Linksys Wireless-G USB Network Adapter (WUSB54G) Review

The USB tethered Linksys Wireless-G WUSB54GR operates at a frequency of 2.4 GHz, and supports the following wireless protocols:  802.11b and 802.11g.  The smallish  WUSB54GR can transmit and receive networking traffic in a range of 1 - 54Mbps, utilizing on small foldable antenna.  The "Range Boost" when mated with a WAP with the same technology is supposed to extend the range of the adapter up to 2 times and its throughput up to 35%.  But that is not why I chose it; besides the Windows Vista drivers, I choose the WUSB54GR for three reasons: 1. The card operates at a frequency of 2.4 GHz the same frequency band I currently use for my wireless communications, and at this frequency the wireless card does not interfere with my wireless phones; 2. The Linksys name is one I have come to trust for reliability and cutting edge technology; 3. The Linksys Wireless-G WUSB54G is USB version. 2.0 Compliant. 

My Viewpoint

I have mixed feelings about the WUSB54GR; Linksys surprisingly dropped the ball in the delivery of the driver for this card; it is small-186KB as a matter of fact.  That is compared to 5.6MB for the Windows XP driver.  What's missing you might ask?  The ability to manipulate the card's many settings in order to get the most throughput from it I would answer.  13Mbps is faster than 11Mbps I have to admit, and indeed at that speed browsing the internet and opening documents from the files server is done so at an acceptable speed, but I'm spoiled, I want my 54Mbps! 

No doubt when the WUSB54GR is connected to a WAP or Router with Range Boost technology, the cards throughput would be smartly increased.  At least the connection speed does not fluctuate, nor is the signal from either WAP ever lost altogether.  In contrast the Wireless-G adapter in my HP Pavilion zv5000 is rock steady at 54Mbps; both computers are on the first floor and connect to a WAP on the second floor.

Despite the less than desirable throughput, I am satisfied with the WUSB54GR.  For the time being, the little adapter works well enough, and in any case it is just an interim fix until I can replace the entire 801.11g setup with 891.11n.  And the card is far more stable than the earlier versions of the adapter.      

The Linksys Wireless-G WUSB54GR with Range Boost receives a B- from me.  While I give the card high marks for ease of installation and configuration-thanks in part to Windows Vista-the Vista driver receives low marks for its lack of configurable options.  If you are looking for a good Vista compliant Wireless-G network adapter you might want to give the Linksys Wireless-G WUSB54GR with Range Boost a look, but just be mindful of the limited throughput.