hmmm.. you clearly don't have a clue what you're talking about. 54Mbps is the maximum physical layer bit rate- real world bit rate is much lower. You can notice the diff. between 802.11g and 802.11n on a 1.5 MBps connection- many people in the US have better than that. And regarding switching to os firmware- yeah, I'd do that if I owned that router all ready, but to go out of your way to buy a device that doesn't have decent firmware in it, just to switch it-??? doesn't make much sense. It's like buying a toaster oven and modding the firmware on it- the purpose of a router is to get plugged in, set up as easily as possible, and then shut the f**k up for 5 or 6 years until it needs replacement. Getting back to the original question: The biggest problem with cheaper routers is that sometimes they can't even handle more than 3 or 4 wireless connections without crapping out and having to be restarted. Unfortunately, there's not really a standard that lets you judge this prior to buying, so you just have to go based on reviews. The other problem is crappy, difficult setup- but pretty much every router I've ever seen has this problem (except the AE), so there's not much choice in this area.
Oh really? Why don't you go and test your 802.11n vs 802.11g internet speed test and come back here and post your number. What's 802.11n is good for if you are transferring files from computer to computer over the air that's not being bottle neck by 54Mbs or if your ISP connection is fast. Another thing is that is using a 5GHz band and will have less interfering like the 802.11g using the 2.4GHz. It's all depend on what you are using it for and your home layout.
The reason for me upgrading my WRT54G router (which I had for 6 years) was 30 mbps difference in my speed after I upgraded my internet. With my gigabit router, I get my full speed. It was no where close with that WRT54G. As far as Wireless-N goes... it's known to produce faster speeds at a better range. Why wouldn't you buy a wireless-n router at this point? Everything is moving towards that.
Dude, you're wrong, alright. WTH, why are beating this dead horse, you can google it if you like and see how wrong you are. There is a noticeable difference between 802.11g and n at average US broadband speeds. This is because the rated 54Mbps is a physical, theoretical limit of the standard, and nothing based on real world testing of equipment. If you argue something that is established and easily proven, it makes you look stupid.
