Wireless-G PCI Adapter with SpeedBooster, 802.11g, b
1 A Monkey Could Install This!
This is going to sound a little embarrassing, but I had more trouble getting my computer case opened than I did installing this card. The installation process went something like this... Spend 10 minutes trying to figure out how to open my new computer's case. Finally, get case opened. Pop this card into a PCI slot. Close case. Screw on antenna. Turn on computer and get a message saying that Windows has detected new hardware. Ignore the message for the moment and put the LinkSys driver cd into my cd-rom drive. Driver installs without any action from me - new hardware mesage goes away. A screen with all available wireless networks pops up. I pick my network, enter my WEP password and everything works. I am now browsing the web and transferring files from my other computers with no problems and my signal is great.
My operating system is Windows XP Home and I am using the LinkSys wireless G access point. If you are using XP and have all LinkSys products I would say you can't miss with this card. Installing it was a no brainer and I get a great signal. For other setups, I recommend reading the rest of the reviews.
2 READ THIS if you run XP, I will save you time and money!
DO NOT BUY THIS ADAPTER FOR XP. Instead get WUSB54GS. This adapter has wizard for ME and 98, but for XP you have to stand on your head and cross your fingers to get it to work. Mine never worked and I am a degreed and certified Network Engineer.
On the other hand, the updated WUSB54GS external adapter is compatible and works only with XP and 2000. Insert the CD and it practically installs itself. No hassles whatsoever, unlike the other miserable excuse for an XP wireless adapter. I wasted hours trying to make the WMP54GS work. Don't make the same mistake I did. Get the WUSB54GS and you will be up and running in minutes.
3 Here today, gone tomorrow.
Today it works. Tomorrow it doesn't work.
6 hours to install. Tech Support's English hit or miss.
Back to the store - so sad. (The tragedy of Windows 98 SE.)
4 Know The Minimum Requirements
Easy installation and works good out of the box. I ended up having to redo my network because I did not pay attention to the mininum requirements. This card requires a system have a processor of 500 MHz or greater. (I originally planned to install in a 333MHz system) I also ended up purchasing the WRE54G range expander because every time we used the microwave I would lose my connection. So know what system you have and where you will use it!
5 Encountered problems with Windows XP Home, SP2
Overall I was pleased with this network adapter (connected to a Linksys WRT54G wireless router) and it was working well...that is, until I installed Windows XP SP2 (service pack 2). Once I had installed SP2 the connection died. After a call to tech support I was told that the latest drivers for the network adapter weren't compatible with SP2 and the only solution was to uninstall. The rep said that he wasn't sure if Linksys would come out with drivers that worked with SP2 so I had no choice but to uninstall SP2. I find it poor that Linksys doesn't adequately support their product, especially since SP2 wasn't just a trivial release by Microsoft. I have seen some reviewers who got it working with SP2 but from what Linksys told me it sounds like you are on your own if you attempt it!
Good product, bad support!
6 Crummy tech support and Byzantine install offsets solid tech
The good? Wireless speeds are in excess of the 802.11g spec, so I am getting 100-110Mbps (12.5-13.5 MBps) from the basement to the living room easily. Once the initial horror of setup was over, I've been happily connected ever since. And you can't beat the price: Linksys gear is dropping in price, likely due to a ramp-up of pre-N gear on the horizon. (That's the new 802.11n standard which promises 6x the g-rate, and pre-N Belkin gear is delivering triple the speeds, so 150Mbps, or nearly 19 MBps).
The bad? Customer support, or lack thereof. I had a problem with the client not seeing the router. The *real* problem was the firewall on the basement machine. However, mention the words "Workgroup" or "file and printer sharing" to a Live Chat Specialist and watch how fast they come back with "we don't support configuring Windows" and a link to a knowledgebase article that will not give you a step-by-step diagnostic.
That's a shame, because a troubleshooting map would come in real handy. I fixed the problem myself -- I usually do with rare exception -- but for the non-IT professional, I fear for you. It's Belkin or Netgear for me next time.
And even more: the DHCP server on these routers are apparently very flaky. I could never get mine to give up an IP address to my WMP54GS card, so in the ened I configured it for a static IP and was connected. Woe to the inexperienced customer who tries to get an IP from one of these automatically. This issue is known throughout the Internet, but good luck trying to get Linksys to admit the problem and fix it.
The ugly? Try installing it. IF you manage to see your router on the first shot, your karma is perfect and heaven awaits you. Sinners like myself are forced to install the Linksys drivers only after the failed promise of Wireless Zero Configuration fails. Yes, you'll be switching between the Windows config and Linksys config a few times until you get it right. My suggestion would be to ensure you can see the router first (channel selection being the biggest 'gotcha' here), then worry about encryption and such.
