make sure that the wireless adapter and wireless router are on the same wireless channel I see this overlooked all the time don't use any auto settings for this set it manually and turn off any power saving settings for the adapter also for the adapter instead of leaving the SSID empty or any set it to the SSID of the router
Okay, I never I didn't know you could change the channel on an adapter. I didn't try power saving settings and tried many SSIDs. I changed the channel on the router to every available channel, I literally spent 2 days. Never got it working. The WRT160N worked the 1st time I tried it. I think there must be some incompatibility with the WRT54G(S).
Networking is not my strong point, but it shouldn't be that hard to get a router working. I wish I had kept it now......I sold it when I got my new one. I wish I had it, I would like to try some of your suggestions. I am running DD-WRT F/W on that N router and it's GREAT.
You seem pretty knowledgeable +.....next time I have a network problem I know who to talk with.
one thing i will say is the old WRT series routers that are blue are amazing but the new WRT series with no antennas are junk it's a real shame
DD-WRT is a really good firmware and has the widest application base there are versions of it for many makes of routers not just Linksys
I have tried HYPER-WRT and Sveasoft but settled on DD-WRT a lot of people swear by Tomato but I find it just to ugly.
Using 3rd party firmware is the best way to get the most out of your router for sure just have to be careful and make sure to get the right firmware for your router and install it properly so you don't brick your router same rules apply here as Bios updates!
I wish I could have got mine running (WRT54GS) When I put it up for sale on CL I had about 20 people wanting it. It was a v7.2 too! (not the best) I have no complaints (yet) about my Linksys N router with no antennas. It seems to be great after flashing it.
The guy I sold it to called me the same day wanting his $$ back because he couldn't get the wireless working with Windows 7 x64 either. I was going to do it.....but he never called back. Maybe he got it running
Thanks for the info
what happened to Chev65 post it was in this thread now it's gone? WTF
For my personal netwok I have two WRT54GS V1 routers both flashed with DD-WRT v24 SP1 firmware Main router "A" I have modded with a 40mm exhaust fan mounted underneath the top vent holes I also increased the size of the vent holes around the fan I added 9dbi high gain antennas and upped the radio output to 150mw I have this set to transmit G band only channel 9 and setup to run through openDNS servers it's a monster!
Router "B" I have setup to transmit on the B band channel 3 only and upped the radio output to 84mw the DHCP server is turned off as this is controlled by router "A" router "B" is connected to Router "A" via crossover cable between LAN ports so by doing this I have created a dedicated dual band wirless B/G network with a lot more power than anything your going to buy off the shelf.
At some point I will add an "N" band router to the mix but that's another project!
I think sometimes it's just the router itself. 3-4 years ago I spent two days like you did trying to get a WRT54G to work and it wouldn't happen. Being one that doesn't like getting run-arounds with a Customer Service I just returned it and forgot about it.
A year or so ago I decided to try again and with all the reviews on the WRT54G I decided to use it again, also. First setup, bingo, worked almost out of the box. I just didn't use the CD at all this time, and so far am very pleased.
Networking is not my strong forte (if I even have one), but sometimes it's the equipment and not the operator.
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Tomato is ugly, but for me it works well. Had to laugh when I read what you posted. I've seen lots of complaints, but that's a first. At the end of the day it's what works best for each individual. That's why there is DD-WRT (have never tried it) Tomato and others.