Linksys WRT54GS Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster

Other products by Linksys

Product Details

Product Manual [2.85mb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 8 x 2 x 8 inches ; 2 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0001D3K8A
• Item model number: WRT54GS
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (626 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank

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  Electronics > Computers & Accessories > Networking Products > Routers

• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: May 2, 2006

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

The Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster is really three devices in one box. First, there's the Wireless Access Point, which lets you connect Wireless-G, Wireless-B, and other performance-enhanced SpeedBooster devices to the network. There's also a built-in 4-port full-duplex 10/100 Switch to connect your wired-Ethernet devices together. Finally, the Router function ties it all together and lets your whole network share a high-speed cable or DSL Internet connection.

SpeedBooster
The Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster incorporates the next generation of Wireless-G (802.11g) networking. SpeedBooster technology is a compatible add-on to standard Wireless-G, which increases "real-world" wireless network performance by up to 35%. Unlike other speed-enhancing technologies, SpeedBooster is fully 802.11 compliant, and a "good neighbor" to other wireless devices and technologies, using a single 2.4 GHz channel as specified by the official wireless standard. And, unlike other technologies, with SpeedBooster you'll see an overall speed improvement even when running a mixed network of SpeedBooster and regular Wireless-G devices.

To protect your data and privacy, the Router can encrypt all wireless transmissions, and also supports the industrial-strength wireless security of Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA), and 802.1x authentication and authorization. The Router can serve as a DHCP Server, has a powerful SPI firewall to protect your PCs against intruders and most known Internet attacks, and supports VPN pass-through. Configuration is a snap with the web browser-based configuration utility.

With the Linksys Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster at the center of your home or office network, you can share a high-speed Internet connection, files, printers, and multi-player games with the flexibility, speed, and security you need!

Also works with:

• WPC54GS: Connects your notebook computer to the Wireless-G network with SpeedBooster technology.
• WMP54GS: Wireless-G with SpeedBooster connectivity for your desktop or tower PC.
• WGA54G Converts any Ethernet-equipped game console to Wireless-G networking. Wirelessly connect to your Router for Internet gaming!

See a comparison diagram of the different wireless technologies.

Wireless networks are rapidly becoming more popular and coming down in price. Since they don't require cables, you can use the devices anywhere in an office or home, even out on the patio. There's no need to roll out an Ethernet network cable to each room of a house; you can network anywhere -- without wires. Outside of the home, wireless networking is available in hotspots at coffee shops, businesses, airports -- great when you're on the road and need to get some work done. For convenience, wireless networking is the answer. What Wireless Standard is Right for Me? Now that you've decided to create a wireless network, the next step is to figure out which wireless standard to use. Basically, a standard is a set of specifications for a device. All devices that follow a specific standard share operating characteristics, such as the radio frequency used and maximum data transfer speed. For wireless networking, there are three standards to choose from at this time: 802.11b 802.11a 802.11g 802.11a/g To learn about the differences between the standards and select the right one for your network, click here for an easy-to-understand chart.

Product Description

The Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster is really three devices in one box. First, theres the Wireless Access Point, which lets you connect Wireless-G, Wireless-B, and other performance-enhanced SpeedBooster devices to the network. Theres also a built-in 4-port full-duplex 10/100 Switch to connect your wired-Ethernet devices together. Finally, the Router function ties it all together and lets your whole network share a high-speed cable or DSL Internet connection. The Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster incorporates the next generation of Wireless-G (802.11g) networking. SpeedBooster technology is a compatible add-on to standard Wireless-G, which increases real-world wireless network performance by up to 35. Unlike other speed-enhancing technologies, SpeedBooster is fully 802.11 compliant, and a good neighbor to other wireless devices and technologies, using a single 2.4GHz channel as specified by the official wireless standard. And, unlike other technologies, with SpeedBooster youll see an overall speed improvement even when running a mixed network of SpeedBooster and regular Wireless-G devices.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1,560 of 1,604 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars The only thing difference between this and the WRT54G is..., August 12, 2004

By	J. Dang (La Jolla, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I love the WRT54G which I have bought for my home a year ago. I am a college student and just bought another one since I moved off campus. At first, I had trouble deciding between the WRT54G or the WRT54GS( with speedbooster). From first glance, the speedbooster tag seems enticing since everybody wants fast wireless transfers that would hopefully come close to wired networks. After reading some reviews and speaking to my best friend who works for Linksys , the only difference between the WRT54G and the WRT54GS is the flash and Ram memory. It is an upgrade from 4mb to 8mb for the flash, and 16mb to 32mb for the Ram. Basically you wont surf the internet any faster. The benefits of this is just transferring files from one computer to another will increase. For those who just want to share an internet connection, stick with the WRT54G and save the extra 20 bucks for a 30 pack of beer. If you like to transfer files between computers, spend the extra dough.

82 of 82 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good Value with Built in Security, October 28, 2005

By	W. Mills (Ohio) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I recently purchased the Linksys wrt54gs router upon the recommendation of our firm's IT manager. We use this same router in our business office. I am using this one in a 3000 sq ft home and the router covers the entire house with an "excellent" to "very good" reception (54mps). It does take a little while to hook up. AND, this is important - it is much easier to hook up the router using a program download from the linksys.com web site. The program will walk you through the set up process and program the router for your system. I figure Linksys created the program to reduce all the time their technical people were spending with people like me. In fact their technical support recommended the program instead of the cd. So skip the cd that comes with the router and don't mess with the "easy set up button"; just use the free download. Also, if you're a novice like me you need to know that you program the router using your internet browser. The address is in the manual. Finally, be sure to set up the security features otherwise your wireless network will be open for anyone within range to connect.

227 of 252 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Being Wireless Can Be So Beautiful, April 1, 2004

By	"dreammasher" (Santa Ana, CA USA) - See all my reviews

I have nothing but good things to say about this item. I can't believe that there is not one review on this item yet. After struggling with the D-Link DI-624 & all of its included problems for about 3 weeks I decided to return it. Those were the worst 3 weeks of my life. The router would reboot every few minutes, & would disconnect every time the phone rang. The very worst part of all was that the D-Link PC Card would freeze my notebook with no way to properly shutting down. I even tried the new Netgear card with the same results. At this point I had given up on wireless, & switched back to using cables. About a week ago, my girl showed up at my doorstep with an Amazon box. When I opened it & saw what was inside. I said to myself, oh boy here we go again, & to my surprise it was nothing like that. Everything went smooth as silk, from beginning to end. The best experience I have had in a long time. The router it self is very well built & sturdy, unlike the D-Link. I guess it's true what people say, you get what you pay for. For anybody in the market for a wireless router, I would highly recommend you spending a few dollars more & getting a quality product from a well known company like Linksys / Cisco. The installation was a no-brainer, & the configuration process was just as easy. The configuration wizard walks you step by step & explains what each setting does. Till this day, I haven't had any problems with reboots or disconnects when the phone rings. The best part is my Linksys PC Card doesn't freeze my notebook, & does have slightly better range than the D-Link. Another thing I love about the router is that it has all the bells & whistles for those who like playing with the advance settings. The transfer speeds are slightly faster than the D-Link's, but I really doubt they even come near of what they claim. All in all I'm very satisfied with this Linksys combo, & the 3 year warranty is a big plus.