Vista Compatible Router's? Linksys WRT54G???

[itakey]

Is a stock Linksys WRT54G compatible with Windows Vista? I read somewhere that the firewalls clash and that some vista computers and laptops have issues when connected to the WRT54G.

Can anyone comment on this?

If the WRT54G is definitely a problem, are there any other routers out there in the sub $40 range that are a good match with Vista?

HELP

 

[JackMDS]

Some of the Routers models run for ever.

I do not not about stock WRT54G circa years ago, but if you get the current version of the Router it wouild Not have problem with Vista

But unless it is flashable with DD_WRT it is Bellow average Router to begin with.

This is a better Device, http://www.newegg.com/Product/...er&bop=And&Order=PRICE

 

[itakey]

Is it the first Asus for $59 with a $20 rebate? That link shows 4 Asus models.

The person who needs this router needs nothing fancy, other than getting a Vista laptop online in their house and that is it. Is the WRT54G sufficient to do that these days? I ordered it yesterday from Amazon.com so it should be a fresh one.

 

[Blayze]

I have a WRT54G version 8 router here and it works fine with Vista using the Linksys, or DD-WRT firmware. I would try the WRT54G before I bought another router. It should work fine.

 

[Madwand1]

The Asus WL-520gU is a better router than the current WRT54G, as it has much more RAM and flash RAM, which can help maintain greater stability under load and permit the installation of third-party firmware with greater feature sets (if desired in the future / for other purposes; this part isn't important for many users.)

The Linksys WRT54G is limping on an old reputation which was built with versions which had much more RAM and flash RAM. Too bad the OP had already made the purchase before asking for advice.

 

[Emulex]

wrt54GS v.2 or wrt54gl are quite nice.

honestly skip 2.4ghz and just use 5-6ghz its alot cleaner.

i can hold 54,130mbps all day on 5ghz but the 2.4 band is so busy in this neighborhood i'm lucky to hold 18mbps

 

[PabloGlanville]

I have the WRT54G v 3 router and recently bought a new HP HDX with windows vista x64 and had trouble staying connected to the internet. My Dell running XP and Mac computer both stay connect without any problems.

I can confirm that Linksys WRT54G lower editions do not work with Windows Vista. I changed numerous setting on computer and router, downloaded firmware, driver, and tried every trick I could find posted on forums to no avail. About 10 hours were spent with both Linksys technical support and HP HDX technical support and Vista technical support to fix the problem. Discovered this version is incompatable (although it says compatable on Linksys web site) with Windows Vista.

Linksys tried to charge me $30 to talk to their "special technical support" or $30 to get an extended warranty to try some "other things". I ended up just using their online tech guys and was much happier with their service/help - alas the "other things" did not work. Time was lost but didn't have to pay more money for nothing.

Decided to leave Linksys after the ordeal and looking for a new router. If you've tried everything including the help on this post - you are not alone.

 

[Madwand1]

Pablo, the v3 is still worth money these days, assuming its working OK at the hardware level, as it predates the crippling that Linksys did, and can run the full versions of third-party firmware such as Tomato and DD-WRT.

I suggest trying Tomato on that -- it's simpler than DD-WRT, and should run just fine.

I had a WRT54G v1 running in a house with Vista. It was fine for several months before it was replaced with a combo unit because the DSL modem was acting up. IIRC, it was running DD-WRT v23 at the time.

 

[Ratman6161]

I'm not quite sure why the OS version you are running makes any difference. I've used every windows version from 98 through Vista 64 bit plus various linux versions and my niece has been by with her macbook and none of them have any issues with my old el-cheapo SMC wireless router. You aren't trying to use any of the CD's, software, etc that may have come with the router are you? That stuff is all crapware anyway.

 

[JackMDS]

Originally posted by: Ratman6161
I'm not quite sure why the OS version you are running makes any difference.

Vista's way of interacting with some Router's DHCP can be a problem.

Router's run on internal OS that is written by programmers and then embedded into the Router's static memory as firmware. Like any other OS' they can be at times not compatible with what ever is connected to them.

P.S. Most responsible Brand names issued last year firmware upgrade to correct this issue.

 

[PabloGlanville]

Thank you Madwand for the tip - never used Tomato before... Will be going to them from now on for firmware. Unfortunately that download did not work either. Was told on another forum that it actually did the trick on the v 1 (can't confirm personally). So, for those who have v 1 try Tomato before you hang in the towel.

I agree that WRT54G v 3 is still good hardware - love it - just flat out doesn't work with Vista x64. Granted it connects, but b/c of the interface with Vista signal will drop after a few minutes (several explanations for this and all recommended tips for workarounds have not worked for this version). I think Linksys may have dropped the ball on providing a fix.

Just an update, I decided to purchase the WNDR 3300 from NetGear and connection on all computers running VERY well and fast. Dual band is great! Range is not the best, but I don't need to access my wireless connection at my neighbors house so it works great for me. Within 100 feet it is Excellent. 100-200 feet it's just pretty good. Before you buy make sure it meets your needs = it can be an excellent purchase.

I can connect my Vista Wireless N on the 5ghz and the XP and mac on the 2.4ghz without slowing any of the devices down = max performance on all. Blown away with my new set up to be honest. Very happy so far! Will definitely posts if there are any issues. Will be selling an excellent used WRT54G v 3 router on ebay or craigslist.

 

[Kelemvor]

I've never had a problem connecting with my Vista laptop. I have a WRT54G with DD-WRT and it works just fine. I've also used it at other people's houses with Net Gears, Belkins, etc and never had a problem.

 

[Dorkenstein]

Originally posted by: Emulex
wrt54GS v.2 or wrt54gl are quite nice.

honestly skip 2.4ghz and just use 5-6ghz its alot cleaner.

i can hold 54,130mbps all day on 5ghz but the 2.4 band is so busy in this neighborhood i'm lucky to hold 18mbps

Can you recommend a 5ghz router?

 

[spidey07]

Originally posted by: Kelemvor
I've never had a problem connecting with my Vista laptop. I have a WRT54G with DD-WRT and it works just fine. I've also used it at other people's houses with Net Gears, Belkins, etc and never had a problem.

There was a severe bug with Vista where it used the broadcast flag in DHCP requests. This is not supposed to be used and many routers/DHCP servers had a problem with it. MS said they were adhering to standards when the rest of the world told them to stop using a 20 year old standard that has since been updated.

I don't know if they ever fixed it.