Opinions on Linksys WRT54g?

I searched all over the internet for reviews of this but they were all a year or so old. Can I get some current useres opinions? I am new to all of this but I learn quick and I like tinkering with stuff. Some of you suggested a Netgear but I have done my fair share of reading and have heard more bad than good.

 

www.linksysinfo.org would be a good start. If you like tinkering linksys is the only way to go. I have a GS v3 which is considered probably the best one to have. Just don't buy the latest 54G version (v5) because it has been nerfed. Go to the store and find a v4 and you'll be good, you can tell by the #SN if you google around a bit.

 

It works well.
You can tinker the hell out of most models. Latest model is not super hackable I guess.
You can buy larger antenna's and get the most 54g for your buck if you will. Antenna's are like $40 or something though (real costly), you could buy access points for that.

 

What about the WRT54gl?
They say its the updated one?

 

It has better security i believe

The WRT54G is a fine router. I wrote a review on it (look in my sig for link)

I already answered the question in your other 2 threads about Linksys compared to others...so be prepared

 

gl is the same as a g(v4) = a gs(v4) with less ram.

 

Right. The -L model is the newest one that still uses a Linux-based firmware that can be replaced with 3rd-party firmware updates, just like the v1-4 routers. The 'regular' WRT54Gv5 uses a different bios/firmware that isn't updatable with 3rd-party firmwares.

 

Please stop!!

 

Thanks for the info

 

chill out man, if you don't like the thread don't respond. Nothing stated by anyone here is wrong or offtopic.

 

Sorry, that was to a previous post that was deleted.

 

np just seemed out of place. A lot of people buy these routers and have different experiences with them without realizing that there are a ton of different versions with different abilities all under the same model number.

http://www.linksysinfo.org/modules.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=6

 

Well how do I know which verison I am getting? My local Walmart has the WRT54g's for sale and the main reason I want to purchase it from there is because of the ease of returning if I need to. It mentions the once touch button setup but from all the reading I've done on the internet I haven't seen any of the rest mention this. Does anyone know how I can tell what version I am getting? I believe I heard something about the barcode or serial number. I don't remember where though. I am a little confused and this is the reason for asking so many questions. I want to be sure of what I am getting before I get it.

 

there is a chart at the bottom of the link I posted above. It tells you each model number and what serial number starts with. go to walmart look on the box and match the serial.

 

With the WRT54G, it's a ****shoot as to what you get, but the WRT54G-L should be marked with the 'L' at the end of the model number. You may pay a few dollars more for it if you find it in a store, but I highly doubt that Walmart will carry both models. If you don't care about being able to play around with the 3rd-party firmware, it's not much of an issue which one you get, but if you think you may need or want to, I would order the -L model online.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...f=pd_bbs_1/104-3817562-2366332?_encoding=UTF8

 

What version should I try to get? WRT54g v4.0 or v5.0 since they are the newest or what?

 

Go for v4.


v5 has way to many issues last time i heard

 

Well I just ran to the local Walmart to check it out and they sure enough all have v5.0

Is setup still basically the same between the different versions? Whats different and what are the problems with v5.0?

 

Read: http://www.linksysinfo.org/modules.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=6
Explore that website.
Repeat as necessary until you get it.

/tapping out of this thread.

 

I have ONE more question and I promise to let you guys be.
When setting up my router should I first just hook it up to my desktop and configure it? Then move on to setting up the wireless? I am going to be getting rid of my desktop a few days after I get my laptop. Or should I first just hook my router up to the laptop like I would have done the desktop then take it out and setup wireless?

 

I haven't checked yet, but I pretty sure I have a V.5 and setup was a breeze, plus I'm doing everything I wanted on it... so I couldn't care less if V.4 has more stuff I'd never use.

In response to loserkidjp, I just ripped off the "put cd in and install software before connection cables" stickers and hooked everything up. Then powered it all up, gave it 5 minutes for everything to connect with eachother. Had the net workng perfectly in ten minutes with no work, and was logging on to the router and configuring within minutes. Don't bother with the CD, and there isn't any "setup" involved with initial wifi connection, just turn on the router and laptop. I configured the laptop through both my laptop and my desktop, so it doesn't matter if u want your desktop on theer or not.