Linksys WRT54G Wirless Router - $44.99 - PM from Dell at FS

[Babypimpin]

Note: This is my FIRST Hot Deal post...hopefully I didnt royally screw up. But I felt it was time for me to give back to one of my favourite communities on the web...the one that causes me to spend a lot more money than I really need to...thanks RFD! lol

I needed a second router and I noticed that Dell still had their sale on the WRT54G for $49.99...Great price right? I mean...it keeps getting posted when Dell has that sale...

Well I went to the FS and Best Buy website...and they no longer carry the WRT54G but instead have the WRT54G-CA - usually if its a different product code, technically speaking..they wont price match you.

They have upped these routers at FS to $99.99 - I know!! Crazy!

Anyways...printed out the screenshot from Dell and brought it to FS...as I had hoped, the routers on the shelves were still th WRT54G (no CA at the end) so I ended up getting the Dell price beat - $44.99 plus taxes for this router.


I think $44.99 plus taxes ($50 and some change) is a smokin deal for this great router...(now I have 2 of these in my apt...yes..the wireless signals in my apt are MESSED as the walls cause major interference...hence 2 wireless routers...)

[willy]

http://accessories.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=ca&l=en&s=dhs&cs=cadhs1&sku=A0099137

[blexann]

Note: This is my FIRST Hot Deal post...hopefully I didnt royally screw up. But I felt it was time for me to give back to one of my favourite communities on the web...the one that causes me to spend a lot more money than I really need to...thanks RFD! lol

I needed a second router and I noticed that Dell still had their sale on the WRT54G for $49.99...Great price right? I mean...it keeps getting posted when Dell has that sale...

Well I went to the FS and Best Buy website...and they no longer carry the WRT54G but instead have the WRT54G-CA - usually if its a different product code, technically speaking..they wont price match you.

They have upped these routers at FS to $99.99 - I know!! Crazy!

Anyways...printed out the screenshot from Dell and brought it to FS...as I had hoped, the routers on the shelves were still th WRT54G (no CA at the end) so I ended up getting the Dell price beat - $44.99 plus taxes for this router.


I think $44.99 plus taxes ($50 and some change) is a smokin deal for this great router...(now I have 2 of these in my apt...yes..the wireless signals in my apt are MESSED as the walls cause major interference...hence 2 wireless routers...)


I'd be carefull with what verision this router is. v5 is horrible..other higher versions may also have problems. get the WRT54GL..a little more expensive but worth it.

[Babypimpin]

Willy: thanks for the link (im sure the link is on this site somewhere)

Blexann: how do I find out wut version it is?
THe first one i bought from dell works flawlessly..havnt had any issues at all...
i hope this one works fine too

[BenK]

this router or the buffalo whr-g125 http://www.fortunecomputer.com/ssproduct.asp?pf_id=1010704982

both are dd-wrt flashable

[Symcor]

http://accessories.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=ca&l=en&s=dhs&cs=cadhs1&sku=A0319591

What about this one? Futureshop is selling for $119.99

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&MSCSProfile=3C79F0C7EA3162B2D7ADAC57314A0E6AE5C539 EAD4E13D4B222A31FAB7D2FA4FC9AFE483E6CBB477126904A6 09AC85493956657CF48717CD6F58C4E1B869A4D9B188389D4F 51848F246C5775DAEB85EA6BF913B2741F6387AD84C48B97BD FE779B4AE0750A86E1167B7F468BEE69D30A868158DD01E9F3 BA&sku_id=0665000FS10043626&catid=

[blexann]

Willy: thanks for the link (im sure the link is on this site somewhere)

Blexann: how do I find out wut version it is?
THe first one i bought from dell works flawlessly..havnt had any issues at all...
i hope this one works fine too

http://www.yahel.org/misc/WRT54G-ID-1.pdf
http://www.voip-info.org/wiki/view/Linksys+WRT54G

[killoverme]

hasnt this been posted liek 3 times alrdy?

[tpirovol]

Hi Everyone,

I have one that i do not use that is basically brand new in the box i only used it for 5 days. I would sell for $45 drop off in toronto. Let me know if someone is interested via pm. figured save someone the taxes and $5 bucks

Thanks T

[Crimson]

I'd be carefull with what verision this router is. v5 is horrible..other higher versions may also have problems. get the WRT54GL..a little more expensive but worth it.


This is no longer true.
Now DD-WRT can be flashed on any version of WRT54G/GL.
But v5~v8 can only be flashed to micro DD-WRT, but it is enough for most users, even the DD-WRT micro version has QoS, WDS and a lot of useful feature. Not everyone need VOIP/VPN server and IPV6 on the router. DD0-WRT micro version is good enough for 99% of the users.

If you just want a reliable router with some basical feature, save $1x and get WRT54G (not GL), flash it to DD-WRT, dun waste money.

