SMC Barricade SMCWBR14-N5 WiFi router: Pros and Cons
The SMC Barricade SMCWBR14-N5 (SMCWBR14-N5) router released in 2011. It is powered by Atheros AR9341 chipset, 32 MB of RAM and 4 MB of flash. The N300 router is compatible with IEEE 802.11b/g/n standards, and the maximum speed that you can get with Barricade SMCWBR14-N5 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 SMC Barricade SMCWBR14-N5, please let us know. Furthermore, we strive to deliver a thorough and precise overview.
The Barricade SMCWBR14-N5 router operates on the 2.4 GHz frequency band. It offers decent wireless coverage and works with many devices. SMC routers are generally known for their user-friendly design and easy setup process.
SMC Barricade SMCWBR14-N5 specifications
| Brand | SMC |
|---|---|
| Name | Barricade SMCWBR14-N5 |
| Type | SMCWBR14-N5 |
| Rating | |
| Launch | 2011 |
Body
| Dimensions | 175 x 30 x 102 mm |
|---|---|
| Weight | 239 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. The weight of router is not typically a critical factor for most home or office setups.
System
| Chipset | Atheros AR9341 |
|---|---|
| RAM | 32 MB |
| Flash | 4 MB |
| OS | SMC |
| Power supply | 9 V / 0.6 A |
The SMC Barricade SMCWBR14-N5 router has a Atheros AR9341 processor. 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. SMC often releases firmware updates. They improve the router's features, security, and bugs. They also add new features. The 9 V / 0.6 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 |
The router supports many networking standards. It ensures compatibility with different devices and systems. 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 Barricade SMCWBR14-N5 router is a Fast Ethernet port, not a Gigabit Ethernet.
Wireless
| Antennas | 2 x 5 dBi RP-SMA |
|---|---|
| 2.4 GHz | yes |
| 5 GHz | no |
| 60 GHz | no |
| Standards | IEEE 802.11b/g/n |
| Class | N300 |
| Speed | 300 Mbps |
| Transmit power | 18 dBm |
| Security | WEP WPA WPA2 |
| Guest network | no |
This router has 2 x 5 dBi, RP-SMA antennas. Antennas are key parts of wireless routers. They send and receive radio signals to make wireless connections. The 2.4 GHz band is widely supported by many devices. This includes older ones that may not work with the 5 GHz band. This is a Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) router. Wi-Fi 4 improved the range and coverage compared to previous Wi-Fi standards.. The top speed, 300 Mbps, is the highest data rate the router can reach. It's the theoretical limit in perfect conditions.
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 Barricade SMCWBR14-N5 router doesn't have file-server or print-server functionality.
Administration
| Default IP | 192.168.2.1 |
|---|---|
| Default username | admin |
| Default password | smcadmin |
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 SMC 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 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
SMC Barricade SMCWBR14-N5 photos
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