Linksys WRT54G2
Linksys (as is its parent company Cisco) is a well known name when it comes to networking equipment. Linksys has been the de-facto brand most choose when setting up a home network or a SOHO network. Cisco, on the other hand, is better known when it comes to enterprise grade network equipment. So it is no wonder why two well known brands merged into one company to provide all around networking equipment.
Coming back to home networking, most network savvy people are familiar with the name WRT54G. The WRT54G is the de-facto router when it came to home networking for a number of years. The router had a simple design, and was instantly recognizable due to its rather large size and signature black and blue case. It offered the standard functionality that most routers of the day provided, but in a more stable and user friendly fashion. As soon as the router came out, developers figured out how to put alternative firmware on the device. This allowed for the addition of new features without buying new hardly. Shortly thereafter, the device became a best seller.
Ever since the introduction of the WRT54G, it has remained the same externally. So Linksys has decided to update the look while keeping the spirit (and most of the internal parts) the same. This is most likely the reason why the number 2 was added at the end of the name.
Coming back to home networking, most network savvy people are familiar with the name WRT54G. The WRT54G is the de-facto router when it came to home networking for a number of years. The router had a simple design, and was instantly recognizable due to its rather large size and signature black and blue case. It offered the standard functionality that most routers of the day provided, but in a more stable and user friendly fashion. As soon as the router came out, developers figured out how to put alternative firmware on the device. This allowed for the addition of new features without buying new hardly. Shortly thereafter, the device became a best seller.
Ever since the introduction of the WRT54G, it has remained the same externally. So Linksys has decided to update the look while keeping the spirit (and most of the internal parts) the same. This is most likely the reason why the number 2 was added at the end of the name.
Besides the extra 2 at the end, the WRT54G2 is essentially the latest WRT54G inside a new shell. It still offers the same 54 Mbps wireless radio and 4 10/100 ports that the original did.
Design
Essentially, the WRT54G2 is the latest WRT54G wrapped in a nice new package. Instead of the boxy old design of the original (which was stackable and more stable), the WRT54G2 is a squircle like shape. This redesign also did away with the external antennas, and replaced them with internal ones. While this may not be good for people looking for extra range, it certainly improves the aesthetics of the device.
The device has a number of bright green LEDs in the front to indicate the status of the device. This includes such things as the Ethernet ports, internet connection, wireless usage, and, of course, power and boot status.
At the business end of the device, you will find neatly hidden Ethernet ports behind an overhang at the back of the device. There are four ports for the local network and one for the internet connection. Likewise, there is a power connector for plugging in the power brick. As a side note, the power brick is not longer a large and unsightly rectangle; rather, it is a smaller black and grey rectangle about 1/3 the size and is very power efficient.
The device generates quite a bit of heat, and requires plenty of ventilation. This is evident by the bottom of the device, which has many perforations for air to get it. It appears that mounting it vertically, for which the device was designed for as well, allows for better ventilation. Unfortunately, no mount is provided for placing it vertically on a desk (although it can be hung from a wall).
The device has a number of bright green LEDs in the front to indicate the status of the device. This includes such things as the Ethernet ports, internet connection, wireless usage, and, of course, power and boot status.
At the business end of the device, you will find neatly hidden Ethernet ports behind an overhang at the back of the device. There are four ports for the local network and one for the internet connection. Likewise, there is a power connector for plugging in the power brick. As a side note, the power brick is not longer a large and unsightly rectangle; rather, it is a smaller black and grey rectangle about 1/3 the size and is very power efficient.
The device generates quite a bit of heat, and requires plenty of ventilation. This is evident by the bottom of the device, which has many perforations for air to get it. It appears that mounting it vertically, for which the device was designed for as well, allows for better ventilation. Unfortunately, no mount is provided for placing it vertically on a desk (although it can be hung from a wall).
Web Interface
The router has the standard new Linksys user interface as is in all new design routers available (such as the WRT300N). The user interface is concise and straightforward. In addition, there is a CD that comes with software that will automatically configure the router for you in most cases.
The web interface can be accessed via both secure and unsecure methods. The whole website is protected by a username and password, where a blank username and "admin" as the password.
UPnP can also be enabled to allow for easy port forwarding. The Cisco HNAP protocol can also be used for the same functions, but only the included application on the CD can use it in a limited manner (no port forwarding).
You may ask what Cisco Web Assistant is. It basically redirects you to the Cisco custom Google search when a web site is non existent.
The current wireless client list is somewhat of a mystery on this interface. To find it, you will need to enable wireless MAC filtering and go through 2 dialogs in order for it to be shown. However, the DHCP client list is easily accessible. There are also some hidden pages that display additional product information or cause the router to freeze.
lastpassword.htm - displays the last password
language.htm - allows a language pack to be uploaded
Quarantined.htm - pages that is shown when your PC is quarantined from the network
Reset.htm - resets the device
sysinfo.htm - system information
test.htm - freezes the device until power is reset
wlaninfo.htm - displays some additional WLAN info
Although some of the above pages certainly display some sensitive information, they are all protected via password.
Performance
The device performs very well under the stress of the use of BitTorrent clients. While we did no concrete tests of throughput and latency, it suffices to say that no residential internet connection will overwhelm this router.
Even though there is no external antenna, the range is comparable to that of the WRT54G. In most apartment and single storey houses, range shouldn't be an issue.
Alternative Firmware
Currently, there is a way to replace the firmware on the device with DD-WRT Micro edition. This involves an (almost) irreversible change from the default VXWorks operating system to Linux. If something should go wrong, or should you decide to switch back to the Linksys firmware, you will need some soldering skills and plenty of time. Likewise, you would need to solder JTAG pins before upgrading to make a backup that will allow you to restore the original firmware. Currently, users using DD-WRT on this device are reporting better performance and more features. There have been a few complaints about bricking the device as well, so please use caution if you decide to change the firmware on the device.
Value
The router can be had for around $40 USD. Even better, the refurbished model can be had for as low as $15 USD! Certainly you will be paying for the new look compared to the regular WRT54G.
Conclusion
The router certainly is of good value and certainly has a nice design. However, mostly importantly, it offers solid performance for a consumer grade router.
Considering the price of this router and the features it offers (or can offer with a little bit of extra work), it definitely makes it a Top Value pick.
Design: 9/10
Web Interface: 8/10
Value: 7/10 (or 10/10 refurbished)
Overall: 9/10