Customer Reviews

Cisco-Linksys WRT54G Wireless-G Router

5 star:		(835)
4 star:		(372)
3 star:		(151)
2 star:		(118)
1 star:		(399)

 

 

The Linksys WRT54G and WRT54GS routers have been the number one most popular wireless router devices available for the past few years. So this begs the question why Cisco would snatch defeat from the jaws of victory by needlessly changing an almost perfect product. The fact is that versions 1 -4 of the G and the GS (with Speedboost) versions of this router were fantastic. Those earlier routers run a flexible and powerful Linux based firmware that has been perfected for the past few years a numerous updates and tweaks. However, the earlier WRT54G product has now been replaced with a less powerful wireless product (version 5) that has had its onboard flash RAM chopped in half from 4MB to 2MB and its system RAM cut from 16MB to 8MB. Instead of the flexible, reliable and powerful Linux firmware the new WRT54G version 5 routers run the licensed VxWorks firmware instead. There is nothing wrong with using VxWorks and over time Cisco will probably work out the bugs but for now the newest wireless routers are not reliable.

Why would Cisco do this to its most popular Linksys brand of wireless routers ? Apparently it might be a case where the first four versions were too flexible for their own good. The open source Linux firmware with the large amount of flash and system memory was attractive to many third party independent software developers that were turning the WRT54G and GS routers into powerhouse micro Linux wireless computers with a functionality approaching and often surpassing the $600+ wireless routers that Cisco sells. There might also have been an excess number of product warranty returns for the WRT54G routers due to so many people flashing them with non-Linksys third party firmware that sometimes can "brick" a router or make it unusable.

Your solution is to either look for a previous version of the "WRT54G" router before version 5 or purchase the "WRT54GS" (SpeedBooster) version 4 which as of the posting of this review is still available in the stores and it still uses the popular Linux firmware. You will pay $20 more for the GS model but compared to the version 5 of the G model it is worth the extra money. The GS models 1 - 4 are all good with GS version 3.0 and 3.1 reportedly being the most flexible of the bunch and GS 4.0 being the latest. If you want to use third party firmware you may want the GS versions 2.0 - 3.0/3.1 since they have the most flash RAM while still having newer Broadcom based processors. Finally, if you do plan to flash your WRT54G with third party firmware the ones before version 4 of the WRT54G wireless routers are supposed to be easier to work with.

How do you find which version you are looking for? Look on the bottom of the box near the scan tag for the serial number of the router. For the WRT54G wireless routers look for CDFA or a CDF9 or lower (CDF8, CDF7, 6, etc.) Any serial number with CDF5 (v2.0) through CDF9 (v3.1) are the most flexible for use with third party firmware. Unless you want to use a more risky third party firmware I recommend that you read the manual instructions on how to carefully flash these older router models with a newer Linksys firmware which is designed for that specific router version. The latest official Linksys firmware for each specific version of router can be obtained from the Linksys support site. Completely avoid the WRT54G routers with the "CDFB" (v5.0) serial numbers since those are the buggy VxWorks versions. You could also simply purchase the WRT54GS (v4.0) routers that say Speedboost on the box. You will see the "CGN6" serial numbers on the box and as of this review these were still using Linux firmware with software based SpeedBoost enhancements but the RAM and hardware inside seems to be essentially the same as the older WRT54G (v4.0) version 4. The WRT54GS v2.0 (CGN3) through v3.0 (CGN5) are also good and will have more flash RAM available if you want use the wireless router with third party firmware. I would like to note that flashing the router with firmware other than an official Linksys releases obtained from the Linksys support web site will void the warranty and can result in a "bricked" or damaged router.

PROS: The most popular, flexible, reliable and highly rated wireless router on the market before the WRT54G version 5. Previous versions could be flashed with powerful third party firmware. The latest WRT54GS v4.0 routers can still be purchased and except for the SpeedBoost software enhancement (including a different version of Linux based firmware) they are essentially the same as older WRT54G v4.0 routers.

CONS: The latest version 5 has less Flash and System RAM and uses a buggy non-Linux based firmware. There is no rumor of this yet but in the near future Cisco might also release a newer WRT54GS router non-Linux based router (WRT54GS v5.0 ???)

