U.S. Robotics Wireless MAXg Router (USR5461)

I would actually rate it closer to 4.5 stars. The range is comparable to the Linksys WRT54G v5 that it replaced so don't be discouraged by the single antenna on the USR5461.The router software interface is simple and pretty straight forward. I don't think the options are laid out as nicely as with Linksys and D-Link, but it still works well. The HTML code is a bit sloppy because it doesn't render as well in Firefox as it does in Internet Explorer. The interface is still usable with FF though.The print server is VERY easy to setup and works perfectly with our Brother HL-1440 laser printer. Once the router detects the printer, it creates a network printer address (which you get by logging in), which you just enter in the Add Printer Wizard in Windows. You'll need to install drivers for your printer, but no drivers or special configuration is needed to connect to the print server.Transferring files wirelessly using normal 54mbps mode is decently fast. I transferred about 700MB of files wirelessly in about 10 minutes from a computer downstairs to my laptop upstairs. Both computers use 11g wireless cards made by different companies: Shuttle PN18 and D-Link DWL-G650.The DHCP server doesn't let me manually associate IP addresses to MAC addresses, but that isn't a big issue. My old D-Link 713p let me do that, which made port forwarding a lot easier.My biggest complaint is that Bittorrent will slow http traffic to a crawl when it's connecting to peers and seeds. This doesn't happen all the time, and once the torrent is going, everything works smoothly and quickly.Also, the firmware is open source, but the router itself does not have enough memory to hold any of the current opensource firmwares like OpenWRT or DD-WRT. The processor that the router uses is supposed to be compatible though. Maybe someone will come up with something once the router becomes more popular.

I had all linksys earlier, but when I changed my printer to new canon mfc 4150 it had only usb port, so I had to buy a new print server, this router not only updated my wireless but also provided me with a print server function. I use 2 laptops and one server at home both laptop use wireless works great, and server use a wire, all machine can use printer works great. The only problem I had once - I think the firmware corrupted and USR support fixed it in 2 days - first their general support could not fix it, because the wireless light went off and even the router could not be accessed by a wired computer, laptop got some funny windows assigned IP , and no admin screen on 192.168.2.1 showed up .. so the next day their adv tech support called to update the firmware, tftp command from the command window updated the firmware and all lights came up nice and bright - ie a working router again ..I have media com cable a motorola modem, connected to this maxg, and from maxg i connect one linksys vonage phone adaptor, that also has dns server and i use both just have them on diff ip range..so basically working nice for me for a year or so ..

I have owned this product for several months now. I have to go through a stupid step to use it. I was having a really hard time getting connected to the Web after I hooked up this router. I finally figured out a fool-proof way. I have to turn on my laptop and let it boot up. Then I have to walk over to the router and unplug it on the back of the unit and wait about 30 seconds. I then plug it back in. After a minute or two of waiting, I then get my wireless connection to the Web. How dumb! I should have returned it, but waited too long (guess I was hoping for a miracle). If I buy another router, it won't be this brand.

This is really a good reliable product for home or small office use. I was really tentative before purchasing this product although the review rating was good. I was planning for Netgear with the same speed but though for taking a risk as this router also has a inbuilt print server in it.Advantages:1] Great realtime speed. This is what I was looking for.2] Video streaming is really good, no worries at all. It works awesome with my both laptops which has 54 MBPS and 125 MBPS receptions. Even I hardly found any problem in streaming with my 54 MBPS WIFI reception laptop, I think this problem was/is with the website and not with the router.3] I read lot many reviews about its configuration being tough. But I really found it easy and quick if you are following the steps they have given in the manual.4] It has a Print server capability for wireless printing. It has a USB port where the printer wire will fit into.5] A good product to compete with other good known Brands. But I am still guessing about the marketing of U.S.Robotics as its not available in any malls/shops directly. They might rule this field.....!6] Wireless Printing experience was/is good. No difficulties with Epson Stylus RX580 photo printer. Works GR8.7] Has 4 parellel output ports for ethernet cable internet. Who needs it when u have a real awesome wireless signal!!!!!8] Really good Signal strength.Cons.1] While printing photos wirelessly, sometimes it hungs for 10 to 15 minutes and then prints the page. But am fine with it. This problem is not there with printing any normal text pages.Good product. Go for it and be happy.

This router does everything it describes.The USB printer setup was very easy and it works flawlessly.The wireless connection is very fast to connect.The range is pretty good.The one option I miss with this one is the ability to assign a DNS within the router configuration. You have to use windows network options to set them locally instead of setting one in the router. This would have been helpful since my ISP's DNS's are terrible and when people visit and connect I have to walk them through the process to avoid the "page not found" that charter frequently sticks you with.I bought 2 of these - one for me and one for my in-laws and both of them have performed great.