In the CNET Labs, the Linksys WRT54GX4 router was lightning fast in the short-range max throughput tests, averaging 75Mbps at 10 feet. The Belkin Pre-N router managed only 45.7Mbps, though the Netgear WPNT834 RangeMax 240 clobbered them all with a blazing 93.8Mbps. (It's interesting to note, too, that the Linksys WRT54GX4 also edged out the first Draft N offerings from both Linksys and Netgear, which scored 71.5 and 72.7, respectively.) At long range, the WRT54GX4 made a poor showing: a mere 16.3Mbps at 200 feet. In a mixed-mode environment (with 802.11b/g clients) the WRT54GX4 was again well off the mark, scoring 23.0Mbps.
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
The Linksys WRT54GX4 carries a generous three-year warranty (though short of Belkin's lifetime offering) and online support is augmented by 24/7 toll-free telephone support. The user guide is nicely done and should help you get up and running in a jiffy. Linksys's Web site also offers FAQs and downloads.
Overall, we were disappointed by the Linksys WRT54GX4's performance, especially given its high price. If you need a faster router right away, the Belkin Pre-N is still our favorite, for its performance consistency.
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