|
Linksys AT&T CallVantage Wireless - G VoIP Router with 2 Phone Ports WRT54GP 2A-AT
|
| Price: |
Average customer review:
Product Description
All-in-one Internet-sharing Router, 4-port Switch, and 54Mbps Wireless-G Access Point. Features 2 phone jacks to enable feature-rich Internet telephone service and advanced security: WPA and a powerful SPI firewall. The Linksys Wireless-G Broadband Router is really four devices in one box. First, there's the Wireless Access Point, which lets you connect both screaming fast Wireless-G (802.11g at 54Mbps) and Wireless-B (802.11b at 11Mbps) devices to the network. There's also a built-in 4-port full-duplex 10/100 Switch to connect your wired-Ethernet devices together. Connect four PCs directly, or attach more hubs and switches to create as big a network as you need. The Router function lets your whole network share a high-speed cable or DSL Internet connection. The fourth function is the phone adapter which enables high-quality feature-rich AT&T CallVantage Service (sm) through your high-speed connection even while you're surfing the Internet. There are two standard telephone jacks, each operating independently -- like having two phone lines. Sign-up for AT&T CallVantage Service and you can save with unlimited local and long distance calling. Plus you can enjoy Call Waiting, Caller ID, Advanced Voicemail, Call Forwarding and lots of other special phone features.
Product Details
- Brand: Linksys
- Model: WRT54GP2A-AT
- Dimensions: 3.00 pounds
Features
- Unlimited local and nationwide calls, including, Canada, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands; low monthly rate
- Caller ID, call waiting, 3-way calling and call forwarding service
- 250-number phone directory, 9 speed dials, and 60-day call log
- All-in-one Internet-sharing router, 4-port switch, and Wireless-G (802.11g) access point
- Advanced wireless security with 128-bit WEP encryption, MAC, or IP address filtering
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com Product Description
The Linksys Wireless-G broadband router combines the flexibility of a home network with the simplicity of good design. You can directly connect up to four PCs (or daisy-chain as many hubs as you like) and allow them all to share a DSL connection or cable modem. The built-in Ethernet ports support up to four devices, while the wireless access point handles both Wireless-G and Wireless-B accessories; secure encryption protects your privacy. These functions are all set up through a browser-based Web utility that will have you up and running quickly.
Easy Hardware Connections |
| Four Ethernet ports and two telephone jacks are readily accessible. |
AT&T CallVantage Service is a voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) telephone service that utilizes the latest in Internet technology to deliver features that are beyond the means of traditional phone companies. With VoIP, calls are transmitted over the Internet, allowing you to communicate nationwide for a single monthly fee. You pay additional charges only for international calls, which are billed at competitive prices. (AT&T CallVantage service treats calls to Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Canada as domestic calls.)
In addition to standard features you expect from your traditional phone company, such as caller ID, call waiting, three-way calling, and call forwarding, AT&T CallVantage Service provides a number of extras made possible only through use of Internet protocol technology. You can have voice mail forwarded to your e-mail inbox as an attachment and then forward that attachment to relevant third parties. You can take your home area code with you when you travel, so your family or work can reach you without paying long-distance rates. And, with an elaborate variation of call forwarding known as "Locate Me," you can maintain a list of places you'll be visiting: When you're out and about, the service will ring each place in sequence (or all at once) until it finds you.
Sign up for AT&T CallVantage Service and you're automatically given a secure, private, Personal Call Manager Web site. With it, you have complete control of all your features. At a glance, you can check your voice mail or instantly change any of your settings. This truly sets AT&T CallVantage Service apart from any other home phone service.
Accessible either by phone or the Internet, the Phone Feature Manager supplies a phone directory that stores up to 250 numbers and logs every incoming and outgoing call for 60 days. A reverse lookup directory lets you access the name and address information of an incoming caller, while the Add to Phone Book feature lets you move any number from your call log to your phone book with the touch of a single button. Display and Dial lets you easily call any number selected from either your call log or phone book, and you can create up to nine speed dial entries for your most frequently dialed numbers. With all the possibilities that AT&T CallVantage Service offers, you can organize your communications like never before.
What's in the Box
One AT&T-certified Linksys wireless router, Ethernet connector cable, installation guide, and service subscription instructions
Note: This device may not work with VoIP services other than AT&T CallVantage. To activate your account after buying this router, visit the Web address listed in the accompanying instructions. For more information, see our AT&T CallVantage Service page. For complete details about plans and options, pricing, and complete terms and conditions, visit www.att.com/amazon.
|
See a comparison diagram of the different wireless technologies. | Wireless networks are rapidly becoming more popular and coming down in price. Since they don't require cables, you can use the devices anywhere in an office or home, even out on the patio. There's no need to roll out an Ethernet network cable to each room of a house; you can network anywhere--without wires. Outside the home, wireless networking is available in hotspots at coffee shops, businesses, and airports--great when you're on the road and need to get some work done. For convenience, wireless networking is the answer. Basically, a standard is a set of specifications for a device. All devices that follow a specific standard share operating characteristics, such as the radio frequency used and maximum data transfer speed.
