Linksys WRT54G Wireless-G Router
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $99.99 -- our price: $59.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Early Adopters Pick: January 2003. The first high-speed wireless networking router to use the 802.11g standard, which is four times faster than the current standard (802.11b) and backwards compatible.

The Linksys Wireless-G broadband router is really three devices in one box. First, it's a wireless access point, which lets you connect Wireless-G or Wireless-B devices to the network. There's also a built-in four-port full-duplex 10/100 switch to connect your wired-Ethernet devices. Connect four PCs directly, or daisy-chain out to more hubs and switches to create as big a network as you need. Finally, the router function ties it all together and lets your whole network share a high-speed cable or DSL Internet connection.

To protect your data and privacy, the Wireless-G broadband router can encrypt all wireless transmissions, and it supports the industrial-strength wireless security of 802.1x authentication and authorization. The router can serve as a DHCP server, has NAT technology to protect against Internet intruders, supports VPN pass-through, and can be configured to filter internal users' access to the Internet. Configuration is a snap with the Web browser-based configuration utility.

With the Linksys Wireless-G broadband router at the center of your home or office network, you can share a high-speed Internet connection, files, printers, andmultiplayer games with the flexibility, speed, and security you need!

Wireless-G is the 54 Mbps wireless networking standard that's more than four times faster than the widely deployed Wireless-B (802.11b) products found in homes, businesses, and public wireless hotspots around the country. But since they share the same 2.4 GHz radio band, Wireless-G devices can also interoperate with existing 11 Mbps Wireless-B equipment.

Because both standards are built-in, you can protect your investment in existing 802.11b infrastructure, and migrate to the new screaming-fast Wireless-G standard as your needs grow.

For more information on the differences between an access point and a router with access point, see the following table:

See a comparison diagram of the different wireless technologies.

Wireless networks are rapidly becoming more popular and coming down in price. Since they don't require cables, you can use the devices anywhere in an office or home, even out on the patio. There's no need to roll out an Ethernet network cable to each room of a house; you can network anywhere--without wires. Outside the home, wireless networking is available in hotspots at coffee shops, businesses, and airports--great when you're on the road and need to get some work done. For convenience, wireless networking is the answer. Which Wireless Standard Is Right for Me? Now that you've decided to create a wireless network, the next step is to figure out which wireless standard to use. Basically, a standard is a set of specifications for a device. All devices that follow a specific standard share operating characteristics, such as the radio frequency used and maximum data transfer speed. For wireless networking, there are three standards to choose from at this time: 802.11b 802.11a 802.11g To learn about the differences between the standards and select the right one for your network, click here for an easy-to-understand chart.

... Read more

Features

• Advanced wireless security with 128-bit WEP encryption, MAC, or IP address filtering
• All-in-one Internet-sharing router, 4-port switch, and Wireless-G (802.11g) access point
• Wireless data rates up to 54 Mbps--5 times faster than 802.11b
• Shares a single Internet connection and other resources with Ethernet wired and Wireless-G clients
• Interoperates with 802.11b clients at 11 Mbps

Reviews (557)

Sometimes they work and sometimes they don't
It sounds like some customers have had really good Linksys router experiences.I haven't.So I have come to conclude that sometimes these routers work great, sometimes they completely fail.I've spent hours dealing with Linksys' customer support and my ISP trying to get my router to work.My iBook AirPort and Windows 2000 /USB wireless adapter both found the router easily.But the router was not able to hook up with my ISP.Both computers get a good wired static IP connection to the internet.I tried using Linkksys' customer support by phone, email, web and chat and kept getting advice that did not work and www.linksys.com pages that didn't work.A software engineer, I'm reasonably tech-savvy so I usually have success with half-decent tech support.They never once suggested that their router might be malfunctioning.One of my ISP's support representatives said that he's had a run of some 40 calls from Linksys customers with this kind of problem.Apparently I got one of these duds.

I'd say Linksys has big problems with quality control and customer support.With many good alternatives out there I don't think it's worth rolling the dice with Linksys.I gave it two stars, rather than one, because it sounds like the good ones work really great and I imagine the duds a in the minority.For what it's worth, the guy from my ISP said he's had good experiences with NetGear routers.

