I have a LinkSys WRT54G2, Vers 1.0 router with the latest firmware installed and basically default configuration. I usually have 3-4 PCs connected to the router. I frequently loose connection to the internet and have to power it off/on. However, I also utilize a VPN connection through the router to my place of work - this connection will remain functional when the general internet connections fail. Is this just a bad router or is their a possible solution

• Plug the network cable ( Mine was Blue ) which comes with the Router Box pack to your computer. The other end goes into any of the Router Ethernet Port ( 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 )
• Now type in 192.168.1.1 in IE or Firefox or any browser. You will prompted for password which is admin. You must be logged into Linksys Router.
• Now since your ADSL modem is also having the same IP , we will change the IP address for WRT54G2 Router to 192.168.5.1
• Under Setup >Basic Setup look for Network Setup and Change Router IP. Change to 192.168.5.1 and Save changes.
• Since the IP has changed you will need to close the Browser.
• Sometimes the IP doesnt change automatically. Do a IPCONFIG / RELEASE and then IPCONFIG / Renew

• Plugin the Ethernet cable which comes from the Modem into the port on Wrt54g2 router which says Internet.
• Open Internet Explorer and Type in 192.168.5.1.
• Type in same password ( admin )
• You will be in Setup > Basic Setup
• Take a look at Section , Internet Setup. The current selection should be Automatic Configuration DHCP. Select Static IP instead.
• Add following details to it. In the first step we backed up All the IP configuration. Use them here

ADSL Modem Settings to Wrt54g2 Router

• Once Done just save changes and you should be back at same page.
• Now try to connect any application which talks to internet. You should be able to connect

• Get to the Lynksys page again. Do all login and regualr stuff.
• Now look for menu Wireless, click on it. You should land on Basic Wireless Settings.

Basic Wireless Settings

• Select wireless configuration to Manual .
• Wireless network mode to Mixed.
• Give a Wireless Network Name (SSID), make sure its unique.
• Make Wireless channel selection 11 ( 11 - 2.463 GHZ)
• Select Wireless SSID Broadcast to Enable
• Save Settings and you will be back at the same page with changes you made.

• Go to Wireless Security on the same page.
• You will need to configure here Security Mode : WPA Personal, WPA Algorithms: TKIP
• WPA Shared Key is what you will need when you connect to your router without wire. This key does the authentication and keep unwanted people away. Add 8 digit alphanumeric key.
• As suggested in comments, there is a new mode which you can use : WPA2 with AES
• Save changes.Just make sure you save that key to a notepad or remember it.

Wrt54g2 wireless security

• Now last step, Move to next menu Security > Firewall .
• Uncheck Block Anonymous Internet Requests .
• Save Settings.

Wrt54g2 firewall settings

• Remove the blue cable which you had connected with Router.