Linksys Wrt54GS: Is that a good router?

I have Surewest Dsl Internet. It still uses 802.11g wireless. I was told they can come and hook me up with this Linksys Wrt54 router for $7.98 a month (rent) . I am going to buy my own and hook it up myself. If they use only G wireless, does this mean I cannot get a "N" router? Also would I be able to at least use the Wrt54GS which has a speed boost?

I think my phone company has old technology. They were recently bought by Verizon. But no changes have been made yet.

Thanks for your help.

 

Most N router is compatible with older technology. So you can actually get an N router. WrtGS, sure you can use that router. Another thing is it is a good thing to buy your own router, because $8 bucks a month for a router is certainly a rip-off.

 

You could still use an N router. And from what I remeber about router shopping, the wrt54g's were nice.

 

get your own router, n or g is fine. What type card do you have??

 

I heard the GL version is better than the GS.

If you have some extra $$, I'd recommend getting a good ol' D-Link. I've owned several and none of them have ever let me down.

 

That is a $60 router. In 8 months, you could have bought your own.

I'd get the GL version though personally.

 

n routers are backward compatible, so you should have no problem.

if you are interested in installing dd-wrt, make sure you know what version of the gs you're getting. there may be some versions that aren't supported.

the linksys wrt54g is a great series. v1 through 4 were the best in terms of hardware, though you can still install the micro versions on the newer versions. i have a v8 with dd-wrt v24 rc6.2 and it's been great.

if third-party firmware is a priority, get a wrt54gl (basically a refresh of the wrt54g v4) or a buffalo.

 

My Hp laptop has a Intel/Pro wireless 4965 A/G/N network connection.

What would be the best router for that. I need something that is simple to connect and startup, since I am no techie.

Thanks so much for all your help

 

This is true, I've had one for going on two years now using third party firmware I've had no problems at all. So if your going to go with linksys get the GL version.

 

so i know this is changing the subject a bit, but from im reading are you guys saying that if you have a wireless N router you are able to connect to a wireless G signal?

 

Yes, but it will work at G speed.

 

Then, should I buy a wireless N router. Even though it is still a draft N. What does draft N mean anyway.

 

The Linksys WRT54GS is not a good router. I have had nothing but problem with the v7 one. It can not handle heavy traffic, or multiple users. I needs to be rebooted soon after a second user is active, locks up. With a single light use it may work, but don't count on doing any large downloads. The wireless speed was good while it was working, other wise it's junk.

Hardware that meets the v2 Draft is expected to meet the final spec. But if you can wait do so. Then wait some more for all of the older units to be sold. In that same time there may be 6+ firmware changes, so expect early problems.

 

yes most wireless N routers are backwards compatible with G

Ive actually had a WRT54GS for years now, at first it kept dropping out. After a third-party firmware it slowly stopped dropping out. Now it hasnt dropped out on me for like a year. Its a great cheap router. I think you can buy it on ebay for about $10 now

 

I have a WRT54GS v2 router and it works great, it has plenty of security features and options in the control panel. You could also load up alternative firmware on it for even more options. Computer to computer transfers in my home network are also very fast and the wireless is extremely stable and has never let me down.

 

Draft N simply means that the 'rules' N type connection is not finalized yet, or not standardized yet. It's sort of in the release candidate now. However, most manufacturers have already implement the N type connection. So it is unlikely for the 'rules' to change, or it wouldn't change much when it is finalized. I would say it is safe to purchase N router now.

About which N router is a good one, I'm not so sure. But if you go to newegg.com or amazon.com, you can choose N router and look at customer feedback.

 

well, imo, stay away from belkin

linksys, d-link, netgear, etc., are good reliable routers

i know you can always get a refurbished netgear N router off ebay for under $45, has a guarantee for 30 days, etc. just like new ==>> simple to set up-- thats what we did when first trying out n routers

 

Linksys hardware that was v4 or less was the best you could get, with the WRT54G v3 the best one, twice the ram. All of sisco/Linksys current in 11g is not very good if you push them at all, except the GL model. It is actually the WRT54G v4 model before they messed them up.

Stay away from Belkin hardware, they are not very reliable, high failure rate. Netgear and Dlink are the better models. I would also see what model are support the dd-wrt firmware. Buying one that is supported will give you an option for more stability and more options than the factory firmware will offer.