This guide to Linksys Routers is based in part upon the most common questions I find buyers asking repeatedly asking sellers. WRT54G is a model number that you should try to remember. This number varies slightly to indicate a kit, (which should include a notebook adapter) for one example.

The following are some items you should consider when shopping for a Linksys router.

Version

Versions range from 1.0 to 8.2, each with unique characteristics, such as memory capacity in Flash and RAM types.

Firmware

Firmware is like a computer program that you can't do much about. It operates the hardware, and the most you would want to do with this is to check the versions for allowable features it would provide the router. If you don't like what the firmware offers, changes to the code for most are impracticable and a change in version would be the best solution.   

Serial Number

Serial numbers correspond with version type.

802.11g, or b, or n

Is a specification or standard, with the suffix of "n" being the latest. These specifications are backward compatible, meaning the 802.11g can work with 802.11b. For value, at the time of writing this guide (12/08) the 80211.g specification seems to be the best. For performance (multiple input, multiple output) and those who don't want to hassle with a future upgrade, I would look for a 802.11n specification.