Back To School : Linksys Wireless-G Broadband Router WRT54G

It out performs in it's market, but I wished I could get it in a 10 mile range for the same price. Most of the wireless access points have similiar security. There is really only one that keeps out intruders with the highest success rate. Linksys has MAC address filtering. The MAC address is the "Media Access Control" address. All network cards, routers etc have one. Linksys allows you to create a list of allowed MAC addresses. This in turn keeps out MAC addresses (pc's, laptops, desktops, pda's) that aren't in the list. You still want encryption though, because if someone is wanting to spy on your passwords etc. They could "capture" the data stream. So creating your own encryption key is still important. I've used several access points and several network interface devices. I have found that Linksys stays connected. Whereas the three other top models that I've tried and one recent cheaper model constantly lost the connection in the same configuration. I now choose linksys because I need consistant connectivity with security. Hide Full Review

If you are even thinking about going wireless in your home, this is a device that should at least be on your short list. I work in Information Technology and I have set up more than my share of Wireless Home networks. I have had people go out and buy the cheapest item they could find and then have to call me for an additional $50/hour to fix thier Wireless network. You can set this up at home yourself. It is that easy. The one thing bad thing about the device is that the Web Interface is very hard to navigate. If you are setting up your home, here are the order of things you want to do with ANY device.

1). If you have DSL, Call your provider and ask if you have PPPOE. If so, then get the settings from them before you disconnect your computer.

2). Plug in the device according to the instructions (yes guys, you HAVE to read the instructions.. but only the small insert)

3). The instructions will walk you thru connecting to the device via the web interface. Once you are logged in, you can either set up your PPPOE settings if you have DSL or "Clone" your MAC address if you have Cable Modem(Like I said, you may have to look around for the settings, but they are there).

4). DO NOT SET UP SECURITY YET... Instead, try to connect your wireless device and see if everything works.

5). Once you are connected, the you can go back into the Web Interface and lock down your Wireless network.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE lockdown your wireless network. You have no idea the things that can happen (and that I have seen) when your wireless connection is left to default. This order goes from the most minimal and easiest to do to the most difficult.

1). CHANGE THE PASSWORD... All Linksys devices come with the password "admin"... now everyoone knows your password.

2). Turn on WPA or at least WEP encryption.

3). Shut off "Broadcasting" your wireless connection. This will stop people from being able to connect to your network using normal Windows XP Built-in tools.

4). Use MAC filtering... each and every Wireless device has a encoded Machine Access Code built into it. When you set up MAC filtering, you are only allowing the Network Cards that are allowed in your system in and denying everything else.

Good luck to all. Hide Full Review

Just purchased this equipment over the weekend...had it up and running in 30 minutes...my laptop hooked into it with no problems...only complaint is when setting up security, need more detail as to what to do..other than that, pretty satisfied..would recommend the product... Hide Full Review

My review has more to do with Linksys support personnel than with the product.

Upon doing installing the firmware update, the router was no longer accessible. Called tech support and after about 30-40 minutes, and countless Resets of the router, I guess the guy gave up. Phone went dead. I couldn't beleive the tech hung up. At my company we have other Linksys items, so they make decent equipment. Their offshoring of tech support (and based off the heavy accents with those I spoke to, it was offshored) leaves a lot to be desired.

BIG NEGATIVE TO LINKSYS Hide Full Review

It's interesting that I encountered two problems that were mentioned by other user/reviewers. The set-up was somewhat difficult, and I didn't think the instructions were clear. I called customer service, waited an eternity and they promised to e-mail me some additional info. I'm still waiting two weeks later. The system now works well - but it regularly drops the connection. It was very frustrating until I found that unplugging/replugging it would re-establish the link to my laptop. Now I just leave it unplugged when I don't use it - probably safer from a snoopers point of view too! All in all, a very good system -with a couple of frustrations. Hide Full Review