Linksys SecureEasySetup WRT-54G v.3.1 Router

Finally, network simplicity wins out over pure technical prowess. For a very affordable $79, the Linksys SecureEasySetup (SES) WRT54G V.3.1 router  creates a wireless network that includes all of the latest security features enabled, simply by pressing a button and clicking an option in Windows XP. Unlike previous attempts to simplify security, Broadcom’s SES system works, without any hassles.

 

Imagine getting WPA-personal or WPA2-AES running without the complicated security keys or complex router configuration. This first-to-market router is all about simplicity, and makes the other plain vanilla features on the WRT54G easier to overlook.

 

Most of the thanks for SES must go to Broadcom, which has been promising more industry-wide security solutions for some time. Buffalo Technology does offer AOSS one-touch security on their routers and PC cards, but with SES, any device that supports the technology, including a few unannounced HP notebooks and even Buffalo’s own SES wireless adapters, will connect easily.

 

Here’s how it works. On the router, you press a button, which is slightly hard to find since it is located on the front of the router. You then click another button in the Linksys client configuration utility for their WPC54G card. That’s it. The card will establish a secure link with the router using the highest security enabled on the router, which is WPA-Personal by default. For network administrators or adventurous consumers, other SES options are configurable (enabling AES, for example), but the point is that you don’t need to bother.

 

SES worked flawlessly, but the Linksys driver didn’t perform well on a Windows XP Media Center 2005 PC and wouldn’t connect if another network management program was running (such as JiWire’s SpotLock or Windows XP’s own Wireless Zero Config). We’d prefer that the driver automatically disable Windows XP Zero Config, and warn us about potential conflicts. Still, seeing robust security features that work without any setup is a major milestone.

 

The router uses a new wireless network configuration wizard, developed in partnership with Intel. This program runs in Windows XP from a CD, as opposed to running when you access the router’s IP Address (something you normally have to type into Internet Explorer). It’s helpful, and makes router configuration more obvious as you step through a series of screens and configure options that were obviously intended for SoHo users.

 

Other than that wizard and SES, the WRT54G is exactly like older Linksys routers. It doesn’t support the much faster MIMO mode like the Linksys SRX for 40-Mbps access, true VPN (virtual private network) support, or parental filters. In fact, other than the 3.1 designation after the model number, you might mistake the WRT54G for a standard 802.11g router. Speeds ran at a respectable 22 Mbps from 5 to 10 feet, 17 Mbps at 50 feet, and our connection dropped down to 5 Mbps at 300 feet.

 

You probably won’t need it, but it’s worth noting that Linksys has recently improved their online knowledge base (linksys.custhelp.com). This provides diagnostic tools in the router configuration program, so if you want help, there’s a good chance you’ll find it.

 

Speed and distance freaks should probably wait for an SES-enabled router that uses MIMO technology. For anyone who wants to bypass all the complexity and get home networking to work, this is the best choice.