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Linksys WRT54G

details: Broadband router with built-in 4-port switch and a Wireless-G Access Point
hardware type: Wireless Router
date added: 2006-02-03
updated: 2020-04-11
There are several hardware revision of this device.

v5.0 of the unit is completely different, with half the flash memory and RAM, and doesn't run Linux (it is VxWorks based). v1.0 - v4.0 devices are Linux based (CyberTAN).

Linksys has also re-released the old Linux based version as the WRT54GL. They seem to be 100% identical to the original WRT54G v4.0 units.

WRT54G H/W Version Identification:
CDF0 = WRT54G v1.0 (Broadcom 4712 @ 200MHz, 2MB Flash, 8MB RAM)
CDF1 = WRT54G v1.0 (Broadcom 4710 @ 125MHz, 4MB Flash, 16MB RAM)
CDF2 = WRT54G v1.1 (Broadcom 4710 @ 125MHz, 4MB Flash, 16MB RAM)
CDF3 = WRT54G v1.1 (Broadcom 4710 @ 125MHz, 4MB Flash, 16MB RAM)
CDF5 = WRT54G v2.0 (Broadcom 4712 @ 200MHz, 4MB Flash, 16MB RAM)
CDF7 = WRT54G v2.2 (Broadcom 4712 @ 200MHz, 4MB Flash, 16MB RAM)
CDF8 = WRT54G v3.0 (Broadcom 4712 @ 200MHz, 4MB Flash, 16MB RAM)
CDF9 = WRT54G v3.1 (Broadcom 4712 @ 200MHz, 4MB Flash, 16MB RAM)
CDFA = WRT54G v4.0 (Broadcom 5352 @ 200MHz, 4MB Flash, 16MB RAM)
CDFB = WRT54G v5.0 (Broadcom 5352 @ 200MHz, 2MB Flash, 8MB RAM) - version 5 is VxWorks based, and does not support third-party firmware.

Third-party firmware sites:
http://www.dd-wrt.com/
http://openwrt.org/
http://www.sveasoft.com/ (see also: http://wrt54g.thermoman.de/)
 
 

» Forums search for Linksys WRT54G
 
 WRT54G Features
 General
 Availability: discontinued
 Release Date: 2002-11-18
 List price: $89
 Street price: $54
 Warranty: 3 year(s)
 LAN / WAN Connectivity
 WAN ports: 1
 WAN port(s) type: 10/100 Base-TX (RJ-45)
 WAN port auto cross-over: no
 LAN ports: 4
 LAN ports type: 10/100 Base-TX (RJ-45)
 LAN ports auto cross-over: yes
 USB port(s): 0
 Serial port: no
 Router
 NAT routing: yes
 Multihomed: yes
 DMZ: yes
 Port forwarding: yes
 Port forwarding of ranges: yes
 Port triggering: yes
 DHCP server: yes
 DHCP client: yes
 Dynamic DNS client: yes
 QoS: yes
 ToS / DiffServ: yes
 UPnP: yes
 Routing Protocols: RIP v1 (static routing, RFC 1058)
RIP v2 (dynamic routing, RFC1389)
 DSL
 PPPoE client: yes
 Wireless
 Maximum Wireless Speed: 54 Mbps
 WiFi standards supported: 802.11b (Wi-Fi 1)
802.11g (Wi-Fi 3)
 Wifi security/authentication: WEP
WPA (TKIP)
WPA2 (AES)
 WiFi modes: Access point
Wireless client
Wireless bridge (PtP)
Repeater mode
 internal antenna(s): 0
 external antenna(s): 2
 ext antenna(s) removable ?: yes
 Antenna connector: RP-TNC (Reverse TNC)
 Transmit Power: +15 dBm
 Default SSID: linksys
 WDS compatible: yes
 VPN
 RADIUS support: yes
  IPSec
 IPSec server: yes
 IPSec client: yes
 IPSec passthrough: yes
  L2TP
 L2TP passthrough: yes
  PPTP
 PPTP server: yes
 PPTP client: yes
 PPTP passthrough: yes
 Firewall
 SPI firewall: yes
 DoS / DDoS protection: yes
 Security log: yes
 Filtering: Domain/URL blocking, MAC Address filtering, keyword/content filtering, date/time scheduling, Java, ActiveX, Cookie
 Device Management
 Default IP address: 192.168.1.1
 Default admin username: (blank)
 Default admin password: admin
 Administration: Web-based (LAN)
Remote configuration (WAN)
Quick Setup Wizard
SSL secure web
 Firmware upgradeable: yes
 Misc hardware info
 Chipset: varies with h/w revision
 RAM: 16 Mb
 Flash Memory: 4 Mb
 SNMP support: SNMP v.1, SNMP v.2, SNMP v.3
 NTP client: yes
 Power over Ethernet (PoE): no
 Third-party firmware support: yes
DD-WRT
 Notes: IPSec VPN features, and PPTP client/server mode available using third-party firmware. Some h/w revisions have 8 Mb RAM, 2 Mb Flash Memory.
 Links
 Product page: https://www.linksys.com/us/

