Linksys BEFW11S4 Wireless-B Cable/DSL Router

Linksys BEFW11S4 Wireless-B Cable/DSL Router
Average customer rating:

Everyone else is crazy! This router rocks!

Simple and Quick

Did something go wrong with later versions of this model?

This never operated correctly from Day One...and the manufacturer doesnt want to fix it.

Do not buy this router

Linksys BEFW11S4 Wireless-B Cable/DSL Router

Manufacturer: Linksys
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

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Product Features:

Connects to a broadband modem, a 10/100 Ethernet backbone, or wireless network

Long wireless operating range supports 300 feet indoors and 1,500 feet outdoors

Provides roaming, best access-point selection, load balancing, and network traffic filtering

Configurable through your networked PC's Web browser

Can act as a DHCP server for your existing network

ASIN: B00005ARK3

Product Description

The Linksys BEFW11S4 is your all-in-one networking device This wireless router features support for the 802.11b protocol, which lets you wirelessly access your network and the Internet from up to 800 feet (outside), or 300 feet (inside) away

Amazon.com Review

In the past, people creating a home network had to choose between string ing cheap Ethernet cable all over the house or spending tons of cash on a slow, unreliable wireless system. Products like the BEFW11S4 wireless four-port cable/ DSL router from Linksys have changed all that. This unit works as an Internet ga teway, traditional four-port Ethernet hub, and wireless Ethernet hub; is easy to install; and is relatively inexpensive. With the Linksys cable modem and wireless Ethernet adapter we tested with the unit, everything worked like a charm with next to no configuration hassles.

The BEFW11S4 is chunkier than a standard Ethernet switched hub, but is so versatile that a little extra bulk is acceptable. Basic installation involves little more than plugging in the power cord and connecting the Ethernet output from your cable or DSL modem to an input port on the back of the device. Four Ethernet ports on the back accept connections from computers with standard network interface cards, while two antennas on the back handle the unit's wireless capabilities. The standard ports operate at up to 100 Mbps, while the 802.11b technology allows for wireless transmissions at up to 11 Mbps. That's not the blazing-fast performance you'd get from more expensive 802.11a or 802.11g wireless products, butis more than enough to handle Internet connection sharing, LAN gaming, and normal file transfer duties.

This product's forte is Internet connection sharing, as it serves as a single point of contact for every computer attached to a home network. All your ISP sees is one IP address sending and receiving Internet traffic, even though several computers on the other side of the BEFW11S4 might be accessing the Internet at the same time. The other nice thing about this setup, as opposed to standard Internet connection-sharing software, is that no particular PC must be turned on before the others on the network can access the Internet. As long as the BEFW11S4 is running, any PC can get on the Web.

Although the device is surprisingly easy to set up, a Web-based interface is available that lets advanced users access security settings, permissions, and a variety of other options. It is easy to use and can be accessed by any PC on the network without having to install special software. The unit itself provides plenty of feedback, as it is equipped with several LEDs that indicate the status of each standard connection, along with the wireless signal. There also is an uplink port on the back that lets users add more hubs, switches, or other devices as their network grows.

The router performed as expected in tests, providing fast 100 Mbps speeds to two basement computers using the standard Ethernet ports and a steady 11 Mbps signal to a third PC located upstairs and about 40 feet laterally from the base transmitter. The strength of the wireless signal is entirely dependent on the conditions in which the device is used, but most home users shouldn't have a problem reaching any one room of their house from any other room.

Perhaps the only drawback to the BEFW11S4 is that if installation doesn't go as smoothly as it did for us, configuring the device could be difficult for novice users. It's designed to be a plug-and-play unit, but there are hundreds of seriously advanced settings lurking under that friendly façade that can really mess things up if they are not configured properly. The good news is that most users likely won't have any problems, and once the BEFW11S4 is set up it works so smoothly and seamlessly that you'll forget it's there after a while. --T. Byrl Baker

Pros:

Easy installation, seamless operation
Makes it very easy to share an Internet connection
Powerful configuration options for those who want to get their hands dirty

Cons:

Wireless Ethernet adapters to connect to a PC must be purchased separately
802.11b transmission speeds are pokey compared to more modern standards

For more information on the differences between an Access Point and a Router wit h Access Point, see the following table:

access point vs. router

See a comparison diagram of the different wireless technologies.

Wireless networks are rapidly becoming more popular and coming down in price. Since they don't require cables, you can use the devices anywhere in an office or home, even out on the patio. There's no need to roll out an Ethernet network cable to each room of a house; you can network anywhere -- without wires. Outside of the home, wireless networking is available in hotspots at coffee shops, businesses, airports -- great when you're on the road and need to get some work done. For convenience, wireless networking is the answer.

What Wireless Standard is Right for Me?
Now that you've decided to create a wireless network, the next step is to figure out which wireless standard to use.

Basically, a standard is a set of specifications for a device. All devices that follow a specific standard share operating characteristics, such as the radio frequency used and maximum data transfer speed.

