In search of a router with cool bundled features? Then the Linksys WRT54G Wireless-G Broadband Router will be your perfect choice! A 3-in-1 home gateway device, Linksys WRT54G works as a wireless access point, connecting your wireless devices, computers, and smartphones to your device without the use of wires.
That is its main function. But that is not all of it! It also acts as a built-in 4-port full-duplex 10/100 switch to link your wired devices to the router through the use of Ethernet cables. Another integrated role of the Linksys WRT54G is that it also performs as a DHCP server with powerful firewall to protect your computer against intruders and other internet attacks.
If these features interest you, we encourage you to keep on reading! Go and check out our in-depth Linksys WRT54G review to get acquainted with the router’s other unique features, specifications, pros and cons, and other guidelines.
Why Choose Linksys WRT54G Wireless-G Broadband Router?
The Linksys WRT54G makes it easy and convenient to set up a residential or office network. It comes with all the necessary documentation you need to install, configure, and get it running. It is jam-packed with a wealth of basic and advanced security, and networking features.
In terms of Internet speed capacity, Linksys WRT54G works fast with networks with 802.11b and 802.11g connections. But before you get there, there is a little cink on the road. Once you decide to purchase the Linksys WRT54G, the router’s quick installation guide does not cover all possible networking setups. However, it does cover most of the essential aspects. Most homes and small offices can install and configure a network in just a few minutes! In many common setups, users are required to simply plug in the router and connect some cables.
Regarding router configuration, Linksys Wireless-G router’s browser-based configuration tool gets you inside the router’s networking and security settings including wireless encryption settings, firewall settings, the router’s DHCP server and the router’s client settings.
Linksys WRT54G is also integrated with two types of firewalls. One is a Network Address Translation (NAT) firewall that efficiently hides computers behind the router; the other is a Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) firewall that ensures packets are part of a legitimate and authenticated connection.
Another cool feature of Linksys WRT54G is that it can be configured to block application layer protocols like Telnet and FTP. Also, it’s got a DMZ feature that allows one network computer to be exposed to the Internet for use of a special-purpose service like Internet gaming or videoconferencing.
In terms of access-control policies, the Linksys WRT54G router has got you covered. Users can authorize Internet access to specific devices on your network at scheduled times of day and days of the week. Also, if you are telecommuting, Linksys WRT54G’s VPN pass-through support will assist you to work safely and securely.
This Linksys Wireless-G router has excellent wireless security, as well. You can set the router up to use WPA or WEP. WPA is short for Wi-Fi Protected Access, and is a data encryption standard. Meanwhile, WEP is short for Wired Equivalent Privacy. In case you might be wondering, WPA and WEP are two main types of encryption.
But before we go any further, let’s talk about why encryption is an important feature of any router. This is why- when your wireless router is on, it transmits a signal through the air that can be detected hundreds of feet away. When it is out in the open like that, anybody nearby can use your network, which is why It is highly recommended that you encrypt your data and also limit access to your wireless network.
Going back, WPA is more robust than WEP; however, it is crucial to have both configurations since you may want to connect to older 802.11b devices that do not have WPA support.
Another prominent capability of the Linksys WRT54G is that it helps you disable the beacon on the router’s integrated 802.11g access point. It protects you from uninvited guests by blocking the access point from advertising its presence around your network, and eventually to the public.
Linksys WRT54G is integrated with removable antennas providing you with the option of connecting high-gain antennas to the router to maximize its coverage. Overall, the Linksys WRT54G Wireless-G does an excellent job supporting standards-based equipment from other competitors including older versions of the 802.11b gear. Plus, this Linksys router stretches its internet coverage as far as 200 ft. Now, that is impressive!
