Linksys WRT400N WiFi router: Pros and Cons
The Linksys WRT400N (WRT400N) router released in 2009. It is powered by Atheros AR7161 @ 680 MHz chipset, 32 MB of RAM and 8 MB of flash. The G54 router is compatible with IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n standards, and the maximum speed that you can get with WRT400N 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 WRT400N, please let us know. Furthermore, we strive to deliver a thorough and precise overview.
The WRT400N is a powerful router. It is full of features and made for advanced networking. Linksys provides good customer support services through their website.
Linksys WRT400N specifications
| Brand | Linksys |
|---|---|
| Name | WRT400N |
| Type | WRT400N |
| Rating | |
| Launch | 2009 |
Body
| Dimensions | 205 x 35 x 160 mm |
|---|---|
| Weight | 460 g |
If you plan to move or travel a lot and need to take your router with you, the size is important. It needs to be small to be easy to carry. If you plan to mount your router on a wall or ceiling, the weight can affect the mounting process. It also affects the type of mounting hardware needed.
System
| Chipset | Atheros AR7161 @ 680 MHz |
|---|---|
| RAM | 32 MB |
| Flash | 8 MB |
| OS | Linksys |
| Alternative OS | OpenWRT DD-WRT |
| Power supply | 12 V / 1.5 A |
The Atheros AR7161 @ 680 MHz CPU provides processing power. It handles tasks and services within the WRT400N router. The 32 MB of RAM enables the router to handle multiple tasks and processes concurrently. Flash memory retains its data even when the router is off. This allows the router to keep its firmware and settings across reboots. The firmware upgrade process may vary depending on the router model. However, it often involves accessing the router's web-based administration interface.
Other router operating systems offer more customization options. They also have advanced features. Router makers compare this to the default firmware. OpenWrt is an open-source operating system. It provides customizable firmware for embedded devices, like routers and access points. The Linksys packages the WRT400N router with 12 V / 1.5 A PSU.
Network
| Protocols | IPv4 |
|---|---|
| LAN ports | 4 x 10/100 Mbps |
| WAN ports | 1 x 10/100 Mbps |
| Mobile network | no |
| VPN support | no |
Like many modern routers, the Linksys WRT400N supports many features and tech. They improve your network's connectivity and security. The IPv4 uses 32-bit addresses, represented as four sets of numbers separated by periods (e.g. 192.168.0.1). The WRT400N features a Fast Ethernet WAN port that has a maximum speed of 100 Mbps.
Wireless
| Antennas | 2 x 3.5 dBi internal |
|---|---|
| 2.4 GHz | yes |
| 5 GHz | yes |
| 60 GHz | no |
| Standards | IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n |
| Class | G54 |
| Speed | 54 Mbps |
| Transmit power | 17 dBm |
| Security | WEP WPA WPA2 |
| Guest network | no |
A well-positioned antenna can reduce interference and signal weakening. This leads to a more reliable connection. The 2.4 GHz band is widely supported by many devices. This includes older ones that may not work with the 5 GHz band. The 5GHz band provides faster data transfer speeds compared to the 2.4GHz band. This is a Wi-Fi 4 router, with slower data transfer speeds. This can result in slower downloads, video buffering, and reduced performance.
The top speed, 54 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 WRT400N router doesn't have file-server or print-server functionality.
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
- OpenWrt compatible
- works on 5 GHz band
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
Linksys WRT400N photos
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