WRT54G3GV2 + Airport Express + Existing Network failover

stebesplace

Here would be my ideal setup:

My Compass 597 hooked to the Linksys WRT54G3GV2-ST. I would use the EVDO connection primarily, with a backup ATT broadband DSL plugged in if I remove the Sprint card for travel, but the house can still use the existing DSL. Can you have a "failover" like that where the router will then automatically switch to the incoming DSL (set preference of which is the higher priory connection for example)?

In addition, can you hook up two Airport Express modules using the "connect to existing wireless network" to allow Airtunes, etc.? I need to search over at apple as this really applies to any Linksys router, not just this one...

stebesplace · Posted: Fri Oct 17, 2008 11:14 pm Post subject:

So it seems that at least with version 1 of this router, that you can have your WAN plugged in (and active), and your mobile broadband connected at the same time. When setting up the router, you specify that you want it to be using both connections and when the router is active, and sees the mobile broadband connected, it uses that. if NOT connected, it will use the WAN port connection (assuming it was already setup). Problem is, if you connect your USB mobile card again, you need to reboot (I think) to enable that connection again.

I am not 100% sure on this, just what I could find on the net.

stebesplace · Posted: Sat Oct 25, 2008 1:37 pm Post subject:

Ok, so I got the Linksys router in question (WRT54G3GV2) and have had a couple of days to play around with it.

1) I was able to connect my two Airport Express's to it and they are working fine.

2) Failover is not fullproof here. If I have a physical network hooked up, there is no way in the administration panel to define priorty of connections meaning, that if I am using my Sprint and my DSL, I can't set Sprint to be top priority and DSL second, and to have a 2 way failover. So if Sprint goes down, switch over to DSL automatically, and if Sprint comes back, automatically switch BACK to Sprint.

It seems to be able to failover (with delay) to the DSL but doesn't go back to sprint from what I can tell. Perhaps someone can shed some light on this?

3) WiFi Capabilities on this router are pretty good from what i can tell. No dead zones even from a considerable distance (50ft).

4) I am not getting super fast speeds though when setup (without an antenna) on one part of my house, I get a bit over 2.0 Mb/s (bits). So, pretty good speed wise. Its nice though to not have the DSL and use the router anywhere.

So overall I really like it for the pricepoint compared to the other routers. I don't need N since I have a mixed network of G and N anyway. So that wasn't a big deal. I didn't need load balancing of multiple network cards, so no need to spend more for that. I really did want solid failover but that doesn't seem to be the case. Again, if anyone knows about this functionality, let me know. It seems that if it does do failover, or "modem backup" that it is automatic. In the admin console you can set the modem to act as a failover "backup" if the DSL goes down, but not the other way. So kind of annoying there.

stebesplace · Posted: Tue Oct 28, 2008 1:27 pm Post subject:

Ok, as I am the only person updating this, here is the latest. I have had issues with the router where it is disconnecting me about ever 2-3 hours or so depending on the load. I contacted support and they said that I can change the MTU settings to 1395 and go at it from there. I changed that, and yes it did improve things in the sense that my disconnections really only happen ever 24 hours or so of uptime. That is FINE with me except now it is disconnecting every 30 mins now give or take. So I am at a loss and may end up returning the router for a replacement, or getting my money back.

I need to test the following things before concluding it is a bad router:

1) Test with a USB extension cable for the modem even though I have tested this with WiFi G turned off on the router.

2) Try in more locations and see if I can remain connected or not through the house and in other physical locations outside of the house.

3) Throw this thing against a wall and see if that helps.

I will note that when my card is connected to the laptop directly, it never disconnects unless I am really in a dead zone, and even then, it will just switch networks or give slow speeds usually.

Uhhgh, I hate this trial and error crap. Unfortunately, this is what happens sometimes when you try to get a device that is cheaper than most others in the hopes to save a few bucks, but it winds up being a craptastic device. I seem to be the only person on here that has the new V2 of this router as well, given the activity on this board section.

stebesplace · Posted: Sat Nov 01, 2008 4:38 pm Post subject:

Long story short, I ended up sending my router back where I bought it from for a refund. According to Linksys there was a problem with mine which might be power related. So I am going to replace it with a CTR500 after testing with a friends now.

I would wait on getting this Linksys simply because its still so new, and on a revision 1 firmware. There are issues, but Linksys has no solution other than to say "Send it back" which is exactly what I did.

JWRunz · EVDO Newbie Joined: 30 Nov 2008 Posts: 4

Same air card, same router, same problem. I guess I'll probably end up sending mine back as well. How does your CTR500 work with the Compass 597?

stebesplace · Posted: Sun Nov 30, 2008 9:55 pm Post subject: Re: I think I'm in the same boat.

JWRunz · EVDO Newbie Joined: 30 Nov 2008 Posts: 4

Looking for the 149.99 sale price.

stebesplace · Posted: Sun Nov 30, 2008 10:25 pm Post subject: Re: Who's having the sale?

JWRunz · EVDO Newbie Joined: 30 Nov 2008 Posts: 4

I didn't realize you meant the 3gstore (duh). I figured it out though and bought the CTR500 with a booster antenna and 1.4 firmware. Thanks for the heads-up on the sale.

stebesplace · Posted: Sun Nov 30, 2008 11:48 pm Post subject: Re: Thanks for the info

jdcallejas · EVDO Newbie Joined: 13 Feb 2009 Posts: 1

Hello,
I need to have my Linksys WRT54G3GV2-ST to be able to redirect users to a login page. Trying to make a hotspot. Now I wanted to know if openwrt can be installed into this router? Has anyone done this and still have the 3g cards working? Can someone point me to the right place on how to do this?

Thanks
Daniboy