 |
After reading extensively all the information I could find on this repeater I found that it does not work well or at all with some MIMO routers or routers that either auto select their operating channels or have the ability to transmit on one channel and receive on another....even Linksys routers... I tried several times to use the setup software to configure the repeater and kept getting an error stating the site survey failed. Also, the factory configuration uses a "0" in the third octet of the IP address (192.168.'0'.1). Most non noobe users are not going to leave their IP configured in this way. In order to administer the repeater and join it to my network I had to set up its connection with another router and then reconfigure it to join my network.. (work around) For the basic user, who also has his home router left on the default settings, this product is easy to configure and does work. For more advanced users who have more sophisticated routers (MIMO or multi-channel routers) you money might be better spent on purchasing higher gain antennas to get the needed extra coverage or use site survey freeware like INSSIDER to determine what channels have less noise from other routers in the area. Thanks…Atown1993Read full review
So what is a "range expander"? How will it benefit my wireless in my office or home? Do I even need this thing? Range Expansion is more like a self-fed repeater. Unlike Linksys' other "repeaters" that require a hardline to be dropped to it (which is actually a little more reliable), this systems "sees" a signal, latches on like a leach, then re-distributes it at an amplified feed. It is NOT a router, it is NOT a switch, it is NOT a hub. It is simply a pass through. So, why would you want one? In case your 6000 Sq.Ft. house isn't able to distribute WiFi from your 4 car garage to your mother-in-law's house, and you REALLY don't want to run a laundry-line CAT5 line out of your living room to the maid's quarters, here is the solution. Let that 1-2 bar low signal get amplified by the Range Expander. Now on the reality side, for people with upstairs down stairs configurations or maybe a church setting with a separate gym these things are perfect let your consumer level Linksys router distribute WiFi to the ground floor (for example) and plug the WRE54G in upstairs. If your network is "out of the box" (which I would never recommend) then it’s as simple as pressing the button on the side. Done. For those engaged a little more in their networking, after preliminary setup, a standard patch gets you into the version2 and version3 boxes easily (version1 didn’t have the RJ45 onboard). 192.168.1.240 is actually the correct IP address for these at default, NOT 192.168.0.1 or whatever else has been stated. As ALL Linksys routers at default route from a gateway of 192.168.1.1 the setup has potential to be easy. With the addition of WEP and WPA some light security can be added. HOWEVER this is only WPA and not WPA2 personal nor WPA2 enterprise. Unfortunately there are some severe limitations on what you can do for security, and if security is something for you to consider, then be aware! There is also no WMM setting to allow for Wireless QoS. Not sure why this wasn’t added as one would probably want to ensure some levels of quality or a level of rank, but regardless, it’s not an option. The other thing is that no “WRE400” model exists. Nothing to take benefit of MIMO, SRX, or Wireless N (now that it’s finally out of draft status). For some reason, even though AT&T U-Verse exists, we’re still trapped to using this at 54mbps. Maybe the guy in the outhouse only needs 54mbps instead of 108… Who knows! Windows 7 compatibility is a little spotty, only because of the more intense use of IPv6 instead of mainly depending on IPv4. Windows 7 HomeGroups depend solely on IPv6, and for more successful transmission from server to client stations, I’ve notices that monthly reboots are a necessity (of computers and network devices alike). Symptoms then become of machines not being able to see each other, or loss of external networking. Anyhow, I’ve installed these across local hotels, and across the family living room. They’ve gone in churches and offices alike and with the understanding of what levels of security each is using, I’ve only had a few issues. If you’re curious, I connect 2 desktops with Linksys WMP54GX4 (the ones with SRX400 antennas) to a server with the same wireless card. They feed off a regular Linksys WRT54G v2 then are boosted with my WRE54G v3. My front yard and back yard are both covered wirelessly as shown with my Intel PRO 2195ABG WiFi card in my laptop. Nothing in my house ever has less than 4 bars, not even in the closets!!Read full review
Only gave it a good rating because of how hard it was to set this thing up. For anyone who may be getting one, don't fear all the reviews, to include mine, that say it is hard to install. I will make it easier for you. When you set this bad boy up, hook it to the rear of your router with a cable. Once into the extender, set it to the same settings as your router. Hit the sync button and it should turn blue. After you unhook and move to a final destination, it should work as soon as ya plug it in. Those steps took me a few hours.... Once working it really does fantastic. Does exactly what it is said to do. My two cents...hope it helps.
It works as it is supposed to but... This product was a "Refurbished unit", I can see why so many people are returning these saying that they don't work.I am an engineer, I work in high tech and have for 20+ years now, I am educated and know how to setup anything that is network/operating system related. But this thing is definitely not for the faint at heart. It took me 5 1/2 hours to get this thing to work. not a problem of the device nor the installer (Me) but the installer software! The installer software that comes on the CD goes through a setup path that is to set the device up through your current wireless but it can't connect to the device unless it is on your network "Wired". No where in the setup software nor the PDF manual included on the disk does it tell you this important fact. You have to follow the directions from the manual, not the installer software, for a wired install and know enough to get around the sad fact that the instructions to install wired are partially copied from the wireless install and have not been changed to reflect the "wired" setup but give instructions for a wireless network. HORRIBLE on the part of Linksys/Cisco who were both reputable companies "Before their merger".Read full review
It worked for about 6 weeks, then failed. I am now unable to access the configuration menu via a wired ethernet connection. Had limited access to the config menu via a wireless connection for a while, then that stopped working. Limited access meaning I could not get to the location where one would change the type of security. Was trying to change from no security to WEP, but couldn't get to the proper screen(this worked on initial installation). Now, the setup program says that it cannot find an extender on my network. I would not recommend purchase of this device. Also, when it was working, the power output was no greater than my local AirLink router. Guess I expected more from a Cisco product.
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Best Selling in Boosters, Extenders & Antennas
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Save on Boosters, Extenders & Antennas
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- You may also like
