Linksys WRT54G Wireless G Router: An Easy, Home-Based Wireless Network

There are hundreds of wireless Broadband Routers on the market, from name and no-brands alike. You can pay as little as $25. for one or as much as $200. At under $50., this Linksys WRT54G simply cannot be beat.

After many years with only a desktop computer at home, I acquired my first laptop. It came equipped with a WiFi card but in order to be able to access my high speed broadband (cable modem) connection at home, I needed a wireless router. I tried going really cheap (Belkin) first and after having to return two of them, stepped up, modestly, to this Linksys WRT45G (version 8.0.) It is fantastic!

Using the straight forward instructions included in the box, I had it fully installed and working within 30 minutes. The WRT45G is space-age appearing - housed in a blue and black box about 5" X 7" X 1.3" with two adjustable antennas - one on each side - it also hosts the customary set of lights to indicate internet connectivity, modem plug in, power and four available Ethernet plug-in ports.

Unlike the several other brands I had tried, the Linksys WRT45G installation was easy and answers the usual questions about what to do when as you go along, following the clear directions illustrated and explained right on the installation CD. As a side point, all Linksys products are made by Cisco Systems, a long-time computer hardware and server manufacturer for industry. This, perhaps, reflects in the quality of their Linksis line of products.

It begins with the clear direction to DO NOTHING until prompted to take each step, in sequence, according to the directions. This begins with a categorical warning to NOT unplug ANYTHING until instructed to do so. The installation ambiguities of both the Belkin an LG wireless broadband routers I tried were quite a contrast.