Cisco-Linksys WRV54G Wireless-G VPN Router Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought this item from Amazon even though the reviews I read were less than stellar. I just assumed most of the problems were user configuration errors. After all.... it is easy to mess up a VPN configuration, especially if you are using Windows IPSEC policies because the UI for setting that up can be a little misleading.
However after setting it up in my home lab I discovered that... it just didn't work as a VPN device. I connect with a VPN client called SSH Sentinel (it is a little dated but works on every other VPN I have used). I could get a connection fine but it refused to route traffic inside the LAN at all. Even setting up the route recommended by Linksys it still would not work.
So I decided not to give up yet and searched out Google groups for people who have solved this issue and I found... no one. Everyone complained at the constant problems with each firmware release and the inability to VPN into the router properly. I was surprised because quite frankly all the other linksys hardware I have work great. I rarely have any problems with their print server, kvm switches and other routers... why in the world would Linksys drop the ball on this product.
Well it seems this particular router is different than any of Linksys's other routers because it is running an embedded version of Linux. It would seem that Linksys and this Linux vendor are having some big difficulties getting this thing to work and perhaps it got pushed out the door too soon.
Well I went out and bought a cheaper BEFVP41 VPN router from Linksys (it is not wireless but I had a spare WAP-G) and I was able to get a VPN connection the first time.
So.. if you buy this router to VPN into your home network you will have some serious problems. I also had some flaky wireless problems with it but I must admit... after reading all the problems with this model I put the thing back in the box and bought something else that works...
I hope this isn't the end of Linksys putting out good products and being responsive to their clients...

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Cisco-Linksys BA2LF ADSL In-line Phone Filter Review

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(More customer reviews)Well, I have this exact same model of Linksys
hooked up to my phone BUT buyer beware, Linksys
puts their LOGO on ALL of their products and the
one pictured is NOT a Linksys!

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Belkin Wireless Play Max Router (F7D4301) Review

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(More customer reviews)My experience with this router has been one major mistake after another. I didn't check the Amazon reviews before purchasing - my mistake. I bought it (not through Amazon) - my mistake. I threw away the packaging after setting it up and now I can't return - major mistake.
Although this thing was simple enough to set-up, it has been a major letdown for all of the reasons that other reviewers have mentioned. I've had it for 2 weeks now, and I count it a good day if I only have to reset the damn thing once. My devices all run more slowly than on my old router, and the stupid thing freezes up constantly. I've also run into multiple IP address conflict messages and have to reset it to prevent those messages as well.
I'm so frustrated that I'll likely trash the pile of junk and go buy another brand. Shame on me for buying this thing - and shame on me for not keeping the packaging until I knew how it worked (or didn't in this case).

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Belkin F7D4301 Wireless Router - 300 Mbps F7D4301 Routers & Gateways - Wireless

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Belkin F5D9230-4 Wireless-G Plus MIMO Router Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The original version of this router was version 1000, based on the same platform as Belkin's F5D8230-4 Pre-N and the Linksys WRT54GX routers using Airgo's v1 technology and a Broadcom engine. It got an excellent review from Tom's Networking guide.
Then Belkin put a whole new circuit bard inside the same case and called it Version 2000. It used Airgo's v2 technology and a Realtek engine, and got roundly criticized on the equipment forums for being an inferior product.
The latest version is 3000, which isn't even based on Airgo technology any more. Now Belkin is using Ralink technology, and it's essentially the same router as the Airlink AR-525W, SparkLAN WRTR-300 or Compusa's store brand MIMO router, any of which can be found in stores for about 25 bucks. The version 3000 technology bears no resemblance to the Airgo version that got such a good review at Tom's. In fact, the router with the Ralink chipset (the Airlink) came in dead last and was the only one to receive a rating of "not recommended" in Tom's roundup.
Of course there's no way to tell in advance which version you'll get, but it's a pretty good bet you'll get the latest one. The only way to tell is to look at the sticker on the bottom of the box.
This practice of changing the internal electronics without changing the model number is a really annoying practice. It's hard enough to do all your research and decide which model to buy, so then to end up with something entirely different from what you thought you were getting is just maddening. Your best bet is to just stay away from this one.

