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apparently WRTSL54GS has one antenna, according to LinkSys
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Later revisions increased the CPU speed to 200 MHz, and the later Linksys firmware overclocks the [[MIPS architecture|MIPS]] processor to 216 MHz to resolve stability issues. Both the RAM and flash memory were doubled to 32 MB and 8 MB, respectively, in the WRT54GS, although both quantities were reduced again in later models. All models come standard with a 4+1 ports [[network switch]] (the Internet/WAN port is also in the same switch, but on a different [[VLAN]]) and a wireless [[chipset]] by [[Broadcom]] which provides Wi-Fi connectivity.
Later revisions increased the CPU speed to 200 MHz, and the later Linksys firmware overclocks the [[MIPS architecture|MIPS]] processor to 216 MHz to resolve stability issues. Both the RAM and flash memory were doubled to 32 MB and 8 MB, respectively, in the WRT54GS, although both quantities were reduced again in later models. All models come standard with a 4+1 ports [[network switch]] (the Internet/WAN port is also in the same switch, but on a different [[VLAN]]) and a wireless [[chipset]] by [[Broadcom]] which provides Wi-Fi connectivity.


The devices have two removable antennas connected through Reverse Polarity [[Threaded Neill-Concelman connector|TNC]] connectors (except WRTSL54GS).
The devices have two removable antennas connected through Reverse Polarity [[Threaded Neill-Concelman connector|TNC]] connectors (except WRTSL54GS which has one antenna).


==Hardware revisions==
==Hardware revisions==

Revision as of 13:17, 27 November 2006

File:Wrt54g.jpg
Linksys WRT54G version 3.1

The WRT54G, WRT54GS, WRT54GL, and WRTSL54GS are popular Wi-Fi router products from Linksys. The devices are capable of sharing Internet connections among several computers via 802.3 Ethernet and 802.11b/g wireless data links. The original WRT54G was first released in 2003. The WRT54GS is nearly identical except for additional RAM and SpeedBooster™ software. Linksys released the WRT54GL in 2005 to support third-party firmware based on Linux, after the original WRT54G line was switched from Linux to VxWorks, starting with version 5. The WRTSL54GS is similar to the WRT54GS (see: Linksys WRTSL54GS), while adding additional firmware features and a USB 2.0 port (referred to as StorageLink) which can be used for a USB hard disk or flash drive.

The WRT54G is famous for being the first consumer-level network device that had its firmware source code released to satisfy the obligations of the GNU GPL. This allows programmers 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. Later revisions increased the CPU speed to 200 MHz, and the later Linksys firmware overclocks the MIPS processor to 216 MHz to resolve stability issues. Both the RAM and flash memory were doubled to 32 MB and 8 MB, respectively, in the WRT54GS, although both quantities were reduced again in later models. All models come standard with a 4+1 ports network switch (the Internet/WAN port is also in the same switch, but on a different VLAN) and a wireless chipset by Broadcom which provides Wi-Fi connectivity.

The devices have two removable antennas connected through Reverse Polarity TNC connectors (except WRTSL54GS which has one antenna).

