Wrap Up
This second experience with products based on Broadcom's '54g' draft-8011.g technology, has certainly reinforced my assertion that early-adopters of these products are going to be dealing with a number of firmware releases between now and a stable, standards-compatible product.
What was disturbing, however, is that although Linksys starting shipping their products based on later Broadcom firmware than BuffaloTech, they still had significant draft-802.11g mode issues, and 802.11b interoperability was worse, not better than BuffaloTech's!
Of even more concern, however, is the prospect of interoperability problems among draft-802.11g products. My test results from mixing Linksys and BuffaloTech products - both of which use Broadcom's '54g' technology - were not conclusive, but they weren't encouraging either. It remains to be seen what will happen when D-Link's Intersil PRISM GT-based products are thrown into the mix later this month (Jan 2003). I have to say that given my experience so far, I'm not optimistic for smooth sailing when Broadcom and Intersil products are mixed together.
Finally, Linksys' response to my query asking whether they will guarantee that their products will work with released-standard 802.11g equipment doesn't exactly give me the warm-and-fuzzies either:
Linksys 54G Products are guaranteed compatible with other 54G products, as listed on www.54g.org. The are also compatible with 802.11b products. The 802.11g standard has not been finalized. While we suspect that no more than a firmware or driver may be necessary to become 802.11g compliant, we cannot guarantee compatibility with a standard that is not official.
In the end, these things won't stop the "gotta-have-it" crowd, who will put up with a lot to be the first on the block with the latest stuff. But those of you who want a dependable wireless network that's faster than, but compatible with, your existing 802.11b gear will just have to keep your money in your pocket a while longer. You've waited this long, and a few more months will give Linksys (and Broadcom) the time they need to get it right.