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guywithFX · Mar 3, 2005, 02:01 AM

So I got my new Linksys WRT54G and I now know that i can't use the router untill i have a windows machine to run the set-up disc. I purchased the new router because I've had the B version since they first came out and it's worked without a hitch for atleast 2 years now I'm guessing. Anyways, I read in another thread someone mentioned awhile back that you couldn't configure the WRT54G from a mac in anyway. Is this still true? I would love to not get my buddy over here with his thinkpad just to run a stupid set-up program for my router. Has anyone ported this to mac by chance?

sknapp351 · Mar 3, 2005, 08:21 AM

Hey all,
First post here, but I've dealt with this one. I have had a WRT54G for a while now, and I certainly do not have any Windows machines for anything. It was pretty much plug and play out of the box, then used my web browser to set up security and so forth. Have had no problems yet (at least a year). Actually just upgreaded the firmware yesterday, didn't need anything but my Powerbook. Your Windows friend is just complicating things.
Have fun

ghporter · 08:33 AM

What you've been told is BS. Connect (with a cable) to the router, open a browser and type "192.168.1.1" into the address box. You'll get a username/password window. Ignore the username box, and type "admin" (no quotes) in the password box. You're in.

Follow the instructions in the manual for configuring the router; it's not hard. I strongly suggest that you change the admin password immediately-the manual for the router tells you how to do this.

One note: the router EXPECTS YOUR ENCRYPTION KEY TO BE HEXADECIMAL, while your Mac expects its "network password" to be plain text. When you get ready to set up security, you'll need to decide how you'll provide the key to all your wireless computers. Look at this Apple Knowledge Base article for some background information and instructions for WEP (the weaker type of encryption), and this article for detailed instructions on WPA (the stronger-really, really strong!-type of encryption). I heartily recommend WPA, both because it's really strong, and because it's really much easier to set up.

Scotttheking · Mar 3, 2005, 10:10 AM

Originally posted by guywithFX:
So I got my new Linksys WRT54G and I now know that i can't use the router untill i have a windows machine to run the set-up disc. I purchased the new router because I've had the B version since they first came out and it's worked without a hitch for atleast 2 years now I'm guessing. Anyways, I read in another thread someone mentioned awhile back that you couldn't configure the WRT54G from a mac in anyway. Is this still true? I would love to not get my buddy over here with his thinkpad just to run a stupid set-up program for my router. Has anyone ported this to mac by chance?

There's a nice little quick start guide in the box. Very helpful. Answers your questions.

chabig · Mar 3, 2005, 11:00 AM

One other thing. The Router's web software requires IE. It's doesn't work very well with Safari.

Chris

ghporter · Mar 3, 2005, 11:33 AM

Originally posted by chabig:
One other thing. The Router's web software requires IE. It's doesn't work very well with Safari.

Chris

It will work OK with Safari, but it has some java issues that make it kind of flaky. I have no problem with Firefox.

Macola · Mar 3, 2005, 09:34 PM

Originally posted by ghporter:
I have no problem with Firefox.

Or Camino, for that matter.

SSharon · Mar 4, 2005, 12:03 AM

I bought the wrt54g and mistakenly tried setting it up with a pc that destroyed the router. It was updating the firmware for no reason and crashed in the middle so nothing could detect the router. Linksys sent me a replacement and I said to hell with the PC and just plugged it into my G4 and its been great since. Works with Safari and Firefox for me.

Also, I use WEP and MAC filtering and don't broadcast the SSID or allow more than one wireless connection. Is this a good setup or should I switch to WPA? Anyone have any advise on which WPA settings to use? Thanks

Macola · Mar 4, 2005, 08:29 AM

Originally posted by SSharon:

Also, I use WEP and MAC filtering and don't broadcast the SSID or allow more than one wireless connection. Is this a good setup or should I switch to WPA? Anyone have any advise on which WPA settings to use? Thanks

If all your wireless machines support WPA, then definitely use it.

The Oracle · Mar 4, 2005, 08:38 PM

Originally posted by SSharon:
Also, I use WEP and MAC filtering and don't broadcast the SSID or allow more than one wireless connection. Is this a good setup or should I switch to WPA? Anyone have any advise on which WPA settings to use? Thanks

use WPA if possible. Not broadcasting ssid doesn't matter if someone is using a sniffer to detect.

vsurfer · 11:04 PM

Noticed this thread so I figured I'd add to it -- since not long ago I was researching a new quasi-'budget' wireless router purchase. My graphite base station died and I recently also became Linksys WRT54G user.

Was tempted to take a sight unseen chance on a Belkin Pre-N which 'boasts' amazing range, but was unclear about whether it had any wired-out ports. Ultimately I went with the 90 dollar savings and the Linksys, in the knowledge that so many folk posting on this networking forum have had success with that model.

The setup experience was very easy despite the lack of Apple specific support documentation.

Like GHPorter said, it was pretty much plug and play right out of the box!

And within a short time it was running

wired into a G5 iMac (no wireless card installed)
wireless into an airport (802.11b) -equipped G3 iMac DV 400
wireless into airport-equipped G4 TiBook

Haven't yet figured out if I can use WPA with my TiBook...

Update: it's working fine upstairs/other side of house/thru closed doors -- something the old graphite used to choke on.