Linksys WRT54G and 54GS versions 5 and versions 6

Greetings,

Has anyone had any problems with the new Linksys WRT54G or the WRT54GS
version 6 or version 5? I read some comments on the Linksys forums and
people are complaining about these new versions.

One of the complaints is the DHCP capability is not working. I use DHCP to
connect to the internet with my Road Runner Time Warner cable modem.

Several comments relate to the new software Linksys put in versions 5 and 6.
Here is an example of one of the comments:

Since v5.0, linksys switched to a different operating system -- VxWorks.
There are bugs with the switch to this new OS including dropped connections,
inability to connect through vpn, etc. My recommendation would be to switch
WRT54G V4.0 which is now sold as WRT54GL. L in the suffix stands for linux.

Has anyone had any problems with the new LinksysWRT54G or WRT54GS for sale
in the stores at this time?

Thanks in advance for your help and comments.

Leigh

Leigh wrote:
> Greetings,
>
> Has anyone had any problems with the new Linksys WRT54G or the WRT54GS
> version 6 or version 5? I read some comments on the Linksys forums and
> people are complaining about these new versions.
>
> One of the complaints is the DHCP capability is not working. I use
> DHCP to connect to the internet with my Road Runner Time Warner cable
> modem.
> Several comments relate to the new software Linksys put in versions 5
> and 6. Here is an example of one of the comments:
>
> Since v5.0, linksys switched to a different operating system --
> VxWorks. There are bugs with the switch to this new OS including
> dropped connections, inability to connect through vpn, etc. My
> recommendation would be to switch WRT54G V4.0 which is now sold as
> WRT54GL. L in the suffix stands for linux.
> Has anyone had any problems with the new LinksysWRT54G or WRT54GS for
> sale in the stores at this time?
>
> Thanks in advance for your help and comments.
>
> Leigh

You may want to consider being a CAB like me (Cheap A** B******).. They have
the older G models at some walmarts (v2 thru v4) for $48..... At many other
stores they have the new/improved ones V5/6 for like $90....

"Leigh" <(E-Mail Removed)> hath wroth:

>Has anyone had any problems with the new Linksys WRT54G or the WRT54GS
>version 6 or version 5? I read some comments on the Linksys forums and
>people are complaining about these new versions.

Yes, I've had problems. I've posted rants on the subject before:
| http://groups.google.com/group/alt.i...0c625a3bd928d0
Replacing the firmware with DD_WRT did not help with the hangs and
weirdness. I returned the routers for credit and bought something
else.

>One of the complaints is the DHCP capability is not working. I use DHCP to
>connect to the internet with my Road Runner Time Warner cable modem.

Reference? Google to the rescue:
| http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15202366
He's using old firmware. Not much else in the way of DHCP problems
that cannot be blamed on something else. Reference?

>Several comments relate to the new software Linksys put in versions 5 and 6.
>Here is an example of one of the comments:
>
>Since v5.0, linksys switched to a different operating system -- VxWorks.
>There are bugs with the switch to this new OS including dropped connections,
>inability to connect through vpn, etc. My recommendation would be to switch
>WRT54G V4.0 which is now sold as WRT54GL. L in the suffix stands for linux.

The V5 and V6 router are also somewhat different hardware. There's a
comparison of the various WRT54G/GS mutations on:
http://www.linksysinfo.org
but the site appears to be down at the moment.

The real question is whether the v5 and v6 routers can be fixed or
tolerated. Methinks not. My guess(tm) is that most of the feature
related problems are in the firmware and can be solved by switching to
DD-WRT or OpenWRT firmware. However, I also suspect that the basic
reliability problems (hangs, crashes, dropouts, etc) are in the
hardware and cannot be easily fixed. I haven't wasted the time trying
to make the distinction.

At this time, my neighbor is running a WRT54G v5 using the Linksys
firmware. He doesn't want me playing with his wireless for fear that
I might do something evil or send him a bill for my time. So, he's
running the classic "Linksys zero configuration" setup, which means
absolutely no security, no setting changes, Channel 6, no firmware
updates, and no encryption. My laptops frequently connect to his
WRT54G instead of mine. When he's not home, I like to use his router
for testing. I can't do any streaming video for more than a few
minutes without hanging his router. Quite often, I get a connection
and IP address, but no traffic. IPSec VPN through his router doesn't
work for some odd reason, although PPTP VPN does.

