Linksys Wireless-G WUSB54GC Review

Bottom Line: The Linksys (Cisco) Wireless-G WUSB54GC receives an A+ from me.  I give the card high marks for ease of installation, configuration, and throughput. 

There is something amiss with the (Broadcom) wireless Network Interface Cards (NIC's) Hewlett Packard (HP) is using in its Notebook products.  I have had two simply stop working after the notebook reached about two years of age.  The latest is in my Pavillion dv9000; the adapter has been working on and off for the last week.  I use my laptop daily so being to connect to my home network is a must.

So, unable to nail down the immediate issue, I began my search for a replacement Wireless NIC and settled on the Linksys Wireless-G WUSB54GC. 

The all black WUSB54GC looks a lot like a typical USB flash drive and measure in at 1.1 x 3.86 x 0.43 inches.  Linksys wisely thought to include a cap to fit over the USB (male) connector, and that coupled with its small size, makes easy to slip the WUSB54GC into an available pocket or laptop case. 

The Linksys Wireless-G WUSB54GC operates at a frequency of 2.4 GHz, and supports the following wireless protocols:  802.11b and 802.11g.  The small WUSB54GC can transmit and receive networking traffic in a range of 1 - 54Mbps, utilizing one small antenna.  The "Range Boost" happens when mated with a WAP with the same technology and 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 WUSB54GC 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 WUSB54C is USB Ver. 2.0 Compliant. 

My Viewpoint

I am very happy with the performance of this Wireless-G adapter; it receives an A+ from me.  I give the card high marks for ease of installation, configuration, and throughput. 

The small lightweight size makes it ideal for transport and ease of install.  The small footprint drivers work well; i.e. they integrate with Windows Vista without issue.  The NIC tool less than five minutes to set up, and the adapter remains stable after continual use.  Connection signal-strength to the upstairs WAP is excellent and throughput remains a steady 54Mbps.  I couldn't ask for more. 

And I give the Vista utility much love for its functionality; i.e. ability to sot our nearby wireless networks.  If you are looking for a good Windows Vista compliant Wireless-G network adapter you definitely want to give the Wireless-G WUSB54GC a look; for the price ($49.99 at my local Office Max), it's a clear winner.