Linksys WRT51AB WiFi router: Pros and Cons

54 Mbps

IEEE 802.11a/b

Broadcom BCM4702 @ 125 MHz

16 MB / 4 MB

The Linksys WRT51AB (WRT51AB) router released in 2002. It is powered by Broadcom BCM4702 @ 125 MHz chipset, 16 MB of RAM and 4 MB of flash. The G54 router is compatible with IEEE 802.11a/b standards, and the maximum speed that you can get with WRT51AB is 54 Mbps. The router has 1 x 10/100 Mbps WAN and 4 x 10/100 Mbps LAN ports.

Operating on the 2.4 GHz frequency band, the WRT51AB router offers decent wireless coverage and compatibility with a wide range of devices. Linksys has established a solid reputation as a reliable and reputable networking brand.

Linksys WRT51AB (WRT51AB) pictures

The specifications below are based on the official data published by the manufacturer, but we also take user reviews into consideration. If you found an error or something lacking in the specifications above for the Linksys WRT51AB, then don’t hesite and signal the problem to us.

Linksys WRT51AB (WRT51AB) specifications

Brand	Linksys
Name	WRT51AB
Type	WRT51AB
Rating	★★★★★ Rated 3/5 based on 1251 user votes.
Launch	2002

Body

Dimensions	186 x 48 x 175 mm
Weight	400 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, such as larger fans or heat sinks, which can help dissipate heat more effectively. The weight of router is not typically a critical factor for most home or office setups.

System

Chipset	Broadcom BCM4702 @ 125 MHz
RAM	16 MB
Flash	4 MB
OS	Linksys
Power supply	5 V / 2.5 A

The Linksys WRT51AB router is equipped with Broadcom BCM4702 @ 125 MHz processor. The router's memory (16 MB) cannot be expanded. When choosing a router, it is important to consider both the flash memory and RAM specifications. The WRT51AB has 4 MB of flash. A larger flash memory allows for more space to store configuration backups. It enables you to save multiple versions of your router's configuration settings, which can be useful for restoring previous configurations or reverting changes if needed.

Within the WRT51AB router's interface, look for a section related to firmware or system settings. The exact location and wording may vary depending on the router's make and model. The Linksys WRT51AB router comes with 5 V / 2.5 A PSU. This unit is responsible for providing electrical power to the router, and if it becomes faulty, it can be replaced with a new, compatible 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 WRT51AB router supports multiple networking standards to ensure compatibility with various devices and systems. The IPv4 is the fourth iteration of the Internet Protocol (IP) and is the most widely used version of IP on the internet today. The Linksys WRT51AB has 4 x 10/100 Mbps LAN and 1 x 10/100 Mbps WAN ports. LAN or Ethernet ports (RJ-45) are used to connect devices to the local area network (LAN).

WAN ports are the entry point to your local network, making them a potential target for unauthorized access or attacks. It's important to secure your WAN connection by using strong passwords, enabling encryption protocols, and keeping the router's firmware up to date to mitigate security risks. The WAN port on the WRT51AB router is a Fast Ethernet port, not a Gigabit Ethernet. The Fast Ethernet ports are capable of supporting speeds up to 100 Mbps, which is still suitable for most internet connections.

Wireless

Antennas	2 x 5 dBi RP-SMA
2.4 GHz	yes
5 GHz	no
60 GHz	no
Standards	IEEE 802.11a/b
Class	G54
Speed	54 Mbps
Transmit power	18 dBm
Security	WEP
Guest network	no

This router has 2 x 5 dBi, RP-SMA antennas. Antennas play a significant role in Wi-Fi performance and coverage. They are essential components of wireless routers that transmit and receive radio signals to establish wireless connections with devices. The WRT51AB is compatible with 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. Many IoT (Internet of Things) devices, smart home devices, and older Wi-Fi-enabled devices primarily operate on the 2.4 GHz band.

The G54 is a performance indicator that represents the router's theoretical maximum speed. The theoretical maximum speed (54 Mbps) represents the highest data transfer rate that the router is capable of achieving under ideal conditions. The TX power (18 dBm) of a router refers to the transmission power or signal strength at which the router broadcasts its Wi-Fi signal. It determines the range and coverage area of the wireless network.

The WRT51AB router offers several security protocols: WEP. The WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) was the first security protocol for Wi-Fi networks but is now considered weak and easily compromised. It uses a static encryption key and has known vulnerabilities, so it is no longer recommended for securing Wi-Fi networks.

Connectivity

USB ports	no
Print server	no
File server	no

The WRT51AB router doesn't have file-server or print-server functionality.

Administration

Default IP	192.168.1.1
Default username	admin
Default password	admin

The default IP addresses of the Linksys WRT51AB device is 192.168.1.1. These address allows you to access the router's console login page. Regularly changing the password is a good security practice to protect your network and devices from unauthorized access. It is also recommended to use strong, unique passwords for other devices and online accounts connected to your network for enhanced security. By changing the default password, you improve the security of your router and reduce the risk of unauthorized individuals gaining control over your network. It helps prevent unauthorized access to your router's settings, network configurations, and sensitive information.