| Linksys BEFW11S4 Wireless-B Cable/DSL Router |
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Model: BEFW11S4
Brand: Linksys
Manufacturer: Linksys
Average Rating: 
(submit your review here)
Total Reviews: 1079
Platforms: Windows NT, Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows NT 3.5, Windows NT 4, Windows NT 5, Windows Me, Windows XP, Windows 2000 Server, Windows
Operating system: None
Form factor: External
Hardware platform: PC
Data link protocol: Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, IEEE 802.11b
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| Features: |
Connects to a broadband modem, a 10/100 Ethernet backbone, or wireless network
Long wireless operating range supports 300 feet indoors and 1,500 feet outdoors
Provides roaming, best access-point selection, load balancing, and network traffic filtering
Configurable through your networked PC's Web browser
Can act as a DHCP server for your existing network |
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| Description: |
| The Linksys BEFW11S4 is your all-in-one networking device This wireless router features support for the 802.11b protocol, which lets you wirelessly access your network and the Internet from up to 800 feet (outside), or 300 feet (inside) away |
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| User Reviews (1079 total): |
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REBOOT CITY ROUTER - BEFW11S4 V4, June 14, 2003
By user
Been having the same problem every one else has with Version 4
At first it seems to work great then if you use IM or ICQ etc. BINGO it seems to lockup. Using a WET 11 on upstairs DELL.
On my second unit and after about 2 hours it went "South". Weird thing also happened..lost connection them my e-mail computer (DURON 1.0G) dialed up ISP through telco modem and made connection, then unit seemed to "unlock". This firmware has to have bugs for sure. Having set up wired LINKSYS Routers before and had mostly no problems with FTP or AIM. BEFW11S4 V4 needs a firmware update or a technical bulletin explaining what settings are needed to keep it working online. Rebooting seems to fix for a while 1/2 Hour to 8 Hours (overnight). Most likely will return
it for a wired unit and a stand alone access point. Have 4 computers on this unit 3 wired 1 wireless.
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Great router if you don't want to stay connected to the net, June 12, 2003
By user (Frisco, TX USA)
I can't keep anyting connected to the internet for more than a couple of minutes without a disconnect. IM and PCAnywhere lose connection at the same time on two different computers. One wired, the other wireless. Transfering files from a wireless laptop to a wired desktop works flawlessly. Linksys tech support suggested upgrading to the most recent firmware, but the website specifically says not to upgrade the version 4 router with that very patch. Lovely. If you want a steady connection to the net, skip this router.
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Simple to set up, difficult to keep up., June 12, 2003
By user (Norristown, PA United States)
My experience with all of Linksys' products prior to this device seem to be extremely simple to set up, and always seem to be very stable. That said, this product keeps up the fine tradition of being easy to set up, but loses its claim to fame on the stability issue. My device has locked up about every 6 hours since I plugged it in and gave it an Internet connection. I've read around that this is an issue related to NAT at high speeds. If this is the case, it doesn't make a very good broadband router, but if you're just using it for wireless access to your existing network, you might get along just fine with this.
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keeps logging out, June 10, 2003
By user (Orange County,USA)
The setup was fine but even at a distance of less than 20 feet,I cannot chat on Yahoo or MSN for few minutes.The tech support asked me to change channels ,upgrade firmware but still has the same problem.The signal strength is excellent but will go low for few seconds every 2-3 minutes causing you to logout and its really annoying.
I have the version 4 and I dont recommend it if you want to chat!
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Capable product, June 9, 2003
By user
The product is very easy to set up. The ethernet ports seem to be a bit too small so removing cat 5 cables is difficult. I was dissapointed to learn that you cannot lock down the wireless network to a specific set of MACs. This seems like a very basic and useful feature. Overall, I would shop around and see if you can do better with NetGear for the money.
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Frequent disconnects from internet and cable modem, June 8, 2003
By user (Suffern, NY)
This item was a big headache. I had big hopes for this Linksys item, but it let me down big time. It frequently terminated the internet connection. It seemd to be periodically automatically releasing and renewing the IP settings. Couldn't stay connected to AOL thru TCP/IP for more than a few minutes at a time without getting booted off. At least three times a day, the internet connection would be completely dead, and the router and cable modem would have to be powered down and powered back up to re-establish the internet connection. After reading many message boards, and seeing lots of people had the same problem with Linksys routers (not just this model), I sent this back. I got a Belkin F5D6231-4 wireless router as a replacement for about 90 bucks. It's been working great with none of the problems I experienced with the Linksys router. My advice is to go with the Belkin router, or try one of the Netgear models.
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Version 4 - Buggy, June 7, 2003
By user (Bay Area, CA USA)
Finally I had found out some information with this buggy version 4. So I was not alone! I had the same problem mentioned by Jon and An Electronic Fan, but not as serious in that it did not happen every time. (see 1 below)1. Dropped connection when rebooting or waking-up.
2. I was trying to disable the SSID broadcast, which was recommended by the manual for security reason. It took me a whole day to realize that it was impossible with this router (version 4, latest firmware 1.44.2). The same problem happened in earlier hardware and firmware versions before (saw some online discussion), and it came back again in this latest version.
