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The Linksys WRT-54G router includes a wireless print server, four Ethernet ports and an
Ethernet connection for a broadband modem. The router can be also
used as an access point, so you can conceivably daisy-chain units to get
even more Ethernet connections. Frankly though, there are other
ways to get the same effect -- such as buying dedicated access point
hardware. Unless your network covers a large amount of space, you
probably won't have to worry about such matters. The router shown
covers about 100 feet (newer models now cover 300 feet or more), and can
connect up to 96 wireless devices. If you need more range or have dead
spots, you can add a Linksys WRE54G range extender.
I have connected both laptops
and a Hewlett-Packard hp psc 2510 photosmart all-in-one
printer/fax/scanner/copier to my wireless network in my home
office. Since my router is also connected to a broadband modem,
all computers access the Internet.
The WRT-54G is compatible with type a, b, and g networks, and is
capable of communicating at speeds of up to 54 kbps. You can
manage ip addresses manually or enable DHCP for automatic ip address
assignment. You can also enable encryption to maintain the
security of your network.
Setup is pretty automatic, although you can adjust most settings via
the http interface. Technical support is pretty good too -- just
in case something doesn't work quite right. I was quite impressed
with the results in my home office. I was also impressed with the
cost -- and the costs have dropped substantially since I first purchased
my hardware.
Each wireless device counts as a connection -- but you have up to 96
wireless connections and 4 Ethernet ports available on the WRT-54G -- so
you should have plenty of room to add desktop workstations, laptops, and
wireless printers. Using a wireless print server, you can even add
a standard printer to your wireless network!
I've seen this router perform well on a simple network with four
computers, a wireless printer, and a file server (we'll talk about that
later). I've also seen this router perform equally as well on a
larger network with sixteen workstations, several access points, a
directional antenna setup, and three high-speed laser printers connected
via wireless print servers. It's a workhorse. You'll never
have to worry about running Ethernet cable or running out of hub ports
again.
If you want to try setting up your own network, you'll also have the
wireless hardware for the workstation or laptop. Linksys has
several products to meet your needs. For instance, you can add a
PCI card to the desktop workstation or a PCMCIA card to your laptop (or
it may already have wireless technology installed). You can also
buy a wireless hardware that connects to the USB port on you desktop
workstation or laptop.
In Part 2, we'll talk about some of the terminology and discuss the
parts you have to know to get up and running. In Part 3,
we'll talk about the Linksys NSLU2 file
server.
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