Buffalo WHR-G125
I wanted to install a WiFi network and I was deciding between Buffalo WHR-G125, Linksys WRT54G, and Netgear WGR614.
I personally tested Netgear WGR614. The installation and configuration was painless. I merely connected wirelessly and accessed the default configuration page. I manually added my laptop to the MAC filter and configured the security keys.
As I moved around the office, the signal flactuated. As I moved into the conference room located near my desk, the signal was still strong. However, as I moved to a third room, my signal dropped. Somehow it’s understandable since we have a lot of electrical equipment and servers around the office that might have affected the signal strength.
For Linksys WRT54G, I didn’t personally test it but two of my officemates have used it. They commented that sometimes Linksys drops the connection and it takes quite a long time to provide an IP Address. They had to restart Linksys several times.
I wanted to get a Linksys because of the name. However, I remembered that sometimes it’s just a name but the quality and reliability is surpassed by a less known brand.
Our office IT expert suggested the Buffalo WHR-G125. He bought this WiFi router September 2007 and never restarted it ever since. He also showed me rave reviews about it compared to Linksys and Netgear.
In terms of security, the three WiFi routers have the same quality as they use the same security standards. However, Buffalo’s AirStation One-Touch Secure System (AOSS) supports security levels from the weakest 64 bit WEP to the strongest available WPA2-PSK while Linksys’ Secure Easy Setup (SES) supports only devices capable of WPA-PSK / TKIP security.
In summary, compared to Linksys WRT54G and Netgear WGR614,
Buffalo WHR-G125:
- has better signal strength
- has farther signal range
- firmware flashable to DD-WRT (Linksys WRT54GL can be upgraded but not the WRT54G)
- faster CPU
- compatible with Nintendo DS
- compatible with Sony PSP
- supports Wireless MultiMedia (WMM)
So far, I’m quite impressed with Buffalo’s WHR-G125. I’ll probably update again after a few weeks.
