JiWire Lab Test Results

The Buffalo AirStation G54 unfortunately exhibits relatively poor performance compared to other 802.11g routers we've tested. Throughput in the same room as the router was only about 16Mbps; we've seen nearly 30Mbps from other 802.11g routers.

Furthermore, throughput dropped off much more quickly with distance than with other routers, compounding the problem. We got no usable signal at 50 ft. from the router (through walls and floors of a typical house).

Buffalo does offer an optional external antenna, which we suspect would greatly improve performance of the router. The internal antenna design, which does not allow for optimal positioning, is likely a major reason for the relatively low throughput and range.

Throughput vs. Distance

Chart Key: Click on a product to see its results...
D-Link AirPlus XtremeG Wireless Router DI-624
NetGear 108Mbps Wireless Firewall Router WGT624
Microsoft Wireless-G Base Station MN-700
Linksys Wireless-G Broadband Router WRT-54G
Apple AirPort Extreme Base Station (with modem)
Buffalo AirStation G54 (WBR-G54)
NetGear Cable/DSL Wireless Router MR814v2

How We Tested

Our real-world performance tests measure actual throughput in a typical wood-frame house, through walls and floors, at five distances from the base station: 3 feet (same room), 15 feet (same floor), 25 feet (same floor), 35 feet (upstairs), and 50 feet (upstairs). All tests were conducted with 128-bit WEP encryption on, and in 802.11g-only mode, if available.