Question 1

What does "not pre-load" mean?

Accepted Answer

I believe it means that the DD-WRT firmware is not installed, you can use the manufacturer's firmware with no problem or you can install DD-WRT to get the most out of your router, there is more information at DD-WRT/wiki, if you are planning to upgrade be sure to read the "peacock thread" and follow the directions exactly, it's a great router. I currently use a firmware build called tomato and it is excellent.

M.

Question 2

are antennas  included?

Accepted Answer

Those two posts that are pointed upwards are the antennas.  They are sufficient to pick up signals throughout a house unless you are on different floors and the signal must pass at an angle through floors and walls.

Question 3

hDoes tis ork with windows 7?

Accepted Answer

Sure does.  I've been using with Win7 and Win7 SP1 for many months without incident.  Our inbound connection is not-very-wonderful DSL (1Mbps), so I sometimes reboot it hoping that will help with the slow connection speeds. ;-)  Otherwise, this machine has just sat on the shelf happily serving packets for many months.  Recommended.

Question 4

is this compatible with cable internet?

Accepted Answer

I needed to get a signal out to my garage for internet where the cable company's modem / router wouldn't reach. I tried an Engenius repeater but my old laptop couldn't differentiate between the cable router and then Engenius repeater which caused problems. Then I tried a Belkin router but it dropped my laptop and had to be reset every time the laptop was turned off or went to standby mode.
   I have an Ethernet cable running from the cable router to my kitchen where I set up the Linksys (closest point to the garage in the house). The Linksys is old school but indestructible and reliable. It set up easily, gets a good signal to the garage (60' and 2 walls away), and hasn't dropped my laptop or had to be reset yet.
   If your just plugging into a cable modem to get a wireless signal or are extending your wireless range this should work for you. If your going to be running more than just a couple computers (some people have their computer, TV & games all connected by wireless) you may want the next model up with greater speed and bandwidth. 
   I hope that this information is useful!

Question 5

what does "not preloaded" mean?

Accepted Answer

It means dd-wrt is not previously installed at factory. You can google dd-wrt for Linksys wrt 54gl, download it following their instructions. I have always used dd-wrt on this router and it is great allowing you to adjust many attributes of the router that the factory software does not allow. (best of all the output power!)
Great Router!

Question 6

replacing the Comcast (xfinity) router I have been leasing.  Need for Smart TV streaming, Kindles and home use.  Is this your #1 recommendation for me?

Accepted Answer

I have always flashed this router with the most recent version
of DD-WRT.

Ran for two years on a 9 computer network without any issues or
even the need to re-boot.

Also use at home with DD-WRT for streaming Netflix. Been running
flawlessly.

Great Price - Very happy with purchase

Question 7

I already have this exact same router, but it stopped working.  If I replace with a new one, will all my existing settings still be okay, or will I need to go online and make changes.  There is a security system using this router and I was hoping not to have to change anything!  
Also, it says "not pre-load".  What does this mean and will it affect me?
Thanks.

Accepted Answer

Replacing your Linksys WRT54GL router is not difficult to do at all; however, since different ISPs have different requirements, there is no way I can answer your questions specific to your situation. The Linksys website has excellent instructions, videos, and online tech support, so I suggest you go there first to get the answers to your questions. Also, the router has multiple security protocols available. You just have to schoose one and set it up, which is not hard to do at all.

You can run the router with the existing firmware; however, if you want some very nice extra features, I suggest that you download the DD-WRT firmware to your router. You can do that at the DD-WRT website. There are several YouTube videos that go through the process of configuring DD-WRT with the WRT54GL router. It's quite easy to set up. Again though, you don't have to have DD-WRT installed on your router. You can run the router just as it is. Hope this helps.

Question 8

How far can the signal extend?

Accepted Answer

I live in a three story town house. I am able to get wifi down in the basement of my house with the router located on the top floor. Although the signal maybe weak, I do get on to the internet.
My home is of brick and mortar, so the signal output is pretty strong to be able to penetrate down to the basement.
I hope this was of help.

Question 9

I inherited a Wireless-G 2.4 GHZ Broadband Router 54 Mbps Linksys. I moved and the best company where I live is Comcast. The guy said to throw this thing I have away, that it's not compatible or useful. Is the true or is he just wanting me to pay the rental fee on their modem/router?

Accepted Answer

The cable modem and router in most cases are separate devices, you can rent the modem or buy your own, this is a great router for a small home network but it is only wireless b/g capable, meaning if you have a newer device like a xbox one which requires wireless n, it will not work wireless, you will have to use a cable.

Question 10

Are the antennas detachable?  i have a booster i bought and was hoping it was compatable

Accepted Answer

Yes, but it looks like they have a TNC connector instead of the more typical RP-SMA.

Standards	IEEE 802.3/3u, IEEE 802.11b/g
Wireless Standard	IEEE 802.11b / IEEE 802.11g / IEEE 802.3 / IEEE 802.3u
Device Management	Web-Based
Security	Wi-Fi Protected Access2 (WPA2), WEP, Wireless MAC Filtering
WPA	WPA2
WAN Ports	1 x 10/100M
LAN Ports	4 x 10/100M
LEDs	Power, DMZ, WLAN, Ethernet (1, 2, 3, 4), Internet
Buttons	1 x Reset Button
Wireless Data Rates	Up to 54Mbps
Frequency Band	2.4 GHz
Antenna	2 x External Antennas
Channels	11 Channels (US, Canada), 13 Channels (Europe, Japan)
Transmitted Power	18 dBm
Interface	Ethernet Port
Power Supply	External, 12V DC, 0.5A
System Requirements	Minimum Requirements: Internet Explorer 6.0 or Firefox 1.0 or Higher for Web-based coniguration. CD-ROM Drive. Windows 2000, XP, or Vista. Network Adapter or Wireless Network Adapter.
Dimensions	1.89" x 7.32" x x 6.06"
Weight	0.82 lb.
Temperature	Operating Temperature: 32 to 104 degree F (0 to 40 degree C) Storage Temperature: -4 to 158 degree F (-20 to 70 degree C)
Humidity	10% - 85%, Non-Condensing

Linksys WRT54GL 802.11b/g Wireless Broadband Router up to 54 Mbps/ Compatible with Open Source DD-WRT (not pre-load)

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Model
Brand	Linksys
Model	WRT54GL

Item#: N82E16833124190