Rating: 
Summary: Print the manual, please!
Review: As I was setting up this device, I had the mental image of a product meeting where some beaten-down product manager was caving to some executive's demand to only include a PDF user manual on the CD. If Linksys wants to save a buck or two, they can forego the 4-color artwork on the CD and at least laser-print the user guide.The Quick Start guide assumes the 80-20 rule for configuration. If you have a different network setup, you're going to be scratching your head until you search the web for help (thanks go to SmallNetBuilder in this case). For example, the device has a default IP address of 192.168.1.250, not mentioned in the quick start and only by obscure reference in the user manual, which I finally printed. The setup program couldn't find the WAP51AB on my network until I reconfigured my computer to the 192 IP block, with 255.255.255.0 subnet mask. The Troubleshooting chapter does not address troubleshooting, it's just an FAQ on terms you do admittedly need to know. There's no problem/resolution format. Some obvious questions are not addressed in the manual, as far as I can tell. For example, does it matter in what order you install the WAP vs. the PC card in your computer? I guess not. If you are using DHCP from a Linksys or other router, can the WAP51AB get its IP address dynamically? I don't think you want it to but it's another question that may cross your mind. Ultimately, I got things working by moving my configuration more to the 80% side of things (local network configured to 192 IP block, etc.). Things are working well but I have to say that my freedom of movement is quite limited in my rather small house. I'm probably going to have to run "wire for my wireless" to position it in a more central location. In summary, Linksys needs to invest more in technical writing and less in graphic design for its packaging. UPDATE: 4 days later, I've had more experience and learned that 802.11a, while faster, pretty much needs to be in the same room (access point and client computer). So I switched to 802.11b and seem to have better range, even though the Linksys System Tray application indicates only a "fair" connection for both A and B networks. Go figure. Also, I can't really tell that 802.11b is slower than 802.11a (during basic web browsing). These aren't tests, just impressions. But maybe the "a" wasn't worth it. I don't know yet.
Rating: 
Summary: Great Wireless and now Owned by Cisco.
Review: Great wireless access point/router. The A wireless band offers a more stable connection than the 2.4 Ghz B band. With bleed-over from portable 2.4ghz phones I do not recommend the B band unless you don't mind getting interference from your phones. The dual band allows you to turn on or off the B band, for when the friends come over with their cheap B cards and want to do gaming. And now that Cisco owns Linksys you will get award winning service with you Linksys products. Many pluses with only a few minuses.
Rating:
Summary: Great Wireless and now Owned by Cisco.
Review: Great wireless access point/router. The A wireless band offers a more stable connection than the 2.4 Ghz B band. With bleed-over from portable 2.4ghz phones I do not recommend the B band unless you don't mind getting interference from your phones. The dual band allows you to turn on or off the B band, for when the friends come over with their cheap B cards and want to do gaming. And now that Cisco owns Linksys you will get award winning service with you Linksys products. Many pluses with only a few minuses.
Rating: 
Summary: 802.11a simply does not stay connected
Review: I am using the WAP51ab with an IBM T-41 with built in 802.11a and b capability. The 802.11a will not stay connected with this WAP for more than a couple of hours. My laptop is within line of sight of the WAP at all times. To solve the problem, I am required to shutdown the WAP for about 30 seconds. When I turn the WAP back on, it instantly connects to the laptop without any user intervention (which means that the laptop is working fine). Followed all of the Linksys suggestions without any luck. Unfortunately, I need to revert back to the WAP11 or choose another brand. Recommendation: DO NOT BUY this WAP unless you do not mind rebooting it a couple of times trhoughout the day.
