Linksys announced today its new Wireless-G Ethernet bridge (WEG54G), which aims to let any device with an Ethernet port to connect wirelessly without adding any drivers. In addition to supporting 802.11g-based networks, the device can also connect to an 802.11b-based network. The bridge is aimed at connecting console devices with an Ethernet port, such as game consoles (Xbox, Sony Playstation 2), audio devices (Turtle Beach Audiotron) or personal video recorders (ReplayTV, etc.).
The bridge comes with a standard 10/100 Ethernet port that connects to any Ethernet-ready device. The user configures the device through a PC Web browser, and can then connect the bridge to the device with the Ethernet port. The bridge also supports Power Over Ethernet (via an optional adapter), which means the device can be mounted without having to find an AC power line, Linksys says. Also supported is 128-bit WEP encryption.
The bridge is available now for $179 through retail or online sites.
What are these companies doing? These bridges are simply nothing more than software in the same hardware they sell for much cheaper. Why is it products such as the D-Link Range Extender/Access Point is the same hardware as the D-Link Wireless Ethernet Bridge but the bridge is twice the price?
Posted by: chris on May 28, 2003 03:19 PMBecause its new, and they have to recoup their development costs. Bend over, insert new product here ---> O.
Posted by: Sam on May 28, 2003 06:30 PMWitcha WHAT!?!?
I'm sorry, but "chris" is completely wrong on this one.
The D-Link Range Extender/AccessPoint is defenitly different hardware than the Wireless Ethernet Bridge. They have different chips inside because they do entirely different things. You can't just modify the "software"/firmware for the Bridge and convert it to a Range Extender/AP.
They are two different products that do separate things, thus solving multiple solutions. The are in the same casing yes, but not the same entirely.
I suggest reading up on these kind of things before you go assuming things.
As far as this Linksys thing is concerned, yes it is expensive, but it also enables your Xbox, PS2, whatever to connect to your 802.11g network. probably getting something like 15Mbps speeds without having to drill holes in walls or run cables on the ground. I can't afford this, but I bet some people will.
Posted by: Art on May 30, 2003 08:02 PMThis product is bitch'n too bad I need to pimp out my old lady to buy it.
Posted by: Clay on August 11, 2003 05:31 PMWell, if you have a mac and a PC in your house this came's in handy. And it works at 56 Mbps, it will also connect to your playstation 2,X-box, and Gamecube.
Posted by: James on September 21, 2003 08:46 PMI happen to have opened most if not all of the bridges and their corrasponding ap's.
And yes most of them are exactly the same hardware.
Try an orinoco ap-1000 (Cost approx $350) and a COR-1000 (cost approx $1500) chip for chip the same, pay karlnet another $400 and you can upgrade with a software load.
As for dlink looks the same and their tech told me yes you could upgrade though I have not tried.
Most are using mini pci cards now.
It's mostly a new product scam wait 6 months it will go on sale much cheaper.
Thats like these companies holding out features on 802.11g see (Proxim's WDS) so they can try to sell their high end tsunami line, gimme a linksys and leter rip. $179 is cheap compared to $2k+ for a repackaged ap-600 labeled tsunami.
I have a wireless access point by linksys. How could I configure this to work directly with my XBOX to connect to my wireless router-please Help!
Posted by: R Price on January 17, 2004 11:39 PMD-Link makes a better Xtreme version that claims 108Mbps for less money. ($110 at Office Max) Do it.
Posted by: Mr. Dude on July 31, 2004 01:50 PMPost a comment
