Cisco-Linksys WRT54GS Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster

I have been running the WRT54GS for a few months and it has been fantastic.My main objective was to run the WRT54GS as a centrally located stand alone unit - not hooked up to a computer. For installation it was necessary to hook up the WRT54GS to a computer via the provided Ethernet cable, but once up and running it is independent. After initial setup, setting changes can be done through the wireless network using a browser, and in case of a crash a laptop can be hooked up to redo the setup if necessary. We have had several severe thunderstorms and power spikes that are typical for our area. These have sometimes caused problems with other equipment (despite being on APC surge protectors or UPSs). The WRT54GS has only once needed to have the power unplugged and plugged in again to establish normal operations, and then with no loss of settings.Our building has provided a great deal of interference for an ad-hoc network between computers. The WRT54GS equipped with a pair of Linksys high gain antennas solved the problem, and provided a single internet connection. I got a range expander for dead spots, but so far I have not needed to use it. Using the Intel PRO/Wireless 3945 Mini Card on Dell laptops we achieve 54 Mbps everywhere in the building, even where the signal is weakest. Reception is even good in the courtyard outside. We get similar performance using the Linksys WMP54GS in our desktop PCs. Our 10 Mbps cable modem link (to Brighthouse/Warner Cable) is the slowest part of the network. Other companies offer better speed and range performance with proprietary technology, but the WRT54GS gave us the same great performance no matter what wireless hardware we were using. It was also the best solution for the price.Our initial installation of the WRT54GS was problematic, requiring a firmware update. However, a couple of calls to Linksys technical support was all it took. I received a tech person within a few minutes and after going through the settings step by step they answered all my questions. They log all tech calls so even a new tech on a different call is instantly aware of the history of any problem.The setup software works well, but fails if there is no internet connection. Otherwise, it works great and makes installation easy. The default settings allow for a quick start even without the setup software, and the advanced features allow for sophisticated security and access solutions. The manual (on CD) is also excellent.

I chose this router based on a few considerations:1) Stability2) Ease of Management/Flexibility3) PriceSo with the above in mind, I set out to replace an overly flaky previous router from DLink. My experience with the WRT54G routers of other makes (namely the non-L and non-gs) versions led me to go with Linksys due to a real-world stability. I've used a number of other wireless routers and have seen linksys models outperform other brands in terms of number of necessary reboots in a give period of time.After stability, I wanted something that was easy to manage. And to be sure, Linksys has had some extremely clunky interfaces in models/revisions past, but this model was very easy to configure out of the box w/ no CD. The initial setup took less than 20 minutes - and I'm not a network expert, however I am versed in the ins/outs from previous experience. I was able to rename the SSID, setup new login credentials, Configure WPA2, configure PPOE and setup a new address range (changed from the standard 192.168.1.x range).These configuration changes took no real time to get up and going and when plugged in to replace the dlink, it took one simple power-on for the WRT54GS to step in line and do the job w/ no issues. I'm currently sticking with the stock firmware (dated 11/07) but like the idea of being able to use the other open source firmwares if needed on this model (just like the L-series).And finally - price. This model was actually less than the L-model at the time of purchase and features the same configurability/flexibility in terms of firmware.So far, the router has been a major improvement over the DLink that was in service. Speed is noticeably faster as well. Both routers were set to G-only, so I can only infer that that the Linksys handles WPA more efficiently.Overall, this is a solid wireless router. You can spend less money for a wireless router - but for the level of service this provides, the few extra dollars is certainly worth the increased performance. Many consider wireless routers to be a commodity - everyone has one and they must all be the same, right? Wrong. There are some subtle nuances that make or break a good router. This model from Linksys gets the details down right and in doing so shines in its role as the main wireless and wired router on my network.Kudos to Linksys (Cisco) for producing a quality product.