Cisco-Linksys WMP54GS Wireless-G PCI Card with SpeedBooster Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The good? Wireless speeds are in excess of the 802.11g spec, so I am getting 100-110Mbps (12.5-13.5 MBps) from the basement to the living room easily. Once the initial horror of setup was over, I've been happily connected ever since. And you can't beat the price: Linksys gear is dropping in price, likely due to a ramp-up of pre-N gear on the horizon. (That's the new 802.11n standard which promises 6x the g-rate, and pre-N Belkin gear is delivering triple the speeds, so 150Mbps, or nearly 19 MBps).
The bad? Customer support, or lack thereof. I had a problem with the client not seeing the router. The *real* problem was the firewall on the basement machine. However, mention the words "Workgroup" or "file and printer sharing" to a Live Chat Specialist and watch how fast they come back with "we don't support configuring Windows" and a link to a knowledgebase article that will not give you a step-by-step diagnostic.
That's a shame, because a troubleshooting map would come in real handy. I fixed the problem myself -- I usually do with rare exception -- but for the non-IT professional, I fear for you. It's Belkin or Netgear for me next time.
And even more: the DHCP server on these routers are apparently very flaky. I could never get mine to give up an IP address to my WMP54GS card, so in the ened I configured it for a static IP and was connected. Woe to the inexperienced customer who tries to get an IP from one of these automatically. This issue is known throughout the Internet, but good luck trying to get Linksys to admit the problem and fix it.
The ugly? Try installing it. IF you manage to see your router on the first shot, your karma is perfect and heaven awaits you. Sinners like myself are forced to install the Linksys drivers only after the failed promise of Wireless Zero Configuration fails. Yes, you'll be switching between the Windows config and Linksys config a few times until you get it right. My suggestion would be to ensure you can see the router first (channel selection being the biggest 'gotcha' here), then worry about encryption and such.
Also, don't be surprised if the DHCP server on the WRT54GS router doesn't give you an IP address. It's a known issue to the outside world, which is waiting for Linksys to admit it and fix it. Configuring your WMP54GS with a static IP will get you fully connected in every case.
I have companion reviews for the WRT54GS and WUSB11, also Linksys gear. They won't be very flattering, either, but it's XMas time, and readers should not be giving bad gifts.
Fred

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The Linksys Wireless-G PCI Card with SpeedBooster installs in most desktop and tower PCs, and lets you put your computer almost anywhere in the building without the cost and hassle of running network cables.Now you don't have to drill holes in your walls and climb through the attic or cellar to get connected to the network.Once you're connected, you can keep in touch with your e-mail, access the Internet, use instant messaging to chat with friends, and share files and other resources such as printers and network storage with other computers on the network.

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