CONCLUSION: With all the changes to the memory and the firmware this latest G model is really a very different product and Cisco should have changed the model number altogether. Neverless, I hope that Cisco works out the bugs in their current version so that the G version can at least partially return to its glory days. There are rumors that a still newer model popular Linux based router might be re-released with the model name of WRT54GL but until that happens we can still purchase a very good WRT54GS v4.0 Speedbooster model.

THE BOTTOM LINE: I give five stars to the older WRT54G models and five stars to the latest WRT54GS model. But I give only one star for the newest WRT54G version 5 which averages the score to only 2.5 stars (rounded down to 2 stars since v5.0 is the newest and most abundant WRT54G model that you can find in the stores).

Note: I don't know if any of these "reviewers" have even checked for the updated firmware on Linksys' website. The new firmware version (currently 1.41) fixes a lot of the reported issues mentioned on this website. Linksys does not ship its routers with the updated firmware as it costs too much to recall every single router in all the stores just to flash to the newest version.

Anyways this product has a great range. I currently have two 802.11b adapters and a 802.11g adapter and they perform excellent in my environment. Quite amazing because my house is literred with 2.4ghz phones. Also I have 3 computers using the "wired" ports. All devices seemlessy interact with each other. Of course transfers are a little slower to any of the wireless devices (excluding the 802.11g device). I have had no connection drops and the unit is a lot colder than my previous router (the BEFSR41W). My old router used to warm up a lot but this one doesn't suffer from that issue.

I definitely recommend this product to anyone looking to buy an excellent router backed with excellent support. Unlike many other companies Linksys updates their firmware quite often with new features.

After being a happy owner of linksys router for several years, I order this router and one g card the day it's available.

I got it to work within 10 minutes using all the defaults and the quick installation guides on my VAIO running XP. Well prior experience sure helps here in getting the router configured via the web interface.

It takes another couple hours to get my self familar with the technology, i.e., RTFM. Here are a couple things you definitely need to do to lock it down unless you want to be an ISP for your neighbors :)

(1) First it is wide open using the default. Change the SSID to something else other than linksys and turn off the broadcasting of SSID.

(2) Enable 128 bit WEP fast.

(3) Lock down the mac address so only your g (or b...) cards can talk to the router.

(4) While at it, you may as well change the channel.

Other than these, I am very happy with it.

Have fun surfing....

I bought my WRT54G and WPC54G back in Jan/Feb. I had a wired Linksys 4-port router for YEARS and it was a SOLID performer.

Setup for the WRT54G required some aches and pains. Granted they tell you right on the box that it is based on draft protocols, but I would have straightened a few problems myself with clearer communication or documentation from Linksys. Registration for this product should include subscription to a technical e-mail list notifying users of firmware and driver updates as well as the lates technical articles and an 802.11g ratification update. I don't mind that the product is based on "draft" protocols, but proactively notify me about updates! You can even use the .NET Alerts to IM me about new firmware!

It was after I performed a firmware upgrade that I started to encounter problems maintaining a connection with the router. I upgraded to enable the SocketCom 802.11b CF NIC for my iPAQ to use the WRT54G. The upgrade is mandatory for many 802.11b devices to hear the WRT54G and I believe it's the standard shipping firmware now.

Anyways, after I upgraded, my WPC54G started dropping connection every 4-5 minutes. I could manually force XP to reconnect only to find myself disconnected 4-5 minutes later. It was HIGHLY annoying and made the wireless useless.

I just got off the phone with LinkSys support (yes, at 2am EST Wednesday and a 1-800 number!) and they recommended unchecking the "Enable IEEE 802.1x authentication for this network". Voila! I've been connected continuously ever since.

A previous technician told me via LinkSys online support chat, that I should try changing channels. But he could not tell me why this would fix the problem. Of course, it did not work. But I believe that chat support for complex technology products can get tricky.

Other than this annoyance, I have been very happy with Linksys hardware. It gets the job done and is rock solid once you get it up and running. I can't remember the last time I had to reset any LinkSys router.

I recommend that everyone do a security lock-down on their wireless hardware. Disable SSID broadcast, enable 128-bit WEP, and refrain from enabling remote administration.