3. Channel number for the linksys wireless card (also version 4) was not configurable, if it was different from the default channel 6.
4. Version 4 is sold together with version 3.x with the exact same bar code, which is quite confusing. No explanation was provided either in the package or on their web site. Since I was very happy using Linksys's WIRED 4-port router before, I was willing to spend more bucks to buy a wireless router from linksys again, which turned out not to be as good. I was really disappointed...
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A defective product released into the market, June 6, 2003
By user (Ann Arbor, MI United States)
As other people already mentioned, avoid this wireless router with the version number 4. (the one with the picture of only one row of leds on the packaging) I've been a devout user of Linksys, but this time it's very disappointing. The problem is that this router often loses some packets. The download windows often hang and ftp connections are very unstable. Messenger loses connections as well. I don't know how Linksys came to release this kind of product into the market but it makes me sad to watch this product destroying Linksys's brand value. I hope the problems can be settled sooner or later. I'm going to return my router to the local retailer.
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Serious problems with Version 4, June 2, 2003
By user
I have tried two of these routers and both have had a serious problem with the router hanging everytime a computer on the network is restarted or wakes from sleep. The online support pages and the trouble shooting in the printed materials that come with the router are pretty much useless. AVOID THIS PRODUCT AT ALL COSTS!!!
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Stay Away from BEFW11S4 Version 4, June 2, 2003
By user (Atlanta)
This router was configured quite easily, but is unable to keep either aim or msn messanger online for more than a couple of mins, also downloads freeze almost always. I would wait until linksys can get the version 4 firmware updated before considering purchasing this item.
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Not a good router, June 1, 2003
By user (Ozone Park, NY United States)
I bought the BEWF11S4 Version 4 a week ago and initially it appeared to work fine. After having it on for a couple of day I noticed that Instant Messenger and IRC would randomly disconnect on the two computer I had connected to the router. These computers were connected to the wired ports, and NOT wireless. I was not using any wireless devices at this point. I thought this was a problem with my cable modem, but when taking the router out and installing an older router (D-Link DI-704) the problem went away. After doing a little investigating it seems this router ignores some pings (pings from the LAN side work) and therefore causes connection timeouts. STAY AWAY FROM THIS ONE.
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Easy Wireless Network....., May 31, 2003
By user (Spokane, WA USA)
I order this router along with a WET11 and WUSB. I have 2 computers and an Xbox and DSL. Thing is all of the computers and the Xbox are in different rooms. This was the best choice. I set it up and it worked great. The only problem I had was with the WUSB adapter and that was solved by a call to tech support. We spent some time on it and finally resolved the issue. (He didn't speak english very well so I could barely understand him) any way.If you are looking for a way to share your DSL line with an Xbox or extra computer this is a great affordable choice. And YES it does work with Xbox live.
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Don't expect it to last, May 30, 2003
By user
I recommended this unit for 6 months until it stopped working. Horrible customer service included a return to Linksys who sent it back saying that it checks out fine. I now use the equivalent unit from Netgear. I have seen enough reports of a similar experience by other Linksys users to think that this is a pattern. It seems to be some sort of irreparable failure in the firmware, hard as that is to fathom.
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These routers do not work, May 24, 2003
By user (Stoneham, Massachusetts United States)
I bought two of these routers brand new, and a family member bought one as well. ALL 3 of them are defective. If a computer on the network reboots, the routers compeltely shut down. Also many services, like email, would not work through the router. It makes little sense. But these routers are junk, they simply won't work, and I reccomend everyone AVOID THEM AT ALL COSTS. You might as well go buy a brick, it will work just as well on your network. (NOT AT ALL!)
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Several serious problems, but good enough when it works, May 24, 2003
By user (Sunnyvale, CA USA)
First, a note: when I ordered my BEFW11S4, the page showed a picture of a thick device with three rows of connection LEDs. What I received was the BEFW11S4, vers. 4, which is thinner and only has one row of LEDs. I was a little confused, but I think it is the same product internally.My purpose was to provide wireless Internet access for my Mac (using an Airport card), and to hook up a network mp3 player. The mp3 player is a SLIMP3 (slimp3.com) that sits on the stereo and connects by ethernet to a Linksys WET11 Wireless Ethernet Bridge. (The SLIMP3 is about the coolest thing I've ever owned, but that's a whole other review.) I had no problems with the WET11 connecting wirelessly to the router. The web-based configuration interface worked well (much better than the WET11's). However, most of the "Advanced" configuration options are completely undocumented. My worst problem was that WEP encryption/authentication would not work properly with my Mac. When it was enabled, the connection would be maintained for a few seconds and then drop out. After dropping out, the router would be completely out of commission...I couldn't even connect to it through the ethernet ports. The only way I found to get the connection back was to cycle power on the router (pressing the reset button didn't work). I'm not sure if the problem is with the WEP implementation on my computer or in the router, but I know that I shouldn't have to cycle power on the router... The router also gets knocked out when my computer disconnects, so every time I boot up my computer or wake it from sleep, I have to walk over and cycle power on the router (sometimes several times). I've installed a switch at the power outlet so I don't wear out the connector. I can't imagine the headaches this would cause if I had several Macs connected. I'm hoping a future firmware version will clear up these issues. When I called tech support, I was on hold for about 20 minutes before anyone picked up. The woman who answered was very curt and didn't seem to know much. I would ask a question and she would put me on hold for about 5 minutes, I guess while she went and had a snack or something. It was frustrating enough that I decided to just hang up and live with the problems. I only bought this item because I was going to use it with a Linksys WET11 bridge. Otherwise I would have looked at some other WAPs.