Please use the Add Comment function below to review devices you have used (please be descriptive). If you find an error in our database, or have additional information about the product, please
  User Reviews/Comments:
    rate:
   avg:
by Jerry - 2006-02-17 11:35
I had trouble getting the WRT54G to not disconnect every few hours from the internet when I first got it. There is a setting on the setup page of the router's software that automatically disconnects from the internet every 5 minutes (this can be changed). There is also a choice to remain connected. Once I changed that setting, the router works the way it is supposed to. I live in a 3 story wood house and the coverage is great. Every room, including the backyard, gets a strong signal. There are 3 PCs and 2 Apples connected to the network and all work fine. I am very happy with this product.
by RoscoPColtrane - 2006-02-27 23:20
Great wireless router. Doesn't have the MIMO features that are upcoming however works great. Amazing ability to be customized with aftermarket updates. No problems for either a novice or expert. Plug it in and go or secure it with WPA encryption. Two thumbs up!!
by juanm_12 - 2006-04-11 10:26
I switched wireless to this router, it works flawlessly with the nintendo ds (in fact it is a tested router in nintendo wifi) and notebook ;P and fully customizable, (I tried to get the ver. 4 but I guess they only sell 5īs out there)

I found interesting the "one touch setup" in the unit (when you push it, it "restores" your wireless configuration) but I've ignored it, I prefer to set it up manually.

For everything else, a very good option :)
by anonymous - 2006-05-22 13:11
Quote:
Subject: Its done.
DD-WRT v23 SP1 final is now available for download in the following distributions:
micro - made for low memory and flash space devices. its does support the WRT54G/GS v5 too.

http://www.dd-wrt.com/dd-wrtv2/index.php

Just thought the guy with the v5 would like to know.
by juanm_12 - 2006-08-20 02:03
UPDATE

i try to upload the dd-wrt firmware in my v5 and works well, but then i try to go back to vxworks (linksys) firmware but was in that moment that my router got bricked.. (the 4 lan leds lit)

so i check the internet and check how to make a JTAG cable and get all the files i need:
-HairyDairyMaid
-A working CFE.bin
-A recent release of dd-wrt.bin ----> i renamed it to kernel.bin

copy all the files in the same dir as HairyDairyMaid and these are the command i run on HairyDairyMaid in the prompt

wrt54g -erase:wholeflash /noemw

wrt54g -flash:cfe /noemw

wrt54g -flash:kernel /noemw (90mins)

**in the wiki said that just load the cfe.bin and then tftp the ddwrt but didnt work for me :( i need to wait 90 mins to load via JTAG)**

in the end i got my router back to life and i learn a lesson ;) , so be carefull and patient, and yes it worth change, the linux firmware is better than the vxworks in WRT54g V5 i got more option and more control over my router.
by juanm_12 - 2006-08-20 02:04
thanks for the info =D
by anonymous - 2007-05-14 23:16
i have a wrt54g
by dobs - 2007-06-01 22:23
I have a WRT54G (v7) and was having problems with uPnP and utorrent.