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Cisco-Linksys WSB24 Wireless-B Signal Booster Review

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(More customer reviews)The reality of WiFi is that just about everyone I know is not getting as solid a signal as they'd like. I've been frustrated by dead spots in the house, and I'm sure we've all done strange "rain dances" with our notebooks, cables, antennas, etc. to try to improve the signal.
However, my WiFi network did not seem as zippy as my Ethernet when using our cable modem, even though the bandwidth of both networks dwarfs the cable modem. Well, instantly after installing the booster, I got noticeably better response in a room where the signal used to be so weak that Linksys' own utility would show no signal strength (even though I could surf from there).
The WSB24 is trivial to install (180 seconds and that was because I didn't know you had to push the cable onto the connector pretty firmly). If you were a LinkSys pioneer and bought the early access points, you owe it to yourself to upgrade with this booster.

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The Linksys wireless signal booster piggybacks onto your Linksys wireless access point (or wireless access point router) to increase the effective range and coverage area of your 802.11b network. The added signal strength also helps speed up your close-range communications, because every packet comes through "loud and clear," reducing retransmissions that are due to reception errors.
To install, just stack the Linksys wireless signal booster on your access point, move the antennas to the booster, and attach the booster's twin cables to the access point--no drivers or modifications to your setup are necessary.
The Linksys wireless signal booster saves wiring costs and helps build corporate wireless infrastructure by driving signals even into those distant, reflective corners and hard-to-reach areas. And it's perfect for covering large areas in warehouse environments, public spaces, wireless hot spots, and outdoor venues--anywhere you need extra coverage for your wireless LAN. NOTE: The wireless signal booster is certified by the FCC for use only with the Linksys wireless access point, model number WAP11 and the Linksys wireless access point router, model number BEFW11S4.

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Dynex DX-E401 4-Port Ethernet Broadband Router - Router - 4-port switch - desktop Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Usually I don't purchase "no name" products, and Dynex is not very well known. I purchased this product in desperation - my brand new Linksys router stopped after 2 days of erratic work, and I was in the middle of urgent work and needed quick replacement. This was the only "other" brand available at local Best Buy store.
I was very positively surprised - it took me not more than 5 minutes to make this router working, virtually without any setup except defining the ISP type (dynamic). Works very well and stable.
Later I did some tweaking with firewall settings. Highly recommended.

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Netgear DS106 6-Port 10/100 Dual Speed Hub with Uplink Button Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)An earlier review stated "this hub only appears to provide half-duplex support".This is part of the definition of a hub vs a switch, thus the product is not flawed. A switch will provide full duplex and is more appropriate for multiple high bandwidth devices. If you're attempting to decide HUB vs SWITCH, do a google search before you buy.
I have been a fan of Netgear products since they were originally under BayNetworks. They make high quality devices, attractive design, and they normally offer long warranties. This product is no different. I've had it serving up a couple of machines now for over a year without incident. It's remained on 24 hours / 365 days and performs nicely.
The only downside I've seen with Netgear is their on going support (Firmware upgrades, etc.). Obvisouly that won't be an issue with this device, but something to consider if your also looking at them to provide a router solution. Also, the power adaptors seem to go a little too often.
All and all, this is a great hub and wonderful price. I can think of no reason for some who needs a hub to not pick this up.

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The Netgear DS100 series of 10/100 Mbps dual-speed hubs connects multiple PCs to share printers, files, Internet access, and e-mail communications. One can mix and match 10 and 100 Mbps PCs, servers, and peripherals with these hubs, all without any configuration required. The DS100 family combines many capabilities in little space, and the units are designed for price-conscious small-business owners. One can connect 10 or 100 Mbps network devices to the hub. Each port individually senses and adjusts to run at the proper speed.
Each unit has a built-in self-learning bridge that provides the communications link between the 10 and 100 Mbps network devices. The intelligent bridge automatically manages network traffic so that 10 Mbps traffic and 100 Mbps traffic do not crowd each other's segments.

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