Also, don't be surprised if the DHCP server on the WRT54GS router doesn't give you an IP address. It's a known issue to the outside world, which is waiting for Linksys to admit it and fix it. Configuring your WMP54GS with a static IP will get you fully connected in every case.
I have companion reviews for the WRT54GS and WUSB11, also Linksys gear. They won't be very flattering, either, but it's XMas time, and readers should not be giving bad gifts.
Fred
7 Mixed results
Most people that buy these critters (Linksys Speed Booster Wireless - G PCI Adapter model WMP54GS) are part of the majority that have broad band and routers to boot.
I am a little more conservative and plan to share resources from my tower (Gateway using XP/Home edition) with my wireless laptop (Gateway using XP/Home edition.)
There is a picture on the back of the product box that depicts this setup. Well I dove in and found the card a tight fit. I had to adjust it to fit the slot correctly and the antenna scraped both sides of the slot while being screwed on. Then I was in for a shock. There were no instructions for this combination and the operating system was not intuitive enough to walk one through the steps.
Who knew that was an ad-hock system?
Well luckily there is an 800 number for help and with their help we fumbled through about 80% of the problems. Ending up taking off encryption and firewalls in the process. They were almost stumped by the Gateway wireless functions (as they were not Linksys.)
Both systems' claim to fame is the 802.11G with Speed Booster. So far I do get best speed 802.11B. Still working on peripheral sharing and syncing of user names. I can find how to share printers although the print job does not go through. Have not figured out how to use the modem from the Laptop through the tower yet (this was my original purpose.)
There still seeps to be a problem with some sharing. I will try to give the same user name to both systems and see what happens.
The weird thing is if the Linksys wireless system is turned on and the laptop is not, the computer comes to a screeching halt. I checked the resources and found no CPU usage or memory usage. The system does not say "not responding" it just does not respond.
8 The Hotness
This Linksys WMP54GS Wireless-G PCI Card w/ SpeedBooster has changed my life! I have the Linksys WRT54GS Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster to accompany this beast. I am about a good 25 feet away with a 125.0 Mbps and Excellent Signal strength. I feel like I'm plugged in with a wire (I surf that nicely). I cannot offer a higher recommendation! To put it simply....it is the Hotness!!!
9 Amazing Product
I just bought this card yesterday to replace the junk WUSB54G USB adapter for my Dell XPS with XP Pro and SP2. I had a completely trouble free installation and it hooked up to my WEP network flawlessly (router is a WRT54GS). The speed is always 80.0 mbps or higher, but it usually stays around 110.0 mbps and tops out around 125.0 mbps. However, it always says the signal strength is low or very low, but it doesn't affect the performance of the card. It performs at amazing speeds so I'm not sure why it says that. Aside from the maybe mistaken signal strength indicator, I love this card and is MUCH better than the WUSB54G.
10 OK at first in Dell Dimension XPS R400 Windows 98 SE
My Dell Dimension XPS 400 Windows 98 SE had the Linksys WMP54GS card in it and it used to work perfectly. (It worked perfectly the first time I installed it!) This computer has a modem and didn't have a wired ethernet card.
I have installed and removed lots of networking and VPN software on this machine. Apparently the Windows 98SE Operating System has drivers and modules and registry entries in it that don't let it boot up when this card is in the machine.
I got so frustrated I considered moving to Windows XP home (clean install). Then I considered the cost and the possibility that there might be a problem with the machine that would still preclude correct operation of the WMP54GS.
So I bought a new Dell Desktop with Windows XP Home, and then installed this card.
It works flawlessly. No issues at all.
The nightmare of weekend after weekend trying to get this card to work in the Dell XPS R400 Windows 98 SE finally ended!
My conclusion - if the wireless card doesn't work after a day's effort on an old machine and operating system, then give up or buy a current machine with windows XP. Unless you have nothing else to do with your life and find struggling with technology that doesn't work to be your life's ambition.
It appears that older computers and operating system, have unique charateristics that preclude using wireless cards. It might be in the BIOS that recognizes cards, it might be bus speed, it might be the use of PCI connector pins, it might be the operating system, it might be the incompatibility with the cards driver. I don't feel compelled to diagnose what is wrong.
Looking back, it appears that the newer wireless lan cards are throughly tested on Windows XP and Windows 2000 computers (the install is usually much easier according to my wealthier friends) and minimally tested on Windows 98 SE and Windows ME computers.
By the way, a generic wired LAN card works perfectly in the Dell XPS R400 Windows 98 SE.
Had I known that wired was the way to go, I'd have spent the time wiring the house with CAT5 cable connected to a 4 way router, and have had it working in a weekend.
Wireless is easy only with new technology.
