Look Mom, No Wire! (Linksys WRT54G WiFi Router Review)

Yes, I installed the Linksys WRT54G Wireless-G Router. I am writing this without connecting any network cables to my laptop, it is on wireless connection!

cough Sorry for being too excited. I have wished to use WiFi at home for a long time. In fact, I have only used wireless Internet connection a few times previously.

I got my WiFi router from LowYat plaza during my last KL trip. It cost only RM225 (USD$60). It was a good buy, I must say. :)

Linksys WRT54G Wireless-G Router

I chose this Linksys router because I saw my friend using it in his house when I visited him during my Penang trip. I was amazed that the wireless connection was not affected even it was blocked by his room wall!

I was underestimating the power of WiFi. :P

Another reason was that the router came with 4 ethernet ports, my younger brother’s PC could connect to it without getting a WiFi adapter. Plus, it has got many good customer reviews and it was cheap. :)

Features:

• Interoperates with 802.11b clients at 11 Mbps
• Advanced wireless security with 128-bit WEP encryption, MAC, or IP address filtering
• All-in-one Internet-sharing router, 4-port switch, and Wireless-G (802.11g) access point
• Wireless data rates up to 54 Mbps–5 times faster than 802.11b
• Shares a single Internet connection and other resources with Ethernet wired and Wireless-G clients

P/S: the two antennas can be adjusted to any direction, but I am not sure if they help to improve the wireless connectivity or not, because I get the same (best connection) all the time. :P

Note:

The WRT54G is famous for being the first consumer-level network device that had its firmware source code released to satisfy the obligations of the GNU GPL. This allows programming enthusiasts to modify the firmware to change or add functionality to the device. Several development projects have been started to provide the public with enhanced firmware for the WRT54G.

[ Read wikipedia ]

Setup Wireless network

It should not be hard to setup a wireless network with WRT54G. As long as you are running Windows, connected to the Internet using a broadband modem (not router) and following the setup wizard steps. The Linksys setup wizard is VERY easy to understand.

But, I had some problem when setting up my home wireless network.

I set my modem (from Tmnet) to router mode for auto dial up. Therefore, the Linksys setup wizard failed to setup the network for me. I realized the error after reading its PDF documentation.

However, the setup still failed after I reset the broadband modem to modem mode. The Linksys setup wizard asked me to reset the WiFi router and try again. I reset and tried for a few times, still the same result — failed. :(

Using manual setup
Okay, now I know I can’t depend on the (setup) wizard anymore. I need to do it manually. Simply connect a network cable from the computer to one of the WiFi router ethernet ports, and use the following factory default account to log into the router web admin panel.

Address: http://192.168.1.1
Username: linksys
Password: admin

Easy huh? You bet, I STILL failed to connect to it via my brother’s PC. In the end, I connected to the WTR54G router using my Apple iBook. Yeah!

Once logged in to the router’s web admin panel, the setup was easy. Selected “PPPoE” for “Internet Connection Type”, filled in broadband account username and password, and clicked “Save Settings”. It was almost done! Of course, you might want to set some other options (e.g.: security) to customize your network environment.

Linksys WRT54G Signal Range

My house is a double storey, the first floor has no rooms. The first floor is an open space, my computers, modem and the wifi router are all there.

Note: the WiFi router is hidden under a table at the corner.

First of all, I tested the wireless connection on the same floor. Very well. Then, I went down to ground floor (living room). Very well, too.

“Why don’t you test it in our bedroom as well? And, close the door?”, my brother suggested to me.

Good idea! I brought my iBook into my bedroom.. still connected! The signal is still very well! I closed the bedroom door.. Hey! Still getting the same signal level! It was proven that I can go online wirelessly everywhere in my house! Wow! :shock:

(Okay, I know I was acting silly… :P )

My two cents

Overall, I am very satisfied with the Linksys WRT54G Wireless-G Router. It has been running for nights without the need to reset (which is a common problem for most WiFi router). I think I made the right choice. :)

P/S: Even though Linksys does offer official firmware upgrades but I personally do not suggest you to upgrade your router firmware if it is running fine. Many people encountered connection problems after upgrading their firmwares.

Check out the latest price of Linksys WRT54G Wireless-G Router

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