[Danoir]

I'm looking at a Linksys WRT54G Wireless-G Access Point + Cable/DSL Router with 4-Port 10/100 Switch on Amazon right now and the price is really right. However, I've never set up anything like this before and I need to know if this is the right equipment. I'll be using it with a SBC Yahoo! DSL connection in Chicago and it will be serving an iMac DV+, a Dell running Win98 and an iBook with an AirPort card. The hope is that over time I'll get a new laptop with AirPort Extreme enabled so that this 802.11g capabilities of this router don't go completely to waste.

So the question is, can I use this thing? Does anyone know if it comes with appropriate software for OS X? Can I just use my AirPort software instead? Are there any problems I might encounter if I go ahead with the purchase?

Thanks everyone,
D

[TheBum]

Most third-party routers (LinkSys included) use Web-based configuration. So, all you need is a web browser to set them up.

I opted for a Netgear WGR614 802.11g router instead of the LinkSys due to reports of better range with the Netgear. Also, I was able to pick one up from Computers4Sure for $93 before a $25 mail-in rebate (for a net price of $68). It works quite well with a 12" PowerBook and a clamshell Firewire iBook SE. It currently has non-final-802.11g-spec firmware in it because the beta final-spec firmware was too buggy.

[aaanorton]

If I were you, I'd get something like the Netgear MR814. I know you want .11g, and that this is .11b, but:

• You don't own any g devices.
• By the time you do, g prices will only be better.
• By then, g may also be a little more solid (b seems more stable currently).
• For the vast majority of uses, b is perfectly fine.
• If you do get a g compatible PB, your LAN will still default to b if you keep the iBook on it (ignore this if you plan on selling that iBook).
• And finally, for 40 bucks from buy.com, why the hell not just get this til you get your g PB?

[BkueKanoodle]

I use the wiress router your looking at, and yes it works fine. Plus if you ever get into networking, you can do this:

http://www.batbox.org/wrt54g.html