To learn about the differences between the standards and select the right one for your network, click here for an easy-to-understand chart. |
From the Manufacturer
From AT&T
The Linksys Wireless Router makes VoIP (voice over Internet protocol) possible by converting your voice into a digital signal so that it can be transmitted over the Internet. It connects your existing home phone to the Internet through your high-speed cable modem or DSL connection. With a router, you can connect to more than one computer to a single Internet connection. The box includes one AT&T-certified Linksys Wireless Router, Ethernet connector cable, installation guide, and service subscription instructions.
AT&T CallVantage Service
After you purchase your router, sign up for AT&T CallVantageSM Service online using the URL you'll find in your router box. Then you can enjoy VoIP service on the country's best, most developed VoIP network. Just follow the simple installation instructions, and you're ready to enjoy great savings, remarkable voice quality, and much more.
Savings
With AT&T CallVantage Service, you'll get unlimited local and long distance calling in the U.S. and to Canada for just $29.99 a month,1 plus an average of 50% savings on international calls.2 That's a savings of at least $250 a year.3 Sign up by January 31, 2005 and you'll also get your first month free!4
Quality
You'll enjoy consistent voice quality thanks to Advanced Quality of Service (QoS) technology.
Convenience
Manage your account and access all your AT&T CallVantage Service features at your convenience, 24 hours a day, seven days a week--over the phone or online using a personal web page.
Choice
When you sign up for AT&T CallVantage Service, you'll have the option to keep your current phone number, to choose a different area code, or to pick a whole new number. And if you move, you can keep your AT&T CallVantage Service phone number.
Features:
Your favorite standard features like call waiting, caller ID, and call forwarding are all included. Plus, you get powerful new features not available through regular phone service, such as:
- Locate Me. Forward incoming calls to as many as five numbers--in any sequence you choose.
- Do Not Disturb. Schedule quiet time, yet still allow urgent calls to get through.
- Call Logs. View missed, received, and outgoing calls; and "click and dial" right on screen.
- International Call Block. With a click of your mouse, you can prevent international calls from being made on your phone.
- Voicemail. Forward voicemails as talking e-mails to anyone nationwide.
- Conference Calling. Create a "virtual room" for up to 10 callers on one line.
- Simple ReachSM Number. Allow friends and relatives to call you without incurring long distance charges ($4.99 per month).
Linksys Wireless Router Features:
- Wireless access point lets you connect both screaming-fast Wireless-G (IEEEE 802.11g at 54 Mbps) and Wireless-B (802.11b at 11 Mbps) devices to the network.
- Built in four-port full-duplex 10/100 switch connects up to four wired Ethernet devices together.
- Router function lets your entire network share a high-speed cable or DSL connection.
- Up to 256-bit encryption protects your data and privacy.
- The unit supports VPN pass-through and can be configured to filter internal user access to the Internet.
- Enjoy easy setup with the Web browser-based guide.
- AT&T CallVantage Internet telephone service is required (separate fee-based service).
Wireless-G is the new 54 Mbps wireless networking standard that's almost five times faster than the widely deployed Wireless-B (802.11b) products found in homes, businesses, and public wireless hotspots around the country--but since they share the same 2.4 GHz radio band, Wireless-G devices can also interoperate with existing 11 Mbps Wireless-B equipment. Since both standards are built in, you can both protect your investment in existing 802.11b infrastructure and migrate to the new screaming-fast Wireless-G standard as your needs grow.
The Linksys Wireless-G Broadband Router is really four devices in one box. First, the wireless access point lets you connect Wireless-G or Wireless-B devices to the network. Second, a built-in four-port full-duplex 10/100 switch connects your wired-Ethernet devices. Connect four PCs directly, or daisy-chain out to more hubs and switches to create as big a network as you need. Third, the router function ties it all together and lets your whole network share a high-speed cable or DSL Internet connection. Fourth, two standard telephone jacks, each operating independently, are like having two phone lines. (Sign up for AT&T CallVantage Service and you can save with unlimited local and long distance calling. Plus, you can enjoy call waiting, caller ID, advanced voicemail, call forwarding, and lots of other special phone features.)
To protect your data and privacy, the Wireless-G Broadband Router can encrypt all wireless transmissions. It can serve as a DHCP server, has NAT technology to protect against Internet intruders, supports VPN pass-through, and can be configured to filter internal users' access to the Internet. Configuration is a snap with the web browser-based configuration utility.
With the Linksys Wireless-G Broadband Router at the center of your home or office network, you can share a high-speed Internet connection, files, printers, and multi-player games, all with the flexibility, speed, and security you need!
1 Monthly rate includes domestic, direct-dialed calls only. Service will not function during power outage. See Web site provided in AT&T CallVantage Service router for important information about 911 dialing.
2 Savings based on weighted average of calling to all countries, compared to the lead plan of AT&T as of 10/1/04. International calls billed at per-minute rates. Calls terminating on mobile phones or other wireless devices may be charged additional per-minute rates and are not included in stated savings. See Web site provided in AT&T CallVantage Service router details.
