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  1. Member Mr anderson's Avatar
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    ok guys, i need some help in buying the right networking gear? what is the best on the market? also is there any guides to follow, i will be using a win 98 & xp system? any help would be greatful


    many thnx
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    Even though for simple wireless networks it is not required, I will recommend you getting a Linksys Wireless-G Broadband Router -- WRT54G (802.11g). It is cheap, standard, reliable, its firmware it’s updated periodically and there are several nonofficial firmware’s that increase the functionality of the router.

    Do not get a WRT54GS or WRTGX because their faster transfer rates are not standard.

    On the PC side, you will be OK with Linksys, NetGear, D-link, US Robotics cards. For PCI cards I would stick with Linksys (WMP54G), but you can actually use any card that supports 802.11g wireless standard and WPA security. WPA2 security is even better.

    I do not recommend using USB 802.11g wireless adapter as may people have reported countless difficulties with them. But if you do not have other options try the Linksys WUSB54G.
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  3. Member waheed's Avatar
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    I would recommend you buy all the network parts from the same maufacturer. If you buy a Netgear router for example, then go for a Netgear wireless card. This way, you will have least compatibility problems.
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  4. I just went wireless, mainly for my Dlink Medialounge Media player in my living room.

    I started out with a Linksys wireless router. That constantly needed to be unplugged to get back my WAN connection. That went.

    Dlink was absolutely horrible, very choppy performance.

    Belkin was better, but also disconnected from WAN occasionally. But you could soft reset it.

    Netgear works fine now for me, with SPI firewall (not NAT firewall) turned off.
    Fred
    Panasonic DVD Recorder E50. (Standalone).
    Dlink DSM320 Media Lounge.
    Mitsubishi 50" 4:3 TV.
    Home built AMD XP2000 system with LG DVD Burner (WIN98SE).
    eMachines T3882 with Liteon DVD burner (WINXP).
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    On the Linksys disconnection error. If you have a WRT54G with a firmware prior to version 3.03.9 you will face random disconnections especially when sending big files, and to fix the problem you will need rebooting or a power cycle the routing the to restore operation of the wifi side.

    The fix upgrade to firmware 3.03.9 or later version:

    You may get it from here: ftp://ftp.linksys.com/international/firmware/WRT54G_3.03.9_ETSI_code.zip

    Note: If you prefer a firmware from the 4.x series, do not upgrade to version 4.00.7 or 4.20.6 , go to version 4.01.2 or 4.20.7
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  6. Member
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    To Mr anderson:

    I would recommend the Linksys Wireless-G 54mbps Broadband Router at this link: http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/index.html?rb=10805223661&action=c2hvd19wcm9kd...duct_uid=45023

    The Linksys Wireless 54mbps PCI Adapter Card will work just fine and will match the transfer speed of the router above: http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/index.html?action=c2hvd19wcm9kdWN0X292ZXJ2aWV3...duct_uid=45602

    If you do get the router WRT54G (not the WRT54GS of your original post) remember to check for its firmware version. If you get a firmware prior to 3.03.9 remember to upgrade. If you do get a firmware version 3.03.9 or higher, do not upgrade.
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  7. Member Mr anderson's Avatar
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    To ofbarea

    Thank you so for your help just a few more Questions? how can i check if it is firmware version 3.03.9? and what about a wire card for the laptop? and will this run using a win98 pc aswell?


    thanks again?
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  8. Member Mr anderson's Avatar
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    any ideas on that wireless card for the laptop?
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  9. Member
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    Hi, the Linksys WPC54G (Wireless-G Notebook Adapter) for UK market supports W98, WME, W2K and WXP. It does not support W95 or WNT. You should be OK with this card for your laptop. If the included driver does not work with your laptop try the one in the linksys driver download web page.

    After you get your router and network cards check the Linksys Wireless Security Guide

    By the way, you can check the firmware version in the Linksys configuration menu.
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  10. Originally Posted by ofbarea
    Even though for simple wireless networks it is not required, I will recommend you getting a Linksys Wireless-G Broadband Router -- WRT54G (802.11g). It is cheap, standard, reliable, its firmware it’s updated periodically and there are several nonofficial firmware’s that increase the functionality of the router.
    Is it ok if I ask you where I can find the nonofficial firmware and what kind of functionality is increased?
    Boy do I love my avatar!
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  11. Banned
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    I have 3 WRT54G's (a v1.0, 1.1 and 2.2) and they all run HyperWRT - rock solid, extra features galore (read about them at their site) and free. Though I don't use any of them for WAP's - That's what my Netgear WGR614v4 is for.

    I am a heavy BitTorrent user (300+ connections at any one time) and without HyperWRT... I wouldn't have things such as:

    Uptime: up 110 days, 13:39, load average: 0.13, 0.07, 0.00
    Firmware Version: v3.03.6 - HyperWRT 2.1b1, Feb. 18, 2005

    I would be lucky to get 4 or 5 days out of my WRT54G's without HyperWRT. HyperWRT also allows 2x as many port forwarding rules, a telnet shell, startup scripts, iptables scripts... tons of stuff!

    And yes, it's ok to ask about it - The linksys routers run Linux and as a result, Linksys is required to make the source code availabe under the GPL (aka it's open source), which in turn allows anyone to view/modify it for their own needs.
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  12. Member
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    Check this forum for more info on the nonofficial WRT54G firmware: http://www.linksysinfo.org/modules.php?name=Forums
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  13. Member
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    The time has passed and the new recommended official firmware for Linksys WRT54G, versions 1.0 to 4.0 is 4.20.8 for both US and EU routers. You can get it in here: ftp://ftp.linksys.com/international/firmware/WRT54G_4_20_8_ETSI_fw.zip

    One of the best non-official firmware for the WRT54G is HyperWRT v2.1.b1 tofu’s build 11. This one is based on Linksys 4.30.1 (GL) code base, support 14 channels, static DHCP routing, Adjustable Xmit Power and many more goodies. Get this firmware from this link: http://www.linksysinfo.org/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=10823

    You can check 3rd Party Firmware Comparison for the WRT54G in here: http://www.linksysinfo.org/modules.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=31

    If you have a WRT54G ver 5.0 you are out of luck. Check this link for more info: https://www.videohelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=286512
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