WRT54G Info. (Split from: Wifi Bridge/Repeater Question)

streaker69 · 10-02-2005

Split from:
http://www.netstumbler.org/showthread.php?t=17744

The WRT54G does not have a repeater mode, but the WAP54G does, and is compatible with the WRT54G. It isn't hard to do, and is easily done by following the FM. I've set up a few networks using those pieces and it works just dandy as long as the units are within range of each other.

renderman · 10-25-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by streaker69

The WRT54G does not have a repeater mode, but the WAP54G does, and is compatible with the WRT54G. It isn't hard to do, and is easily done by following the FM. I've set up a few networks using those pieces and it works just dandy as long as the units are within range of each other.

Minor technicality:

The WRT54G *DOES* have a repeater mode, however the default linksys firmware does'nt give you access to those WDS settings, however OpenWRT (and others) do. It's a built in function of the Broadcom chipset which is common between the WRT54G and the WRE54G (and other range extenders). Basically it's linksys screwing you over into buying a more expensive product when the cheaper one does the same thing but they hide the feature.

It also allows for use of the unit in 'repeater' mode to act as an AP as well (however you lose half your bandwidth due to rebroadcasting the packet to the AP your repeating)

streaker69 · 10-25-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by renderman

Minor technicality:

The WRT54G *DOES* have a repeater mode, however the default linksys firmware does'nt give you access to those WDS settings, however OpenWRT (and others) do. It's a built in function of the Broadcom chipset which is common between the WRT54G and the WRE54G (and other range extenders). Basically it's linksys screwing you over into buying a more expensive product when the cheaper one does the same thing but they hide the feature.

It also allows for use of the unit in 'repeater' mode to act as an AP as well (however you lose half your bandwidth due to rebroadcasting the packet to the AP your repeating)

Granted. But your average consumer isn't going to know that. From what I understand the new versions of the WRT54G cannot be flashed with aftermarket firmware. I read that somwhere's today, don't know if it's true or not.

I was basing my statement upon the default firmware, I guess I should have clarified that.

renderman · 10-25-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by streaker69

Granted. But your average consumer isn't going to know that. From what I understand the new versions of the WRT54G cannot be flashed with aftermarket firmware. I read that somwhere's today, don't know if it's true or not.

I was basing my statement upon the default firmware, I guess I should have clarified that.

The V5's that just came out might cause problems, but the OpenWRT guys are pretty on the ball. Support should be very quickly coming

Dutch · 10-25-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by renderman

Have'nt seen anything yet. The V4's work, so unless they made some other drastic change, I doubt it will take the OpenWRT guys long to get it going on the new hardware

WRT54G version 5 (current version shipping from Linksys's manufacturing plant) has changed OS to VXWorks, and changed CFE loader as well. Also changed flash/ram to 2/8 mb, making it difficult to get anything than the most basic linux system able to fit into the version 5. Sveasoft, Hyperwrt and OpenWRT developers have allready stated they probably won't support the WRT54G version 5 box.
More info can be found at www.linksysinfo.org.

Dutch

streaker69 · 10-25-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by renderman

The V5's that just came out might cause problems, but the OpenWRT guys are pretty on the ball. Support should be very quickly coming

Just as another note to this. If you send a WRT54G, no matter what version back to Linksys for warranty repair, chances are you're going to get a version 1 back in return. Which can suck donkey balls if you are planning on running some of the things that the version 1 doesn't support.

renderman · 10-25-2005

Might want to split this off into a new thread as we are getting *WAY* off topic.

It appears that the WRT54G line is being split at the V5 model. The V5 and beyond have lower HW specs and are running vxworks (non opensource), presumably to be able to drive the price of the units lower. However Linksys/Cisco seem to be about to launch a new WRT54GL - "L" denoting linux, presumably for the tinkerer market.

The WRT54G gets cheaper to get more market for the sheeple, we get the WRT54GL to keep screwing with (though at a slightly higher price).

Things should unfold over the next 2-3 weeks. The GL model seems to be showing up in europe already.

streaker69 · 10-25-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by renderman

Might want to split this off into a new thread as we are getting *WAY* off topic.

It appears that the WRT54G line is being split at the V5 model. The V5 and beyond have lower HW specs and are running vxworks (non opensource), presumably to be able to drive the price of the units lower. However Linksys/Cisco seem to be about to launch a new WRT54GL - "L" denoting linux, presumably for the tinkerer market.

