- Brand Name: Buffalo
- Model: WLI-TX4-G54HP
- Hardware Platform: Playstation 3
Product Details
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Product Description
From the Manufacturer
Great for Wireless Online Gaming! Connect to PlayStation 2, XBox, Slingbox!
The Buffalo AirStation High Power Wireless Ethernet Converter is an extremely versatile wireless client adapter. Use it to wirelessly connect gaming consoles, desktops, notebooks, media players, printers, Unix workstations, and any other devices with Ethernet ports. With a built-in four port switch, up to 4 devices can be simultaneously connected to the Ethernet Converter for instant wireless connectivity. The Ethernet Converter supports AOSS™, allowing you to configure a secure wireless connection with the push of a button, and offers the advanced security for WPA (TKIP, AES). Once the simple browser-based setup or AOSS™ is complete, the Ethernet Converter can be moved from one device to another without reconfiguration. You can even add an optional Buffalo antenna for extended range and performance.
Features
- High Power Wireless increases performance by up to 70% and extends range by up to 50%
- 802.11g Wireless 125* High-Speed Mode (Turbo G) transfer rates when used with 125* High-Speed Mode™ (Turbo G) Access Points or Wireless Routers
- Four built-in 10/100 ports for up to 4 simultaneous wired devices
- Easy and Secure Wireless Connections with AOSS™
- Can be used horizontally or vertically
- Compatible with 802.11b and 802.11g wireless routers and access points
- Simple web browser configuration, no drivers needed
- Can be moved from device to device without reconfiguration
- Enhanced security with WPA (TKIP, AES) and standard 64/128-bit WEP
- Works as a high-speed wireless gaming adapter
Product Description
Buffalo Technology AirStation Turbo G High Power Wireless Ethernet Converter ( WLI-TX4-G54HP )
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
39 of 41 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
One of the best, but opt for the WHR-HP-G54 if you have a WDS or Buffalo router. Also, 125 High Speed Incompatible with TiVo.
December 30, 2006
By R. Clark
The WLI-TX4-G54HP is not perfect, but it is one of the best bridges out there. Unlike most bridges from Netgear, Linksys, and D-Link, the Buffalo Technology WLI-TX4-G54HP has 4 Ethernet ports built in, eliminating the need for a separate switch. This is key, since the advantage of a bridge versus wireless adapters is that one bridge can be used for multiple devices (e.g. in an entertainment center to support a TiVo, Wii, Xbox, Xbox 360, PS3, Slingbox, etc). The costly and time consuming alternative is to buy and configure a separate wireless adapter per device, one of which costs as much as the WLI-TX4-G54HP, and many of which don't even support the latest network security encryption.
Compared to other network equipment, setup was relatively straightforward. If you have a Buffalo router or access point, you can use one touch AOSS setup, which worked seamlessly, defaulting to the highest level of encryption supported by all devices (e.g. WPA-AES/CCMP). However, your AOSS settings on your Buffalo router default to supporting 125 High Speed if supported by all devices on your network which can cause issues on the WLI-TX4-G54HP (see below). Also, using AOSS to configure the converter disables any custom settings on your router such as disabling SSID broadcast (a highly recommended security practice), so you'll probably opt to configure your converter manually.
With Manual configuration you have the option of using the PC configuration software or the built-in web-based configuration tool. The only hitch with using the web-based configuration tool is that you have set your computer's wired Ethernet adapter IP address manually to 1.1.1.2 since the converter's IP address defaults to 1.1.1.1 and you have to be on the same subnet to connect to it since there is no built-in DHCP server (to do this, Right-click Network Places, click Properties, right-click your Local Area Connection, click Properties, click TCP/IP, click Properties, select Use the following IP address, and enter IP address 1.1.1.2 and subnet mask 255.255.255.0). Once you change your computer's IP, you can log into the tool, change the network and security settings and change the static IP address of the configuration tool to an IP on your subnet (e.g. 192.168.x.2) so you can manage it from any computer on your network. Don't forget to change your IP And DNS back on your computer back to automatic detection after you are done configuring your device.
On the downside, if you are using the WLI-TX4-G54HP in 125 High Speed Mode mode (aka g+ SuperSpeed, Gplus, HSM, SpeedBooster, Turbo G, Xpress, WME), which is only possible when used on a network with all 125 High Speed compatible devices, it freezes up and requires a power cycle when used under intensive bandwidth conditions, which I discovered when trying to transfer video between two TiVos connected to two WLI-TX4-G54HP converters and a Buffalo WHR-HP-G54 router (all of which support 125 High Speed Mode). This can be avoided by disabling the 125 High Speed frame bursting mode on your router. You will not experience this problem on a non 125 High Speed network (or even if you have a 125 High Speed Network with any non-125 High Speed devices on it since every device must support it to enable it).