VERY easy to install, VERY easy to use!!!
Hi, I'm very happy with this Linksys Router. It took me only 10 seconds to surf in the web. Believe it or not!!!. I just plug in the Ethernet cable from my DSL Modem into the Router conection. I turn on my Gateway Laptop and....surprise!!! I was already conected to the web!!!.
No configuration needed, no CD running, no nothing!!!
Great product, great Plug and Play from Windows XP.

quite good, for a small home network
I've had this router for about a year now, and it does everything I need for a home network of < 5 computers. The only thing the out-of-box firmware doesn't have that I wanted is DHCP reservations. However, I got a better firmware from:
http://wifi-box.sf.net
which does this and adds a few other features. ... Read more

Asin: B00007KDVI
Subjects:  1. Linksys   

Linksys WPC54G Wireless-G Notebook Adapter
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $79.99 -- our price: $49.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Early Adopters Pick, January 2003. The first high-speed wireless networking PC card for laptops to use the 802.11g standard, which is four times faster than the current standard (802.11b) and backwards compatible.

The new Wireless-G notebook adapter (PC Card adapter) from Linksys has both the 802.11b and newer 802.11g standards built in, so you can connect your notebook to existing 802.11b infrastructure and also the new, fast Wireless-G networks. The included setup wizard walks you through configuring the adapter to your network's settings, step by step. Then just slide the adapter into your notebook's PC Card slot and enjoy network access with your notebook computer, while retaining true mobility.

Wireless-G is the 54 Mbps wireless networking standard that's almost five times faster than the widely deployed Wireless-B (802.11b) products that are found in homes, businesses, and public wireless hotspots around the country. But since they share the same 2.4 GHz radio band, Wireless-G devices also work with existing 11 Mbps Wireless-B equipment.

Once you're connected, you can keep in touch with your e-mail, access the Internet, and share files and other resources such as printers and network storage with other computers on the network, wherever you wander. At home, you can surf the Web or use instant messaging to chat with friends while sitting out on the patio.

You'll also be able to connect to any of the growing number of public wireless hotspots springing up in coffee shops, airport lounges, hotels, and convention centers. And as those hotspots upgrade to the new high-speed Wireless-G standard, you'll be ready to take advantage of the increased speeds.

Get connected to current standard 802.11b networks today, and be prepared for the future with the Wireless-G notebook adapter from Linksys.

See a comparison diagram of the different wireless technologies.

Wireless networks are rapidly becoming more popular and coming down in price. Since they don't require cables, you can use the devices anywhere in an office or home, even out on the patio. There's no need to roll out an Ethernet network cable to each room of a house; you can network anywhere--without wires. Outside the home, wireless networking is available in hotspots at coffee shops, businesses, and airports--great when you're on the road and need to get some work done. For convenience, wireless networking is the answer. Which Wireless Standard Is Right for Me? Now that you've decided to create a wireless network, the next step is to figure out which wireless standard to use. Basically, a standard is a set of specifications for a device. All devices that follow a specific standard share operating characteristics, such as the radio frequency used and maximum data transfer speed. For wireless networking, there are three standards to choose from at this time: 802.11b 802.11a 802.11g To learn about the differences between the standards and select the right one for your network, click here for an easy-to-understand chart.

... Read more

Features

• Compatible with Windows98SE, Me, 2000, and XP
• Operates in the 2.4 Ghz frequency spectrum with speeds up to 54 Mbps
• Complies with IEEE 802.11g draft standards, and is backwards compatible with IEEE 802.11b products
• 32-bit CardBus Interface
• Up to 128-bit WEP encryption

Reviews (178)

