Linksys WRT160NL router review
The Linksys WRT160NL (WRT160NL) router released in 2009. It is powered by Atheros AR9130 chipset, 32 MB of RAM and 8 MB of flash. The N300 router is compatible with IEEE 802.11b/g/n standards, and the maximum speed that you can get with WRT160NL is 300 Mbps. The router has 1 x 10/100 Mbps WAN and 4 x 10/100 Mbps LAN ports.
Table of Contents
Our personal experiences and opinions form the basis of this article. We aimed to share insights on a topic, and we hoped others would find it useful and inspirational. The specs below rely on official manufacturer data, but we also consider user reviews. If you noticed any mistakes or missing details about the Linksys WRT160NL, please let us know. Furthermore, we strive to deliver a thorough and precise overview.
The WRT160NL is a basic Wi-Fi router. It provides reliable wireless connectivity for small homes or apartments. The USB connectors on the router add versatility to your network. They enable file sharing, printer sharing, and other USB functions. Linksys routers are generally known for their user-friendly design and easy setup process.
Linksys WRT160NL specifications
| Brand | Linksys |
|---|---|
| Name | WRT160NL |
| Type | WRT160NL |
| Rating | |
| Launch | 2009 |
Body
| Dimensions | 202.79 x 159.18 x 33.14 mm |
|---|---|
| Weight | 283 g |
If you have limited space, like in a small apartment or office, the dimensions can determine if it can fit there. The weight of router is not typically a critical factor for most home or office setups.
System
| Chipset | Atheros AR9130 |
|---|---|
| RAM | 32 MB |
| Flash | 8 MB |
| OS | Linksys |
| Alternative OS | OpenWRT DD-WRT |
| Power supply | 12 V / 1.5 A |
The Atheros AR9130 CPU is key. It, along with factors like RAM and firmware, decides how well the router works. You cannot expand the router's memory (32 MB). When choosing a router, it is important to consider the RAM specifications. A larger flash memory allows for more space to store configuration backups. Upgrading router firmware has become simple and user-friendly. It depends on your router model and hardware. Using a different OS may make it more stable and faster.
OpenWrt has a community that actively develops it. They continuously work on improving its security. The Linksys provides the right power supply. It is 12 V / 1.5 A, this matches the router's voltage needs.
Network
| Protocols | IPv4 |
|---|---|
| LAN ports | 4 x 10/100 Mbps |
| WAN ports | 1 x 10/100 Mbps |
| Mobile network | no |
| VPN support | no |
The router supports many networking standards. It ensures compatibility with different devices and systems. Most networking equipment, like routers and switches, supports IPv4. Wired connections may bottleneck due to the limits of Fast Ethernet ports.
Wireless
| Antennas | 2 x 1.8 dBi internal |
|---|---|
| 2.4 GHz | yes |
| 5 GHz | no |
| 60 GHz | no |
| Standards | IEEE 802.11b/g/n |
| Class | N300 |
| Speed | 300 Mbps |
| Transmit power | 19 dBm |
| Security | WPA WPA2 WPS |
| Guest network | no |
The 2 x 1.8 dBi, internal antennas allow sending and getting many data streams at once. This boosts overall throughput and improves Wi-Fi performance. The 2.4 GHz band is widely supported by many devices. This includes older ones that may not work with the 5 GHz band. Older routers have a more limited range than newer Wi-Fi standards. So, they are less suitable for larger homes or offices. The top speed, 300 Mbps, is the highest data rate the router can reach. It's the theoretical limit in perfect conditions.
The introduction of WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2) improved upon WEP. It provides stronger security. WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) provides an easy method. It connects devices to a Wi-Fi network.
Connectivity
| USB ports | 1 x USB 2.0 |
|---|---|
| Print server | yes |
| File server | yes |
The USB 2 port has a maximum theoretical data transfer rate of 480 megabits per second (Mbps). A USB print server adds print functionality. You can manage settings, watch queues, and control access from one place. The WRT160NL router lets you schedule backups. You can back up to the connected USB storage device.
Administration
| Default IP | 192.168.1.1 |
|---|---|
| Default username | [blank] |
| Default password | admin |
Changing the password often is a good security practice. It protects your network and devices from unauthorized access. Changing the default password improves your router's security. It reduces the risk of unauthorized individuals controlling your network.
Pros and Cons
Every router, including this Linksys one, has its good sides and not-so-good sides. Let's take a closer look at both to get a full understanding of what this router can do. We'll talk about what it does well and also where it could use some improvements. Just remember, this is just what I think, and you might see things differently.
Pros
- lightweight
- OpenWrt compatible
- WPS friendly
- USB 2 compatible
- printserver functionality
- fileserver operation
Cons
- insufficient flash
- lack of Gigabit LAN
- Non-gigabit WAN port
- missing Wi-Fi 6 support
- lacks Wi-Fi 5 compatibility
- reduced Wi-Fi bandwidth
- incompatible with WPA3
Linksys WRT160NL photos
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