Cisco-Linksys WMP54G Wireless-G PCI Adapter

The Wireless-G PCI Adapter connects you with Wireless-G networks at an incredible 54Mbps! And for added versatility, it can also interoperate with all the 11Mbps Wireless-B (802.11b) products found in homes, businesses, and public wireless hotspots around the country. And in either mode, your wireless communications are protected by industrial-strength Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA), so your data stays secure.

So don't hassle with running cables through your house - get your desktop connected the easy way with the Linksys Wireless-G PCI Adapter.

In my case, I am using an Apple Airport Base Station for my two Apple computers. I recently added a Windows PC using XP. I initially had hesitations in wireless network compatibility for the "G" standard properly commuicating with my "B" standard Base Station. I finally decided on buying the Linksys and found that there was no compatibility issue at all.

The signal strength is excellent. I never had any problems with my network status and online surfing experience.

My only complaint is the unattractive long, generic-looking antenna. Compare this with other products like D-Link, Netgear and SMC Networks that have a short (flat/square design) antenna.

Why did I settle on the Linksys brand despite the ugly antenna design? For one, I have great experience with their wireless router (BEFW11S4) which I purchased years ago during it's initial release and have not had any problem with it. Second, Linksys is the current leader in wireless technology. I am hoping that they will be able to provide excellent drivers should compatibility problems arise with the latest operating systems. Third, Linksys is owned by another leader in the networking industry, Cisco Systems. These factors should be enough to assure a sturdier product.

But before you purchase on any product, do your own research for your specific system compatibility.


Great Unit, couple of quick tips in setting up   April 3, 2003
Bob Feeser (Springfield, PA USA)
42 out of 47 found this review helpful

This PCI card, installed in a 300Mghz Gateway tower, running Windows ME was a relatively easy install. A couple of glitches did occur though. When I first installed it, I followed the directions, and installed the software first, shut the computer down, installed the card, and rebooted. It auto recognized, and configured, and automatically found the signal, and it was done. Almost done. The signal was there, according to the icon at the bottom of the screen, but I was unable to log onto the internet. Additionally the computer was running super slow, way slower than usual, so I uninstalled the software, then removed the card, and it was back to running normally. Here is the fix, do not choose AD HOC as your system choice when setting up. Use the selection that allows, hard wired, and wireless devices, or any combination. Once I installed it that way, it worked perfect right away. Additionally, I removed the 56K modem via Control Panel, System, then Device Manager, then highlighting the modem and click on Remove. Then when I shut down the machine, I permanently removed the modem. It was useless anyhow, with a broadband wireless connection in the machine. Wah lah, great connections, and the computer was back to flying at full speed. Now I am super happy with the performance, and the ease of setup.
One thing that should also be mentioned is that security with a wireless system is something to address. Anyone with a wireless laptop, can drive down the road, and get a connection. Changing the name from the default network name of "Linksys" is the first step. I would set your entire network up first, get it all running, then concentrate on keeping others out. Eliminates the confusion. Additionally, some firewall software, is also a good idea.
When installing the card in the laptop running Windows XP it almost installed itself. XP has wireless network capacity built right into it.
Wireless is the wave of the future, and it is here now. At the Comdex show this year, it was all the rave. The hardware manufacturers are working at a feverish pitch, in order to jump on the bandwagon with all kind of add on wireless devices. Definitely a cool tool, a must have add on.


Setup in minutes and works great !!!   March 19, 2003
Richard Carling (Rochester, NY United States)
9 out of 9 found this review helpful

I installed the Linksys 54g PCI Adapter and was up and running in just minutes in combination with the Linksys Wireless 54g Router, the setup was straight forward and easy to follow.

I have had no disconnects or problems at all, the PCI 54g Router is in another room about 30 feet away.

I do not have any 802.11b cards to support, this makes a big difference since the current firmware implementation drops to the 11 Mbps speed if you run in "compatibility mode" and it may not work that great even then with 11b cards. But if your setting up a completely 54g based network, this works great and with the default setting this is a breeze to install.

I also have a 2.4 GHz WaveCom transmitter right next to the Wireless Router and have had no interference problems between them (the WaveCom sends high quality NTSC Video/Stereo into the next room).


Works great in VISTA!   February 3, 2007
David Whittle (Knoxville, TN United States)
12 out of 13 found this review helpful

I upgraded my computer to Windows Vista and was disappointed to find my aging Netgear wireless PCI card to be incompatible with the new Microsoft operating system. I searched the internet for a replacement and found the Linksys home page stating their WMP54G ver. 4.1 card had Vista drivers.

The price here on Amazon is very good, but I was concerned that Amazon might not ship out the version 4.1 of this card. Fortunately, not only did my shipment arrive in a very timely manner (thanks to Prime), but the card they shipped in early Feb. of 2007 was indeed ver. 4.1 and works perfectly within a Vista computer!

I did have some slow connections and intermittent stops and starts even though the computer said I had a strong signal. I found the solution was to rotate the antenna to the side instead of straight up and down. Now I'm getting wireless speeds that beat my old Netgear card.

Great price and quick delivery from Amazon... highly recommended.


Easy Installation Plug & Play   February 12, 2003
8 out of 8 found this review helpful

Outstanding delivery of this item. I just arrived home when UPS pulled up and completed delivery. It took all of 5 minutes to install/configure using XP. Now I have 2 pc's networked using the wireless technology provided by Linksys. Outstanding speed, I have a 2 story and it works fine with my router/cable modem in the basement.

Excellent product.