Disappointed
I have always purchased Linksys in the past, routers, switches & hubs with absolutly no trouble. I read all the reviews here, some good, some bad. I took the advice of some who said not to use the setup CD and to download straight from the web. Another said to setup the router and not let your "know it all" 19 year old set up the laptop adapter first, among many others. Well, I set up the wireless router WRT54GS but could not get a clean install of the software drivers not even from the web. Finally I got it to install and work. It worked fine as a router with a Ethernet (wired) connection to my laptop. Then the fun started when I tried to install the Laptop Adapter WPC54G. I can't begin to explain the hours and pain that was spent. No matter what I did or how I did it, the adapter was active and appeared to be ok BUT it would not communicate withe Router. I tried every configuration I could. And, Yes, I called Linksys. Even at 3AM they are there to help you .... RIGHT! I called them 3 times, was on the phone for almost an hour each time and GOT NO WHERE. It might have been faster if the people spoke english as a first language!. Bottom line, Linksys said there must be something wrong with either the adapter or router, or both and left me hanging. THANKS. I bought both pieces back to the store and returned them. Would have liked to exchanged them for another Linksys set but, the experience was very very BAD. I purchased the D-Link DI-624 108Mbps G Wireless router and the D-Link DWL-G650 108G Laptop adapter. In 20 minutes I was up and Running. Lesson Learned? ... If you buy Linksys or anyone else, and it does work out of the box (if you followed instructions), consider it dead and don't waste anymore of your time trying and trying to make it work!

Strong Connection and good range.
This wireless network adapter is durable and provides a great connection with relatively little configuration.I have installed this card in IBM T30 and A20 models as well as HP notebooks. I had a dlink card on my last computer that had less than half the range it claimed. The instalation was simple and intuitive enough for the technologicaly challenged could get wifi connection easily.I have yet to find an incompatible network.

This card isnt the cheapest (but its not the most expensive) but the price is worth the durability and knowledge that you are connected with a quality product.
Go wireless with the WPC54G today.

WPC54G v2 & AES
After purchasing the WPC54G v2, I was disappointed to notice that it evidently doesn't support AES. I'm using the Linksys Network Monitor v2.1 (also tried Funk Odyssey), and driver v6.0.0.18.
Linksys' website has the product data sheet for this card, which lists security as: WEP, AES, TKIP, 802.1x. The user guide, that came with the card, as well as the user guide posted to the website, speaks about AES as a selection. And the Network Monitor application, prompts you to choose, "from either TKIP or AES," only that AES is not listed in the drop down list.
From my reading posts, it appears that v2 doesn't support AES, while some other WPC54G versions do. The problem is that Linksys makes it very unlikely that you'll realize this before purchasing the card. Between their website, userguide, software, as well as all their retail channel partners listing AES as a supported protocol, you're destined to purchase the card and be disappointed once you attempt to configure AES.
After contacting Linksys, this is the clarification I received, "...AES is supported with the previous version which is WPC54G Version 1. There is no driver yet for the version 2 wireless-g adapter that supports AES as on the moment. Keep posted from the website for any updates with regards to the device. You can go to www.linksys.com..."
This doesn't really manage expectations, though, and leaves it likely that others may potentially experience the same confusion. ... Read more

Asin: B00007KDVK
Subjects:  1. Linksys   

Linksys WPS54GU2 Wireless-G Print Server for USB 2.0
Average Customer Review:
Electronics (15 October, 2003)
list price: $235.00 -- our price: Too Low To Display
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• Easy installation with Setup Wizard
• Share up to two printers with everyone on your network -- works with most parallel and USB (1.1 or 2.0) printers
• Connects your printers directly to the network by 10/100 wired Ethernet or 54Mbps Wireless-G (802.11g)
• No need to dedicate a PC to print server chores
• Remotely administered through your web browser, SNMP, or the included utility

Reviews (106)

Can't make it work, manual sucks
I just spent a depressing 2.5 hours trying to get a friend's computer and printer to work using this print server.What a mess and failed in the end.

This setup has been working for 3 months.Suddenly the computer gives a "Cannot Connect".It isn't the print server and it isn't the WI-Fi board.

System Configuration:Two computers, one on a router, one using a PCI Wi-Fi board, one print server and one printer. All WI-Fi components are Linksys. Cable Modem.The computer connected to the router prints fine (= printer, print server, and Wi-Fi work).The one with the PCI card accesses the internet fine (= Wi-Fi board and router "talk").This same one can't connect to the printer like it used to.The printer is there but the test page doesn't print and a "Cannot Connect" error is reported.

The manual on CD sucks.If you follow it precisely, you cannot make the thing work because it tells you to "cancel" before you finish.Trouble shooting just takes you to XP printer trouble shooting which is for connected printers.

