Linksys Wireless G USB Network Adapter with Speedbooster WUSB54GS

Editorial Review
Includes: USB cable and Setup CD-ROM. Connect your USB-equipped desktop or notebook computer to a wireless network at incredible speeds with the Linksys Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with SpeedBooster. Using your high-speed USB 2.0 port, the Adapter delivers incredible data rates without the trouble of opening up the case of your computer.

The Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with SpeedBooster incorporates the next generation of Wireless-G. In standard Wireless-G (802.11g) mode, the USB Adapter can connect to wireless networks at an amazing 54Mbps. With our new SpeedBooster technology enabled, your "real-world" wireless network performance increases by up to 35%! Unlike other speed-enhancing technologies, SpeedBooster is 802.11 compliant, fully compatible with standard Wireless-G, and a "good neighbor" to other wireless devices and technologies, using a single 2.4GHz channel as specified by the official wireless standard. And with SpeedBooster you'll see an overall speed improvement even when running a mixed network of SpeedBooster and regular Wireless-G devices.

To install, simply plug the Adapter into any available USB port. (It's compatible with both USB 1.1 and 2.0 ports, but 2.0 will yield the fastest speeds.) It gets its power through the USB connection, so no power cord is necessary. The included Setup Wizard walks you through configuring the Adapter to your wireless network settings, step by step. The Adapter is also compatible with the Wireless-B (802.11b) network standard, with data rates up to 11Mbps. And your wireless communications can be protected by 128-bit encryption, so your data stays secure.

Customer Reviews

(WUSB54GS)

2008-07-15
This a great product that lives up to the claims. I love this product because it works.

Thanks

Very good product!

2008-03-03
This network adapter is hooked up to a pc that is 5 years old and it is working very well. There have been no connection problems.

Works great...

2007-12-26
I had no issues, but I did not use the set-up CD. Instead, based on other reviews, I let Windows XP find the hardware and load the drivers. The only con to this approach is you do not get to use the LINKSYS wireless utiltiy (shows advanced signal strength info, etc.) that come son the CD, and are instead stuck with the rather basic wireless utility that comes with windows.

Review by Sam

2007-12-02
Instant connection to my encrypted in-home network. No set up required. No download required. All I needed was my network access code. Great item.

I fussed around for weeks with different products trying to set up an access point closer to the computer on the other side of the house from my router. My purpose was to get a stronger signal for the remote computer. Nothing worked until I discovered this product. Now, instead of the sometimes one bar signal, I get four or five bars constantly with no disconnects.

I am amazed that none of the Customer Service folks suggested this item instead of putting me through the suggested failed set up processes.
Absolutely perfect !

Decent product, but watch out for Vista compatibility.

2007-10-30
I've had a Version 1.0 unit for several years, connecting an XP box to a Linksys WRT54GS Wireless-G Broadband Router with SpeedBooster, and it worked quite well (4 stars). I recently replaced my old Dell XP PC with a new HP Vista PC, tried to install my trusty old WUSB54GS V1.0 on it, and ... it's not Vista compatible: there are no Vista drivers at the Linksys support site.

Then, noting the "Vista Compatible" in Amazon's product description for the WUSB54GS V2.0 hardware, I ordered a new unit ... but Amazon shipped me a box with the warning "Compatible with Windows 2000 and Windows XP only" prominently in yellow on the front. I'm assuming if I open the box I'll see a V2.0 on the back of the unit, but if Linksys hasn't updated the packaging and install software for Vista, clearly the WUSB54GS is at end of life and I should return it.

Linksys's support website has a list of Vista compatible units, but the WUSB54GS is not in it. The *do* have a driver download for Vista (WUSB54GS V2.0 hardware only). Linksys support confirmed that their website is in error, you *can* download a Vista driver for the V2.0 hardware. But if they can't be bothered to update their website to brag about the WUSB54GS's support for Vista, clearly they're discontinuing it.

So be cautious if you have plans to use this with Vista or feel uncomfortable using an end-of-life product.

Lindsys USB Network Adapter - Happy Camper

2007-09-04
Includes: USB cable and Setup CD-ROM. Connect your USB-equipped desktop or notebook computer to a wireless network at incredible speeds with the Linksys Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with SpeedBooster. Using your high-speed USB 2.0 port, the Adapter delivers incredible data rates without the trouble of opening up the case of your computer.

The high-gain antenna lets you put your computer almost anywhere in the building, without the cost and hassle of running cables. Now you don't have to drill holes in your walls and climb through the attic or cellar to get connected to the network. Once you're connected, you can keep in touch

Lynksys Wireless Adapter 2007-09-03
The Linksys Wireless-G USB Network Adapter with Speedbooster was extremely easy to install and always maintains a strong wireless internet connection. I highly recommend it.

Works Great! 2007-06-27
I use this with the Linksys router and I get a perfect signal from 160 feet away.

Reliable, easy to use. 2007-05-30
When my attic office became too hot to tolerate for the summer, I needed a wireless solution that would allow me to temporarily move my computer to a cooler part of my house. My Linksys Wireless G USB Network Adapter allowed me to leave my modem and router in the attic, and connect to the Internet from any place in my home. And set-up was farily effortless, too. My one complaint is that my connection is lost when my computer suspends, but reconnection is easy and usually automatic. I didn't take too much of a hit with speed, which was my initial concern. The product's fairly inexpensive price meant good value for my money. And because it is an external device, I can move it easily from one computer to the next. Now, no matter the season, I can be connected and work efficiently.

Rating on WUSB54GS 2007-01-11
This device does the necessary job of completing my wireless network in my home.

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