Linksys WRT320N router review
The Linksys WRT320N (WRT320N) router released in 2008. It is powered by Broadcom BCM4717A1 chipset, 32 MB of RAM and 8 MB of flash. The N300 router is compatible with IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n standards, and the maximum speed that you can get with WRT320N is 300 Mbps. The router has 1 x 10/100/1000 Mbps WAN and 4 x 10/100/1000 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 WRT320N, please let us know. Furthermore, we strive to deliver a thorough and precise overview.
This router is basic 2.4 GHz router. It provides reliable for small networks. Linksys incorporates energy-efficient features in their products, promoting sustainability and reducing power consumption.
Linksys WRT320N specifications
Brand | Linksys |
---|---|
Name | WRT320N |
Type | WRT320N |
Rating | |
Launch | 2008 |
Body
Dimensions | 202 x 34 x 160 mm |
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Weight | 298 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 a router can matter in some situations. But, it is usually not as crucial as other factors. These factors include features and compatibility.
System
Chipset | Broadcom BCM4717A1 |
---|---|
RAM | 32 MB |
Flash | 8 MB |
OS | Linksys |
Alternative OS | OpenWRT DD-WRT |
Power supply | 12 V / 1 A |
The Broadcom BCM4717A1 CPU is key. It, along with factors like RAM and firmware, decides how well the router works. The amount of RAM in a router can affect its performance. It also affects its capacity to handle concurrent operations and traffic. The 8 MB flash memory in the router serves as the storage medium for the router's firmware. 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 offers many features and capabilities. They extend the functionality of networking hardware. The Linksys provides the right power supply. It is 12 V / 1 A, this matches the router's voltage needs.
Network
Protocols | IPv4 |
---|---|
LAN ports | 4 x 10/100/1000 Mbps |
WAN ports | 1 x 10/100/1000 Mbps |
Mobile network | no |
VPN support | no |
Like many modern routers, the WRT320N supports many network standards too. Most networking equipment, like routers and switches, supports IPv4. This router has Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports. They provide data transfer speeds of up to 1000 Mbps (1 Gbps) over Ethernet connections. This router ensures that you can use fast internet from your ISP fully.
Wireless
Antennas | 3 x 2.2 dBi internal |
---|---|
2.4 GHz | yes |
5 GHz | no |
60 GHz | no |
Standards | IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n |
Class | N300 |
Speed | 300 Mbps |
Transmit power | 17.5 dBm |
Security | WEP WPA WPA2 |
Guest network | no |
The 3 x 2.2 dBi, internal antennas allow sending and getting many data streams at once. This boosts overall throughput and improves Wi-Fi performance. The WRT320N is compatible with 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi networks. Older routers have a more limited range than newer Wi-Fi standards. So, they are less suitable for larger homes or offices. Real-world WRT320N router speeds are lower than its theoretical maximum speed.
WEP was the first Wi-Fi security protocol. But it is now seen as weak and easy to hack. The introduction of WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2) improved upon WEP. It provides stronger security.
Connectivity
USB ports | no |
---|---|
Print server | no |
File server | no |
The WRT320N router doesn't have file-server or print-server functionality.
Administration
Default IP | 192.168.1.1 |
---|---|
Default username | [blank] |
Default password | admin |
If you can't log in to your Linksys router's setup panel, try resetting it. A reset can help you troubleshoot. It is highly recommended to change the default password of your WRT320N router. Do this after the initial setup.
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
- high-speed LAN port
- high-speed WAN port
Cons
- insufficient flash
- missing Wi-Fi 6 support
- lacks Wi-Fi 5 compatibility
- reduced Wi-Fi bandwidth
- incompatible with WPA3
- missing WPS support
- no USB connectivity
Linksys WRT320N photos
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