For wireless networking, there are three standards to choose from at this time:

802.11b

802.11a

802.11g

To learn about the differences between the standards and select the right one for your network, click here for an easy-to-understand chart.

Amazon.com Product Description

The EtherFast wireless access point and cable/DSL router features a router, a four-port 10/100 switch, NAT firewall, and an IEEE 802.11b wireless access point (11 Mbps). This all-in-one device allows wireless PCs and wired Ethernet PCs to access a single broadband Internet connection for sharing IP addresses, files, printers, and other network resources while conserving desktop space. The built-in four-port switch enables wireless and wired notebook and desktop PCs to share high-speed Internet access.

Configurable as a DHCP server for your existing network, this router acts as the only externally recognized Internet gateway on your LAN and serves as an Internet NAT firewall against unwanted outside intruders. It can also be configured to filter internal users' access to the Internet. The 4-port switch dramatically increases the speed of multimedia and gaming connections.

This device comes with a one-year warranty and free 24/7 technical support.

Note: All Linksys routers now include a special edition of Norton Internet Security! Claim your free CD-ROM by calling (800) 814-0180, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Pacific time, seven days a week.

See a comparison diagram of the different wireless technologies.

Wireless networks are rapidly becoming more popular and coming down in price. Since they don't require cables, you can use the devices anywhere in an office or home, even out on the patio. There's no need to roll out an Ethernet network cable to each room of a house; you can network anywhere--without wires. Outside the home, wireless networking is available in hotspots at coffee shops, businesses, and airports--great when you're on the road and need to get some work done. For convenience, wireless networking is the answer.

Which Wireless Standard Is Right for Me?
Now that you've decided to create a wireless network, the next step is to figure out which wireless standard to use.

Basically, a standard is a set of specifications for a device. All devices that follow a specific standard share operating characteristics, such as the radio frequency used and maximum data transfer speed.

For wireless networking, there are three standards to choose from at this time:

802.11b

802.11a

802.11g

To learn about the differences between the standards and select the right one for your network, click here for an easy-to-understand chart.

Customer Reviews:

Everyone else is crazy! This router rocks!.......2007-06-10

I've used this product for over a year now and it's been the most reliable router I've ever owned. I suspect that most everyone who's having a problem with it has hooked it up themselves, with no prior experience doing so, and has not configured it properly. Take the time to contact Linksys to set it up correctly, and you'll have a worry-free wireless network for years to come (see caveat below).

The only reason I'm giving it four stars is because it is not compatible with my new laptop, which is running Vista Home Premium. If you're running XP, do not hesitate to get this router.

Simple and Quick.......2007-04-25

Simple Quick and Easy to use.. Half the time I forget it's there. A nice piece of equipment you will forget you own because you'll never need to look at it or touch it.

I even went with the default config just to make it that much easier.. I just opened the box and added electricity.. DONE.

Did something go wrong with later versions of this model?.......2007-03-04

I've had a v4 of this router for several years. It's actually been quite solid. I've gone months without having to ever reset it, and I was using both wireless and wired connections.

Most of the more recent reviews are negative. I'm wondering if the last generation of this product was manufactured differently? Over the last few months I HAVE had to reset this router once ever few weeks or so, because it stops handing out DHCP addresses wirelessly sometimes. I haven't been too concerned, as I have a Buffalo WHR-G54S on the way and it's gotten rock-solid reviews. Nonetheless, this Linksys was a great router for me for years.

A word of advice: AVOID FIRMWARE VERSION 1.52.02 (which I believe is the most recent). From everything I have read, this causes the freeze-up issues when streaming video! I recently upgraded to 1.50.14, which is as high as I will go, and we'll see how that works until my new Buffalo shows up.

This never operated correctly from Day One...and the manufacturer doesnt want to fix it........2007-02-12

Why are dozens of people selling this router on Ebay for as little as $2? It has serious flaws. Dont use this router, even if someone gives it to you for free. I bought it for my office a few years ago and attempted to use it as a wireless B router. It didnt work, so I went out and bought a wireless G router and that was fine. I then brought it home and put it back in the box and forgot about it. Recently I tried to use it at home as a wired router, thinking that since it was not being used as a wireless router, it would work fine. It still had problems, even with the newest firmware update. I soon discovered it wasnt the wireless feature that was the problem. It was the entire unit. It frequently loses the Internet connection regardless of wired or wireless, especially when streaming video. Once you try streaming video (which this router wont let you do), you lose your connection and are forced to reset it, over and over and over. Very frustrating.

There are posts all over the Intenet about this unit, but Linksys has not done anything about the problem.

I have an easy fix for the problem. Toss the produce in the garbage. See how easy that was.

Do not buy this router.......2007-02-10

This router is TERRIBLE, I've had this piece of crap for over a year and it is incredibly glitch and buggy. The latest firmware update causes even more glitches and the worst part is that the reset button on it is broken. Linksys seems to have discontinued their support for this horrible device and I'm sure you can figure out why. Do not buy this.

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