I just wanted to add some information about this product that should be known by anyone considering purchasing this.

First of all, it is important to know that Linksys has changed the WRT54G from earlier versions of the same model. The latest version of this product model has less RAM and runs a different firmware (essentially an operating system) than previous versions of the same product. That's right; Linksys completely changed the product, but continued to use the same product model. Is that even legal? It shouldn't be in my opinion. :(

This newest version of the product (version 5 or "v5") is what I have, and it's been nothing but trouble. I bought it after reading dozens of glowing reviews... which turned out to be for the older versions of the same product model.

Linksys has now created a new product model which is identical to the older WRT54G versions (v4 and newer) which received all the 5 star reviews. This is now called the WRT54GL. It is identical to the WRT54G v4 and newer. Again, this should not be legal. They had a highly regarded product, then took that product model and applied it to an inferior product calling it the same, and then took the old product and gave it a new product model, and started charging more for it. I'm so disappointed in Linksys. Linksys is not the premium manufacture which I once thought they were.

In a nutshell, all the 5 star reviews you see here, are for the WRT54GL product model. Buy that instead. All the 1 star reviews, are for this product. Take a look at the older reviews for more evidence of this.

I am using this AP/router with the Linksys WPC54G PC card on a Sony Vaio laptop running Windows XP. I did not use the set-up CD-ROM but used the web based application to configure it. Since my ISP uses PPoE I had to fill in my user name(with domain name) and password. Also my ISP gave me DNS numbers to fill in under the DHCP settings even though I have my TCP/IP settings for the connection set to "Obtain automatically". Basically that's all there is to configuring the router-ISP connection. The order that the modem, router and computers are turned on is VERY important. If you can't connect after configuration go through the power-on cycle again in that order. Configuring the security, however, is another matter.

Linksys supports the newer more secure WPA security protocol. There is new firmware for the router and a new driver for the card from the Linksys site. Both installed easily. Nowhere in the instructions or on their web site will you find how to configure WPA, though they have supported it since May. Since WEP 128 is almost useless for protecting against specific attacks to your network I strongly recommend using WPA. On the router and the card you will need to use "WPA-PSK" (Pre-Shared Key) not just the "WPA" option which is also available. For encryption use TKIP. The key can be anything from 8-63 characters in length. A Group Renewal key can be set for 0-99,999 seconds. I set it to 0. WPA-PSK uses part of the IEEE 802.1x authentication and so this authentication will be enabled and greyed out by default. Under the IEEE 802.1x authentication use PEAP for the EAP type unless you have a smart card for authentication. Also uncheck both boxes for "authenticate as computer when ...." and "authenticate as guest when ....." As is often stated, change the SSID and don't broadcast it and use MAC filtering for added security.

For the price (including the Linksys rebate) this router with all it's features (though hidden) is hard to beat.

Linksys released a new version of this product in the October/November 2005 timeframe, which is version 5. Versions 4 and earlier were well-tested and rock solid. However, the new version 5 has many issues. The difference between version 4 and 5 is that Linksys changed the OS from Linux to VxWorks, however it is impossible to tell this by looking at the box, or by ordering online. By doing this, they took a product that was tested and debugged for a couple of years, which made it very stable, and changed it to one that was rushed out the door and is poorly designed. Please ignore any comments that were made before the November/December 2005 timeframe for this product. Those comments are for a product that was completely different at the time.

Out of the box, the router does not function well at all. It cannot access many websites and the graphics do not load on many others. Download speeds were very slow. Also, many online games and gaming systems such as the PSP and the X-Box do not work well with this product. Linksys did release a new firmware version on December 9, 2005. This new version is 1.00.4. It fixes some issues, but still has many more. If you want to download the new firmware version, go to www.linksys.com. Go to "Downloads" which is at the very top of the page. From there choose the product "WRT54G V5.0 - Wireless-G Broadband Router". Go to the Firmware link and then download the firmware. Save the file to your computer. It is a zipped file so you will need to unzip it before you can update the firmware. From the configuration page of the router, there is a "Firmware Upgrade" page under the Administration page. Go there and choose the unzipped file on you computer. This should upgrade and then reset your Linksys router.