How could a responsible company put something out like this?

Incompatable with many newer printers
The linksys device looks good, but it doesn't support multi-function printers.The only way to use the print server with an all-in-one printer, is to disable the copy, scan, fax capabilities.Sort of defeats the purpose.Linksys did say that they'll update the driver eventually, since 80% of printers are now multi-function, but they had no idea when.

NO WPA ENCRYPTION - only WEP
The unit worked well but was a bit difficult to get setup.I needed to call Linksys and they walked me through the setup.I have better than average networking knowledge but that didn't help me install this on my own.Once setup however, it worked very well but in the end, I decided to return it because of poor security.The print server does not support strong WPA encryption.It only supports weaker WEP encryption.Linksys said they do not have a time table to upgrade the firmware of this unit so I decided to return it.No sense in taking chances with your personal data. ... Read more

Asin: B0000E658Q
Sales Rank: 2057

Linksys WUSB54G Wireless-G USB Adapter
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $69.99 -- our price: $49.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• Compatible with Windows 2000 or XP
• Connects your desktop or notebook to a wireless network at up to 54 Mbps when used with a USB 2.0 port
• Easy, no-tools setup on any desktop or notebook
• Also compatible with Wireless-B networks (at 11 Mbps)
• Wireless communications are protected by up to 128-bit data encryption

Reviews (52)

Bad Adapter
This Adapter sucks. It won't work with our toshiba tivo as a network ADAPTER!

Great unit if used wisely
As a long time fan of LinkSys, with some exceptions on early versions, I upgraded my WUSB12 (802.11b) to their equivalent WUSB54G (802.11g/b).The upgrade was trivial, in part, because I was familiar with the language, technology and simily products.

When buying wireless equipment from any vendor keep in mind that the version number for the hardware and software is as important as the model number. In this case, the software CD came with an obsolete version 1.0, while a downloaded version 2.0 was available online. The earlier version would not work with hidden SSID's

As with many LinkSys products, which are build using real computer chips and open-source operating systems, they produce some heat. To minimize the negative consequences of heat use the chimney effect. I always mount units vertically, and if possible with with air under the unit. Keep the unit coooool, and like all equipment, it will last forever.

Another issue is that the range of wireless depends very strongly on the enviroment, not just the vendor. In one room, local hot-spots, no more than a few inches in diameter, producd a 10 dB change in sensitivity (3:1 in signal strength). The best location for my WUSB54g turned out to be on the side of the monitor, where internal metal at the correct distance acted as a corner reflector, significantly amplifying the signal.

Using the LinkSys WRT54G as the base station, I got about 35 dB signal-to-noise ratio providing 54Mbps bandwidth going through at least 4 very solid walls with wood not metal lath. Antennas on both the base and remote station need not only to be positioned wisely but also oriented along the same axis.

Finally, if you use the most advanced features, or if you combine the unit with differnt vendors and technology, especially with WinXP SP2 on WPA, the probability of having problems increases dramatically. Regardless of what the literature says, no vendor can test the millions of combinations. Bugs happen and you may be the only one to experience a particular kind of bug if your environment is not typical of the rest of the world. And technical support is way down on the corporate food chain.

As we say, KISS (keep it simple stupid) and the technology will work fine. That means you should not load Beta firmware or other 3rd party stuff unless you want to be a bleeding edge victum. Follow, do not lead, when it comes to high technology, even if the price is the same as that of a hamburger.

Working, but not a recommended product
I had installed half a dozen of WUSB54G adapters, performance is ok while it's working, but it is just not stable enough especially some of the units are so close to the router that shouldn't have any problem. ... Read more

Asin: B00009X6PH
Sales Rank: 943

Microsoft Xbox Console with 2 Free Games and Xbox Live
Average Customer Review:
Video Game (12 October, 2003)

US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Take the power and flexibility of a dedicated computer gaming system and combine it with the easy-to-use, instant-on format of a high-end console system and what do you get? Well, if you also add in DVD playback ability and broadband Internet connectivity, you get Xbox.