11 If you have Windows 98SE, look elsewhere!
I spent 4 hours trying to get this card to work with my pc... I called Linksys to see if they could help... well after 5 minutes of quick tests, the operator told me that they have had many problems with these cards and 98SE. He had no work arrounds, the only things he could suggest was to return the card & purchase the Linksys WMP11
PCI card (as this works well with 98SE). I will be returning this card back to Amazon & be purchasing a WMP11... hopefully I can get this to work.
12 100% PERFECT IN EVERY WAY
Installation: Quick and Easy, loaded the drivers, installed the PCI adapter and Windows recognized it. Wireless Connection detected as soon as I quickly configured the settings to my preference.
Performance: FAST, FAST, FAST! I can't stress FAST enough! I was able to transfer huuuge files throughout my other 3 PCs with no delays, skips, lags, or slowness. I am an extremely happy camper! I use the SpeedBooster router too and it even increases the speed of my regular 802.11g PCI adapter. Way to go Linksys!
Range: WIDE!!!!! It has a HUGE antenna, larger than any other antenna I've seen from other mfgs. I bought the Netgear and D-Link prior and they both sucked big time in range.
Bottom line: BUY THIS IF YOU WANT 802.11G AT ITS BEST!
13 Trouble-Free Installation
I installed this card on a Dell Dimension 8200 desktop PC. I am running a network using equipment from various manufacturers. The router is made by Netgear, that is compatible with both 802.11b and 802.11g standards. In all, I have four dekstop PCs and one laptop sharing a DSL connection. My intention is to eventually upgrade to a router with higher speed. Most likely the Linksys with Speedbooster.
The installation itself was quite easy. My only complaint is that the long antenna of this adapter gets tangled with all of the other wires/cables that are connected on the back of my computer. Perhaps the best installation technique is to put this adapter on the top-most PCI slot. That way, all of the other wires and cables will be underneath the unit and will not tangle with the antenna above the adapter.
This PC is the farthest one from the router. Therefore, it receives the weakest signal. This adapter is no better than my older D-Link 520 adapters at receiving the signal. With a weak signal, the adapter is running at 5.5 Mbps. However, when it is getting good signal, it does run at the highest speed that "standard" 802.11g is capable of. With a router upgrade, that speed should increase.
For your information, my computer system has a Pentium 4 processor, 512MB of RDRAM, and Windows XP Pro. The device driver that came with the adapter is working fine with this system. Users with Windows XP and Windows 2000 will get the most benefit from this adapter. The Speedbooster capability is only available to those using these operating systems. Soon, I will upgrade my router to a Linksys unit with the Speedbooster ability.
14 Well worth the purchase!!!
I bought this card along with the linksys Wireless-G router with speedbooster and i am impressed. The card found the router easily, and set up was simple with no problems. My computer connected wirelessly shows internet speeds at or near equal to my hard wired desktop. I cannot speak for people who own other brands and those that want to get different wireless networking equipment to work with multiple brands, but i do suggest that people buy the same brand name for all components of their wireless network. Again, I am impressed and amazed, and I promote this product highly.
15 Not as bad as people say
All I wanted to share with you all is that the range is really on par if not better than others. I initially purchased the wmp54gs with the wrt54gs and the signal strength was low or very low. I read another review that said to buy the wg311t from netgear...I did...low or very low. I decided that maybe it was the access point and not the card. I moved the wrt54gs about ten feet to the right and presto, good, very good on both cards.
I guess the moral of the story is that wireless is pretty much hit or miss anyway; avoid the cycle of buying and returning products and try changing one of the 850 variables that affect wireless performance:)
16 Very Poor Signal/Rande + 0 Tech Support Knowledge
I have tried this card w Linksys WRT54GS router. The signal strength on the computer w the card was only Very Low to Low. In contrast, when replaced on same computer and location w Netgear WG311T or Buffalo WLI-PCI-54G g-type Cards I get very good to excellent signal strength! Linksys support only remedy for this is - exchange the card w another one? Well I have exchanged the card for another one with same outcome. This card is crap!
17 Great product !!
About 2 weeks ago I bought the WMP54GS for my PC and the WPC54GS for my notebook. The reason why I bought them was because I wanted to play some games against my cousin without the hassle of putting long wires throughout the house. I was not sure if I could get the desired speed between these computers to play the games without freezing or hang-ups. My other problem was that as far as networking goes my knowledge was slim to none. However, when I received these products and installed them in my PC and notebook I had some slight connection problems (probably my fault) but after 2 or 3 hours of struggling I got it to work and I am very , very satisfied with these products. The computers give me an almost constant connection speed of 54Mbps and as far as the gaming goes, there are no hang-ups or freezing. I also recently bought the WRT54GS router , but I haven't connected it yet because I am waiting for ADSL at home. As far as I am concerned ALL these products deserve 5 stars. Keep up the good work LINKSYS.
