Rating: 
Summary: Setup was a snap, even for me
Review: Received the LinkSys DSL Wireless Router along with a wireless PCMCIA card for my laptop and a USB Wireless Adapter for my desktop. Setup took less than 30 minutes and I am not very technical. What a great product!
Rating: 
Summary: Range [is bad}
Review: For some reason, I can't get more than ten feet away without the unit without getting a warning that my network connection's been lost. I've tried updating the firmware, power-cycling, etc. Nothing works. Maybe this is an exception rather than the rule, but their customer service [is bad] too. I tried everything they suggested, and nothing worked. I wanted an exchange, but I still have the old unit.
Rating:
Summary: Very Easy Setup
Review: The reason I like this product is ease of setup, and the fact that it has some wired ports. Some wireless routers have no place to plug in a CAT 5 cable, so even if your main computer is only a foot away, you will have to buy a wireless network card which adds to the cost of your system. My main desktop computer is plugged directly into the Linksys, and my notebook operates wireless. The manual is pretty good, and after making sure that your computers are set to DHCP (not hard to do) the Linksys will work as a rounter and gateway to the Internet by just plugging everything into the right holes. If you use Linksys wireless network cards and adaptors as well, the entire operation is pretty painless. Orinoco PCMCIA cards have a bit more range, but you have to jump through few more hoops to get things right.Some tips: 1. Don't expect miracles when it comes to distance. A lot of factors come into play, including what your home/office is constructed off, and interference from other devices in your home/office. Try to get the unit up high for best coverage. 2. While the rounter does act as a firewall, if a hacker does get to it, and knows the default password (hardly anyone ever changes the default password) they could get through. So, change the password. 3. Change the SSID address. When used as a wireless router, this "should" keep your neighbors from using your router as a gateway to the Net, or getting into your computers when files are being shared. I took my notebook to my neighbor's home and was able to get into my files and surf the Net with no problems. 4. If you are sharing files and folder, use passwords. While I don't want to make anyone paranoid, these are simple changes that should help with security. 5. Linksys support is okay, and it is 24/7, but you have to get the right person. If things don't work out call back. You'll never get the same person twice. If this is your first adventure into networking or wireless networking, Linksys makes the process pretty painless.
Rating:
Summary: Download the latest drivers
Review: Word of advice - Download the latest drivers/firmware from the Linksys web site before you get started. This is especially critical if you have Windows XP (which I do). I used both the integrated Linksys wireless network card and the wireless PC card. I have a mix of Windows XP, 2000, and 98 in my home. When I initially installed the network, I did not have the latest drivers/firmware. These have patches to support Windows XP. The network would operate for a couple of minutes and then "hang". Once I upgraded the firmware on the router and the driver software, everything was fine. I also used the Linksys cable modem. One other interesting thing I discovered. There is a configuration utility that goes with the wireless PC card. It illustrates that, the farther removed you are from the router, the weaker the signal strength. Eventually, it seems that the signal disappears altogether. However, this didn't actually mean that you lost your connection. I was in a diagonally opposite end of my house and was still able to browse the web even though the configuration utility showed 0 signal strength! It was slower, but I was still connected.
Rating: 
Summary: The Worst Tech Support Staff Ever
Review: You may want Linksys products, you may have the know-how to install them, and so good on you. But if you're just a regular ole home user like me, then God help you because their tech support won't. Average 30 minute hold time, only to talk to a snide, condescending support person who petulantly fired questions at me and then would let loose a stream of gobbledygook, misdiagnosing the problem and basically trying to get rid of me so they could go on their break. After three tries, I gave up. I wonder if Linksys management knows how bad their support staff is.
Rating: 
Summary: Don't use the Linksys PCMCIA cards with this router
Review: Trust me. You don't want to use a Linksys wireless PCMCIA card with this router. Buy an Orinoco Silver or Gold card instead. You will get MUCH more range and better reception. Search around the net for information on this router, and others will tell you the same thing. You have been informed.
Rating:
Summary: Worth every penny
Review: Just plugged it in and it worked - all I had to do was reset my modem (I'm a Comcast subscriber). I set it up in the basement of my 1500 sq ft house, and it worked throughout the house with no issues regarding connectivity. For the price, you can't beat it... I just wish I bought it sooner.
Rating:
Summary: ...Shoddy Product
Review: ...It falls apart both physically and logically, and while the idea is wonderful, Linksys really screwed up trying to implement it. Linksys Tech Support is pitiful, and after them telling me over 15 times to upgrade to the newest firmware, which was buggy in the first place, I gave up and swore off linksys products forever. If you want something like this, forget it. Go get yourself a decent Cisco ADSL router, many more features, and a separate 802.11b wireless gateway, or one of the new -a devices. DONT BUY THIS, THE RED LIGHT WILL HAUNT YOU :(
Rating:
Summary: Works great, makes others jealous!!
Review: Once I downgraded the firmware (came with 1.40.1 and download was 1.39.2) worked GREAT!! Good reception throughout my 1000 sq ft condo. Very cool to sit on my couch, laptop in hand with no cords/cables and be able to surf the net.
Rating:
Summary: solid wireless router
Review: This device worked right out of the box. I connected both wireless and ethernet to a cable modem with very little difficulty. Manuals do lack and tech support cd is even worse. Contrary to another review, this product does work with optonline. I would definately recommend this product!
|