The advanced components inside Xbox make it the undisputed powerhouse among current game consoles. A 733 MHz Intel main processor and 233 MHz graphics processor from industry leader nVidia deliver photorealistic graphics in real time. A cavernous hard drive stores saved games and characters, making flimsy memory sticks obsolete. The built-in Ethernet port enables super-fast multiplayer online gaming over a broadband Internet connection. Four game controller ports allow you and three of your buddies to play at the same time, or you can use them for other peripherals such as gamepads, light guns, and who knows what else?

But Xbox has more going for it than fancy innards. The Xbox's Windows-based operating system is a breeze to program on, earning it grateful accolades from Electronic Arts, Infogrames, THQ, and other game producers. The less time developers spend struggling with the operating system means the more time they spend tweaking gameplay, which ultimately results in better games. And games are what it's all about.

Well, games and the fun of owning a green-glowing game console that looks like it came from Darth Vader's living room. --Mike Fehlauer

The Xbox Holiday Bundle includes the Xbox console, the popular "S" style Microsoft controller, the games Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Tetris Worlds Online, a two-month trial subscription to the Xbox Live service, and all necessary cables to connect your Xbox to your TV. A DVD kit (sold separately) is required to access DVD playback ability. Xbox Live requires a broadband Internet connection and an Ethernet cable to connect your Xbox to your cable or DSL modem (sold separately).

... Read more

Features

• Xbox system comes with two games and two months of Xbox Live
• Includes Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Tetris Worlds Online
• Powerful processor makes Xbox excellent for online gaming
• Also includes S controller
• Easy to get started online

Reviews (86)

Need help with my XBOX
I got my XBOX In Feb 04, its May 04, and already it will not read my games, none of the 10 new games I got for it, or any of the DVDs.Where can I send this or get parts for it.

Excellent System, but not without its flaws.
The Xbox is an excellent system for any gamer. The graphics are amazing, the sounds is killer and {most} of the games are excellent. Unfortunately, just like the PS2 and Gamecube, the Xbox is not without its faults.
Good:

Amazingly detailed graphics
Capable of incredible sound effects
Can play CDs and DVDs (not without a remote though)
4 Controller Ports
Good variety of Games
Well Supported by 3rd party developers
Some excellent exclusive games (Halo, Project Gotham 2, Halo 2)
150 dollar price point is 30 dollars less than PS2 (but still 50 dollars more than Gamecube)
Best Online Service (Xbox Live!)

The Bad

System weighs a lot-don't expecting anything you can bring on vacation
System is ugly-basically a big, clunky box
Lack of RPGS (save Knights of the Old Republic)
Lack of quirky (strange Japanese/Anime/just plain weird) games such as Mister Mosquito and Animal Crossing.
Lack of "kiddie" games- Xbox is geared toward the 15+ crowd
EA Sports games are not online compatible (the PS2 versions are though)

Overall the Xbox is an excellent system choice for gamers who love action/shooter/online games. The Xbox excels in these areas;in fact it blows the competition out of the water. But, due to the lack of games in certain genres, I have to knock the score down a star. That being said, if you are looking for a graphics powerhouse that is home to the best online games (Mech Assault, Rainbow Six, Splinter Cell Pandora's Tommorow) and the best action games (Halo, Halo 2, Brute Force, Deus Ex 2), then you should purchase an Xbox as soon as possible.

Great graphics, but some problems
The Xbox is a great system. It pumps out top notch graphics and has some killer exclusives. Unfortunately, it is not perfect, just like the other 2 next gen systems out.
Pros:

Amazing Graphics (The Xbox's graphics are much better than either Gamecubes' or Ps2's)
Built in 8 GB Hard Drive
Best online service (Xbox Live)
Halo, Halo 2, Project Gotham Racing 2- some of the best games ever
The Controller S is comfortable
Good third party support

Cons:

The system is massive and weighs around 10-12 pounds
Have to buy a remote for 30 dollars to play DVDs
Basically No Rpgs for the system (Except the excellent Star Wars: Knights of the old republic)
Not many niche games (quirky games a la Pa Rappaa or Mr Mosquito for PS2 are absent on the Xbox)

Overall, the XBox is a graphics and sound powerhouse that has a very bright future. Unfortuantely, its lack of RPGs and niche games force me to knock down the score a star. Still an excellent choice for any gamer ... Read more

Asin: B0000C9WBD
Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. Xbox (x box)    3. Microsoft    4. Consoles   

Xbox Live Starter Kit
Average Customer Review:
Electronics (15 November, 2002)
list price: $49.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Xbox Live is an online gaming service that lets you play multiplayer Xbox games over the Internet via your broadband connection. This Xbox Live starter kit includes a one-year subscription to Xbox Live, plus the Xbox Communicator, a device that plugs into one of your Xbox controller ports and lets you talk with other Xbox Live gamers during games.

