Works very well, almost all the time
Pros:
Excellent reception. Easy to install.
Cons:
May not configure to older wireless card protocols. Suggest upgrade to wireless 'G' card.
The Bottom Line:
Great connection. Excellent range. High speed. Can run multiple notebooks/desktop at same time without problems. Nothing bad to say.
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Overall Rating:
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Author's Review
I previously had a desktop PC and my son had a notebook. The desktop was hard wired, the notebook wireless, via a Belkin wireless 'B' router.
I recently upgraded to new notebook PCs, eliminating the desktop. I also purchased the Linksys wireless 'G' router.
The linksys works perfectly with the new notebooks. Very fast. Great connection. Very easy to set up.
UPDATES: After about a week of using the Linksys Wireless Router, I can say this unit works consistantly. I have not yet lost a connection, no matter where I am in the house. My wife and son are on their respective PCs at the same time, without any problems or IP conflicts.
Also, I have been checking the connection on the screen and it is indicated as EXCELLENT all the time. The SPEED is indicated usually at 54Mbps. A few times it dropped down to 48Mbps. I have not seen it drop any lower. Due to bad weather, I have not taken a notebook outside to see if the distance would effect the speed or connection.
I also connected a wireless capable printer. It is a HP MP460. It features networking capability with the choice of hard wire or wireless connection. The printer's network employs a WI-FI 802.11b connection. I plugged it into the Linksys router and had it up and running in no time. Now, all notebooks can print from anywhere within the household. Printer works fine. Download time to the printer is fast.
I have not yet engaged the firewall on the Linksys router, so I cannot comment on that aspect. My son tells me the built in firewall on the router may negatively effect connections and/or downloads. So, I am using Windows' firewall and the anti-virus protection that came with the new PC at the moment.
Also offers 4 ethernet ports for connection of other hardware, such as a wireless capable printer, for example.
Only problem is now my son's older notebook is having problems connecting. The Linksys router is supposed to be backwards capable, but I am not sure how well it works in that regard.
UPDATE: I purchased a Linksys wireless 'G' card for my sons' notebook. He now tells me his connection is excellent and his internet speed is MUCH faster than previously with the old wireless 'b' card. So, it seems that either the old card had older protocols that would not configure, or, that simply sticking with a same brand card and router works the best. In any case, the router now works very well with all PCs in the household.
One thing I do not like about this router is there is no option to hang it on a wall. My previous router, my cable modum and my surge protector all have screw-head slots for hanging onto a wall. What I did was hang all the above on the side of my wooden file cabinet, so that all these devices are out-of-sight and all the wiring is not seen. It makes for a much nicer appearance. This Linksys router comes with 4 nice rubber feet, but no slots to allow vertical wall hanging. Not a big issue, but I would have liked the option.
I like the router. Reception and connection seem to be excellent from anywhere within the house. That's all I wanted.
