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(More customer reviews)Bottom Line: The "Linksys Wireless-G WAP54G" represents the best of both worlds; it can meet your need for current 802.11b standards, but still has the flexibility to expand beyond to 54Mbps.
Wireless-G is the next wave in wireless networking technology. Wireless-G WAP's, and Network Interface Cards (NIC's) are capable of transmitting and receiving data at speeds of up to 54Mbps, almost five times faster than the widely deployed Wireless-B (802.11b) products found in homes, businesses, and public wireless hotspots around the country, and indeed around the world. Wireless-G devices can utilize either the 2.4 GHz or 5.0 GHz band, and some can utilize both bands. Those Wireless-G devices that share the 2.4GHz radio band, can also work with existing 11Mbps Wireless-B equipment, while those which utilize the 5.0Ghz band will interoperate only with Wireless-A (802.11a, 54Mbps) equipment. Dual-band Wireless-G equipment are capable of interoperating with all three protocols; i.e. 802.11a (54Mbps), 802.11b (11 Mbps), and 802.11g (54Mbps).
Enter the "Linksys Wireless-G WAP54G Wireless Access Point." The "Linksys Wireless-G WAP54G" operates at a frequency of 2.4 GHz, and supports the following wireless protocols: 802.11b and 802.11g (draft). The "Wireless-G WAP54G" can transmit and receive networking traffic in a range of 1 - 54Mbps. I choose the "Linksys Wireless-G WAP54G" for three reasons; 1. Because the card operates at a frequency of 2.4 GHz the same frequency band I currently use for my wireless communications; 2. The card is compatible with the 802.11b 11Mps standard, and; 3. Wireless equipment that operates at 2.4 GHz vs. 5.0 GHz have better range; i.e. 100-150 ft. (2.4Ghz) v. 50 - 75 ft. (5.0Ghz)
Installation
Like all of my previous WAP installations, I placed the "Linksys Wireless-G WAP54G" high on a shelf in the upstairs spare bedroom closet where it would cover the most area. Upon unpacking the box, the first thing you'll notice about the "Linksys Wireless-G WAP54G" is the handsome distinctive rich blue with black accents, color of the WAP inherent to all Linksys products. Another distinguishing feature is dual antennae and a plethora of LED (Light Emitting Diode) readouts on the front panel, which relay vital information to the user, such as connection speed with the wired hub and wireless clients.
Linksys' installation scheme requires that you first install the configuration software onto a computer tied to the wired portion of your network, and then plug the "Linksys Wireless-G WAP54G" into the same hub. Once this was accomplished and the unit was powered on, I ran the installation program and configured the WAP. The whole procedure took me less then five minutes to complete. The default IP address is in the 192. range, but it can be changed to conform to the particular IP Addressing scheme utilized for your network. As for me, I use the 10. range of addresses with a 255.0.0.0 subnet. Once the IP address and Subnet Mask are plugged into the "Linksys Wireless-G WAP54G", configuration is complete, unless you want to change the name of the SSID (Service Set Identifier); default is "Linksys" or turn on encryption; default is "off."
After the configuration of the "Linksys Wireless-G WAP54G" was accomplished I queried it via the ping utility for the next hour just to ensure its continued operation. I then removed it from the hub, and using my spouses workstation (already equipped with a Linksys Wireless-G WMP54G PCI Card, see below for a link to my review of this product), I was able to connect at a full 54Mbps.
First Impressions:
I am impressed! I had read on Amazon.com & Buy.com via user reviews that some had problems communicating with the WAP after the installation process, and quite frankly this gave me pause, but not enough to forgo purchase of the unit. My reservations were unfounded; the "Linksys Wireless-G WAP54G" has thus far worked flawlessly.
Under real-world conditions, the "Linksys Wireless-G WAP54G" performance exceeds my expectations. So far I have been able to connect to the WAP from anywhere in the house; upstairs or down, at either a full 54Mbps or 36Mbps, and rarely 18Mbps. My laptop has consistently connected at a rate 54Mbps, and it is in the downstairs master bedroom! This comes in handy when I am perched in front of the television in the downstairs living room, but I am still able to surf the web and download files to and from my server and workstation on the second floor! And the signal strength drops off only marginally on the backyard patio; 36Mbps is the best I've been able to do, that is still markedly better then the 5.5Mbps I used the get with my other two WAP's. The Bard is a happy man!
The spouses Windows XP workstation, which is also downstairs just off the living room, connects to the "Linksys Wireless-G WAP54G" with a signal strength that fluctuates between ? and full, and a connection rate that floats between 54 - 48Mbps. As for my primary workstation in the upstairs loft; the signal strength is full at all times, and the connection rate is 54Mbps.
The "Linksys Wireless-G WAP54G" is capable of automatically downgrading its data transfer rate as the signal from the connected wireless clients becomes weaker, thus maintaining connection. When at the extreme range of the clients the "Linksys Wireless-G WAP54G" can downgrade as far as 1Mbps, which is still within acceptable limits for surfing the web and working with documents, but little else, but isn't nice that I do not have to worry about that.
Conclusion:
The "Linksys Wireless-G WAP54G" is a phenomenal product. Since installation I have yet to touch it; it just works and works well, but of course time will tell. The "Linksys Wireless-G WAP54G" represents the best of both worlds; it can meet your need for current 802.11b standards, but still has the flexibility to expand beyond to 54Mbps. Can you say no-brainer? I knew you could.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Linksys Wireless-G Access Point WAP54G - Wireless access point - Ethernet, Fast Ethernet - 802.11b/g
Wireless-G is the upcoming 54Mbps wireless networking standard that's almost five times faster than the widely deployed Wireless-B (802.11b) products found in homes, businesses, and public wireless hotspots around the country - but since they share the same 2.4GHz radio band, Wireless-G devices can also work with existing 11Mbps Wireless-B equipment.The Linksys Wireless-G Access Point lets you connect Wireless-G or Wireless-B devices to the network. Since both standards are built in, you can protect your investment in existing 802.11b infrastructure, and migrate your network clients to the screaming fast Wireless-G standard as your needs grow.To protect your data and privacy, the Wireless-G Access Point can encrypt all wireless transmissions. The MAC Address filter lets you decide exactly who has access to your wireless network. Configuration is a snap with the web browser-based configuration utility.Future-proof your wireless network with the Linksys Wireless-G Access Point. You'll enjoy Wireless-B connectivity today, and be prepared for a high-speed Wireless-G tomorrow.
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