To play games over the Xbox Live service, you'll need:

• High speed, or broadband, Internet service
• An Ethernet cable so you can connect your Xbox to your external DSL or cable modem (and maybe a router, if you want your home computer and Xbox to share your Internet connection)
• A subscription to the Xbox Live service (this kit comes with a year of service--additional service costs a monthly fee)
• An Xbox game that is online-enabled

... Read more

Reviews (134)

XBox Live owns!!
Well, I've played Halo 2 with my friend and he has Xbox Live, and I have to tell you it's the best thing you can buy. It's so much fun talking with your teammates and strategizing, Personally I think it's a nescessity if you like playing Halo 2 with a lot of people. I mean you can play for hours and it will never get boring, I'm suuuperr excited that I'm gonna get Halo2 and Xbox Live for X-Mas, and I suggest anyone who has Halo2 to get it. This is a great product. :)

Credit Card!!???
I bought a 3 month kit of xbox live to see if I liked it;however during the sign in, it said to enter a major credit card.

It's Costly but it's the Best Way to Enhance Your Xbox Fun
So you'd like to enter the world on online console gaming? The Xbox Live Starter Kit is the place to start because it has everything you need to join Xbox Live. However, make sure you have already contacted your phone or cable provider for a high speed internet connection such as DSL or cable. Without that, you won't be able to connect to Xbox Live. Unfortunately, you also have to pay a monthly fee to Microsoft on top of your monthly internet bill so while Xbox Live is a fun way to play games, it can be expensive, especially if you don't use your internet connection for anything other than the Xbox. The Xbox Live Starter Kit comes with a one year subscription to Xbox Live and a headset that connects to your Xbox controller which allows you to talk with other online gamers. You'll still need to enter your credit card info when you subscribe so make sure you keep track of your renewal date because you will automatically be billed once the initial subscription ends. With Xbox Live you'll be able to play against gamers around the world. It's always interesting to play a game and hear people with Southern, Brooklyn and Australian accents talk smack. Many games also offer downloadable content which provide more missions, vehicles, maps and other fun stuff for your chosen game. Check around the internet or ask friends that play on Xbox Live which titles are the "must buy games" because some games have larger online communities than others. My personal recommendations would be to check out MechAssault, Rainbow Six 3, Project Gotham Racing 2, Crimson Skies and ESPN Football.Right now, if you don't play games on the PC, Xbox is really the only console worth owning for online gaming. Many of its titles are designed with the online portion given as much attention as the offline portion. One thing to look out for is a growing problem with Xbox Live cheaters. There is a device you can buy (I won't name it in case dishonest gamers are reading this.) that was originally meant for offline gaming but helps Xbox Live gamers cheat, especially on popular titles such as Rainbow Six 3.Hopefully, Microsoft will fix some of the problems and deal with cheaters harshly before it becomes a big problem.If you can afford it, definitely check out Xbox Live, it enhances your games and makes them enjoyable for a longer period of time. ... Read more

Asin: B00006LU9J
Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. Xbox (x box)    3. Microsoft    4. Cables (Cable)    5. Adapters (Adapter)    6. Sports    7. Outdoors   

XBOX Wireless Adapter
Average Customer Review:
Video Game

US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• Adds an Xbox console to your high speed wireless network
• Wirelessly play on the Xbox Live service with anyone anywhere
• Internal and external antennae to maximize range and throughput
• Intuitive Xbox Dashboard interface
• Full compatibility with 802.11g and 802.11b Wi-Fi networks

Reviews (55)

please help me.....
i realllllly want xbox live (but i dont have an xbox). I'm thinking seriously about purchasing an xbox with the xbox live starter kit and a few live games. but i need to know something. if i buy this adapter, what else do i need? if my computer is upstairs and the xbox will be downstairs, do i need this and a wireless router and an adapter for the pc? or just this and a router? or just this? or something more? PLEASE answer my question, it could mean you have a new competitor on xbox live.

