Look Mom, No Wire! (Linksys WRT54G WiFi Router Review)
Filed in: Gadgets, Life Log, Reviews, Technology — January 3rd, 2006
Yes, I installed the Linksys WRT54G Wireless-G Router. I am writing this without connecting any network cables to my laptop, it is on wireless connection!
*cough* Sorry for being too excited. I have wished to use WiFi at home for a long time. In fact, I have only used wireless Internet connection a few times previously.
I got my WiFi router from LowYat plaza during my last KL trip. It cost only RM225 (USD$60). It was a good buy, I must say. 
Linksys WRT54G Wireless-G Router
I chose this Linksys router because I saw my friend using it in his house when I visited him during my Penang trip. I was amazed that the wireless connection was not affected even it was blocked by his room wall!
I was underestimating the power of WiFi. 
Another reason was that the router came with 4 ethernet ports, my younger brother’s PC could connect to it without getting a WiFi adapter. Plus, it has got many good customer reviews and it was cheap.
Features:
- Interoperates with 802.11b clients at 11 Mbps
- Advanced wireless security with 128-bit WEP encryption, MAC, or IP address filtering
- All-in-one Internet-sharing router, 4-port switch, and Wireless-G (802.11g) access point
- Wireless data rates up to 54 Mbps–5 times faster than 802.11b
- Shares a single Internet connection and other resources with Ethernet wired and Wireless-G clients
P/S: the two antennas can be adjusted to any direction, but I am not sure if they help to improve the wireless connectivity or not, because I get the same (best connection) all the time.
Note:
The WRT54G is famous for being the first consumer-level network device that had its firmware source code released to satisfy the obligations of the GNU GPL. This allows programming enthusiasts to modify the firmware to change or add functionality to the device. Several development projects have been started to provide the public with enhanced firmware for the WRT54G.
[ Read wikipedia ]
Setup Wireless network
It should not be hard to setup a wireless network with WRT54G. As long as you are running Windows, connected to the Internet using a broadband modem (not router) and following the setup wizard steps. The Linksys setup wizard is VERY easy to understand.
But, I had some problem when setting up my home wireless network.
I set my modem (from Tmnet) to router mode for auto dial up. Therefore, the Linksys setup wizard failed to setup the network for me. I realized the error after reading its PDF documentation.
However, the setup still failed after I reset the broadband modem to modem mode. The Linksys setup wizard asked me to reset the WiFi router and try again. I reset and tried for a few times, still the same result — failed. 
Using manual setup
Okay, now I know I can’t depend on the (setup) wizard anymore. I need to do it manually. Simply connect a network cable from the computer to one of the WiFi router ethernet ports, and use the following factory default account to log into the router web admin panel.
Address: http://192.168.1.1
Username: linksys
Password: admin
Easy huh? You bet, I STILL failed to connect to it via my brother’s PC. In the end, I connected to the WTR54G router using my Apple iBook. Yeah!
Once logged in to the router’s web admin panel, the setup was easy. Selected “PPPoE” for “Internet Connection Type”, filled in broadband account username and password, and clicked “Save Settings”. It was almost done! Of course, you might want to set some other options (e.g.: security) to customize your network environment.
Linksys WRT54G Signal Range
My house is a double storey, the first floor has no rooms. The first floor is an open space, my computers, modem and the wifi router are all there.
Note: the WiFi router is hidden under a table at the corner.
First of all, I tested the wireless connection on the same floor. Very well. Then, I went down to ground floor (living room). Very well, too.
“Why don’t you test it in our bedroom as well? And, close the door?”, my brother suggested to me.
Good idea! I brought my iBook into my bedroom.. still connected! The signal is still very well! I closed the bedroom door.. Hey! Still getting the same signal level! It was proven that I can go online wirelessly everywhere in my house! Wow! 
(Okay, I know I was acting silly… )
My two cents
Overall, I am very satisfied with the Linksys WRT54G Wireless-G Router. It has been running for nights without the need to reset (which is a common problem for most WiFi router). I think I made the right choice.
P/S: Even though Linksys does offer official firmware upgrades but I personally do not suggest you to upgrade your router firmware if it is running fine. Many people encountered connection problems after upgrading their firmwares.
Check out the latest price of Linksys WRT54G Wireless-G Router
Extra: WiFi Hotspot Search
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January 3rd, 2006 at 11:42 pm
Yeah congratulation bro. Finally get a wifi already. when i first get my wifi months ago i was damn happy about it as well haha. Can even online in the bathroom while enjoying my bath in the bath tub while waiting for time to pass LOL
January 3rd, 2006 at 11:57 pm
kcyap: your computer is water-resistant?!