The 1.00.4 version actually does perform much better than the default version that was shipped with the router. The download speeds are much better, and the accessing of most sites has been fixed, along with some of the online games. However, there are still some sites that do not load properly and several online games do not function properly. A couple sites that I still cannot access are:
www.2kgames.com
www.mbtrading.com

Some more sites that are somewhat slow loading and I've heard of other people having problems accessing are:
www.tmobile.com
www.ebgames.com
www.nvidia.com
www.gogamer.com
www.costco.com
www.realtor.com

One online game my wife and I play frequently is Disney's Toontown (www.toontown.com). This game still does not function properly with the 1.00.4 version of firmware for the WRT54G V5.0.

I do not recommend this product at all. Versions 4 and lower of the WRT54G are very stable and perform very well, the reason why some of the comments are very positive for this product. The Version 5 does not work well at all. Please do not purchase this product. If you are still thinking about possibly buying the Linksys WRT54G, I urge you to go to www.google.com and search for WRT54G version 5. You will get many web sites and messages boards detailing the problems others are having with this product. From what I have read, the WRT54GL is the same as the WRT54G version 4, where the L stands for Linux. If I were you, I would go ahead and purchase the WRT54GL product instead, or go with another manufacturer such as Netgear. I do not want anyone else to have the headaches I have had with the WRT54G version 5.

My Linksys wireless router went bad in five months (mid-December). That's what I was told by their tech support. (They were wrong on that one, because I wouldn't be able to write this review right now if it were so.)

I found tech support and customer service an exercise in exasperation:

One told me to go on the internet to request a new router. He couldn't explain how I could do that if the wireless router was bad.

Another one told me she could take the request by phone. That seemed easier.

They promised a replacement by the first week of January. It has yet to arrive.

Their customer service apologized but the warehouse was closed from December 8th to the 27th. (Okay, that happens.)

Second call to customer service was disconnected. There were frequent disconnections with tech support too.

Third call to customer service never answered. There were no prompts like: "There's a two minute wait" or "There are three customers ahead of you" or "Thank you for your patience; please continue to hold." The only way that I knew I was still connected was that I saw the minutes and seconds moving in the phone window. After 11 minutes, I hung up.

Last Sunday it took one hour to get someone to tell me that Customer Service wasn't answering. I had to call Tech Support. A supervisor verified that Customer Service phones weren't working.

Fourth call, I was put on hold by the representative for eight minutes. Then, he told me that my order was being held up because there was a hurricane in the Pacific. (Can't they fly around it, I chirruped.)

Another rep told me that I would have to get a new replacement number. Turns out, I didn't need one.

Still another told me the shipment was delayed because they were moving their warehouse.

Still another told me that my replacement was on back order, and he could not give me any time frame for delivery.

You must provide a credit care for replacement or for tardy return of the old router that has gone kaflooey.

They get one star because they are polite, and their English is comprehensible.

UPDATE: Feb. 6, 2007. Discovered that Linksys charged my credit card $84.52 for router not received after seven weeks. It took 17+ minutes to connect to Customer Service, and another 15 minutes to get the transaction cancelled, and assurance that my card would be credited. They said, "two days."

UPDATE: March 20, 2007. Linksys attempted delivery of the router after cancelling February 6th. It arrived one quarter of a year after my original complaint.


"Let the Buyer Really Beware!"

Got this with a Wireless g PC Card for my laptop. The original installation wizard did not work for my broadband service (Cox) but I was able to get very specific help from their web-site knowdlege database which resolved the issue.

Once I had the internet connection going I found that I kept losing it on the laptop intermittantly. That was fixed by changing the speed setting on the router to 'auto' from the default of '54mbps.' (don't know why it's shipped like that).

Some other concerns which I think need to be mentioned. If you're using the free version of ZoneAlarm (like I was) for a firewall, it won't work with the wireless network. I've tried various settings and then finally found out that I will have to upgrade to the 'pro' version for the firewall to work while allowing the network to operate. Haven't done it yet, so I don't know how well it will work, but I gather it should.

