WRT54g and PAP2 questions from potential customer

Posts: 1 · New Forum Member Joined: Jan 07, 2006 Posts: 1

Looking to switch to Vonage. I have a older, reliable WRT54g Linksys router. Would like some community wisdom on the easiest and most stable device. From reading the forums, it looks like the Linksys PAP2 behind my router is the answer. Is that correct?

Also, I will be needing a wireless router at a second home (no Vonage needed there). If I were to move my current router there and replace my primary one, the WRTP54G is NOT the way to go and I should look at either a WRT54gs or another older WRT54g.

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks

jim

Posts: 10

jmkfish wrote:

Looking to switch to Vonage. I have a older, reliable WRT54g Linksys router. Would like some community wisdom on the easiest and most stable device. From reading the forums, it looks like the Linksys PAP2 behind my router is the answer. Is that correct?

Also, I will be needing a wireless router at a second home (no Vonage needed there). If I were to move my current router there and replace my primary one, the WRTP54G is NOT the way to go and I should look at either a WRT54gs or another older WRT54g.

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks

jim

the only advise i can offer would be the best place to BUY the pap2 which i found to be best buy.

discussed here: pap2 rebates

Posts: 143 · Vonage Forum Senior Joined: Dec 22, 2005 Posts: 143

The WRT54G's in the store have OLD firmware versions on them. You will have to immediately purchasing the route getting the firmware update for it. I can post it in a link for you once you get it if you do.

Posts: 277

jmkfish wrote:

Looking to switch to Vonage. I have a older, reliable WRT54g Linksys router. Would like some community wisdom on the easiest and most stable device. From reading the forums, it looks like the Linksys PAP2 behind my router is the answer. Is that correct?

Also, I will be needing a wireless router at a second home (no Vonage needed there). If I were to move my current router there and replace my primary one, the WRTP54G is NOT the way to go and I should look at either a WRT54gs or another older WRT54g.

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks

jim

I basically agree with everything you've posted, with one note. First, you're right - ALL of the Vonage "combo" adapter/routers basically suck as routers. They work fine for some who never put a significant load on them, but quickly become less than satisfactory if loaded very much at all. Your existing WRT54G is one of the best out there, particularly if you update it with one of the EXCELLENT 3rd party firmware releases that are available.

Put your Vonage adapter behind the WRT54G, and use it as an adapter only. Of course, the PAP2 is the only "adapter only" device out there, but that doesn't mean you can't use a different model. Many here will claim that the newer devices (RTP300) perform better as adapters (although there have been LOTS of firmware bugs too.) If you want the latest adapter technology, then get the RTP300, use it behind the WRT54G, and simply turn OFF all the router features - DHCP, NAT, etc - and use only its adapter functionality. That's exactly what I'm doing with my RT31P2 - which makes it basically a PAP2, but its much cooler in my equipment stack, being in the same case as the WRT54G and my Linksys cable modem. Smile

Posts: 6 · New Forum Member Joined: Mar 08, 2005 Posts: 6

I have been using this combo for almost a year now. The only trouble I have is when my ISP goes down. I think this is the best equipment to use for a Vonage connection. SImply make sure you enable QoS on the WRT54G and keep the firmware updated. The PAP2 device simply just works all the time, and Vonage will keep it updated as they see fit. Enjoy!