Linksys WRT54G version 5

pugs · « **on:** 23 Dec 2005, 07:54 pm »

I just got a Linksys WRT54G version 5 wireless router from Amazon.com. After I ordered it I remembered that version 5 supposedly sucks big time. Is version 5 really that bad? Should I return it without even opening it? I looked at the return policy and it said that the refund is only 80% if the package is opened.

For now, I'm only going to use it form my Squeezebox. I don't have a network yet, but that might change if I can ever fix my old computer.

Any suggestions?

BTW- I paid $55 for it but also has a $15 rebate. I also scored on the shipping. I ordered the free super saver shipping, but they delivered it next day air.

mcgsxr · « **Reply #1 on:** 23 Dec 2005, 10:05 pm »

I am using a V5 of this router, and I would not say that it sucks... but it is not rock stable either.

On average, I have to reboot the modem, router, and PC 2x per week, to ensure that I can access my music wirelessly.

I assume that I will eventually be able to download a newer version of the firmware, and hopefully that will do it.

For $40, can you do better do you think?

pugs · « **Reply #2 on:** 23 Dec 2005, 10:16 pm »

Quote from: mcgsxr

I am using a V5 of this router, and I would not say that it sucks... but it is not rock stable either.

On average, I have to reboot the modem, router, and PC 2x per week, to ensure that I can access my music wirelessly.

I assume that I will eventually be able to download a newer version of the firmware, and hopefully that will do it.

For $40, can you do better do you think?

Thanks for the reply. I was just reading more about version 5 and I don't think I'm even going to try it. I think an extra $30 will be worth it to me. My next question is which to try next - the GL or GS version.

duff138 · « **Reply #3 on:** 24 Dec 2005, 12:09 am »

good question. It seems on the Linksys forum the issue is with it's ability to use 3rd party software. Does anyone know if this should be a concern for someone like myself that will only be using it for a squeezebox

jakepunk · « **Reply #4 on:** 24 Dec 2005, 06:13 am »

See this thread for some background about version 5. In short, the problem with the ver.5 is not with 3rd party accessibility (it has no impact to the SB), it's with overall stability. Linksys totally redesigned the ver.5, and it was flakier than Grandma's apple pie. A new firmware release was recently announced for the ver.5 that was supposed to fix the throughput problems, but there have been no follow-ups to that thread.

My ver.4 works great. You shouldn't have to reboot your router to make it work.

Val · « **Reply #5 on:** 24 Dec 2005, 01:38 pm »

You lose nothing by installing the latest firmware and then trying the router to see if it works well or not. I was the one who posted the new firmware thread and I can tell you that the router has changed dramatically for the better with the firmware upgrade.

mcgsxr · « **Reply #6 on:** 28 Dec 2005, 04:23 pm »

For what it is worth... I could not install the latest firmware, so I returned the WRT54G, and picked up the WRT54GS - I will report if this one has the same reboot troubles as the first version, without the speedbooster.

ohenry · « **Reply #7 on:** 28 Dec 2005, 04:36 pm »

I have the WRT54GS and spent way too much time getting it to work for the first two weeks. I had no luck with the reboots, I was having to reconfigure via the Linksys web site several times. Finally (knock on wood), it seems to have become stable and I have no problems. After the repeated reconfigures, I have no idea why it's now okay. What a pain in the ass that journey has been.

BTW, I almost bought a Beldin, but Best Buy's version of Napoleon Dynamite talked me into this one.