Linksys WRT54G2 released

Wireless internet access is great – most of the time. It saves the need for running wires through your house, but can be a bitch to set up, and can be affected by other devices that emit radio signals.

Most new routers are expensive, high-performance affairs that use the 802.11n standard. But the ‘funky looking’ WRT54G2 sticks to the slower but still reliable 802.11g standard which enables perfectly acceptable internet access and half-decent file transfer speeds. It also costs half the price of 11n kit.

Beyond its living-room friendly design (the antennae are internal), its distinguishing feature is Linksys EasyLink Advisor, or LELA. This is a truly idiot-proof set-up. Out of the box, instructions scream “run the disc’s software first”. Simple, animated diagrams aid cabling and you’re walked through setting up a secure wireless network.

If you have a compatible “Wi-Fi Protected Setup” device, connecting involves simply pressing buttons on both devices. Those who like tinkering with advanced options have all of the usual features available via the browser-based settings.

Note: There’s no modem inside the WRT54G2 – you’ll need to connect one via an Ethernet cable.

Check it out here.