Linksys WAP54G Wireless Access Point

I've now installed two of these Linksys Wireless Access Point WAP54Gs and they've been working without any problem. They are useful for adding wireless access points to an existing wired network, especially for laptop users. External power supply and 1 metre CAT-5 cable are included. Expect to pay around £40 from DABS or Amazon, £50 or more in PCWorld.

The supplied printed instructions are clear, and with diagrams, and should be read in conjunction with the easy to follow set-up CD-ROM. For the most part, the set-up routine is automatic, and unless there is some good reason not to, allow the router to set the addresses.

Remember that neighbours within 50m or so with wireless network cards will "see" your Linksys, so make it secure unless you want to provide free Internet access for them.

I would urge users to change the default password from the unimaginative "admin" to one of your own choosing. Should you forget it, the device can be reset, and the set-up process re-started.

Several encryption levels for the user password are offered, including the latest 128-bit.

Choose a suitable name for your access point (make it different from the neighbours and avoid using your own name or that of your street) and write down the encoded key you generate as users will have to enter this to gain access.

If you have a printer attached to your network, the Windows "add printer" wizard will probably find it via the Linksys, though you may need to create the port manually.

Access to other computers on network is also possible, given suitable privileges.

The WAP54G can also be used as a kind of "cable-less cable" when paired with a second WAP54G, but I've not had a need to do that - yet.

Our teenage boys think it is wonderful to surf on their laptops while in bed, but object to having to go downstairs to collect their printed pages!