Linksys WRT54GS2 WiFi router: Pros and Cons

Linksys WRT54GS2 (WRT54GS2) 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 WRT54GS2, then don’t hesite and signal the problem to us.

Linksys WRT54GS2 (WRT54GS2) specifications

Body

If you plan to move or travel frequently and need to take your router with you, the dimensions become important for portability. Smaller and more compact routers are generally easier to transport, while larger routers with external antennas or multiple ports may be bulkier and less convenient to carry. The weight of router is not typically a critical factor for most home or office setups.

System

The Broadcom BCM5354 @ 240 MHz CPU provides processing power to handle various tasks and services within the WRT54GS2 router. 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 WRT54GS2 has 2 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 WRT54GS2 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. Alternative router operating systems often provide more customization options and advanced features compared to the default firmware provided by router manufacturers. The Linksys packages the WRT54GS2 router with 12 V / 0.5 A PSU. A good PSU is an essential component of a computer or electronic device that converts electrical power from an outlet into the appropriate voltage and current required to power the internal components of the device.

Network

The WRT54GS2 router supports multiple networking standards to ensure compatibility with various 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 LAN ports are physical connectors on a WRT54GS2 router that allow you to connect devices to your local network using Ethernet cables. 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 WRT54GS2 is equipped with Fast Ethernet WAN port, which have a maximum speed of 100 Mbps.

Wireless

The 2 x 2 dBi, internal antennas of WRT54GS2 influence the quality and stability of the Wi-Fi signal. A properly positioned and well-designed antenna can minimize interference and signal degradation, leading to a more reliable and stable connection. The WRT54GS2 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.

If you have a small network with older devices and basic internet needs, an 802.11g router may still be adequate. It is generally worth upgrading from an 802.11g router to a more recent Wi-Fi router. 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 of WRT54GS2 can be adjusted by the user or set automatically by the router firmware. Higher TX power values indicate stronger signal transmission, which can result in a larger coverage area. The WRT54GS2 router offers several security protocols: WEP, WPA. 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

The WRT54GS2 router doesn't have file-server or print-server functionality.

Administration

The default IP address of this router is 192.168.1.1. Explore the router's configuration interface to access more advanced settings such as port forwarding, DHCP settings, parental controls, firewall settings, and QoS (Quality of Service) settings. 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.

Linksys WRT54GS2 (WRT54GS2) comparisons

According to our statistics, the Linksys WRT54GS2 router was most often compared on our site with the following routers.

Linksys WRT330N Linksys WRT1900AC Linksys WRT54GL v1 Linksys WRT54GX4 Linksys E5600 Dual-Band AC1200 WiFi 5 Linksys EA6200 Smart Wi-Fi AC900 Linksys E8450 Dual-Band AX3200 Linksys WRT55AG

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