Hardware revisions

WRT54G version CPU speed RAM Flash memory S/N Prefix Notes
1.0 125 MHz 16 MB 4 MB CDF0
CDF1 		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 CDF2
CDF3 		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 CDF5 Same as 1.1 with a CPU upgrade and greater wireless transmitter integration (fewer transmitter parts).
2.2 216 MHz 16 MB 4 MB CDF7 Same physical appearance as 1.1 and 2.0 models. Switching chipset from ADMtek 6996L to Broadcom BCM5325EKQM. This model actually comes with 32MB of RAM but only 16MB is utilized. There is a script that can be run to unlock it to use the full 32MB.
3.0 200 MHz 16 MB 4 MB CDF8 Identical to 1.1 and later models, except for the CPU speed. Undocumented switch behind left front panel intended for use with a feature called "SecureEasySetup"[1] for setting up wireless security. This button is illuminated with a Cisco logo on it, to the left side of the router. The button's functionality can be programmed to run custom Linux shell scripts through various third-party firmware projects.
3.1 216 MHz 16 MB 4 MB CDF9 The Version 3.1 hardware is essentially the same as the Version 3.0 hardware. The SecureEasySetup button has been activated by the original firmware included in this model, even though the switch existed in Version 3.0.
4.0 200 MHz 16 MB 4 MB CDFA Broadcom BCM5352EKPB Chipset
5.0 200 MHz 8 MB 2 MB CDFB Broadcom BCM5352EKPB Chipset - Switched to VxWorks OS and reduced Flash Memory and RAM; not compatible with most 3rd party firmware. DD-WRT micro generic (released Apr 4, 2006) supports v5. See here for more information. An easier method has since been devised for flashing v5-v6 to DD-WRT. See here.
5.1 200 MHz 8 MB 2 MB CDFC Broadcom BCM5352EKPB Chipset
6.0 200 MHz 8 MB 2 MB CDFD Broadcom BCM5352EKBG Chipset
7.0 8 MB 2 MB CDFE Atheros AR2317 Chipset - It is probable that this version disables the use of third party firmware completely due to new hardware implications.
WRT54GS version CPU speed RAM Flash memory S/N Prefix Notes
1.0 200 MHz 32 MB 8 MB CGN0
CGN1 		Added SpeedBooster technology (Broadcom Afterburner technology), boosting the throughput of 802.11g by 30% (for maximum boost needs SpeedBooster technology on the other side, but will boost standard 802.11g as well)
1.1 200 MHz 32 MB 8 MB CGN2 Chipset changed from ADMtek 6996L to Broadcom BCM5325EKQM.
2.0 200 MHz 32 MB 8 MB CGN3 10 LED Front Panel (two new ones behind Cisco logo button). Also capable of SecureEasySetup, but use of the logo button and lighting of the new LEDs behind it requires firmware upgrade. Use Hynix RAM.
2.1 216 MHz 32 MB 8 MB CGN4 Add SecureEasySetup. Radio chip is changed from BCM2050 to BCM2050KML.
3.0 200 MHz 32 MB 8 MB CGN5 Use System-on-Chip: processor, MAC, and switching are handled by Broadcom BCM5352EKBP.
4.0 200 MHz 16 MB 4 MB CGN6 Reduced RAM & Flash
5.0 200 MHz 16 MB 2 MB CGN7 As of Jan 2006 - Switched to VxWorks OS and reduced Flash Memory; not compatible with most 3rd party firmware, except DD-WRT micro edition. See here for more information. An easier method has since been devised for flashing v5-v6 to DD-WRT. See here.
5.1 200 MHz 16 MB 2 MB CGN8 Still using VxWorks OS.
6.0 200 MHz 16 MB 2 MB CGN9 DD-WRT micro edition works on this edition. See version 5.0 notes.
WRT54GL version CPU speed RAM Flash memory S/N Prefix Notes
1.0 200 MHz 16 MB 4 MB CL7A New model line, released after the version 5 WRT54G, which returns to a Linux-based internal OS as opposed to the v5's VxWorks firmware. NOT SpeedBooster enabled in stock state (third party firmwares however, like DD-WRT, will enable the SpeedBooster feature on this model, as it is hardware independent). Essentially the same as the WRT54G version 4.0, but with a new model number.
1.1 200 MHz 16 MB 4 MB CL7B No known major differences; however, in August 2006, this version was shipping with firmware revision 4.30.7, while the latest available firmware for the 1.0 version is 4.30.5. This pre-loaded firmware allows the user to upload a 4MB firmware image, whereas the pre-loaded firmware on version 1.0 limited the image to 3MB--which restricts the ability to load a full version of DD-WRT without first loading a mini version of DD-WRT.
WRTSL54GS version CPU speed RAM Flash memory S/N Prefix Notes
1.0 266 MHz 32 MB 8 MB Tom's hardware seems to have been wrong, it has been seen in the wild with only 8MB and the OpenWRT forum seems to say the same. Perhaps Tom's hardware got one before they had settled on the flash size. CJK0 Released after the WRT54GS and WRT54GL. Uses Linux-based OS. Includes SpeedBooster support, additional firmware features, and an external USB 2.0 port (StorageLink) for network storage. Uses 16MB of Intel TE28F640 flash with a Broadcom BCM4704KPB processor and Broadcom BCM5325FKQM ethernet switch.
WRT300N V1 version CPU speed RAM Flash memory S/N Prefix Notes
1.0 264 MHz 32 MB 4 MB CNP0 802.11n "draft" MIMO router with 100 Mbit/s real-world throughput. Uses Linux-based OS.