There is very little documentation provided with both the router and the PC Card. And security issues are totally ignored. It appears that to make it as easy to install (for all sorts of users out there), they have opened the system as much as possible but don't even mention security. Do go to their web-site and get details on securing your network (it's nicely detailed in there).

In particular users should be aware that the network is set to broadcast it's SSID which is factory set for 'linksys.' This is an open invitation for hackers to hack into your system. Diable the broadcast feature and change the name of your network to something unique.

The MAC address filtering is also a very good feature (where you can define the unique MAC addresses of all your computers) and the network will only allow those computers access (of course, a good hacker will be able to overcome this, but it does make it much more challanging). Again, no mention in the documentation - get it from the web-site.

The network also supports 64 bit and 128 bit encryption. I have not yet set up the keys so can't really comment on it. However, encryption (particularly 128 bit) will degrade speed somewhat, but it is probably worth it. I'm planning on working on this aspect next.

Once the system got going, it was a beauty. I would give it five stars, but am not because of the lack of documentation, particularly as it relates to security.

I have not tried it with the old 11b standard. But tech-support did confirm to me that if I have adaptors running on the g and b standard, the WHOLE network WILL slow down to 11 mpbs (the 11b standard). So be forewarned. However, this may not be an issue for users if all they're doing is surfing the net, etc. (the speed is more than adequate).

Also, the signal-booster (for the 11b routers) will not work with the wireless g router, even though both operate on the 2.4 GHz frequency.

However, signel stregnth is pretty good and I can move my laptop pretty much anywhere in my house. It does flactuate but dudes/dudettes - 54 mbps is a LOT of speed - some degradation from that won't be noticable to most users. This speed rocks....

I don't want to give the wrong impression here. I really like this system and would easily recommend it to others. However, just be prepared to work on a few issues.

First of all, if you are like me and are not very interested in technical jargon and will not look into it unless something is really wrong, then this review should help you out. I work on a computer all day long. I can use the internet, can install software, work with spreadsheets, Microsoft Office products, etc. What I CANNOT do, however, is build computers, write software, perform any kind of weird mods, etc.

I'm just a regular guy.

A regular guy that doomed himself by buying a Linksys router.

The first thing you need to know about these worthless products is that there are different versions.

Versions 1 through 4 (V1,V2,V3,V4) were popular with people that liked to install some kind of third-party software onto the routers that would allow them to tweak their performance.

Version 5 does not allow such capability. Don't ask me why. I guess Linksys did it to save money for some reason or another.

Personally, I couldn't care if the thing ran on magic fairy dust, I just want it to WORK!

I had a V3 for a few months that was atrocious. Sometimes it would work, sometimes it wouldn't. I downloaded all of the latest firmware updates from Linksys to no avail. Technical support is nothing short of a joke. It's outsourced to India or somewhere similar where the person on the other end of the phone will not be able to understand you. You will not be able to understand him. He will be reading a script given to him by Linksys and will not be familiar with the product. The most useful piece of advice I got out of the two guys I talked to was when I finally got frustrated and told them "thanks anyway, buddy, but you aren't helping me out" they both told me to "Have a nice day."

I took the V3 back and what I got in exchange was a V5. I didn't know that these were supposedly worse until I found a site devoted to Linksys products and their problems (www.linksysinfo.org). If you go there, check out the reviews, warnings, and horror stories about the WRT54G V5 router, the WRT54G series altogether, and Linksys' refusal to acknowledge any problem or put out any firmware that is in the slightest bit useful.

I want to go ahead and also warn you that there is NO WAY to know what version of these things you are getting if you are looking at it in the store unless you know the code on the box. Those are listed on the site above somewhere. Right now, I couldn't care less what version it is, to me they are ALL junk.

I always heard that Linksys was the best. This router has really shown me otherwise!

So anyway, here is my experience with the V5:

When I first got it and installed it the connection seemed to be fine for a little while, but then it just suddenly went out. For the record, I was running totally unencrypted just to make sure that the problem wasn't with an "advanced" function.

This would happen periodically, sometimes I would have signal for 3 hours, sometimes for 30 minutes. Doing some research, I found out that this is pretty much everyone's problem with the V5.

