Linksys WRT54GX4 with SRX400
Starting at: $72.59
CNET Editors' Review
CNET Editors' Rating
- Reviewed by: Jon L. Jacobi
- Released on:
- Reviewed on:
The good: The Linksys WRT54GX4 router gives incredible short-range performance.
The bad: The Linksys WRT54GX4 router's long-range and mixed-mode performances are mediocre. It's also a pricey router, especially considering the fact that it will not likely be compliant with the 802.11n spec.
The bottom line: If you have to have the fastest short-range router immediately, the WRT54GX4 is a good choice. But if you need a good long-range or mixed-mode performer, you're better off looking at the Belkin Pre-N router (the long-range champ).
As with all pre-N MIMO routers, you'll need to use a matching adapter for optimal performance, in this case, Linksys's WPC54GX4 wireless card. Unlike the Draft N products that are trickling out now, such as the Linksys WRT300N and the Netgear RangeMax routers, the so-called pre-N products are all based on vendor-proprietary technology. Mixing routers and adapters from different vendors will likely result in degraded performance.
We were a bit disappointed that the silver and gray Linksys WRT54GX4 router doesn't have the built-in footpad that some of Linksys's routers have. To orient the square unit vertically, you'll need to snap on the included stand. The three antennas bend to 90 degrees and swivel 270 degrees, which should allow you to adjust them for good coverage in just about any physical circumstance. The router also has four hard-wired 10/100 Ethernet ports. We hate to keep harping on vendors for the exclusion, but to stream full-scale high-definition content, you need wired gigabit Ethernet ports (Netgear includes gigabit Ethernet in its Marvell chipset-based RangeMax Next Gigabit edition router.)
Setting up the Linksys WRT54GX4 is easy. Plug in the cables, and you should be on your way. If for some reason Windows XP, the WRT54GX4 router, and your broadband connection don't communicate to autoconfigure correctly, Linksys's browser-based HTML configuration application offers every option you need. (If you do have configuration problems, they can often be resolved by simply powering down your PC, router, and broadband modem and leaving them off for five minutes. When you power them back up, do so in the following order: modem, router, then PC.) Security features include an SPI firewall, MAC address filtering, WPA and WPA2, and support for VPN and remote configuration.
Hide ReviewCompare to other routers
Compare selectedUser Reviews
See all user reviewsMost Helpful User Review
stars 10 of 10 users found this review helpful
"Get new Firmware" By GSES
Pros Fast at long Distances, Stable
Cons Old Firmware is useless
Summary I had endless troubles with this Router when I first purchased it. It would not work properly with any VoIP application, including Skype or MSN Messenger. Connection speeds would also drop to 5mbs, around 5ft from the router. Linksys will provide you with 1.00.12 (Beta) which dramatically improves ... Expand full review
Most Recent User Reviews (Showing 2 of 33 reviews)
Specifications
See full specsQuick Specs
- Networking type: Wireless router
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 5.5 in x 1.4 in x 5.5 in
- Connectivity technology: Wireless Wired
