Product Description

LINKSYS WAP54G - Wireless-G is the emerging 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. The best part is, since they share the same 2.4GHz radio band, Wireless-G devices talk to existing 11 Mbps Wireless-B equipment.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1047 in Consumer Electronics
• Brand: Linksys
• Model: WAP54G
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: 33.00" h x 117.60" w x 135.00" l, 4.00 pounds

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

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:

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.

Customer Reviews

Easier Than I Anticipated
Using this device as an access point only. Connected to a D-Link DGL4100 Gaming Router. Network of 3 PCs is wired with 1 laptop, also wired. Before setup, I read about security, WEP v. WPA/WPA2-Personal and MAC address filtering. Security concerns were the reason for the wired network. I used the CD to auto setup, and then manually configured after logging into the address my router assigned to the Access Point via DHCP (your router will change the default ip if you have it set to do so. It's status page should tell you the new ip).

At first, I used simple WEP encryption. Connection was quick. Then I played with the WPA encryption. Had problems connecting and stuck with WEP. I then disabled SSID broadcasting. Tried again next day and realized after making changes to the AP's login page, and saving, you must EXIT the page before you can make a successful connection. Once I figured that out, I went right to WPA2-Personal encryption (the highest level for me), and filtered by MAC address. No problems. Connects my Dell Latitude immediately and excellent range on the second floor as well (AP is on first floor).

Very satisfied. Only complaint is the bright blue..wish it was all black to blend in more. I plan on mounting it high on a wall in my basement stairwell, which will be a pretty central location in my house and will keep it out of sight.

Flaky configuration.
My company owns several of these units. When configuring them it always feels like it's on a wing and a prayer. Often configs don't take and have to be reentered. One unit in our Philadelphia location has continued to loose it's configs and resets to defaults. Owned by Cisco but not as reliable as a true Cisco device.

easy setup
I was wanting to be able to install the network without using the CD. It seems like the CDs always make you install something that comes with spyware or virusware. After plugging in the Access Point to my network and not being able to find it with my laptop wireless NIC, I relented and used the CD.

No problems at all. I was setup in 2 minutes. No programs installed on my laptop, just a simple utility run only off the CD.