Linksys WMP54GS Wireless-G PCI Card with SpeedBooster

Rating:
Summary: Encountered problems with Windows XP Home, SP2
Review: Overall I was pleased with this network adapter (connected to a Linksys WRT54G wireless router) and it was working well...that is, until I installed Windows XP SP2 (service pack 2). Once I had installed SP2 the connection died. After a call to tech support I was told that the latest drivers for the network adapter weren't compatible with SP2 and the only solution was to uninstall. The rep said that he wasn't sure if Linksys would come out with drivers that worked with SP2 so I had no choice but to uninstall SP2. I find it poor that Linksys doesn't adequately support their product, especially since SP2 wasn't just a trivial release by Microsoft. I have seen some reviewers who got it working with SP2 but from what Linksys told me it sounds like you are on your own if you attempt it!

Good product, bad support!

Rating:
Summary: Crummy tech support and Byzantine install offsets solid tech
Review: 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

Rating:
Summary: The Hotness
Review: This Linksys WMP54GS Wireless-G PCI Card w/ SpeedBooster has changed my life! I have the Linksys WRT54GS Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster to accompany this beast. I am about a good 25 feet away with a 125.0 Mbps and Excellent Signal strength. I feel like I'm plugged in with a wire (I surf that nicely). I cannot offer a higher recommendation! To put it simply....it is the Hotness!!!