>Has anyone had any problems with the new LinksysWRT54G or WRT54GS for sale
>in the stores at this time?

Search Google for "WRT54G v5 problem". 47,000 hits.
For hardship cases, try searching for "WRT54G v5 sucks". 947 hits.

--
Jeff Liebermann (E-Mail Removed)
150 Felker St #D http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
Santa Cruz CA 95060 http://802.11junk.com
Skype: JeffLiebermann AE6KS 831-336-2558

"Jeff Liebermann" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:(E-Mail Removed)...
> "Leigh" <(E-Mail Removed)> hath wroth:
>
>>Has anyone had any problems with the new Linksys WRT54G or the WRT54GS
>>version 6 or version 5? I read some comments on the Linksys forums and
>>people are complaining about these new versions.
>
> Yes, I've had problems. I've posted rants on the subject before:
> |
> http://groups.google.com/group/alt.i...0c625a3bd928d0
> Replacing the firmware with DD_WRT did not help with the hangs and
> weirdness. I returned the routers for credit and bought something
> else.
>
>>One of the complaints is the DHCP capability is not working. I use DHCP to
>>connect to the internet with my Road Runner Time Warner cable modem.
>
> Reference? Google to the rescue:
> | http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,15202366
> He's using old firmware. Not much else in the way of DHCP problems
> that cannot be blamed on something else. Reference?
>
>>Several comments relate to the new software Linksys put in versions 5 and
>>6.
>>Here is an example of one of the comments:
>>
>>Since v5.0, linksys switched to a different operating system -- VxWorks.
>>There are bugs with the switch to this new OS including dropped
>>connections,
>>inability to connect through vpn, etc. My recommendation would be to
>>switch
>>WRT54G V4.0 which is now sold as WRT54GL. L in the suffix stands for
>>linux.
>
> The V5 and V6 router are also somewhat different hardware. There's a
> comparison of the various WRT54G/GS mutations on:
> http://www.linksysinfo.org
> but the site appears to be down at the moment.
>
> The real question is whether the v5 and v6 routers can be fixed or
> tolerated. Methinks not. My guess(tm) is that most of the feature
> related problems are in the firmware and can be solved by switching to
> DD-WRT or OpenWRT firmware. However, I also suspect that the basic
> reliability problems (hangs, crashes, dropouts, etc) are in the
> hardware and cannot be easily fixed. I haven't wasted the time trying
> to make the distinction.
>
> At this time, my neighbor is running a WRT54G v5 using the Linksys
> firmware. He doesn't want me playing with his wireless for fear that
> I might do something evil or send him a bill for my time. So, he's
> running the classic "Linksys zero configuration" setup, which means
> absolutely no security, no setting changes, Channel 6, no firmware
> updates, and no encryption. My laptops frequently connect to his
> WRT54G instead of mine. When he's not home, I like to use his router
> for testing. I can't do any streaming video for more than a few
> minutes without hanging his router. Quite often, I get a connection
> and IP address, but no traffic. IPSec VPN through his router doesn't
> work for some odd reason, although PPTP VPN does.
>
>>Has anyone had any problems with the new LinksysWRT54G or WRT54GS for sale
>>in the stores at this time?
>
> Search Google for "WRT54G v5 problem". 47,000 hits.
> For hardship cases, try searching for "WRT54G v5 sucks". 947 hits.
>
> --
> Jeff Liebermann (E-Mail Removed)
> 150 Felker St #D http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
> Santa Cruz CA 95060 http://802.11junk.com
> Skype: JeffLiebermann AE6KS 831-336-2558

Jeff,

Thanks for your comments, help and references. I will read those.

What brand of wireless router would you recommend.

I would like to configure a wireless router with encryption and security
protection. I have two desktops that are not wireless capable that I need to
connect to the router. Also, I have two notebook computers that are wireless
capable that I would like to use their wireless capability.

Thanks in advance for your comments and recommendations.

