WRT54G
The WRT54G is a popular wireless router product from Linksys. The device is capable of sharing Internet connections among several computers via 802.3 Ethernet and 802.11g wireless data links.
The WRT54G is unique among consumer-level network devices in that Linksys' developers have released the firmware source code for the router under the GPL. This allows programming enthusiasts to modify the firmware to change or add functionality to the device. Several development projects have been started to provide the public with enhanced firmware for the WRT54G. See Third party firmware projects.
The original WRT54G featured a 125 MHz MIPS CPU with 16 megabytes of SRAM and 4 megabytes of flash memory for storing the firmware. Later revisions increased the CPU speed to 200 MHz and doubled both the SRAM and flash memory to 32 MB and 8 MB, respectively. All models come standard with a four-port network switch and a wireless chipset by Broadcom which provides Wi-Fi connectivity.
Hardware revisions
| WRT54G version | CPU speed | SRAM | Flash memory | Miscellaneous |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | 125 MHz | 16 MB | 4 MB | 20 front panel LEDs (including link/activity, collision detection and speed rating indicators for each RJ-45 port). Wireless capability was provided by a Mini PCI card attached to the router motherboard. |
| 1.1 | 125 MHz | 16 MB | 4 MB | Front panel LEDs reduced to 8 (1 link/activity LED per port, plus one each for power, wireless, DMZ and WAN/Internet connectivity). Wireless chipset integrated onto motherboard. |
| 2.0 | 200 MHz | 16 MB | 4 MB | Same as 1.1 with a CPU upgrade and more wireless transmitter integration (fewer transmitter parts). |
| 2.2 | 200 MHz | 32 MB | 8 MB | Same physical appearance as 1.1 and 2.0 models. Doubled flash memory and SRAM. |
| 3.0 | 200 MHz | 32 MB | 8 MB | Identical to 1.1 and later models. Undocumented switch behind left front panel intended for use with a feature called "Secure EZ Setup" for setting up wireless security. |
Third party firmware projects
Relevant links
- SeattleWireless wrt54g page [6]
- Linksys WRT54G/GS Hardware Versions [7]
- Flash/audio showing how to configure a Linksys WRT54G to share your broadband connection wirelessly.
Categories: Wireless networking | Dedicated routers