3 Compared to the lead end-to-end offers of MCI, Sprint, Verizon, SBC, Qwest, and Bell South as of 9/8/04. Savings result because AT&T CallVantage Service customers pay lower monthly service fees and lower federal excise tax, and do not pay federal USF and FCC line charges. Savings may be higher dependent upon state and carrier.
4 Offer expires 1/31/05. Monthly rate includes direct-dialed domestic calls and calls to Canada. International calls are billed at additional per-minute rates and may have different feature capabilities. A $29.99 service activation fee applies. Other charges may apply. Customers who disconnect Service must return equipment associated with Service in order to avoid $29.99 disconnect fee. See Web site provided in AT&T CallVantage Service router for important information about 911 emergency dialing and international rates.
Visit www.att.com/amazon for more details. In particular, see the FAQs (www.usa.att.com/callvantage/faqs/index.jsp) and subscriber agreement (www.callvantage.att.com/cvterms) for additional terms and conditions. Features are subject to availability. Prices are subject to change.
Customer Reviews
I like this alot!
When I received the Linksys router from AT&T the only problem I had was figuring out how to connect my existing router. I went to the Linksys website and pulled down some documentation but it didn't work. To make a long story short I was making the problem much harder than it was. All I had to do was plug my cable modem into the Linksys router from AT&T and connect one network port from that router to the uplink/cable modem port of my other router and I was done.
The CallVantage service setup was easy. After connecting the AT&T Linksys router to the cable modem I used my browser to connect to the CallVantage activation site. The activation process was four steps. The longest step was when it automatically updated the router. When that was done the phone gave a short ring indicating I could make phone calls. The whole process took maybe 10 minutes. AT&T includes a pamplet with the router that walks you through the process. Its just a few pages with big pictures.
Immediately after activation I started calling friends. I would talk to them for a while before asking them if they noticed anything different. No one noticed anything. Voice quality is at least as good as a conventional phone. The AT&T rep said it would be better but I can't tell. It's certainly not worse.
The phone switch over went smoothly. I was able to keep my current phone number. Dialing the phone works fine. The feature set, like someone indicated earlier, is amazing. There are features included that I didn't know you could get on a home phone. Basically every feature you have now plus some ones you probably haven't heard of. AT&T has a well thought out and organized web interface for managing everything.
Some things to be aware of, AT&T says if you have a fax it may not work across the line. I don't have a fax so I can't test this. They said that some people were able to resolve faxing problems by upgrading their fax machine. Also if your power goes out or cable modem goes down you won't have a phone unless you have cellular or another line. As far as power outages I'm a big believer in UPSs and all my computer equipment is connected to one. You can connect the router phone line an existing phone jack and all your phones can share the line. You have to disconnect the outside line first and if you have a 2nd line AT&T says you need a splitter so that only one phone line goes into the router. You can get a splitter from Radio Shack for a few bucks.
Last thing, when I ordered my service, the rep on the phone was extremely repetitive. They definitely want you to understand all the aspects of setting up your phone service to work over your network. That's probably good for most people but for me it was like enough already.
Anyway this is great stuff. Next thing for me is to get the first phone bill. All of the taxes that apply to a regular phone line don't apply to a VOIP line. I'm interested in knowing what the "real" total will be.
Have fun if you try it. You may not be an early adopter but one of these days this will be the standard. The current phone system will be a thing of the past.
Trouble! Right out of the box...(Boxes)
I've been using this router for two days now. I've exchanged it twice and spent over 9 hours with Linksys Technical Support.
All the Routers experienced the same problem. The router firmware (Enclosed software on a chip)is very unstable. When I enabled certain features (Logging, disabling DHCP), the router begins rebooting every 600 seconds. Only a hard reset and reconfiguration back to factory specs. clears the problem. If you try to access the router with any security features on, like a firewall, or virus scanner etc. The firmware develops a rebooting loop every 600 seconds.
Technical support, Basic and (Level 2 Advanced) is in a foreign language!! I occasionally can detect an english word. These people knew far less than I, and I'm not a techy! What is the Linksys solution?:
1. Don't make any changes to the router selections. Things like changing the default password to your own more secure password, setting the clock, or any of several others.
2. Use your $12,000 workstation on the Internet w/broadband cable access and DO NOT USE your Firewall, Virus scanner, Spyware scanner etc. Everything will be OK, Your using our router... (This is insanity)!
3. The firmware (to try and reload the software) for this router IS NOT AVAILABLE!
And the VOiP features and functionality? Never got that far. I use a standard PC from Dell with XP-Pro on a cable modem.
Read the various technical forums and discover the severity of this problem for yourself. I found them on "google".
Callvantage service is better than my old phone service
I got rid of my land line and got Callvanatge service. Callvantage uses your normal phone but it plugs into your router instead of your old phone jack. The installation was very easy. I make all calls for under $30 a month. Some of their features are pretty cool also. When a call comes in, it rings my home phone and cell phone at the same time. That way if I'm waiting for an important call - I can pick it up on either phone. I can also view all my incoming and outgoing calls on the internet, almost instantly. So, I can view my call log while I'm at work and see who called during the day. Also, the quality is just as good as my old land line.
