Linksys WRT54GH WiFi router: Pros and Cons
The Linksys WRT54GH (WRT54GH) router released in 2009. It is powered by Ralink RT3050 chipset, 8 MB of RAM and 4 MB of flash. The G54 router is compatible with IEEE 802.11b/g standards, and the maximum speed that you can get with WRT54GH is 54 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 WRT54GH, please let us know. Furthermore, we strive to deliver a thorough and precise overview.
The WRT54GH is an affordable and reliable router designed for basic networking needs. Linksys is widely recognized as a reputable and established manufacturer of networking equipment.
Linksys WRT54GH specifications
| Brand | Linksys |
|---|---|
| Name | WRT54GH |
| Type | WRT54GH |
| Rating | |
| Launch | 2009 |
Body
| Dimensions | 110 x 32 x 110 mm |
|---|---|
| Weight | 170 g |
The dimensions and design of a router can impact its cooling capabilities. Routers with larger dimensions may have more space for internal cooling mechanisms. If you purchase a router online or have it shipped, the weight may affect the overall cost.
System
| Chipset | Ralink RT3050 |
|---|---|
| RAM | 8 MB |
| Flash | 4 MB |
| OS | Linksys |
| Power supply | 12 V / 0.5 A |
The Linksys WRT54GH router has a Ralink RT3050 processor. Some router features and software need a certain amount of RAM. They need it to work well. More storage space comes from a larger flash memory. It can accommodate future firmware upgrades. Linksys often releases firmware updates. They improve the router's features, security, and bugs. They also add new features. The 12 V / 0.5 A PSU provides power to the router. If it breaks, you can replace it with a new one.
Network
| Protocols | IPv4 |
|---|---|
| LAN ports | 4 x 10/100 Mbps |
| WAN ports | 1 x 10/100 Mbps |
| Mobile network | no |
| VPN support | no |
The WRT54GH router has built-in security features. They protect your network and devices. The IPv4 is the fourth iteration of the Internet Protocol (IP). It is the most widely used version of IP on the internet today. The WAN port on the WRT54GH router is a Fast Ethernet port, not a Gigabit Ethernet.
Wireless
| Antennas | 1 x 3 dBi internal |
|---|---|
| 2.4 GHz | yes |
| 5 GHz | no |
| 60 GHz | no |
| Standards | IEEE 802.11b/g |
| Class | G54 |
| Speed | 54 Mbps |
| Transmit power | 17.5 dBm |
| Security | WEP WPA WPA2 |
| Guest network | no |
This router has 1 x 3 dBi, internal antennas. Antennas are key parts of wireless routers. They send and receive radio signals to make wireless connections. The router supports the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. 802.11g routers have a 54 Mbps max data rate. This is much slower than newer Wi-Fi standards. Real-world WRT54GH 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 WRT54GH 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 WRT54GH 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
Cons
- insufficient memory
- 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
- missing WPS support
- no USB connectivity
Linksys WRT54GH photos
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