Pros
Affordable Parental Control Service
Easy to Install and Configure
Fast Mixed-Mode Internet Speeds
Removable High-Gain Antennas
Up To 50% Best-Case Throughput Improvements
Upgradeable Antennas
VPN Pass-Through
Cons
Slower Enhanced Speeds
Limited Port Filtering Without The Optional Parental Control Feature
No Mounting Bracket
Poor Throughput Vs. Distance Implementation
Up To 50% Best-Case Throughput Improvements
Very Limited Wireless Monitoring
Key Features
Firewall
Integrated with SPI Firewall capability, Linksys WRT54G’s Port Range Forwarding feature allows you to configure services on your network like e-mail servers, FTP servers, web servers, and other specialized Internet connections. Users can customize and edit the Port Forwarding settings such as External Port, TCP Protocol, UDP Protocol, and IP Address as well as enable or disable each entry.
Internet Access Policy
Linksys WRT54G’s Internet Access Policy is scheduled by time and day. You can create up to 10 different policies within this feature. Each policy has its schedule and group/s of LAN computers that are connected to; however, it is an all-or-nothing proposition. This feature either authorizes or rejects all Internet access and isn’t restricted to specific ports.
Website Filters
WRT54G’s website blocking feature is provided by six keywords and four URLs. On the contrary, it has limitations when it comes to blocking ActiveX, Cookies, Java, and Web Proxies.
VPN Pass-Through
VPN features are limited to the pass-through mode for IPSec and PPTP connections. Linksys also supports a port forwarding capability to one IPSec and PPTP server, given that you provide the proper ports.
Logging
Its logging features are the most common type among all Linksys routers including the WRT54G. It has inbound and outbound traffic logs where you can have the option to clear them whenever applicable. However, users can’t save logs to a file and through the SNMP trap logging integration.
Non-NAT Mode
When your Linksys WRT54G router is in non-NAT mode, you are also authorized to configure the interfaces that Dynamic Routing RIP-1 and 2 messages are permitted to. You can define a maximum of 20 Static Routers in either Router or Gateway modes.
Other Features
Advanced Wireless
Auto-Uplink (Auto MDI/MDI-X)
DHCP Support
DMZ Port
MAC Address Filter
MAC Filter List
SecureEasySetup
Switching
Dynamic DNS
WEP
Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2)
Wireless Bridging
Specifications
| Brand | Linksys | ||
| Model | WRT54G | ||
| Standards | IEEE 802.3/3u; IEEE 802.11b/g | ||
| Device Management | Web-Based | ||
| Security | Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) Firewall; Internet Policy; Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2); WEP; Wireless MAC Filtering | ||
| WPA/WPA2 | WPA2 | ||
| WAN Ports | 1 x 10/100M WAN; 4 x 10/100M LAN | ||
| LEDs | Power; DMZ; WLAN; LAN; Internet; SecureEasySetup | ||
| Buttons | 1 x Power Port; 1 x Reset; 1 x SecureEasySetup | ||
| Wireless Data Rates | Up to 54Mbps | ||
| Frequency Band | 2.4GHz | ||
| Antenna | External Antenna | ||
| Transmitted Power | 18 dBm | ||
| Interface | Ethernet Port | ||
| Dimensions | 7.3” x 6.1” x 1.9” | ||
| Weight | 13.09 oz | ||
| Package Contents | Power Adapter; Quick Installation Guide; Resource Disk; RJ45 Cable; WRT54G | ||
| Encryption Algorithm | 128Bit WEP | ||
| Wireless Protocol | 802.11b/g | ||
| Switching Protocol | Ethernet | ||
| Connectivity Technology | Wired; Wireless | ||
| Network/Transport Protocol | IPSec; IPX/SPX; NetBEUI/NetBIOS; TCP/IP; PPTP |
How To Use
Think Linksys WRT54G Wireless-G Broadband Router will work with your home and office network? Why not turn that thinking into doing!
Learn more about its features and current price here.
Once you’ve bought the product, go and check out our simple and straightforward installation guide. To get started, do the following:
- Start the setup of your Linksys WRT54G router by plugging into the power outlet. Wait for 10 seconds to initialize the router.