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Flawless victory, May 22, 2003
By user (Atlanta, GA USA)
Combining wireless and a 4 port switch - this product is best of its class. Setup is extremely simple - but the unit still manages to be feature rich.Even if you are not interested in sharing your DSL/Cable connection to multiple computers - this guy is still a must have. Your PC will basically be protected (in a firewall-esque way) due to the NATing. If you have some goofy PPPoE or other ... client that has to be installed on your PC - using the Linksys is a great way to free yourself from that as well. The router will authenticate you and handle the "dail-up" peice.
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Great! and all the speed I need, May 19, 2003
By user (Irving, Texas United States)
First -- an overview: the unit works great and installation wasn't really a problem, only an irritation.I have cable modem service that cranks out a pretty decent downstream speed. I needed both security and wireless options, so I bought this unit bundled with a B notebook card (PCMCIA). As soon as I got this out of the box, plugged in the connections and plugged the unit in, it worked, getting the internet service to my desktop. The software installation was a breeze. Then, I needed to get the wireless up and running. That was more of a challenge. I followed the instructions (which was illustrative, but lacking in detail) and got the wireless base transmitting. Then, after installing the software into the laptop, I inserted the card and, after a bit, the card picked up the wireless signal. The only small issue was that the installation program didn't tell Windows XP (laptop) to not look for more drivers to install when the card is inserted. That was mildly irritating, but nothing to get upset over. My laptop worked great, kept a good signal, and I was surfing in the living room on a lazy boy in about 25 minutes. That night I installed the software in her laptop, and after a bit more trouble than I had with mine, got it up and running. The signal never dropped, and worked through walls while appliances (tv, water cooler, AC, etc.) came on and off. That was with an unsecure broadcast. So, a day or two later, I decided to make the broadcast secure, but couldn't quite figure it out. The instructions didn't help, and when I did what I thought I needed to, the signal didn't get picked up on the laptop. So, I called customer support and got through fairly quickly. The lady on the other end was helpful and after about 5-7 minutes of explanation and pushing the right buttons, we got it going. Her english wasn't great, but she could communicate spoken words well -- just not letters when it came to clearing the network settings in the DOS (do they still call it that?) prompt. Oh, well, 15 minutes after I placed the call, I was back online and working with a secure connection. The unit and card work great and, so far, are deserving of 5 stars. The documentation is what bumps this thing down for me. The biggest irritation is that a manual would have made things a snap for me. Though I know little about wireless, I've built computers and administered networks. However: I will say that if there must be something lacking along the lines of product, documentation, or support, I'm glad its documentation and not the other two. If you get this and have some trouble, just pick up the phone. Before you do, though, get familiar with the ip* commands in your command prompt (e.g. ipconfig, etc.). That may help if the technician has a hard time pronouncing English letters clearly!
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Works out of the box, May 18, 2003
By user
My ADSL link is an Alcatel router running the PPPoE connection.
All I had to do was connect the Linksys to the Alcatel box and plug the power cord.
The Linksys router worked immediately out of the box, after installing the Linksys wireless NIC (about 45 sec).
Naturally, at that stage I had absolutely no security, which took another 15 mins of playing with (I had to reset to defaults because I did not write down the settings ...).
Great product, no wonder Cisco bought the company.
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no range because "i have walls", May 16, 2003
By user
the wired part works fine. the wireless works fine, too -- in the same room as the router. i have less than a 20' range -- instead of the claimed 300' (indoors -- more outdoors, which i also don't have, because it has to go through -- get this! -- a wall).when i phoned tech support, i was asked if i was in the same room as the router. "of course not," i said, "if i were, i wouldn't need wireless, i'd just hook it to a cable." "oh, that's your problem. you have walls. have you tried staying in the same room?" well, yes. but then what's the point of wireless? "why not buy a booster?" i don't want to buy a booster, because i just spent far too much money on this, and i am well near enough the router that i should have decent range. "yes, but the walls block the signal." a great product, as long as you're right next to the router, or your house has no walls.
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Mine broke after only 14 months, May 16, 2003
By user (Chicago, IL)
Look at other brands, mine broke only 2 months after the 1-yr warranty expired. No physical damage, simply stopped working, and after an hour with Linksys tech support was told that I had a broken router, but was out of luck because it was more than a year old. Tech support also wouldn't let me talk to any managers. Lasting only 14 months is very weak, my advise is choose another brand.
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