Leigh

Leigh wrote:
> Greetings,
>
> Has anyone had any problems with the new Linksys WRT54G or the WRT54GS
> version 6 or version 5? I read some comments on the Linksys forums and
> people are complaining about these new versions.
>
> One of the complaints is the DHCP capability is not working. I use DHCP to
> connect to the internet with my Road Runner Time Warner cable modem.
>
> Several comments relate to the new software Linksys put in versions 5 and 6.
> Here is an example of one of the comments:
>
> Since v5.0, linksys switched to a different operating system -- VxWorks.
> There are bugs with the switch to this new OS including dropped connections,
> inability to connect through vpn, etc. My recommendation would be to switch
> WRT54G V4.0 which is now sold as WRT54GL. L in the suffix stands for linux.
>
> Has anyone had any problems with the new LinksysWRT54G or WRT54GS for sale
> in the stores at this time?
>
> Thanks in advance for your help and comments.
>
> Leigh
>
>
>
>
Hi,
WRT54G v.5 worked couple hours out of box and quit cold.
Bought it from Office Depot on sale with mail-in 20.00 rebate.
I returned it and got an older WRT54GS v.4, loaded 3rd party
firmware which works rock solid. Still I got rebate check in the mail
the other day.

On 9-Oct-2006, "Leigh" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:

> Greetings,
>
> Has anyone had any problems with the new Linksys WRT54G or the WRT54GS
> version 6 or version 5? I read some comments on the Linksys forums and
> people are complaining about these new versions.
>
> One of the complaints is the DHCP capability is not working. I use DHCP to
>
> connect to the internet with my Road Runner Time Warner cable modem.
>
> Several comments relate to the new software Linksys put in versions 5 and
> 6.
> Here is an example of one of the comments:
>
> Since v5.0, linksys switched to a different operating system -- VxWorks.
> There are bugs with the switch to this new OS including dropped
> connections,
> inability to connect through vpn, etc. My recommendation would be to
> switch
> WRT54G V4.0 which is now sold as WRT54GL. L in the suffix stands for
> linux.
>
> Has anyone had any problems with the new LinksysWRT54G or WRT54GS for sale
>
> in the stores at this time?

Because of all the complaints about the WRT54G v5 & 6, I decided to test one
for myself. I am currently using version 5 and have been using it for about
a month and a half. So far so good. I have 2 wireless laptops and 1 wired
desktop connected to it. With WPA-PSK (AES) encryption enabled, both
laptops connect to it quickly. My passphrase is a nonsense and 62
characters in length. I can walk all over my two story house and even
outside and still stay connected at a decent rate. The wired desktop that
the kids use works great also. Now, my only gripe is that every now and
then, it hangs. Don't get me wrong. All device connected to it retrieves
the correct IP address, for some reason, it prevents the devices from
accessing the internet for about 30 seconds or so. I've updated the firmware
to the latest version. As Jeff pointed out, it could be firmware and
Hardware related. For me, it's not an issue. If it becomes a problem, I
could always swap it out with one of the many spare wireless routers I have
in my closet. Anyway, other than that, the device works very well.

--
----------
Just Me, D

"Leigh" <(E-Mail Removed)> hath wroth:

>What brand of wireless router would you recommend.

If you've read any of my previous postings, you'll find that I usually
only recommend hardware that I've tried and tested, and certainly not
by vendor. Each manufactory has winners and losers that are made by
various vendors. All the vendors have given me problems and have sold
garbage in the past. They only vary by degree. Linksys in particular
likes to recycle or slightly tweak model numbers in order to sneak in
the latest change in supplier or design without the customer noticing.
The WRT54G v5/v6 change is like this. Netgear has 6 different
hardware mutations of the WGR614. I also don't make recommendations
without having a clue what the customer is trying to do with the
equipment. Wireless routers for bridges, hot spots, coffee shops,
business, and home use are quite different. Sorry, no general
recommendations.

>I would like to configure a wireless router with encryption and security
>protection.

Fine. You're new router will require WPA or WPA2. That's your
security and encryption. Make sure your wireless client radios also
support WPA or WPA2. WEP is NOT a suitable alternative.

>I have two desktops that are not wireless capable that I need to
>connect to the router. Also, I have two notebook computers that are wireless
>capable that I would like to use their wireless capability.

Use CAT5 cable for the desktops and forget about wireless. The
laptops of course will be wireless.

