Linksys WRT54G2 Wireless-G Broadband Router Immediately

The Linksys WRT54G2 Router has been installed on my home computing system for two weeks, now, and I am very happy with it. It took three phone calls to Linksys techncal support with some problems in the process, but the final result was most satisfactory.

My ISP (Verizon) tech support recommended a Linksys Router, but did not specify a model. Some on-line research indicated that an early version of the WRT54G router was well-received, but the same model was changed (and less satisfactory) when a newer model was released. The G2 model that I found listed on Amazon was newer than, and apparently quite different from, the models covered in the reviews I read. I ordered it.

When it arrived, I discovered that the enclosed software CD was for Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows VISTA -- NOT for the Windows 98SE system which was my primary internet-connected computer to which I would be connecting through Ethernet cable. So, before further unpacking the router or trying any installation, I called Linksys Tech Support. I simply wanted to ascertain if the router could be connected to/work on my Windows 98SE system. The tech support lady answered that yes, it could, and she proceeded to sort of step me through the installation. I was not ready to do that at that point, and the phone connection was rather bad (fading volume and the support agent had a pronounced accent which made it difficult for me to understand her). Therefore, I terminated that call.

When I got things unpacked and sat at my Win98 computer, I called again and got another agent. No communication problems this time. This agent proceded to ask me for the information required to install the router on my Windows 98 computer. We got much of the information (such as the IP address), but when she asked for the "IP Location" it scrolled off my screen and I could not get it. She said that was necessary to install the router on that computer, so we terminated the call at that point. I later recovered the information, including the "IP Location," and called back.

I got a third tech support person, and he simply and clearly stepped me through connecting and installing the router on my Windows 98 computer. As near as I could tell, he never needed the IP location. In fact, it appeared that the Linksys had replaced my "dynamic IP address" with a new IP address (a permanent one?). When my computer was communicating successfully through the router, I gratefully ended my call with Linksys.

By the way, I should mention that in none of my calls to Linksys for technical support did I have to wait more that a couple of minutes to speak with an agent. I was pleased about that.

My Windows XP in the basement and Windows Vista Laptop in the next room, both connected to the Linsys wireless network with no problems.Linksys WRT54G2 Wireless-G Broadband RouterLinksys Wireless-G Broadband Router WRT54G2 - Wireless router + 4-port switch - EN, Fast EN, 802.11b, 802.11gGet more detail about Linksys WRT54G2 Wireless-G Broadband Router.