a new card after 2 hours on tech support with Linksys. Other than that... I love this router. Once I got it set up... the router and card have worked flawlessly. Although my apartment is small, I never have line of sight, and the signal is always around 90% or better, with it never once dropping me off completely.
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| Date Reviewed: 08/29/2004 |
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Strengths: It has lightning fast reception from my laptop and works within anywhere in my home; even outdoors up to 1100 feet. What an outstanding solution to CAT5 cable.
Weaknesses: Disconnects when the cordless phone is turned on, but still not enough to downgrade because once the phone is hung up the reception returns to excellent.
Summary: I would recommend this to anyone that has a desire to upgrade to wireless and who has an appreciation towards high-speed transfere and who actually knows what they are doing. I read a lot of reviews and it proves that many people just don't read directions before buying or installing. This system will work great for you if you own a cordless phone and are able to use the phone from anywhere in your home or office. NOTE: If you have brick walls I would not consider purchasing. Most times brick walls arfe reenforced with steel rebar and it greatly reduces the output of your wireless devices.
79% of People (46/58) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 08/18/2003 |
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Strengths: Extremely simple to setup __IF__ you have ANY technical "know how". Excellent reception, depending on placement. Superb web interface.
Weaknesses: None found yet. Although if you DO NOT know what you are doing, then do not attempt to setup yourself.
Summary: The product is well packaged, and contains simple step by step instructions, that if you know WHAT YOU ARE DOING technically, you should have ABSOLUTELY no issues with installation. DO NOT purchase, or attempt to install if you do not have an understanding of networking. ALSO, the tweaks in the WEB/UI are sufficient to accomplish most networking tweaks. ALL IN ALL, nice product.
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| Date Reviewed: 07/12/2003 |
- rewagner
from CA
- Member Since:
Jul 2003
View Member's:
Reviews
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Strengths: Ease of set-up with the wizard
good signal
Weaknesses: Haven't found any yet.
Summary: I was very concerned about going wireless in as much as I hadn't even used a laptop before, but I bought the IBM T-40 and the WRT54G and everything works perfectly. It was easy to install, plugged everything in and no problem. I have had it about 3 weeks. I get a good signal all over the house, in the back yard and in the front yard. I love it. Ruel
71% of People (29/41) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 09/11/2003 |
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Strengths: Very fast connection speed, easy set up...like a dream! And it takes up a little less space than the oldschool Wireless B router it replaced...
Weaknesses: Still looking for one!
Summary: 2003-09-11 04:33:14 Don't believe the bad hype that this router and/or Wireless G has rec'd as of recent reviews. I have decent technical knowledge of networking so it was very easy to set up without the overkill Setup CD that comes with it. Even novice users are better off without it, especially if you can find someone who can assist you. The speed and extras of this router are totally worth the little bit of extra money spent on it. As for the reviews about tech support emailing drivers? Come on...they are all on the Linksys website! I'd recommend installing the new firmware (again...located on their site) just to stay fresh with the functionality, but if you are not experienced with flashing firmware please get some advice on what to do and not to do first. It is pretty easy to learn, but if done wrong can really ruin your day. Enjoy the speed (and get some skills all the rest of you naysayers!!)!
69% of People (31/45) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 08/15/2003 |
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Strengths: Easy setup, firewalled connection, and very fast.
Weaknesses: NA
Summary: Setup was easy. I like the web base setup. As soon as I updated the firmware to v1.30.7 and set Wep settings I was surfing the internet lightning fast. My internet bandwidth is 1385.9Kbps tested on 2wire.com. I'm also sitting downstairs and with no direct line of sight. Very pleased, after all of the horror stories I read about this product. I also have the linksys 54g wireless network card on my laptop. Good luck and happy surfing
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