Linksys Model: WRT54G Review

My last Linksys router was a BEFSR41 (wired, with a WAP54G wireless access point connected to one of the ports) ; it worked flawlessly, until I bought my Sony LoctaionFree system (see my review of that unit). I needed UPNP (Universal Plug aNd Play) for the router to work with the Sony, so I updated the router's firmware. Within 6 hours I started having disconnect problems, not only with the wireless, but also with the wired side. That made no sense, and Linksys was no help.

As I (and my wife) use the connection for work (and I am oncall for a hospital), I bought the WRT54G, which is a wired/wireless router. I had disconnect problems from day one (both wired and wireless); every time I made changes to the router's settings, it would disconnect me, or not connect at all (I could see my network, but the router did not see the modem).

Linksys was no help. They suggested I update the firmware (which crashed my last Linksys router) and make setting changes. I made the changes, but didn't update the firmware. This was no help, so I reset the router to the defaults, updated the firmware, and reentered my settings. The wired side was more stable, although I am still hesitant to make changes to it, but the wireless side was still flaky, so I reconnected the WAP54G to one of the ports, and my wireless is again flawless.

I can only guess at where the problems lie, but I will look hard and long at my next router. I would not recommend this model to anyone.