Rating: 
Summary: A nightmare
Review: I had used the wired-only version of this box successfully for about two years. I thought I'd give this one a try. What a mistake.If you use CAT5 wiring, it works like a dream. If you use a wireless adapter, forget it. There are several 'file not found' errors in the web-based administration of the FIRMWARE. Wireless clients show strong signal strength connecting to the box, and indeed the box's 'wireless lan link' light is lit. However, the box refused to provide DHCP service to any wireless clients. For the record, I was using a D-Link DWL-120 and a Lucent Orinoco Gold on two different machines in my attempts to get an IP address. D-Link and Orinoco blamed Linksys. Linksys blamed D-Link and Orinoco. Linksys is clearly at fault, judging from the many message board postings that I've seen online. There are a bunch of wireless routers out there. Save yourself the aggrivation of returning an item. I thought that by sticking with the 'Linksys' name, I'd get a working piece of hardware. I was way wrong.
Rating: 
Summary: Great product
Review: This is a great device for the home or small office. It acts as an Ethernet hub connecting up to 4 Ethernet devices (one of which can be another Enternet hub). It acts as a single access point to the internet which is a much better solution than internet connection sharing since you aren't dependant upon 1 computer always being on. It is a firewall and a DHCP server. It is also a wireless access point. I can listen to MP3s that are upstairs on my desktop while I'm downstairs with my laptop surfing the web at the same time. It can clone the MAC address of your network card so that you don't have to call your ISP to change MAC addresses (if they require that). It does, however, take a few hours to configure and you'll have to read parts of the manual. If your not technical, you'll probably need help. I also have not been able to connect to my VPN while using it but I can't blame that on LINKSYS since I was told by my VPN providor that it won't work with a firewall. All in all it's an awesome piece of hardware.
Rating:
Summary: FRUSTRATING DISASTERS...
Review: This device appears to be a good idea, on paper. I had to return the first unit because it would fail pinging (via wireless connection) after twenty minutes. After detailed discussions with LinkSys, they confirmed it was a defective unit. I, foolishly, purchased a replacement unit and I have the same serious problems. IT IS NOT A SETUP PROBLEM. It will correctly respond to ping testing for only the first hour at the most. I would urge anyone who owns one of these units to try pinging the device FROM A WIRELESS connection (the ping via CAT5 connection is fine). I am fairly sure that you will soon discover that the ping will fail within an hour. It is the wireless section of this device that has a bad design. Linksys is not willing to admint it, yet. I spoke with several technicians. One of them was very helpful and knows his stuff. The others make the same useless suggestions repeatedly. Unless you enjoy hours of frustration, avoid this thing like a bad block of cheese.
Rating:
Summary: Our Workhorse Router! Home and Work!
Review: We got both the B and the B+G protocol versions of this router. The B outperformed the G which was newer but not nearly as stable, so we installed one at home and one at the office. We have not had one single problem. The thing has worked perfectly from day 1. I love the four ports hub that's included so we put it near a printer, T1 router, and one computer that are all wired in and all the wireless clients could not be happier - so easy to get on the network. Security is great too, not only is the WEP, but we also use the MAC table to restrict access to only those hardware addresses we know will be using our wireless router in advance. There's just no access to this wireless device unless we know about it first! We turned the SSID broadcast off too so we don't show up on anybody wardriving around the area either. There is so much flexibility in configuring this little guy - we got to make a perfect set up for our needs that gives us great performance and peace of mind security! Can you tell I used to work in marketing? Anyway, it's such a good little device, I had to write a review.
Rating:
Summary: If the router doesn't work, you are out of luck
Review: I bought a Linksys router in October 2003, and still have not gotten it to work wirelessly. The box did not include the installation CD, and I was told by Linksys that I could BUY one if I wanted. I have emailed, faxed, wrote, and of course called, with no help. I have asked for an RMA, and was told "I think that has something to do with returning the product". Linksys tech support is terrible. Buy at your own risk.
Rating: 
Summary: Good router overall, with flaws
Review: I've had this router now for little less than a year. I've had some major issues with it.
I use this router to share the one IP that I get through my university to 7 computers (I know, a lot for one guy). According to tech support, this router isn't designed for T1 speeds. It was only meant for cable/DSL and there will lock-up every once in a while. This doesn't make any sense to me but I'm sure they are right. Every couple of months, the unit will stop working without rebooting. I've already sent it back twice (spending about $15 on return shipping).
I'm not sure if this behavior would change in an non-university environment. I've asked them if I could upgrade to another unit. They said no.
Other than that, this unit is poorly designed. You only have 10 spaces in which you can forward ports. I wanted at least 20.
It seems if you go with Linksys Wireless-G routers, you can install third-party firmware which will extend this. I'd recommend getting it, or going with anouter manufacturer.
Rating:
Summary: Fails after months of use
Review: I have noticed this router typically begins to fail after 6 months of use. By fail, I mean it starts dropping connections and has trouble reconnecting to the WAN.
A router should not have to be reset (or unplugged) every day. IT should just be plugged in and work constantly.
My router started getting flaky after a year, but my mother has gone through two of these in one year.
I think its time Linksys get to addressing their customer's concerns.
Rating:
Summary: Frustrating waste of time and money.
Review: Purchased from Gateway along with the notebook PC so you would think they'd be a good match. Think again. Nothing but problems. Installation and documentation so-so for the wireless network novice - doesn't explain why things are done, coupled with Windows XP settings ends up being very hit and miss, not intuitive. Post-installation, usually unable to get wireless link with our home network although less trouble getting PC to link with undesired wireless networks. Went through at least three calls to Linksys support, which I will admit was quick enough, but nobody had a solution. Finally they bought off by telling me to upgrade the wireless PC card's driver. Problem was I couldn't completely download the driver file (40mb) on the Intertnet while plugged into the router from either PC on network, even when wired. Circumvented the router and voila - downloaded the file fine. So the router impedes throughput and also some slow down even with wired connections. Installed the drivers - made no difference, as I suspected. I give up.
Rating:
Summary: [Firmware] BEFW11S4 - Filed BBB complaint - Linksys sucks
Review: [Firmware] BEFW11S4 - Filed BBB complaint - Linksys sucks
I'm done, put a fork in me. I have been running the BEFW11S4 sucessfully for months on firmware version 1.47.x which I downloaded from dslreports.com. I have started to use MSN Messenger to stay in touch with my the family and it is flaky at best because this old firmware does not contain the fixes I need. I contacted support today and was told, I have tried everything, sorry. Well #$%$#$ Linksys. I will never buy another LINKSYS product as long as I live. I filed a complaint on the better business bureaus website, and I encourage everyone to do the same. »www.bbb.org Let your complaints be heard. I am also considering a class action lawsuit against Linksys, anyone interested? Here is my message from their helpdesk:
Enriquez, Clarenz: i think you already tried everything to make it work. Enriquez, Clarenz: i'm really sorry about that.
Rating:
Summary: Don't bother with this router
Review: Not all that easy to set up. Once I got it setup properly, it still dropped connections often on the wireless link, even though my Linksys wireless card showed a strong and high quality signal. After about six months, the router started crashing or locking up about once per day. I have to power it down and reboot it. Would not recommend this router to anyone.
| 