- Connect the Ethernet cable into the wall jack and the port located on the back part of the router labeled Internet
- Get another Ethernet cable and plug one end into the laptop and the other end into one of the ports marked 1-4 on the router.
- Launch a web browser from the connected computer and input http://192.168.1.1 into the address bar. Press Enter
- Once you are prompted with a dialog box for your credentials to access the configuration panel of the router, input admin for username and password.
- After inputting the username and password, you will be redirected to the Setup page. Change the Router Name with your desired name. Click Save Settings. When a dialog box saying “Settings are successful” is displayed, click Continue.
- Navigate to the Wireless tab located at the top of the settings panel. Change the Wireless Network Name (SSID). You may input the same name from the Router Name. Disable the Wireless SSID Broadcast. After that, click Save Settings and then click Continue.
- Click the Wireless Security subsection from the top of the panel. Choose WEP from the Security Mode dropdown list. From the WEP Security dropdown menu, choose 128 bits 26 hex digits. Input a 6- to 8-digit password on the Passphrase field. Click Generate. After generating, click Save Settings and then click Continue.
- Click the Wireless MAC Filter subsection from the top of the panel. Enable the Wireless MAC Filter option. Choose the Permit Only PCs listed to access the Wi-Fi network. After that, click Save Settings and then click Continue.
Note: Configuring a MAC Address Filter List will block unauthorized computers from using your connection. - Click the Edit MAC Filter List button to open a new pop-up window. You can input the MAC Address, otherwise known as Physical Address, for each computer that you will be utilizing to connect to your Wi-Fi network. Once done, click the Save Settings button and click Continue.
- Click the Administration tab from the top part of the panel. Modify the default password for accessing your Linksys WRT54G router’s setup page by inputting a new password in the Router Password textbox. After that, click Save Settings and click Continue.Note: The password should be different from the one you configured for WEP Encryption. It must be six to eight characters in length.
About Linksys
Acquired by Belkin International, Linksys is an American company that specializes in selling data networking hardware products for home and small businesses. The company has revolutionized people’s daily lives through its wide range of products including wired and wireless routers, network storage systems, audiovisual products, VoIP equipment, and other network-related equipment.
As a whole, Belkin’s diverse products all have one thing in common – they are known for their simplicity, convenience, and ease of use. Linksys is, of course, a part of that. But as a stand-alone brand, Linkys has definitely brought in a lot. It has helped boost the popularity of wireless connectivity around the globe through its data networking hardware products Linksys products are sold to consumers off-the-shelf from consumer electronics stores, Internet retailers, and big-box retail stores such as supermarkets.
In 2012, Belkin International welcomed the newest member of their family, Wemo, a group of innovative products that allows users to monitor, measure, and manage their home right from their mobile device.
Final Thoughts
Out of all the things we’ve discussed we haven’t mentioned this. But it should be mentioned because it is important and it’s what makes Linksys WRT54G Wireless-G Broadband Router so special.
Linksys WRT54G Wireless-G Broadband Router is one of the most iconic routers in the world. Many people will forever remember Linksys WRT54G Wireless-G Broadband Router because it was one of the first routers they owned, a device encased in a distinctive blue box with black antennas coming out from its square-shaped structure.
All of these things point to one thing – the WRT54G is the most memorable, and most easily recognizable model of consumer networking hardware in the market today. And it is still a remarkably popular wireless router despite having been released more than a decade ago. In fact, Linksys has shipped over 50 million pieces of this popular device to various businesses and homes.
In a statement made to the media, Linksys said that they brought back the WRT54G to respond to customer’s requests for a router that is reliable, functional, with open source capabilities, and today’s AC wireless technology.
If that is also what you are looking for, the Linksys WRT54G Wireless-G Broadband Router will be a great fit for you. But if you are still keeping your options open, and would like to know more about other wireless routers available in the market, feel free to check out other wireless router reviews to find the best router for your home and office network needs.
