Customer Reviews

Buffalo Technology AirStation Turbo G High Power Wireless Ethernet Converter ( WLI-TX4-G54HP )

5 star:		(71)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

Folks, if you have Windows XP the set up on this thing took maybe 5 to 10 minutes...tops...just read and follow the directions in the "Quick Set Up Guide" for web based configuration. You'll plug in the device and pop in the setup CD.

At some point in the set up it will take you to your web browser to finish the set up...that was my only problem...for some reason IE didn't open so I went back and used Firefox...(Look under File in your Buffalo Ethernet Converter Manager that you use for set up and then look for browser set up and then point to your browser's location on your computer)...no problems. Then you unplug it and use it anywhere...seriously, only 5 to 10 minutes and it's very easy. By the way, I use a DI-624 D-Link Wireless Router and, as a result, a wireless system in my home.

One more thing...if you have any kind of security encryption you'll need the code at some point in the setup...note the type of encryption (WEP for example) and the code itself.

Another hint: When finished, you may have to turn off your PC, unplug your modem, and your wireless router...or, in short, reboot your system. Plug everything in and turn on your PC and that's it. There may be another way but that's what I did right away and it worked like a charm. Another reviewer noted this with his D-Link system...so I was prepared for it.

The complicated directions given in a previous review are only IF you don't have a Windows system. Ignore them if you do.

This one seems like a no-brainer at this price!

I got the Buffalo Ethernet Converter WLI-TX4-G54HP today to wirelessly connect to Xbox Live through my LINKSYS WRT54GL router. Though the Linksys automatic setup is not compatible with Buffalo's AOSS, the configuration CD and instructions worked with ease. WPA encryption was no problem. The Xbox connected to the internet through the Wireless Ethernet Converter immediately. The connection appears strong even though the Xbox is in a room that normally has problems with wireless signal strength.

It is not my normal practice to provide reviews before I have really given a product a thorough test over a lengthy period, but this setup was so smooth compared to other wireless configurations, I wanted to tell the world.

For those of you who have done their research on reasonably priced wireless converters, you undoubtedly found the same lack of consensus I found. Customer reviews on the Linksys and Netgear wireless converters were alarmingly horrible. The D-Link game controller I purchased and returned doesn't tell you that it will only work with a Linksys router if you lower your encryption standards. The customer reviews of the Buffalo product were the only ones that were consistently favorable.

For a price less than you would pay for most single port game controllers you get 4 ports. You get WPA encryption levels, connectivity with other brand routers, and some of the most favorable reviews you will find in wireless.

I've tried a lot of Bridges, and this is the best yet

Web configuration and so platform independent, 4 ports, good price, cool running, detachable antenna, firmware upgradable...

Bought this to attached a high-gain wireless antenna for my home LAN. Very powerful. I picked up the AirStation's wi-fi signal from my laptop on another floor in the house when there was not even an antenna attached to the AirStation! It's now set up as a glorified switch--it's easy to change the mode. I have lots of Linksys products and am VERY impressed with my first Bullalo. If everything continues to go well, I'll gradually replace Linksys with Buffalo as I upgrade.

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. As I call international for at least a couple hours a day, this was important to me.

Set-Up: I have Macs only, so I never bothered opening the set-up disc. I connected the converter to my ethernet port, manually set my network address to 1.1.1.1, logged onto the converter via Safari web browser, searched, selected and logged onto the wireless network (WEP 128), plugged in my Vonage adapter, and that was it. Took about 2 minutes, maybe 2 and a half minutes tops for this entire process.

Usage: I bought this last year, when I only had access to a wifi network, and needed to use my Vonage phone. I was upstairs over the garage and the router was 2 floors below in a cement basement. The encryption was WEP128. I ran the Vonage and my iMac through this, since I got a stronger signal and faster browser load times going through the Buffalo than through my iMac's built-in wifi. Worked great.

Then I moved into a lower floor, and the router was 2 floors upstairs, again no way to hard wire so I used the Buffalo again. The encryption was WPA, and I added a media player which accesses plays HD material on my iMac to my HDTV. Worked great.

I spent a few months on the road, and took this with me to hotels and extended stays, to be able to use my Vonage. Worked everytime I tried it. I had my laptop with me, so I was able to configure it via web broswer when I needed, and the times I was not on a secure network it connected automatically. I have flown with it and connected it in other country.

Recently I stayed for temporarily for a few months in an apartment building, where there was wifi provided and that was in the manager's unit which was 4 units down the hall and on the lower level. Again, I was able to connect the Buffalo and my Vonage in just a couple minutes. (WEP 128) and again, I had better signal and faster browser times with my iMac when connected through the Buffalo, than by itself.

Other Comparisons: I had tried a D-link (can't remember the model, sorry) but it wouldn't even work in my first location, which is why I then tried this unit. Since it has worked out so well for me, haven't needed to try any other make.

I've had this powered up and running about non-stop for almost a year. And it is in use everyday. No major problems to report.. the occasional freezing, about once a month, not sure if it is something I do, the unit itself, or something coming from the wireless router. I just unplug it from AC Power, and replug it in, and then I'm good to go again (no re-configuring, and no hitting the reset button). This unit usually comes right back up with no fuss after a power outage. Once when the router went dead and replaced (even though it had the same id and password) I had to reset the unit, and then via web browser re-configure the unit, and this took about 10 minutes with waiting, and the reset, waiting, and then doing the reconfiguring of the unit.

I like that it has 4 ports and eliminates the need to add (or lug with me) a switch, and I can keep everything hooked up at the same time. It has been easy for me to set up, keep running, unplug and tote around, and has done a good job of keeping my devices connected to the internet.

This product did everything it was advertised to do. It was the perfect solutiuon for a unique problem I had. We had a wireless network at our business. It would have been difficult and messy to run an ethernet cable from the wireless router in the back to the device I wanted to use at the front of the store. I connected the access point to the power source and pushed the one button setup and it found the network immediately. It took longer to get it out of the box than it took to set up. I reccommend this product very highly

Bought one for a mini mac that didn't have AP card. Had it up and running in 5 minutes. Liked it so much bought another for another Mac mini. Yep, it works with a mac and is cheaper than an AP upgrade. Been working for over 6 months and no drops, resets or other problems.