After reading several posts on various forums i upgraded my firmware to v7.00.4

One of the many problems that have been fixed and resolved.

"Resolves intermittent reboot issue when BitTorrent is running when UPnP is enabled on the router."
by edwardo1010 - 2008-01-20 17:40
my v8 sucks, it will quit using its security and then non of my gaming machines will work...
by Philip - 2008-09-20 17:23
I love the added functionality of 3rd party firmware (using dd-wrt), and the ability to easily change/upgrade antennas.

Sometimes if power flickers (I don't have it behind UPS), it would freeze and I need to unplug it for it to start working again. Other than that it's been one of the best routers I've used.
by anonymous - 2008-10-07 00:45
The router has had a long lifcycle, and the version number of this model series is VERY important.

I have owned various WRT54G's with different revision #'s, and the performance varies a lot.

Although they have identical packaging, watch out for routers from big retail store chains that are big enough to buy huge batches at one time, since they tend to get special runs made by cheaper factories.
Let's just say that I've purchased several dozen units (at different times) from a very large store with a smiley face mascot that burned out within a few days or weeks, and 'identical' units from other retailers that have taken straight up ABUSE for YEARS without so much as a whimper.

They do tend to heat up quite a bit, so make sure they're well-ventilated & if you stack them be sure you have some kind of fan or other forced airflow.
by anonymous - 2009-01-04 20:19
I have a problem with linksys router. i need a firmware for repairing my router, thank you so much
by DaVince - 2009-03-19 15:44
I have a WRT54G v7, with firmware update 7.00.4, and it STILL acts weird with BitTorrent! What happens is this: after having had the torrent client open for a while, any data I try to send/upload to any other application fails after only a few kilobytes of transferring. The whole connection becomes noticeably slow too - until I reset the router (no, not until I close my torrent client!)

If I keep it running long enough while using the connection for other things too my router sometimes becomes completely unstable and I fully lose my internet connection and/or my PC keeps dis/reconnecting to the wireless network.

Does anyone have any suggestions or fixes?
by ai-computers - 2009-06-02 19:32
i have the same problem when bittorrent or edonky client is runnig, any solution for htis ?
by anonymous - 2009-08-08 16:16
my router keeps loosing the connection every 3 min or so all lights flash and i get disconnected from my network pc based this router sucks i threw it in the garbage!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by id104335409 - 2009-09-19 02:15
I think it sucks. It cuts you off after a few hours of intense surfing or torrent download. It just blocks!!! You are still connected, but no signal. The only solution is to unplug the power cable for a few seconds. I did change the original firmware wich had the same problem and it worked just fine for about six monts. I thought this is it, but no!!! It is imposible to work with this piece of junk!
by OldTimeCoder - 2009-10-23 01:14
Great Router. I lucked out and got a V4.0 off the clearance table. Been using Tomato firmware for last 2-3 years. Will probably move to dd-wrt in the near future, 'cause a Linux guru I respect has so recommended.
by ToMz - 2010-03-03 18:34
DO NOT BUY THIS ROUTER .... CRAP !!
by REG - 2010-04-06 09:33
Great router.

How do you set up in static/repeater mode?
by AttyVic - 2010-09-23 01:10
I cannot find the setup portion that you say will stop my router from disconnecting. Can you be more specific or walk me through it. My Router is WRT54G ver.7
Thanks, my email is AttyVic@gmail.com
Hoping for your early reply,
Vic
by Andrew - 2014-12-15 18:45
I have a version 2 flashed with tomato and its 2014 and I dont remember when it last dropped a connection. Stability and longevity.
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