The ASUS WL-520GU is a four-port 802.11g router.
I had planned on purchasing a wireless bridge prior to buying this router. After installing DD-WRT I realized I didn't need to because it can be configured to do just that. Using it for an access point (wireless bridge, actually) is helpful, because I own several computers. I don't fool with wireless adapters for each computer—just plug 'em into a router port. The ASUS handles the secure connection to the main router. I set up the WPA password just once, for the bridge. The wireless bridge does not create a subnet in my situation. The main router, a D-Link, provides DHCP service to all computers in the local network.
A wireless bridge is great to have when you're messing with a device that requires a wired network connection. Also, when testing a Linux distro and you don't have time to figure out how to enable a particular wireless adapter. Finally, I can leave my bridge powered-on and my computer powered-off. I then utilize WOL to wake my computer. As far as I know, you cannot do that with any type of PC-installed wireless adapter. (And, yes, I learned how to do WOL from smallnetbuilder.com!)
When I first got my WL-520GU, only DD-WRT and Oleg's firmware (a mod of ASUS's firmware) were recommended firmwares. Since then, polarcloud.com released a version of Tomato firmware approved for the WL-520GU. I am currently using Tomato. I've used all three mentioned, plus the stock firmware. All have their strengths; the stock firmware is the least-capable.
I also own a couple of D-Link DI-524s, both of which are still working fine. One of the D-Links is a backup spare for the other. I also bought a 5db antenna to upgrade the puny 2db one the router came with. The DI-524 connects to a Speedstream modem connected to a 1.5 MB/s DSL line from AT&T. I don't do massive downloads or bit torrents, so the router isn't under a lot of stress.
If you want to buy a WL-520GU—and you're not in a hurry—watch newegg.com for rebates and/or one of their seemingly periodic discounts on this model. I've seen it for as little as $30 after rebate with free shipping. I bought mine from buy.com for $55.
- One USB port
- 16MB of RAM and 4MB of flash RAM.
- 5db detachable antenna, R-SMA connector, 6" long
I had planned on purchasing a wireless bridge prior to buying this router. After installing DD-WRT I realized I didn't need to because it can be configured to do just that. Using it for an access point (wireless bridge, actually) is helpful, because I own several computers. I don't fool with wireless adapters for each computer—just plug 'em into a router port. The ASUS handles the secure connection to the main router. I set up the WPA password just once, for the bridge. The wireless bridge does not create a subnet in my situation. The main router, a D-Link, provides DHCP service to all computers in the local network.
A wireless bridge is great to have when you're messing with a device that requires a wired network connection. Also, when testing a Linux distro and you don't have time to figure out how to enable a particular wireless adapter. Finally, I can leave my bridge powered-on and my computer powered-off. I then utilize WOL to wake my computer. As far as I know, you cannot do that with any type of PC-installed wireless adapter. (And, yes, I learned how to do WOL from smallnetbuilder.com!)
When I first got my WL-520GU, only DD-WRT and Oleg's firmware (a mod of ASUS's firmware) were recommended firmwares. Since then, polarcloud.com released a version of Tomato firmware approved for the WL-520GU. I am currently using Tomato. I've used all three mentioned, plus the stock firmware. All have their strengths; the stock firmware is the least-capable.
I also own a couple of D-Link DI-524s, both of which are still working fine. One of the D-Links is a backup spare for the other. I also bought a 5db antenna to upgrade the puny 2db one the router came with. The DI-524 connects to a Speedstream modem connected to a 1.5 MB/s DSL line from AT&T. I don't do massive downloads or bit torrents, so the router isn't under a lot of stress.
If you want to buy a WL-520GU—and you're not in a hurry—watch newegg.com for rebates and/or one of their seemingly periodic discounts on this model. I've seen it for as little as $30 after rebate with free shipping. I bought mine from buy.com for $55.
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