I'm now wireless ...

[Vinny]

... I finally got a new hard drive for the laptop (have to send the old hard drive back - security issues) and installed my Linksys router and notebook adapter.

It seemed to go fairly simple once I did my reading up on the Verizon setup without using the install disk (apparently the install disk screws up the I Net connection with Verizon).  I did as much security as I could at the moment, I'm debating to turn on MAC filtering but I don't think I need it ... my notebook found 2 other networks to hook into so any hacker HOPEFULLY will go to them, my network is invisible at this time.

I walked around the house and it seems I have a signal everywhere I might use the laptop including the hot tub (actually just outside the hot tub).

I was a little concerned because after I bought the router, wrt54g, I found a lot of negatives about it, along with some positives ... hopefully it'll work out.

Thanks to those who chimed in!

[NE-Phil]

Hi Vinny,
I've been using the WRT54G (a used one I bought on ebay) for the last couple of months after retiring my BEFSR41 linksys router which I've used for the past 6 years.
The WRT54G does a fine job both with 10baseT and wireless connections.

It has a very strong wireless signal. Currently, I have a Linksys WVC200 wireless internet camera [/url] I have placed ACROSS THE STREETon my neighbor's 2nd floor front porch. I'm having some construction done on the front of my house and use it to see the progress while I'm at work 25 miles away. It does a great job. I was really surprised to find I could pick up the signal as my office (where the WRT54G is located) is in the middle of my house - not near the street.
Works great!

Phil

[Vinny]

Hey Phil,

That's a cool looking camera!

The newer versions (version 5 and above) apparently have issues at least that's what the IT people are saying. Their talking about hacking into it and flashing software and all their other techno babble and more importantly how these new versions simply $uck.

I'm a medical repair technican by trade and know VERY little about networking (I'm learning more every day) and it kind of worried me about how crappy this was going to be.

It's been up and runing now for a few days with my sons on the laptop constantly and I have to say it seems to be working great. I haven't pushed it to see if I can go to my whole property but maybe one day ...

Mine is located pretty centered in the house, 6 1/2' high on a computer armoire so it has no obstructions. Maybe that's the difference.

[NE-Phil]

Vinny,
After reading your post, I had to check which version I had. My WRT54G is v.3. So maybe I lucked out. I did update it to the latest firmware as soon as I got it. It's been a good replacement for my BEFSR41 router.
I also read up on the WRT54G before I purchased it and saw there were hacked versions of the firmware. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."  

I found this site that I thought was interestting enough to bookmark. If you ever need to improve signal strength on your router this is an inexpensive way to do it: Parabolic Reflector Antenna[/url].
I haven't built it because my signal strength is great.

Phil