[Kamloops]

get the http://accessories.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=ca&l=en&s=dhs&cs=cadhs1&sku=A0589443 next time is is on sale

[sonick]

This is no longer true.
Now DD-WRT can be flashed on any version of WRT54G/GL.
But v5~v8 can only be flashed to micro DD-WRT, but it is enough for most users, even the DD-WRT micro version has QoS, WDS and a lot of useful feature. Not everyone need VOIP/VPN server and IPV6 on the router. DD0-WRT micro version is good enough for 99% of the users.

If you just want a reliable router with some basical feature, save $1x and get WRT54G (not GL), flash it to DD-WRT, dun waste money.

QFT, recently flashed my v5 WRT54G to DD-WRT micro easily, to use as a wireless bridge for my XBMC and Xbox360, works like a charm

[Webkikr]

I have a v.4 and find the Tomato firmware to work best on it.

DD-WRT is nice I must admit, but Tomoto is the least likely to lock up your router due to insufficient resources.

The load seems to be higher with DD-WRT.

[van]

I have a v.4 and find the Tomato firmware to work best on it.


I'm running Tomato 1.09 (http://www.polarcloud.com/tomato) (1.10 is out now), and so far my v3 is running solid - 0 downtime for the past month with utorrent running 24/7. Tomato's code is small/lean and based on newer Linksys firmware.

[Babypimpin]

what on earth are these different "tomato" or wutever versions you guys flash them with? wut does that do?

[kuqdew]

warm

[Chipbug]

This is no longer true.
Now DD-WRT can be flashed on any version of WRT54G/GL.
But v5~v8 can only be flashed to micro DD-WRT, but it is enough for most users, even the DD-WRT micro version has QoS, WDS and a lot of useful feature. Not everyone need VOIP/VPN server and IPV6 on the router. DD0-WRT micro version is good enough for 99% of the users.

If you just want a reliable router with some basical feature, save $1x and get WRT54G (not GL), flash it to DD-WRT, dun waste money.

While DD-WRT micro could be installed on v5~v8 of WRT54G, this router only has half the memory of a WRT54GL. For some situations, especially if you require a lot of connections, those extra memory could be crucial. Also, WRT54GL opens you up the possibilities to try out different open source fw, such as Tomato and OpenWRT. So I would say that $1x extra you spent is well worth it.

[blexann]

This is no longer true.
Now DD-WRT can be flashed on any version of WRT54G/GL.
But v5~v8 can only be flashed to micro DD-WRT, but it is enough for most users, even the DD-WRT micro version has QoS, WDS and a lot of useful feature. Not everyone need VOIP/VPN server and IPV6 on the router. DD0-WRT micro version is good enough for 99% of the users.

If you just want a reliable router with some basical feature, save $1x and get WRT54G (not GL), flash it to DD-WRT, dun waste money.

I never said anything about not being able to flash the router with DD-WRT. Try micro DD-WRT on that router and you will see it DOES NOT change the performance of the router. If you are only connecting 1 computer to your router then yea any router will do. In fact why even bother with a router. Most people have multiple computers connected either wireless or directly to the router. The WRT54G v5 router CANNOT handle these simultaneous types of connections.

[Chinko]

I never said anything about not being able to flash the router with DD-WRT. Try micro DD-WRT on that router and you will see it DOES NOT change the performance of the router. If you are only connecting 1 computer to your router then yea any router will do. In fact why even bother with a router. Most people have multiple computers connected either wireless or directly to the router. The WRT54G v5 router CANNOT handle these simultaneous types of connections.

So basically, you're saying the WRT54G can only accept/handle one connection?

[spotts01]

what on earth are these different "tomato" or wutever versions you guys flash them with? wut does that do?

Google is your friend, try Linksys Tomato

Regardless - this is a good deal. From what I can tell the OP never intended to update the firmware to something other than the stock firmware. This is a decent router for this price.

Would I buy/recommend? I don't think so. I would spend the extra $20 and get the GL model. But that my $20, somebody else would rather save the $20.

[Crimson]

I never said anything about not being able to flash the router with DD-WRT. Try micro DD-WRT on that router and you will see it DOES NOT change the performance of the router. If you are only connecting 1 computer to your router then yea any router will do. In fact why even bother with a router. Most people have multiple computers connected either wireless or directly to the router. The WRT54G v5 router CANNOT handle these simultaneous types of connections.

How many simultaneous connection do you have?
With PROPER configuration, WRT54G v5~8+DD-WRT micro can handle 2000+ connections without any performance issue. With QoS, I can even use my PAP-2 make regular phone calls while there is ~2000 connections and utorrent downloading @450KB/s.

Yea WRT54GL is better, but WRT54G is good too. WRT54GL has 16MB memory while WRT54G >v5 only has 8MB, but most of the additional 8MB will be used by tons of useless (for most) features such as sshd, openvpn server, etc.

