Linksys WRT54GS2 router review
The Linksys WRT54GS2 (WRT54GS2) router released in 2008. It is powered by Broadcom BCM5354 @ 240 MHz chipset, 16 MB of RAM and 2 MB of flash. The G54 router is compatible with IEEE 802.11b/g standards, and the maximum speed that you can get with WRT54GS2 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 WRT54GS2, please let us know. Furthermore, we strive to deliver a thorough and precise overview.
The WRT54GS2 has a user-friendly interface. It is accessible to users with varying levels of expertise. Linksys places a strong emphasis on network security.
Linksys WRT54GS2 specifications
| Brand | Linksys |
|---|---|
| Name | WRT54GS2 |
| Type | WRT54GS2 |
| Rating | |
| Launch | 2008 |
Body
| Dimensions | 203 x 35 x 160 mm |
|---|---|
| Weight | 280 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. The weight of router is not typically a critical factor for most home or office setups.
System
| Chipset | Broadcom BCM5354 @ 240 MHz |
|---|---|
| RAM | 16 MB |
| Flash | 2 MB |
| OS | Linksys |
| Alternative OS | DD-WRT |
| Power supply | 12 V / 0.5 A |
The Broadcom BCM5354 @ 240 MHz CPU provides processing power. It handles tasks and services within the WRT54GS2 router. You cannot expand the router's memory (16 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. 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. The Linksys packages the WRT54GS2 router with 12 V / 0.5 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 |
The router supports many networking standards. It ensures compatibility with different devices and systems. The IPv4 uses 32-bit addresses, represented as four sets of numbers separated by periods (e.g. 192.168.0.1). The WRT54GS2 features a Fast Ethernet WAN port that has a maximum speed of 100 Mbps.
Wireless
| Antennas | 2 x 2 dBi internal |
|---|---|
| 2.4 GHz | yes |
| 5 GHz | no |
| 60 GHz | no |
| Standards | IEEE 802.11b/g |
| Class | G54 |
| Speed | 54 Mbps |
| Transmit power | 18 dBm |
| Security | WEP WPA |
| Guest network | no |
A well-positioned antenna can reduce interference and signal weakening. This leads to a more reliable connection. Many IoT devices, smart home devices, and older Wi-Fi devices mainly use the 2.4 GHz band. If you have a small network with older devices and basic internet needs, an 802.11g router may still be adequate. 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.
Connectivity
| USB ports | no |
|---|---|
| Print server | no |
| File server | no |
The WRT54GS2 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
- 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 WRT54GS2 photos
If there’s information about the Linksys WRT54GS2 that you would like to see on this site, then write to us.
