Home > Consumer Reviews > Linksys WUSB12 Wireless-B Compact USB Adapter

I have a wired & wireless 802.11b Linksys network, which has been working well for some time (and now works even better since the addition of a Linksys Wireless Signal Booster).
Recently I became a Beta tester for Tivo's new home network (which I'll review +++ once the NDA expires), so my Tivo-2 needed to access the network via its now-active USB ports. I bought this WUSB12, took it out of the box, plugged it into the Tivo, and I was done. Turning on the Tivo, I went to setup and found it had already recognized the network. I selected the network as my connection choice, it tested the connection and then executed an entire day's download in about 15 seconds. Wow.
The device itself is slick, looking like some kind of big Sharpie. Sliding off the pen-clip cover exposes the business end of this USB device, and also allows access to the release button for the little antenna. There are 2 lights in the base, one for power and one for link detection. The package includes a little USB cable (if you need one) and a lanyard to carry this thing around your neck (not me). I did install the software, which was painless and in my case (network is not password protected) not really necessary. I predict this is going to be a very successful product as more and more wireless networks are deployed in public places like schools, libraries, malls and coffee houses.

I initially purchased the Linksys WUSB-11 v2.8 from Amazon but found out that my Tivo Series2 did not support the 2.8 version, only 2.6 (Tivo now has a beta upgrade that will support v2.8). I had heard of signal strength problems with the WUSB-12 so I was hesitant. I went out and tried it anyway and it works perfectly. Tivo recognized it immediately and installed a firmware upgrade automatically. I get 70% signal strength, my access point is in my office and the Tivo is in the living room.

This little beauty is the real deal. No more 100 foot telephone cords snaking through your living room. Pop this little baby into the back of your TIVO, follow the instructions on the screen, and you are set!

The instructions that come with this adapter are for use with a laptop or desktop, they do not apply if you are installing this on a TIVO. Go to your TIVO menu, plug in the adapter and follow the instructions on the screen.

I was able to get this adapter up and running in less than 5 minutes. My TIVO automatically told me I had to update my firmware (it also told me how to do it). Then I just entered my closed network SSID and it was up and running. Beautiful!!

Like other users have stated, this adapter is PERFECT for Tivo. Plug it in and Tivo recognizes and upgrades the device. So easy to use, I highly recommend it!

Absolutely painless install on my TiVo. The TiVo box even detected that this adaptor needed a firmware upgrade and then did the upgrade for me. Took less than 5 minutes to install and works great!