Rating:
Summary: 802.11a simply does not stay connected
Review: I am using the WAP51ab with an IBM T-41 with built in 802.11a and b capability. The 802.11a will not stay connected with this WAP for more than a couple of hours. My laptop is within line of sight of the WAP at all times. To solve the problem, I am required to shutdown the WAP for about 30 seconds. When I turn the WAP back on, it instantly connects to the laptop without any user intervention (which means that the laptop is working fine). Followed all of the Linksys suggestions without any luck. Unfortunately, I need to revert back to the WAP11 or choose another brand. Recommendation: DO NOT BUY this WAP unless you do not mind rebooting it a couple of times trhoughout the day.
Rating:
Summary: ALL ABOUT TECH SUPPORT
Review: I bought a different Linksys networking tool that never worked and got nothing but runaround from the much touted tech support. I'd get through only to have an operator tell me they'd call back within 24 hours. I would never get that much needed call back. I finally returned the item and got a the same thing for free from my internet provider. Don't buy anything Linksys, unless you like frustration and useless equpiment.
Rating: 
Summary: Linksys WAP51AB A Winner!
Review: I received my WAP51AB on a Thursday. Couldn't get a DHCP lease even though the laptop connected up to the WAP. Linksys support personnel were wonderful, I emailed them with what was happening and they sent troubleshooting techniques back. I was in the middle of working through their instructions when I mentioned to a friend I was having problems. He came over, found out that I had a MAC bridge between my two internal NICS (wireless and Ethernet), disabled the MAC bridge, and bingo, I received a DHCP lease from my router. Since then I've enabled the WEP encryption, and have been happily browsing the internet, printing out documents, and just generally annoying my husband with bringing my laptop with me everywhere. On occasion, after the laptop has been in hibernate mode, I have to disable the wireless connection, and re-enable it, it picks up immediately. As my friend said, this set up isn't rocket science, it's pretty simple. The Linksys support staff even reviewed my network diagram, corrected my proposed solution, and offered future assistance. That's pretty good service, and it was all done over the weekend. I really recommend this product and all Linksys products.
Rating:
Summary: Linksys WAP51AB A Winner!
Review: I received my WAP51AB on a Thursday. Couldn't get a DHCP lease even though the laptop connected up to the WAP. Linksys support personnel were wonderful, I emailed them with what was happening and they sent troubleshooting techniques back. I was in the middle of working through their instructions when I mentioned to a friend I was having problems. He came over, found out that I had a MAC bridge between my two internal NICS (wireless and Ethernet), disabled the MAC bridge, and bingo, I received a DHCP lease from my router. Since then I've enabled the WEP encryption, and have been happily browsing the internet, printing out documents, and just generally annoying my husband with bringing my laptop with me everywhere. On occasion, after the laptop has been in hibernate mode, I have to disable the wireless connection, and re-enable it, it picks up immediately. As my friend said, this set up isn't rocket science, it's pretty simple. The Linksys support staff even reviewed my network diagram, corrected my proposed solution, and offered future assistance. That's pretty good service, and it was all done over the weekend. I really recommend this product and all Linksys products.
Rating:
Summary: keeps disconnecting
Review: I wanted to like this a lot, but after surfing the web for 5-10 min my entire computer inevitably freezes. The only solution is a reboot. I haven't even bothered contacting Linksys because of the well-documented experiences of other reviewers here who have had the same problems.
Rating:
Summary: Good Access Point, working fine for me
Review: I was skeptical about this Access Point due to all the negative comments, but decided to give it a try. I've had it up and running for a day now (writing this wirelessly from my laptop) and all seems to be working well. I bought the WPC51AB at the same time as the WAP51AB and am running in 802.11a turbo mode without a hitch. I have been remote desktop'ing my PC downstairs and I can honestly say i can't see a difference between my wired connection (100 Mb) and my wireless connection (72 Mb). So far, no lost connections as others have complained about (I'm about 25 feet from the AP). My only complaint is that the 802.11a range isn't nearly as good as the 802.11b range - oh well! Setup was fast and easy - i'm running with 128bit WEP enabled, no perceived speed difference. Based on my limited experience with this product, I would recommend it.
| 