When the connection went, I had to go through a little ritual with the router and laptop to get it back:

I unplugged the router, plugged it back in, pulled up "Network Connections," disabled and then enabled the "Wireless Internet Connection." I did this 2 or 3 times. This is the dance. This is what your internet surfing revolves around. I work from home from my computer so in order to get anything done, I have to do "the ritual" several times through the day. It has been the standard operating procedure to get my "trusty" router up and running again.

One evening not too long ago, I noticed that my connection had not been lost for over 5 hours of steady work. Remember that I have been running this thing UNENCRYPTED (I bought the thing FOR its encryption capabilities) to avoid it acting up from any so-called "advanced" system bugs.

So when the signal gave me 5 glorious hours up uninterrupted service I got cocky...

(Bad mistake, my friends! Read on...)

I pulled up the interface, and switched channels from default channel 6 to 11. I figured that maybe changing to another channel wouldn't hurt and may even help. Everything was still fine.

Then I enabled WEP (the enryption thing).

Let's just say that the "fit" hit the "shan."

I knew that I had messed up as soon as I clicked the button to save the new settings. The interface went totally black and my connection was instantly dropped.

I went through my usual routine to get it back up and running (unplug, plug, disabled, enable, wash, rinse, repeat...). Well, the connection came back up with a screaming 1.0 Mbps. Nice. I will say that when it is running, I consistently get 54Mbphs all over the house even if I am downstairs (the router is located upstairs).

So I went back to the interface. The same place I have always gone before. When it pulls up, however, it is NOT the same. I double-check the address: http://192.168.1.1/. Yup, that's right. It has similar features, but looks TOTALLY different. To top it all off, the Host name is now "Lauren." I never named my host before. Who the hell is Lauren?

Desperate, I ran to linksys.com (at a blistering 1.0 Mbhs) to see if there is newer firmware. There is a 1.00.6 that was released Jan.17th. I didn't have that. I rejoiced.

I downloaded as quicky as that 1.0 Mbhs (repetition of speed for emphasis) would allow. I read the "read_me" file and it informs me that I must be wired into the router. No problem, right?

Problem. I plug into the router and...nothing. I check everything. Local Area Connection should be working right? Nope.

I again perform the ritual (unplug, plug, disabled, enable, wash, rinse, repeat...). No dice. Lauren has me in her stranglehold now.

I went back to the interface with the plan of disabling the WEP. Funny thing is, this interface says it's disabled.

Before I got cocky and changed the channel/enabled WEP I was running at 54Mbphs. I was unencrypted and dropping signal every hour or so, but I was at least speedy. After this, my connection was intermittent at best. Once in a while my speed would "turbocharge" up to 2Mbphs, but those moments were fleeting.

I haven't even shared the best part:

I tried to call technical support. Yes I am a glutton for punishment! Thank you for asking. I figured that if, for nothig else, to start the ball rolling on a warranty return (the site says you need to get a case ID # to start the process).

I get a:

"Boop-beep-beeep! Your call cannot be connected as dialed. Please hang up and try your call again. If you feel you have reached this message in error..."

Here is the number: (1-800-326-7114) Try it for yourself. It seems to work now, but on that night it took FOUR HOURS to get through.

I try the "Live Help" on the site. This part kills me: I cannot keep a connection long enough for someone to come up to speak to me.

When I finally got through to technical support, the guy at the other end asked me what version the router was. I told him that it was version 5. He promptly informed me that there was no such thing. Yes, I am serious.

After an excruciating 30 minutes in which he blamed everything from me to my computers to my neighbors to hackers and the place where I bought the router he FINALLY gave me a Case # just to get me off the phone.

After I got off the phone with him I bit the bullet and reset the router by pressing the button on the back. If you do this, make sure you are NOT plugged into the router with your PC or ESPECIALLY the internet. I, personally, don't know why but this was stressed to me by persons much, much more capable with these things than I am.

It came back up as before. Channel 6 and unencrypted, which is how it will remain until I figure out what to do with this infernal thing. I would sell it on Ebay or something but I don't know if I am evil enough to charge someone for this kind of pain.

Let my story serve as a warning. DO NOT BUY THIS ROUTER. DO NOT BUY A LINKSYS PRODUCT. STAY AWAY. STAY FAAAAAR AWAY.