January 4th, 2006 at 1:15 am
eh nolah, i got small table beside the bath tub ma LOL
January 4th, 2006 at 6:51 am
lol.. you are humiliating yourself.
why getting a wireless router is so happy? american probably laughing at you
January 4th, 2006 at 9:49 am
Great one..
Guys, check out 10 most important computer science breakthrough
wireless devices is one of them..
if you have time, just register and go listen.
January 4th, 2006 at 10:32 am
perhaps i should get one too
January 4th, 2006 at 10:55 am
I must say Wireless is great *only* if it’s secured. I bet somebody can bring their laptop and sit near your house and use *your* connection for FREE!
I know it can be done because i’ve done it with the local collages and Uni. After telling them about this, they started to secured their connection…and i hoop to other wireless users. And no, i’m not a bad hacker or sort, i’m just a friendly friend.
Read your manual on how to secure your wireless connection. In the manual, it will state the radius of coverage. Is it 100m? 200m? Calculate the radius with your house area radius and that might help you set your wireless connection.
Happy wireless Liew and don’t forget to secure your wireless or your neighbour might use his torrent to download Harry Porter using your LinSys.
Jamloceng,
http://jamloceng.blogspot.com
January 4th, 2006 at 10:59 am
Does anybody even think about the microwaves flying all over the air from cell phones, telecommunication towers, electric high tension towers, etc ??
Now you go and install a WiFi router at home and generate even more radio waves. Can our body take it? I mean surely this will increase chances of getting brain cancer? That’s one of the reason I don’t like anything wireless if I can help it. Particularly at home.
January 4th, 2006 at 11:35 am
wireless is great..i can surf anywhere at home..without wires running around….got my xda IIs with wireless to update avant2go….
but for USD60 is still a bit expensive…i bought netgear wgt614…54mbps wireless router from United States arround 2 and a half year ago for USD40….but I did cheat a little …with coupon, rebates, credit card price match.
January 4th, 2006 at 12:01 pm
I’ve been using the WRT54G for the past 1-year, thru StarHub free cable mode/wireless router/adapter promotion.
Actually, you can enchance WRT54G functionality by using diff firmware.
Many firmware distributions are available for the WRT54g. Keep in mind that different hardware versions of the WRT54g are in circulation. Each version has slightly different hardware.
Sveasoft http://www.sveasoft.com
OpenWRT http://openwrt.org
eWRT http://www.portless.net/menu/ewrt
Wifi-box http://sourceforge.net/projects/wifi-box
Batbox http://www.batbox.org/wrt54g-linux.html
HyperWRT http://www.hyperdrive.be/hyperwrt
I used Talisman Firmware before. Personally, I feel that Talisman is better than Linksys’ offical firmware.
January 4th, 2006 at 12:05 pm
Most wifi router at least cover 100m of radius, so if you are living at a double storey house no problem on coverage at all. So Liewcf, the answer is no, I don’t think adjusting the antenna will help in anyway lol..
Jamloceng made a good point, secure your connection.. you don’t want people to use your broadband to download their torrents and slow down your connection.
And Boon Seng, I believe we are absorbing more ‘waves’ by just sitting in front of the tv or pc screen, wifi won’t kill.
January 4th, 2006 at 12:37 pm
ya, I know how to secure the wireless connection.
anyway, I will know if anyone stands in front my house with a laptop.
January 4th, 2006 at 3:23 pm
What about someone hidden in a car with a laptop or PDA ?
January 4th, 2006 at 4:29 pm
haha… I will go out and knock his car door.
don’t worry, I secured my wireless network at the day one.
January 5th, 2006 at 12:36 am
thinking of getting one at the end of this month. can’t stand looking at the cable. very messy one.
pinvader
http://tranung.blogspot.com
January 7th, 2006 at 5:44 pm
liew, you should give a try with openwrt.org firmware. go! go!
January 7th, 2006 at 6:28 pm
using unofficial firmware will void the warranty, right?
January 7th, 2006 at 10:53 pm
yes. but i believes, if there is womething wrong; you can download the official firmware and reflash it back.
January 14th, 2006 at 9:58 pm
I killed My Linksys WRT54G WiFi Router!
My Linksys WRT54G WiFi router is not functioning after working for half month without any rest!
…