BTW: I am using WRT54GL right now(WRT54G is now in WDS mode), with DD-WRT micro version + openvpn + sipathome, because I need those, but I will never flash the GL into any other DD-WRT version other than micro version, I prefer installing feature myself.

[orakle22]

PMed a WRT54GS at Future Shop ($129.99) to Dell ($69.99) without any problems. Box even said WRT54GS-CA near the UPC but they didn't care.

[kevinnashho]

PMed a WRT54GS at Future Shop ($129.99) to Dell ($69.99) without any problems. Box even said WRT54GS-CA near the UPC but they didn't care.

haha, good job, you probably got them on a good day, some FS or BB are strict about exact same model/upc code

[orakle22]

haha, good job, you probably got them on a good day, some FS or BB are strict about exact same model/upc code

I might try and go get another one tomorrow. Chaining these puppies together with WDS is really cool.

[kimro]

Ordered and received the router originally posted. Dell's turnaround was literally 24 hours.

Serial number: CDFG******

Version: 8.0
CPU: 240 MHz
RAM: 8 MB
Flash: 2 MB
Notes: Broadcom BCM5354KFBG Chipset with non-replaceable antennas.

For those wishing to use DD-WRT Micro instead of the default firmware:
http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=20095
(Beware that using a 3rd party firmware may void manufacturer's warranty)

More info on WRT54G routers:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WRT54G#WRT54G

Enjoy!

[sonick]

Ordered and received the router originally posted. Dell's turnaround was literally 24 hours.

Serial number: CDFG******

Version: 8.0
CPU: 240 MHz
RAM: 8 MB
Flash: 2 MB
Notes: Broadcom BCM5354KFBG Chipset with non-replaceable antennas.

For those wishing to use DD-WRT Micro instead of the default firmware:
http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=20095
(Beware that using a 3rd party firmware may void manufacturer's warranty)

More info on WRT54G routers:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WRT54G#WRT54G

Enjoy!
Not bad, one less step to get to DD-WRT compared to v5.

[blexann]

How many simultaneous connection do you have?
With PROPER configuration, WRT54G v5~8+DD-WRT micro can handle 2000+ connections without any performance issue. With QoS, I can even use my PAP-2 make regular phone calls while there is ~2000 connections and utorrent downloading @450KB/s.

Yea WRT54GL is better, but WRT54G is good too. WRT54GL has 16MB memory while WRT54G >v5 only has 8MB, but most of the additional 8MB will be used by tons of useless (for most) features such as sshd, openvpn server, etc.

BTW: I am using WRT54GL right now(WRT54G is now in WDS mode), with DD-WRT micro version + openvpn + sipathome, because I need those, but I will never flash the GL into any other DD-WRT version other than micro version, I prefer installing feature myself.

I have 2 wired and wireless connection.

"PROPER configuration" ?

I want the router to work 'out of the box' and the WRT54GL does just that. Other than the security setup no further configuration was required.

[blexann]

So basically, you're saying the WRT54G can only accept/handle one connection?

In my case it was dropping the connection many times during the day while the GL has not dropped it's connection in 2 months.

[ephdub]

Thought some people might want to know...
WRT54GL at ncix..
Normal price: $71.40
Special price: $58.87 CAD pre-tax/rebate.
Rebate $8.88
Price pre-tax after rebate: $49.99

Only 86 left at this price. I'm picking one up in store in the GVRD at the Burnaby location.

Here's the link:
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=17408&promoid=1016

[Babypimpin]

Thought some people might want to know...
WRT54GL at ncix..
Normal price: $71.40
Special price: $58.87 CAD pre-tax/rebate.
Rebate $8.88
Price pre-tax after rebate: $49.99

Only 86 left at this price. I'm picking one up in store in the GVRD at the Burnaby location.

Here's the link:
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=17408&promoid=1016

Hmm...
thats still $5 more expensive than the stated price in this thread lol..

[sonick]

Hmm...
thats still $5 more expensive than the stated price in this thread lol..

its for the GL. This thread is for the G.

[ephdub]

its for the GL. This thread is for the G.

You're right. I figured there was a discussion about the GL in here that some people might wanted to know. I created a new thread.

- Ephdub

[Crimson]

I have 2 wired and wireless connection.

"PROPER configuration" ?

I want the router to work 'out of the box' and the WRT54GL does just that. Other than the security setup no further configuration was required.

This is even funnier!
With no customized firmware, any Linksys wrt54G/GL/GS are just pieces of crap.

Spend some time look at the reviews, linksys router with stock firmware cannot even out-perform d-link/netgear ones. :lol:

If you have no plan to flash 3rd party firmware, why bother buying linksys? Tons of cheaper routers there are. e.g. this one http://cty.ca/details.asp?pid=2517 better looking (linksys routers are [one of] the ugliest routers in the world, IMHO) and same level of performance even with a voip port.

