Product summary
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).
Specifications: Dimensions (W x D x H): 5.5 in x 1.4 in x 5.5 in ; Connectivity technology: Wired , Wireless ; Data transfer rate: 240 Mbps ; See full specs
CNET editors' review
- Reviewed on: 05/12/2006
- Released on: 11/28/2005
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.
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.
A very interesting article. The insights are really helpful and informative. Thanks for posting. Visit here for more info.
BalasHapusnetgear sales department
Netgear Customer Support
How to configure Netgear router