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    Is an old Linksys WRT54G router as good as new?

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by Malia, Jul 19, 2005.

  1. Malia

    Malia Notebook Evangelist NBR Reviewer

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    Hiyas,

    So I'm getting my laptop, so I ordered me a D-Link router that's $20 after rebate. The day after it ships, someone gives me a Linksys WRTG54G router for free. So now, I get to sell one of the routers and keep the other one. (Returning the D-Link is too expensive, after shipping and restocking fees.) The question is, which one? :decision:

    I'd like to use the Linksys because it's cuter and has 2 alien-like antennas and I have it today, BUT it seems like it was bought in 1999-2000. When they update stuff, do they update the hardware too, or just the software? I can probably just download the new software if that's it. Is firmware the same thing as software? I'm a little confused on the subject. Thanks bunches!

    Malia
     
    Malia, Jul 19, 2005
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  2. qwester

    qwester Notebook Virtuoso

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    Upgrading the firmware should bring it up to date. Firmware is sort of like the hardware's software (don't take it too literal). It is sort of the like the BIOS for a motherboard. So upgrading it works out some bugs and might introduce some new features. I think it is worth a shot.

    I worked once with that speceific linksys model and I really liked the interface/software and I found it very intuitive to setup for first time users (or people like me who are too lazy to read manuals :p)
     
    qwester, Jul 19, 2005
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  3. Brian

    Brian Working at 486 Speed NBR Reviewer

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    If we all decided things on what's cuter, oh boy...LOL

    Anyway, I err to newer hardware, but if your machine works well with it, then keep it. The other one will be easier to sell if it's all wrapped up anyway, you should be able to break even. I don't really like DLink much anyway.
     
    Brian, Jul 19, 2005
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  4. Malia

    Malia Notebook Evangelist NBR Reviewer

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    Hey, how cute it is is a serious consideration! It's not like I can really hide it, you know - it's gonna sit on my desk for a long time!

    They're both brand new in box, sealed and everything, so it's equally easy to sell them. I'm quite good at selling complete junk, so I can't wait to sell something that's actually worth money and see what I'll get. But, I really can't test it before I make the decision... I need to know what box to cut!!

    Any more input? I'm making the decision tomorrow night!

    Malia
     
    Malia, Jul 19, 2005
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  5. avisitor

    avisitor Notebook Enthusiast

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    I don't know if I'm too late.
    I own one, and I prefer it over my Belkin model. It has a longer range than my Belkin. With the Firmware upgrades, it has about just as many options, and it's made by Cisco
     
    avisitor, Jul 25, 2005
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  6. EricM

    EricM Notebook Guru

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    I GREATLY prefer the Linksys over any non-business router/access point. But the Linksys is now owned by Cisco, with is arguably the best hardware maker for networking.
     
    EricM, Jul 27, 2005
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  7. maia

    maia Notebook Enthusiast

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    I prefer Linksys too (for non-business stuff). Yes, there are hardware revisions. It might be stated on the box or on the stick in the unit itself...
    I'd get the Linksys...
     
    maia, Jul 28, 2005
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  8. td5

    td5 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Keep the WRT54G - Google for the Freeman firmware, and enjoy...
     
    td5, Jul 30, 2005
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