(Remember that part in the movie "Red Dawn" where they go see their father in that concentration camp and he starts screaming "AVENGE ME! AVENGE ME!" because he knows that he will never get out alive? Yeah, I kind of feel like that guy when I am "talking" to you guys through this review.


Sigh.


***Update***

I called Linksys customer service today in an effort to allow them to stand behind their product and allow me to exchange this V5 for a V3, what I originally had. Yes, the V3 died on me and was not great either, but upon doing some research after all this, I feel that with the available 3rd-party firmware available, a V3 would be my best bet.

I finally got through to someone after waiting for 10 minutes. He seemed helpful enough and I explained my situation. I verified that I was, indeed, using the latest firmware from Linksys and that the problem was continuing. I asked for the replacement multiple times, each time he would put me on hold to speak to his "team leader." I politely agreed to hold each time. Each time he would come back, he would say that Linksys would exchange my V5 with another V5. I explained to him that I did not want a V5. I wanted the V3 that I originally paid for. I want the product that had the exact specs that I researched when I decided to purchase a Linksys router. That product is the WRT54G V3.

He asked me a few more questions and then put me on hold to talk to his "team leader" once again. When he came back, he told me once again that his "team leader" told him that Linksys would not exchange the product. They would send another V5. I told him that perhaps it was better if I spoke directly to the team leader.

He seemed to agree and again I was put on hold. He came back and told me that I was going to have to wait "5 minutes" to speak to the team leader. I was again put on hold.

Same guy comes back with an offer to troubleshoot my router. I refused, since the only thing that has done for me before is to knock me offline and make the entire thing screwy until I reset it back to default.

He asked me some more questions, which I answered. The entire exchange was polite and civil, until finally I once more asked when I would be able to talk to the "team leader." It was then that I was hung up on.

Once more, I want to warn people AWAY from not only this router but ANY LINKSYS PRODUCT. I can understand a company cutting a few corners to save money, but since the V5 is a completely different product than the V1, V2, V3, or V4, Linksys has released it silently as the same product, therefore essentially lying to the public.

I will not let this rest and I will continue to update this product review with my "progress" with Linksys. Hopefully, this will help others steer clear.

Wish me luck...


***Final update***

I was all ready to throw in the towel and go get another brand of router. I was speaking to a more tech-proficient friend of mine that convinced me to give Linksys one more shot. He told me to search for another V1 trough V4 WRT54G and upload some third party firmware on it. Seeing no real harm in trying, I found a V3. I brought it home, plugged it up and immediately downloaded what is presumably some of the best third party firmware available for these routers. It's called "HyperWRT +tofu." I don't know if the author would approve of me putting the website up on this review but you can just google what I have in parentheses to find the download.

I did this a couple of days ago and, let me tell you, this thing is a DREAM. The firmware not ony makes the router reliable, it makes it more powerful as well. It increases the range and speed of your internet connection. Additionally, it added features to the interface. Most importantly, though, is that it was EASY TO SET UP. I just downloaded the software, went into the user interface, and browsed for the file. I hit the button, the file updated, and I was in business. The website even told me some great recommended settings.

I know that it must sound like I am peddling this firmware or something, but that's only because it has saved me so much grief. If only I had done some research back when I first bought this router I would have saved so much time and effort. If you do use this firmware, there is a donation tab on his website.

After all said and done, the V3 is chugging right along. It sends my signal faithfully, the speeds are fast, and I haven't dropped a connection yet. It's encrypted and I have even been able to choose just what computers to allow on my network, something that may sound like no big deal but is basically an act of God for someone as computer-inept as myself.

In conclusion, I would have to say that this router is great ONLY IF:

You get a pre-V5.
You download third party firmware (be sure to download and install it plugged into the router, not wirelessly)
You don't waste your time with Linksys customer service or tech support.

I really hope my (VERY LONG) review has helped someone out. It's been a long, strange trip indeed. Also, in spite of my happiness with the router now, my awful experience with Linksys makes me keep this rating at a 1 star. It's unfortunate, but I believe its necessary to warn others away from atrocious customer service and a company that intentionally lies to its customers.