--
Jeff Liebermann (E-Mail Removed)
150 Felker St #D http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
Santa Cruz CA 95060 http://802.11junk.com
Skype: JeffLiebermann AE6KS 831-336-2558

Doug Jamal wrote:

> On 9-Oct-2006, "Leigh" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:
>
>
>>Greetings,
>>
>>Has anyone had any problems with the new Linksys WRT54G or the WRT54GS
>>version 6 or version 5? I read some comments on the Linksys forums and
>>people are complaining about these new versions.
>>
>>One of the complaints is the DHCP capability is not working. I use DHCP to
>>
>>connect to the internet with my Road Runner Time Warner cable modem.
>>
>>Several comments relate to the new software Linksys put in versions 5 and
>>6.
>>Here is an example of one of the comments:
>>
>>Since v5.0, linksys switched to a different operating system -- VxWorks.
>>There are bugs with the switch to this new OS including dropped
>>connections,
>>inability to connect through vpn, etc. My recommendation would be to
>>switch
>>WRT54G V4.0 which is now sold as WRT54GL. L in the suffix stands for
>>linux.
>>
>>Has anyone had any problems with the new LinksysWRT54G or WRT54GS for sale
>>
>>in the stores at this time?
>
>
> Because of all the complaints about the WRT54G v5 & 6, I decided to test one
> for myself. I am currently using version 5 and have been using it for about
> a month and a half. So far so good. I have 2 wireless laptops and 1 wired
> desktop connected to it. With WPA-PSK (AES) encryption enabled, both
> laptops connect to it quickly. My passphrase is a nonsense and 62
> characters in length. I can walk all over my two story house and even
> outside and still stay connected at a decent rate. The wired desktop that
> the kids use works great also. Now, my only gripe is that every now and
> then, it hangs. Don't get me wrong. All device connected to it retrieves
> the correct IP address, for some reason, it prevents the devices from
> accessing the internet for about 30 seconds or so. I've updated the firmware
> to the latest version. As Jeff pointed out, it could be firmware and
> Hardware related. For me, it's not an issue. If it becomes a problem, I
> could always swap it out with one of the many spare wireless routers I have
> in my closet. Anyway, other than that, the device works very well.
>
Hi,
I played with v.5 I had after making a JTAG cable. I could revive dead
one after couple hours use. Main thing is, it's inability to handle
more robust 3rd party firmware such as dd-wrt.(I like this one).
Just did not feel right with newer v.5. Just me I guess. Back down to
v.4 GS with my favoured latest dd-wrt.

"Doug Jamal" <(E-Mail Removed)> hath wroth:

>Now, my only gripe is that every now and
>then, it hangs.

Retch. That's also why I gave up on my BEFW11S4 v4. It hung all the
time. Also, I have a pair of WAP54G v3.1 boxes setup as a bridge that
hang quite often. Some hang, some don't. I prefer the ones that
don't.

See:
https://office.learnbydestroying.com:8080/
https://home.learnbydestroying.com:8080/
The first is my office WRT54G v3.0. The 2nd is a WRT54G v1.1. As of
today, 24 days uptime in the office. The last reboot was to update
the DD-WRT firmware to v23 sp2 or move some wires around (I forgot
which). Prior to that, I think it was about 45 days uptime. No
hangs. I have the home router set to reboot every evening so the
uptimes are short. I guess I should disable that.

>Don't get me wrong. All device connected to it retrieves
>the correct IP address, for some reason, it prevents the devices from
>accessing the internet for about 30 seconds or so.

That might be a DNS lookup delay. If you've got Windoze shares
running, and your windoze is setup to use DNS for NETBIOS local name
service, you'll get such a delay while it waits for the ISP's
nameserver to respond with a failed lookup.

>If it becomes a problem, I
>could always swap it out with one of the many spare wireless routers I have
>in my closet. Anyway, other than that, the device works very well.

I was about to say something clever about having spare routers. Then,
I look at the pile I've accumulated at home and suspect I should try
to be so clever. Most of those in the pile have some deficiency or
other.
--
Jeff Liebermann (E-Mail Removed)
150 Felker St #D http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
Santa Cruz CA 95060 http://802.11junk.com
Skype: JeffLiebermann AE6KS 831-336-2558

Tony Hwang <(E-Mail Removed)> hath wroth:

>I played with v.5 I had after making a JTAG cable. I could revive dead
>one after couple hours use. Main thing is, it's inability to handle
>more robust 3rd party firmware such as dd-wrt.(I like this one).
>Just did not feel right with newer v.5. Just me I guess. Back down to
>v.4 GS with my favoured latest dd-wrt.

DD-WRT has a version for V5 and v6.

http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php...er_Information
Of course, due to lack of working flash memory, there are some
limitations.

Also see:
http://www.bitsum.com/openwiking/owb...sp?WRT54G5_CFE

--
Jeff Liebermann (E-Mail Removed)
150 Felker St #D http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
Santa Cruz CA 95060 http://802.11junk.com
Skype: JeffLiebermann AE6KS 831-336-2558