The WRT54G gets cheaper to get more market for the sheeple, we get the WRT54GL to keep screwing with (though at a slightly higher price).

Things should unfold over the next 2-3 weeks. The GL model seems to be showing up in europe already.

It's nice to see that they're addressing the tinkermarket, although they're also going to rape the tinkermarket by setting a higher price for it. I'd like to get a version 2 so I can do the hardware mods that I've been reading about but the last version2 that I sent back for repair came back as a version 1.

Thorn · 10-26-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by renderman

Might want to split this off into a new thread as we are getting *WAY* off topic.
....

Done.

renderman · 11-10-2005

Just a heads up,

While digging through the GPL code center on the linksys site I noticed they have a source download for the WRT54GL with version numbers starting where the WRT54G downloads end. I think this is definatly a positive sign they are'nt abandoning the moddable version of the WRT

wrzwaldo · 01-06-2006

Anyone got their hands on one yet? Is it worth the extra $$?

Some links...

http://www.linuxdevices.com/news/NS4729641740.html

http://www.wrt54gl.com/

beakmyn · 01-06-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrzwaldo

Anyone got their hands on one yet? Is it worth the extra $$?

Some links...

http://www.linuxdevices.com/news/NS4729641740.html

http://www.wrt54gl.com/

The GL is only worth it if you can't find an older model on the store shelves. Basically it's a rebadged G model with a higher price tag.

If you can find a wrt54gs with serial numbers beginning with

CGN1-5 then buy it instead. I have a CGN5 32MB flash and 8MB Flash ROM, double what the G and GL series have. $99 and you can usually get it during a rebate period mine cost $84 after rebate at CompUSA but I had to search through 5 shelves 8 foot long to find it.

wrzwaldo · 01-06-2006

Thanks beakmyn!

10-02-2005	#1 (permalink)
streaker69 Psychic Amish Stumbler Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Virginville, BlueBall, Bird In Hand, Intercourse, Paradise, PA Posts: 12,240	WRT54G Info. (Split from: Wifi Bridge/Repeater Question) Split from: http://www.netstumbler.org/showthread.php?t=17744 The WRT54G does not have a repeater mode, but the WAP54G does, and is compatible with the WRT54G. It isn't hard to do, and is easily done by following the FM. I've set up a few networks using those pieces and it works just dandy as long as the units are within range of each other. __________________ Treat your gun like your genitals, only whip it out when it's absolutely necessary. Last edited by Thorn : 10-26-2005 at 06:42 AM. Reason: Removed quote from original thread.

10-25-2005	#7 (permalink)
renderman Drunken Stumbler Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Anywhere but Utah Posts: 1,862	Might want to split this off into a new thread as we are getting WAY off topic. It appears that the WRT54G line is being split at the V5 model. The V5 and beyond have lower HW specs and are running vxworks (non opensource), presumably to be able to drive the price of the units lower. However Linksys/Cisco seem to be about to launch a new WRT54GL - "L" denoting linux, presumably for the tinkerer market. The WRT54G gets cheaper to get more market for the sheeple, we get the WRT54GL to keep screwing with (though at a slightly higher price). Things should unfold over the next 2-3 weeks. The GL model seems to be showing up in europe already. __________________ Never drink anything larger than your head! Scaramental Wine Taster for the Church Of WiFi Buy our books! "I reject your reality, and substitute my own!" – Adam Savage CoWF WPA Hash Tables

11-10-2005	#10 (permalink)
renderman Drunken Stumbler Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Anywhere but Utah Posts: 1,862	Just a heads up, While digging through the GPL code center on the linksys site I noticed they have a source download for the WRT54GL with version numbers starting where the WRT54G downloads end. I think this is definatly a positive sign they are'nt abandoning the moddable version of the WRT __________________ Never drink anything larger than your head! Scaramental Wine Taster for the Church Of WiFi Buy our books! "I reject your reality, and substitute my own!" – Adam Savage CoWF WPA Hash Tables

01-06-2006	#11 (permalink)
wrzwaldo I amuse you? Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 9,147	Wrt54gl Anyone got their hands on one yet? Is it worth the extra $$? Some links... http://www.linuxdevices.com/news/NS4729641740.html http://www.wrt54gl.com/ Last edited by wrzwaldo : 01-06-2006 at 05:11 PM.

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01-06-2006	#13 (permalink)
wrzwaldo I amuse you? Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 9,147	Thanks beakmyn!