Linksys WRT54GL Wireless Router

Features

* All-in-one Internet-sharing Router, 4-port Switch, and 54Mbps Wireless-G (802.11g) Access Point
* Shares a single Internet connection and other resources with Ethernet wired and Wireless-G and -B devices
* Push button setup feature makes wireless configuration secure and simple
? High security: TKIP and AES encryption, wireless MAC address filtering, powerful SPI firewall

* The L in GL stands for Linux!!!!

The 2 Second WIFI Primer (skip this if you are familiar with WIFI)

For those of you looking for a new router there a few things you should consider – I am giving a quick discussion, just so that the rest of my review makes sense to a newbee. I am not an expert in wireless networking but for those of you do not know there are several standards for WIFI networking:

802.11b – a longtime standard – since 1999, bandwidth up to 11 Mbps – slow by current standards, uses the same unregulated 2.4 GHz band widths – the one used by microwave ovens and cordless phones. The signal is not easily disrupted by walls and other obstacles.

802.111a –also a longtime standard, though less popular - uses bandwidth up to 54 Mbps and uses signals in the regulated 5 GHz range. This higher shortens the range of 802.11a networks and the signal has more difficulty penetrating walls and other obstructions.

802.11g – The newest stable and finalized standard. It combines the best of both 802.11a and 802.11b. 802.11g with bandwidth up to 54 Mbps, and I uses the 2.4 Ghz frequency for greater range. It is compatible with 802.11b

802.11n – the newest proposed standard. Offers fastest maximum speed and best signal range; more resistant to signal interference from outside sources. If you buy one of these you will pay a premium and the finalized 802.11n standard may not be the same as the router you buy.

There are other standards to like bluetooth – but they are not relevant here.

My Experience with the LINKSYS WRT54GL

My first wireless router was a Netgear 802.11a standard which served its purpose for about 3 years and even fetched some money when I sold it on ebay not too long ago. However it had a number of problems that I was looking to avoid when I went shopping for a replacement. Aside from having the problems discussed in the primer above, it also had a problem with the user interface. And Netgear dropped support for all of its 802.11a products right after I bought it. Can you see where this is headed?

I settled on the WRT54GL for a number of reasons including:
1) It was not made by Netgear (though I did consider some of their models)
2) Proven track record – this is a very popular model
3) Linksys Reputation
4) Reviews from a variety of sources including Eopinions
5) The fact that it is a Linux router
6) The 802.11g standard
7) 2 laptops we use have compatible cards built in
8) Cost – it was reasonable and there was a rebate

Out of the box – This router installed easily with only a few minor glitches (I was doing my guy thing and not reading the documentation). After a short very short install this router was up and running. The next step was getting the laptops, the Nintendo WII and the Nintendo DS Light to work with the router. Setting up was easy except that the DS Light is not compatible with the newer more powerful WPA security standards.

Usability – The WRT54GL works perfectly with all of the devices that use it. My wife loves the fact that she can shop online while watching television rooms away from the router. I use my laptop outside or in the basement without any hitches and the router is on our second floor. When I first installed it, I walked around our entire property and could not find a dead spot anywhere! OK so our lot is only one quarter of an acre and the signal was a little low in spots, but I had decent internet access everywhere!!!

Problems – The only issue I have had is related to my DSL service. With incoming phone calls our DSL modem cuts out at the start and end of the call. I have replaced the filters and all of the wiring to no avail. Our old router would stay offline for just a few seconds, but the Netgear takes considerably longer to reconnect if at all. Many times we need to shut down the router and modem to gain access again. It is just a minor inconvenience worth noting. There is probably an easy fix – but who has time?

Moving forward – the next thing I am considering is burning a different version of Linux software onto the WRT54GLs flash memory. While this will void the warranty and has a certain amount of risk, it produces a router with functionality of a full enterprises router costing considerably more. Not an option most people will want to pursue.