Works Great - No Lag
I was skeptical at first about this, seeing as how I had never gone wireless before. However, this adapter really works and there is not a spot of lag. Actually, I was having more lag problems when I was directly connected to a modem.

Linksys offers an alternative to this called a game adapter. It is the same price and I imagine that it works just as well. Don't make the mistake of trying to save money and buying another router or an access point, it won't work.

XBOX LIVE WIRELESS ADAPTER
Excellent so easy to set up less than 1 minurt i was registering for xbox live recomend it for all. ... Read more

Asin: B0000C5FMJ
Sales Rank: 1495
Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. Xbox (x box)    3. Microsoft    4. Controllers    5. Microsoft Xbox (X-box, X Box)    6. Memory    7. Accessories (Accessory)   

Linksys WGA54G Wireless-G Gaming Adapter
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $109.99 -- our price: $89.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• One year limited warranty
• Lag-free head-to-head or Internet gaming at up to 54 Mbps, without stringing wires
• Converts wired-Ethernet-ready game consoles to Wireless-G (draft 802.11g) network connectivity
• Works without drivers on PlayStation2, Xbox, and GameCube
• Also connects to Wireless-B (802.11b) networks at 11 Mbps

Reviews (85)

Worst Linksys device ever. . .
I have a Linksys WRT54G wireless broadband router and am very pleased with its reliability and ease of configuration.I've been wanting to get on XBox live and decided the easiest way would be to use a wireless G gaming adapter, and I figured Linksys would be the way to go. . .

Unfortunately the WGA54G wireless adapter is extremely limited in features.Your choices for wireless security are none or 64/128 bit WEP.There was no option for WPA, the lastest wireless security standard that's running on my Linksys broadband router.So if I wanted to use this gaming adapter I'd have to significantly reduce the security of my wireless LAN and home network.Not good.

Not only that but this device had a serious problem connecting to my router, despite they are both the same wireless G series from Linksys.Other network adapters I'm familiar with connect to a wireless network right away if the SSID and WEP information are correct and a strong enough signal is detected.This unit doesn't do that even if the signal is 100%.You have to choose your network from the list of detected networks and click connect during setup - even if you've already entered the correct SSID and WEP key.I also use MAC address filtering and ran into the same problems another reviewer here had.I had to go the Linksys website and read their knowledgebase on this product to find the answers to this problem.

After I finally got it to connect while it was wired to my router, I disconnected it and hooked it up to my XBox unit.Guess what?No connection and no way to tell what the problem was.

Needless to say, this puppy went right back to the store it came from.Linksys really screwed this product up with limited features and poor firmware.BUYERS BEWARE!

go with another adapter
I bought this adapter to use to wirelessly set up my xbox and after I bought it and brought it home I was having problems setting it up. So I called their tech support and after being on the phone and trying all sorts of methods the technician told me to take it back and get a new receiver, what a waste of time. I went out and got the adapter that microsoft makes and it set up in less then 5 minutes and the gameplay is great. This product wasn't worth my hassel when the microsoft adapter was so easy.

WGA54 wireless gaming adaptor
Purchased this device, and installed as expected. No issues encountered during the setup, including WEP. HOWEVER...

XBOX would drop randomely (Linksys WAP54G 1 room below)which according to my son = HALO death. So... in an attempt to troubleshoot.. Plugged a PC into the Linksys WGA54G Wireless-G Gaming Adapter's 10/100 port. Ran ping test to the default router address(again 1 room below), every 4-7 pings would timeout, and ms was in the 4k ms count for some replys. Then turned on my wireless card on my PC, and ran the same ping test to the default router, NO dropped ping or delayed replies.

Don't know if anyone has had this issue or not, but this device does not work as expected in this case. I am going to return the device and try the MS wireless adaptor. Update to follow.

Frustrated Dad ... Read more

Asin: B00009X6DT
Sales Rank: 4774