Cisco-Linksys WAP54G Wireless-G Access Point

Cisco-Linksys WAP54G Wireless-G Access Point
by Linksys

Cisco-Linksys WAP54G Wireless-G Access Point
Our Price: $149.99
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Category: CE
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Digital product summary information

Manufacturer: Linksys
Audio: English (Original Language)
Format: CD
Platform: Windows
Model: WAP54G
Product features:
  • Supports data rates up to 54 Mbps--up to 5 times faster than 802.11b
  • Backwards compatible with existing IEEE 802.11b devices at 11 Mbps
  • Supports 64- and 128-bit WEP encryption
  • Wireless MAC address filtering
  • Router not included, so you cannot connect multiple users to the Internet
  • Supports data rates up to 54 Mbps-up to 5 times faster than 802.11b
Accessories:

Digital camera reviews of Cisco-Linksys WAP54G Wireless-G Access Point

Digital camera Review: A Wireless Repeater That Works. Documentation the Doesn't
Summary: 4 Stars

In response to Mr. Frandzel's later posted comments, I'll add that the SSID for the WAP54g should differ from that of the router. Otherwise, in some circumstances, one or more wireless adapters can switch from the WAP54g's signal over to the router's signal, and then perhaps eventually visa versa. That type of switching may lock up the WAP54g. At the very least, that arrangement complicates troubleshooting. Now, back to my original review:

I purchased the WAP54g to work as a repeater in my network. I have one pc wired to my wrt54g in my basement and another pc in the far corner of a bedroom 2 flights up, as well as a wga54g in same room as the wireless pc. Although the signal strength had generally read from about 18% to about 40%, I suspected that the signal was fluctuating much more, since the signal would drop out for several seconds at a time. Also, the signal would become unreliable in the summer, perhaps due to high humidity. The wre54g that I had purchased had been a nightmare to setup, and caused my wga54g to lock up. I decided I was better off without it.

Anyway, with the 2.07 firmware the wap54g, and the wap54g positioned on the first floor (between the bedroom and basement) I'm getting a consistent signal strength of 46-60%, with no dropouts.

This being a Linksys product, there are bound to be gotchas. One gotcha is the lack of wpa support. Another gotcha is the lack of written documentation for the repeater function (not even written on the box). The repeater function is also poorly documented in the online setup help included with the wap54g. That help section tells you that if your wrt54g uses MAC filtering, you should type in the LAN MAC ID for the router in the appropriate box of the wap54g's web utility. That won't work. Instead, as the Linksys internet site states, you should type in the Wireless MAC ID for your wrt54g. Finally, the repeater function only works in comibination with select wireless Linksys products, such as the wrt54g.

BTW, one reviewer complained of being unable to find antenna to fit the wap54g's "non-standard mounts." That person apparently never visited Radio Shack, which has 5.5 dBi antenna (catalog #278-844) that fit the wap54g just fine. I'm using them now.

The same reviewer complained that the wap54g was so old that it complied only with the draft 802.11g draft standard. The 802.11g standard was finalized in mid 2003, which was some time after several other 802.11g products had been on the market.

Summary of Cisco-Linksys WAP54G Wireless-G Access Point

ou?ve got the network ? now enhance it with Wireless-G access up to 54 Mbps. Now it?s easy to grow your network by adding computers, printers and other wireless devices, without stringing cables. Also compatible with Wireless-B devices . Reliable connectivity allows you to move your laptops, or set up your devices all around your home or office. Or add Access Points to two separate networks and create ?cable-less cable? connectivity between them.
Amazon.com Product Description The Linksys Wireless-G access point lets you connect Wireless-G (802.11g) or Wireless-B (802.11b) devices to your network. Because both standards are built-in, you can protect your investment in existing 802.11b infrastructure, and migrate your network clients to the new screaming-fast Wireless-G standard as your needs grow.

For more information on the differences between an access point and a router with access point, see the following table:

access point vs. router To protect your data and privacy, the Wireless-G access point can encrypt all wireless transmissions. The MAC address filter lets you decide exactly who has access to your wireless network. Configuration is a snap with the Web browser-based configuration utility.

Wireless-G is the upcoming 54 Mbps wireless networking standard that's almost five times faster than the widely deployed Wireless-B (802.11b) products found in homes, businesses, and public wireless hotspots around the country--but since they share the same 2.4 GHz radio band, Wireless-G devices can also work with existing 11 Mbps Wireless-B equipment.

Future-proof your wireless network with the Linksys Wireless-G access point. You'll enjoy Wireless-B connectivity today, and be prepared for a high-speed Wireless-G tomorrow.

The Linksys Wireless-G access point is compatible with Windows 95, 98, Me, NT 4.0, 2000, and XP.

See a comparison diagram of the different wireless technologies.

Wireless networks are rapidly becoming more popular and coming down in price. Since they don't require cables, you can use the devices anywhere in an office or home, even out on the patio. There's no need to roll out an Ethernet network cable to each room of a house; you can network anywhere--without wires. Outside the home, wireless networking is available in hotspots at coffee shops, businesses, and airports--great when you're on the road and need to get some work done. For convenience, wireless networking is the answer.

Which Wireless Standard Is Right for Me?
Now that you've decided to create a wireless network, the next step is to figure out which wireless standard to use.

Basically, a standard is a set of specifications for a device. All devices that follow a specific standard share operating characteristics, such as the radio frequency used and maximum data transfer speed.

For wireless networking, there are three standards to choose from at this time:

  • 802.11b
  • 802.11a
  • 802.11g

To learn about the differences between the standards and select the right one for your network, click here for an easy-to-understand chart.

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