Finally, if you have WDS-compatible router, such as any Buffalo router, you are better off using another WHR-HP-G54 router as a bridge since it provides the same functionality as the WLI-TX4-G54HP but also acts as a repeater to extend your network signal, and costs about the same price online. In fact, the WHR-HP-G54 looks identical to the WLI-TX4-G54HP, except that the latter lacks a WAN port and a switch to change from router to bridge mode. The only downside to using the WHR-HP-G54 as a bridge, is that doing so requires disabling 125 High Speed Mode on your router, but since this doesn't work well anyways, it isn't really a disadvantage.
Compared to other network equipment, setup was relatively straightforward. If you have a Buffalo router or access point, you can use one touch AOSS setup, which worked seamlessly, defaulting to the highest level of encryption supported by all devices (e.g. WPA-AES/CCMP). However, your AOSS settings on your Buffalo router default to supporting 125 High Speed if supported by all devices on your network which can cause issues on the WLI-TX4-G54HP (see below). Also, using AOSS to configure the converter disables any custom settings on your router such as disabling SSID broadcast (a highly recommended security practice), so you'll probably opt to configure your converter manually.
With Manual configuration you have the option of using the PC configuration software or the built-in web-based configuration tool. The only hitch with using the web-based configuration tool is that you have set your computer's wired Ethernet adapter IP address manually to 1.1.1.2 since the converter's IP address defaults to 1.1.1.1 and you have to be on the same subnet to connect to it since there is no built-in DHCP server (to do this, Right-click Network Places, click Properties, right-click your Local Area Connection, click Properties, click TCP/IP, click Properties, select Use the following IP address, and enter IP address 1.1.1.2 and subnet mask 255.255.255.0). Once you change your computer's IP, you can log into the tool, change the network and security settings and change the static IP address of the configuration tool to an IP on your subnet (e.g. 192.168.x.2) so you can manage it from any computer on your network. Don't forget to change your IP And DNS back on your computer back to automatic detection after you are done configuring your device.
On the downside, if you are using the WLI-TX4-G54HP in 125 High Speed Mode mode (aka g+ SuperSpeed, Gplus, HSM, SpeedBooster, Turbo G, Xpress, WME), which is only possible when used on a network with all 125 High Speed compatible devices, it freezes up and requires a power cycle when used under intensive bandwidth conditions, which I discovered when trying to transfer video between two TiVos connected to two WLI-TX4-G54HP converters and a Buffalo WHR-HP-G54 router (all of which support 125 High Speed Mode). This can be avoided by disabling the 125 High Speed frame bursting mode on your router. You will not experience this problem on a non 125 High Speed network (or even if you have a 125 High Speed Network with any non-125 High Speed devices on it since every device must support it to enable it).
Finally, if you have WDS-compatible router, such as any Buffalo router, you are better off using another WHR-HP-G54 router as a bridge since it provides the same functionality as the WLI-TX4-G54HP but also acts as a repeater to extend your network signal, and costs about the same price online. In fact, the WHR-HP-G54 looks identical to the WLI-TX4-G54HP, except that the latter lacks a WAN port and a switch to change from router to bridge mode. The only downside to using the WHR-HP-G54 as a bridge, is that doing so requires disabling 125 High Speed Mode on your router, but since this doesn't work well anyways, it isn't really a disadvantage.
16 of 16 people found the following review helpful
By Jason
VINE™ VOICE
Amazon Verified Purchase
Rarely in today's age can you find a piece of equipment that fits so seamless into your current setup that you are never aware of its presence, and rarer still is that device that does everything it says it can do. I can now connect my Computer using any OS of my choice, from OS X to Linux to 64 bit windows, with no hassle for missing drivers, and no waiting on a program to load to connect to my network, as this device is always on.
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful
I have tried several other ethernet bridges in the past, with disastrous results. My network uses WPA encryption with a shared password (TKIP, for those scoring at home), which also happens to be the de-facto standard for securing a wireless network. However, not all vendors support this standard fully. Many of the manufacturers essentially force you to use their routers and switches in order to guarantee their own bridges will be compatible (even though D-Link's bridge claims WPA, they only support 'their' WPA. I wasted 4 hours of my life before finding this out...avoid it like the plague).
Thankfully, this Buffalo converter is different. For starters, the setup is dead simple. (I used the web configuration, which I recommend over the Windows-only software.) What I love is that the web setup is basically ONE PAGE. No silly wizards to run through, no menus and submenus to navigate through. One page. You scan for networks, pick the one you want, choose the encryption, enter a password, click submit. That's it. You are up and running.