[Mendesb]

need a ruoter, cheap though. what should i get?

[ephdub]

I just picked up the GL model. Just flashed it with DD WRT. Works like a charm! I was thinking of using Tomato but I read that there are some issues with the latest firmware 1.10 or so... But it's a good investment. When I flashed it, I thought I bricked the bad boy! A reboot was what was in order... phew...

- Ephdub

[Luidge]

If i want to use a router to bridge my WRT54G would a cheaper one would work, i want to use it with my XBOX360 as a bridge. Any other router than linksys that would do the job?

[Babypimpin]

If i want to use a router to bridge my WRT54G would a cheaper one would work, i want to use it with my XBOX360 as a bridge. Any other router than linksys that would do the job?

What does it mean when you want to use a router to bridge your wrt54g?

ive currently got one of these running in my office...but the signal is really weak getting out to the PS3 in the living room...
I have a second one of thes routers sitting outside int he living room but its not connected yet because when I connect it to the router in the office, there are some connectivity issues..

is this the same problem ur having?

[LoveRFD]

The GL on ncix is good but shipping kills it.

[Luidge]

What does it mean when you want to use a router to bridge your wrt54g?

ive currently got one of these running in my office...but the signal is really weak getting out to the PS3 in the living room...
I have a second one of thes routers sitting outside int he living room but its not connected yet because when I connect it to the router in the office, there are some connectivity issues..

is this the same problem ur having?

Nah i already have a router but for the Xbox360 you need and adapter to go wireless. Or a router used as a bridge like the WRT54G but i was wondering if any other cheaper router could be use a bridge

[mushy_eyes]

so what are the ranges of the G and GL?

or... if i have this router on the 2nd floor, and my PS3 in the basement... think it'll have any connecting issues? (i live in a townhouse, so no, it won't be THAT far away from each other)

[redflagger]

For those of you who have the GL, was wondering if you could help me out. When I start downloading torrents, I can't surf the net anymore as pages won't load. It's only when I close the utorrent that i'm able to surf again. Is there anyway to configure the router to allow me to surf while downloading or give surfing a priority over downloading? Thanks

ps: i didn't flash it with new firmware, using stock linksys firmware.

[ephdub]

For those of you who have the GL, was wondering if you could help me out. When I start downloading torrents, I can't surf the net anymore as pages won't load. It's only when I close the utorrent that i'm able to surf again. Is there anyway to configure the router to allow me to surf while downloading or give surfing a priority over downloading? Thanks

ps: i didn't flash it with new firmware, using stock linksys firmware.

Before purchasing the WRT54GL, I read up on it (as I was debating on buying the GL or an Asus router to flash with). During my search, I read that many people were having troubles with ALL the routers with bit torrent (G/GL/GS). I can't remember where I read it, as I was searching through many forums; mainly dslreports, dd-wrt, and linksysinfo.org. Pretty much the stock firmware on the linksys had problems with the amount of connections both inbound and outbound. To combat this, either limit the inbound/outbound connections via your torrent program OR flash your firmware to a 3rd party firmware (such as tomato/dd-wrt). Utorrent allows you to change the number of connections in your options.

[Menace]

Here is your problem.

You can tweak the 3rd party firmware for better torrents.

By the way, do you consider Newsgroups binary? Torrents can suck Mt Everts big time :D :cheesygri

ps: i didn't flash it with new firmware, using stock linksys firmware.

[redflagger]

Before purchasing the WRT54GL, I read up on it (as I was debating on buying the GL or an Asus router to flash with). During my search, I read that many people were having troubles with ALL the routers with bit torrent (G/GL/GS). I can't remember where I read it, as I was searching through many forums; mainly dslreports, dd-wrt, and linksysinfo.org. Pretty much the stock firmware on the linksys had problems with the amount of connections both inbound and outbound. To combat this, either limit the inbound/outbound connections via your torrent program OR flash your firmware to a 3rd party firmware (such as tomato/dd-wrt). Utorrent allows you to change the number of connections in your options.

Thanks for the info. How do you determine a "good" number of connections?

[tubs]

For those of you who have the GL, was wondering if you could help me out. When I start downloading torrents, I can't surf the net anymore as pages won't load. It's only when I close the utorrent that i'm able to surf again. Is there anyway to configure the router to allow me to surf while downloading or give surfing a priority over downloading? Thanks

ps: i didn't flash it with new firmware, using stock linksys firmware.

Well, when you get around to flashing DD-WRT on it, follow the instructions for Solution 1 in the link below

http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Router_Slowdown

[redflagger]

Well, when you get around to flashing DD-WRT on it, follow the instructions for Solution 1 in the link below

http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Router_Slowdown

I flashed it with Tomato v1.11 last night