Linksys WRT160NL router review
Linksys introduced the WRT160NL router in 2009. It is powered by Atheros AR9130 chipset, 32 MB of RAM, and 8 MB of flash memory.
Want to find out if the Linksys WRT160NL is good? Keep reading to find out!
Table of Contents
- Linksys WRT160NL specifications
- Body, dimensions, weight
- System, chipset, RAM, flash, power supply
- Network, protocols, WAN and LAN ports
- Wireless, antennas, speed, security
- Connectivity
- Administration, user interface, login information
- Links
- Verdict, Pros and Cons
- Photos
- Comparisons
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. If you noticed any mistakes or missing details about the Linksys WRT160NL, please let us know.
The WRT160NL is a basic Wi-Fi router. It provides reliable wireless connectivity for small homes. Linksys is a well-established brand, and it's got a significant market presence globally.
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 live in a small apartment, the size of the router is crucial to deciding whether it will fit. The weight of the router is not typically a critical factor for most 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 affects the router's performance, working with RAM and firmware. You cannot expand the router's memory (32 MB). When selecting a router, it's essential to think about the RAM specifications. OpenWrt has a community that actively develops it. They continuously work on improving its security.
Network
| Protocols | IPv4 |
|---|---|
| LAN ports | 4 x 10/100 Mbps |
| WAN ports | 1 x 10/100 Mbps |
| Mobile network | no |
| VPN support | no |
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 2.4 GHz band is widely supported by many devices. Older routers have a more limited range than newer Wi-Fi standards. So, they're less suitable for larger homes or offices. The introduction of WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2) improved upon WEP. It provides stronger security. The Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) lets you join a safe wireless network with the push of a button or a simple PIN entry.
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 lets you connect a printer to your network. Then, computers can print to it without a direct connection. 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.
Links
| Official site | https://www.linksys.com/ |
|---|
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. 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
Linksys WRT160NL comparisons
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Updated: May 25, 2024