I bought my first Buffalo bridge to connect a Mac desktop to my wireless network. After the success there, I've since bought two more to connect a TiVo Series2 DVR (HIGHLY recommended over the TiVo Wireless USB adapter, which does not support WPA) and a second Mac for my kid.
Two other nice features of this bridge:
1) High powered. With a 2-story house, I have had issues getting a good signal to the wireless router using other bridges. Not the Buffalo. Even from a router on a different floor and on the opposite corner of the house, I consistently get a signal status of "STRONG". Nice.
2) Multiple LAN ports. This thing doubles as a switch. With more network ports available, I have the flexibility to add a networked XBOX, or Vonage, maybe even the new Apple TV, all without having to hassle with more equipment or wireless setup. No other bridge offers this feature...I can't understand why.
In short, nothing comes close to replicating the features this bridge provides. It's standards compliant, easy to set up, simple to operate, and works long after you've forgotten it's wireless. If you want something that just works, go with this bridge.
Thankfully, this Buffalo converter is different. For starters, the setup is dead simple. (I used the web configuration, which I recommend over the Windows-only software.) What I love is that the web setup is basically ONE PAGE. No silly wizards to run through, no menus and submenus to navigate through. One page. You scan for networks, pick the one you want, choose the encryption, enter a password, click submit. That's it. You are up and running.
I bought my first Buffalo bridge to connect a Mac desktop to my wireless network. After the success there, I've since bought two more to connect a TiVo Series2 DVR (HIGHLY recommended over the TiVo Wireless USB adapter, which does not support WPA) and a second Mac for my kid.
Two other nice features of this bridge:
1) High powered. With a 2-story house, I have had issues getting a good signal to the wireless router using other bridges. Not the Buffalo. Even from a router on a different floor and on the opposite corner of the house, I consistently get a signal status of "STRONG". Nice.
2) Multiple LAN ports. This thing doubles as a switch. With more network ports available, I have the flexibility to add a networked XBOX, or Vonage, maybe even the new Apple TV, all without having to hassle with more equipment or wireless setup. No other bridge offers this feature...I can't understand why.
In short, nothing comes close to replicating the features this bridge provides. It's standards compliant, easy to set up, simple to operate, and works long after you've forgotten it's wireless. If you want something that just works, go with this bridge.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Amazed with Performance
I bought a used airstation turbo G high power ethernet converter WLI-TX-4-G54HP like new, The CD and quick setup guide and owners manual were not in the package. Read more
Published 15 months ago by Gericles
4.0 out of 5 stars
Does what it's supposed to do
There's not much to say about this router except that it gets the job done. In my case, the job is to connect my Directv receiver to a hard line when the receiver is in a different... Read more
Published on May 3, 2010 by J. Hwang
5.0 out of 5 stars
Don't even know it's there
I have had this bridge for a few years at my home entertainment center. I download movies from DTV, play Xbox with no lag, and watch Netflix movies in full quality. Read more
Published on September 11, 2009 by John Lessnau
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good if you have ethernet and no wifi
We bought this on recomendation from our local "free wifi" provider. It supposedly could pick up a signal from a greater distance than the built in laptop wifi receiver. Read more
Published on July 15, 2009 by J. Hubble
2.0 out of 5 stars
Stability issues
The WLI-TX4-G54HP works fine, when it works. I've owned it for over 2 years but only used for short periods of time. Read more
Published on May 20, 2009 by Brad M.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Awesome wireless performance
I use two of these as WAPs running off a Xyzel MIMO router. My setup is rather unusual, since the router is connected to a variety of game consoles, and my desktop is connected to... Read more
Published on May 15, 2009 by Dark Helmet
5.0 out of 5 stars
It WORKS!
Amazing device!!
I use it to connect my XBOX, Dreambox and several other devices which are in my living room. Read more
I use it to connect my XBOX, Dreambox and several other devices which are in my living room. Read more
Published on August 31, 2008 by Zulfiqar Ali Naushad
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Perfect Wireless Adapter
I use it for my xbox and it works great. The best part of it is having more than one ethernet port which is rare.
Published on June 12, 2008 by J. Anderson
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fast, Easy Set-Up, Works great with my Vonage Adapter, and 2nd Mac.
Primary purpose for this item: To hook up my Vonage phone adapter (which wires directly into a wired ethernet network) and be able to use it through a wireless wifi network. Read more
Published on February 5, 2008 by B. Carrell
5.0 out of 5 stars
Works Perfect With My PS3
I bought to use with my 20gb PS3 and it worked perfectly. Setup was very quick and easy. I highly recommend it.
Published on January 17, 2008 by Gustavo Camacho
