Cisco-Linksys WUSBF54G Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder

by Cisco

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 1.6 inches ; 0.8 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000BF0XEW
• Item model number: WUSBF54G
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: July 7, 2004

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

The Wireless-G USB Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder is a handy, pocket-sized device that combines an easy-to-use wireless network scanner with a USB-connected Wireless-G network adapter. Now you can scan for available wireless connectivity before turning on your computer. If the scanner does find a network, just plug it into your PC and get connected.

The Wi-Fi Finder detects Wireless-G and Wireless-B networks with a simple push of a button. It displays all pertinent information such as the wireless network's name (SSID), signal strength, the channel used, and whether wireless security is enabled or not. The information is displayed on an easy-to-read LCD display and can be set up to look for only open networks, all networks, or a specific named network. Discovered networks are listed in order of signal strength.

The advanced wireless search technology filters out 2.4GHz interference given off by microwave ovens, cordless phones, and Bluetooth devices to provide readouts only on working Wireless-G or -B networks. With the Wi-Fi Finder built into the unit, you no longer need to power on your PC to determine if there's a wireless network connection available.

Public wireless hotspots are springing up all over in coffee shops, airport lounges, hotels and convention centers. The Wireless-G USB Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder from Linksys makes it easy to find, and connect to, those hotspots.

Product Description

" Linksys Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder - Add Wireless-G to your notebook or desktop computers and detect wireless signals without powering on your PC The Wireless-G USB Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder is a handy, pocket-sized device that combines an easy-to-use wireless network scanner with a USB-connected Wireless-G network adapter. Now you can scan for available wireless connectivity before turning on your computer. If the scanner does find a network, just plug it into your PC and get connected. The Wi-Fi Finder detects Wireless-G and Wireless-B networks with a simple push of a button. It displays all pertinent information such as the wireless network's name (SSID), signal strength, the channel used, and whether wireless security is enabled or not. The information is displayed on an easy-to-read LCD display and can be set up to look for only open networks, all networks, or a specific named network. Discovered networks are listed in order of signal strength. The advanced wireless search technology filters out 2.4GHz interference given off by microwave ovens, cordless phones, and Bluetooth devices to provide readouts only on working Wireless-G or -B networks. With the Wi-Fi Finder built into the unit, you no longer need to power on your PC to determine if there's a wireless network connection available. Public wireless hotspots are springing up all over in coffee shops, airport lounges, hotels and convention centers. The Wireless-G USB Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder from Linksys makes it easy to find, and connect to, those hotspots. Also works with :- WRT54G - Share your high-speed Internet connection with Wireless-B, Wireless-G, and wired Ethernet devices. WAP54G - Connects Wireless-G or Wireless-B devices to your existing wired network WPC54G - Connects your notebook computer to Wireless-G networks.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

40 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Direct Comparison Between Linksys and TrendNet, October 14, 2006

By 

Robert Salita "Software Developer" (CHI PAR PHX SYD PDX CLD NKC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Cisco-Linksys WUSBF54G Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder (Personal Computers)

This is a direct comparision between the Linksys WUSBF54G and TrendNet 509UB.

Both perform as expected when used as a standalone hot spot detector.

Both perform as expected on Windows XP. Installation was quirky for both. After driver installation, inserting into USB slot it wasn't recognized at all. Fiddled around for awhile and it finally detected the device. Had to disable the notebook's builtin wireless before XP recognized the device.

Client software does not detect a device under Windows Vista Ultimate RC2. I assume this will be true for Windows Vista RTM too. Inserting the device into a Windows Vista RC2 system often completely froze Windows Vista (had to hold down power button for complete reboot). Had to disable the notebook's builtin wireless before Vista recognized the device.

Appears that the TrendNet and Linksys devices are so similar that they must be made by the same OEM or reference design. As expected, evaluation results are similar.

1. Both devices seem to have same sensitivity, similar to notebook's internal wireless card.

2. TrendNet device doesn't have Windows XP signed drivers so an extra click during install is requried. Also installing on new USB ports requires extra clicks.

3. TrendNet device supports 801.11a whereas Linksys does not.

4. TrendNet device sometimes crashes Vista Ultimate RC2.

5. Neither device's software client works under Vista Ultimate RC2. This isn't a deal breaker for me as they both work under Vista Ultimate RC2 networking as a USB wireless key. You just lose the client software feature.

6. The Linksys has a somewhat useful backlit LCD, TrendNet does not.

7. Both devices work as standalone hotspot locators equal well.

8. In hotspot mode, both devices show SSID, channel number, encryption mode, etc.

Conclusion: For XP, I recommend the TrendNet so save the extra dollars. For Vista, I recommend the Linksys device as it never crashed Vista Ultimate RC2 whereas TrendNet device was gave occasional freezes.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great To Use, November 1, 2006

By 

John W. Montgomery (San Diego, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Cisco-Linksys WUSBF54G Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder (Personal Computers)

I just received my new WI-FI finder. I have version 1.1 and it DOES have a light in it and it works great. I just plugged it into a USB 2.0 port and Windows searched for the drivers and found them online and I did not even read the book or use the CD! It works great and charges thru the USB port. Highly Recommended-by the way I got it thru New Egg which was the cheapest shown using Amazon as a starting point.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Vista Plug & Play!, July 8, 2008

By 

Daniel C. Ruymann "DOGSBESTFRIEND" (LOS ANGELES, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Cisco-Linksys WUSBF54G Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with Wi-Fi Finder (Personal Computers)

Outstanding and worked out of the box after installing the software. Very, very impressed.