Third-party firmware projects

  • Major Projects
    • DD-WRT (Linux/GPL)
    • HyperWRT Thibor - Firmware based on stock WRT54GS firmware, HyperWRT +tofu and other additions from Thibor.
    • OpenWrt - Command line interface firmware with a JFFS2 file system for package management. (Linux/GPL)
    • Sveasoft New versions available via subscription, older versions for free.
    • Tomato - New firmware featuring a number of recent web innovations such as Web 2.0 and SVG graphs. Developed by the programmer of HyperWRT Tofu.
  • Minor projects
    • BatBox - RAM based distribution for experimenting, does not change firmware
    • Chillispot - Captive portal software that runs on WRT54G and other platforms, available under GPL
    • CoovaAP - OpenWrt-based firmware specific for hotspots w/ Coova's patched Chillispot and Wifidog (GPL)
    • Earthlink's IPv6 Firmware - IPv6 feature added to original Linksys firmware (beta-test version)
    • FreeWRT - Experimental firmware based on OpenWrt.
    • Freifunk - German software supports wireless mesh networks with OLSR, based on OpenWrt
    • OpennetFirmware - Firmware based on OpenWrt and parts of Freifunk.
    • TinyPEAP - Secure wireless authentication feature added to Linksys firmware
    • WiFi-Box - (no documentation available as of January 2006)
    • Neighbornode
    • Tarifa - Based on stock WRT54GL firmware.
    • WiFiDog Captive Portal - WiFi Dog by Ile Sans Fil, a Captive Portal software that runs on the OpenWrt platform
    • WiFiTastic - Hotspot solution for home or small business use. Features credit card billing. Runs on the OpenWrt platform
    • FON - Worldwide Hotspot sharing sponsored by Google and Skype. FON Firmware (with 2 SSIDs) for WRT54G available.
  • Deprecated projects (no longer maintained)
    • HyperWRT - Original power boost firmware project by Avenger 2.0 to stay close to official WRT54G and WRT54GS firmware but add features such as transmit power, port triggers, scripts, telnet, etc.
      • Rupan HyperWRT - Based on stock WRT54G firmware and HyperWRT.
      • HyperWRT +tofu - Based on stock WRT54GS firmware, HyperWRT and some additions.

Hardware versions affect firmware compatibility

As of January 2006, most third-party firmware is no longer compatible with version 5 of both the WRT54G and the WRT54GS. The amount of flash memory in the version 5 devices has been reduced to 2mb, too small for current Linux-based third-party firmware. (See table above for information on identifying the version based on the serial number printed on the bottom of the unit, and on the outside of the shrink-wrapped retail box.)

Some users have succeeded in flashing and running a stripped down but fully functional version of DD-WRT called 'micro' on a version 5 WRT54G.[1][2] An easier method not requiring any disassembly of the device has since been devised for flashing v5-v6 to DD-WRT.[3]

To support third-party firmware, Linksys has re-released the WRT54G v4, under the new model name WRT54GL (the 'L' in this name allegedly stands for 'Linux').

Known issues

As shipped, the Linksys firmware crashes under heavy peer-to-peer network traffic, such as BitTorrent. The reason for this crash is that Linux's connection tracking by default keeps track of old connections for five days. This five day limit quickly overwhelms the router when there are a high number of network connections, such as with BitTorrent, and can only be resolved by power cycling the router. For a detailed tutorial on how to permanently fix this issue on a pre-v5 router see the uTorrent FAQ.

Earlier versions of the Linksys firmware (<4.50.00) have a bug that causes "ghost town" effects in World of Warcraft.

Some unconfirmed reports have also been made that users cannot use VPN, specifically PPTP connections, through the new version 5 router. The best guess is that the router does not support protocol 47 (GRE) even though Linksys claims VPN pass-through support on the box.

With the switch to the VxWorks software with v5 and newer of the WRT54G and GS, replacing the previous Linux software, very high numbers of users are reporting problematic wireless connections. Symptoms include frequently dropped or unstable wireless connections, random inability to access the internet or specific web sites, and a frequent inability to see or connect to the router's wireless network. While these issues can sometimes temporarily be resolved by power cycling the router, many users report needing to power cycle the router hourly due to the very frequently vanishing network. Some users have reported that replacing the VxWorks software with DD-WRT, as described here, can help reduce or eliminate this problem. The WRT54GL still uses the original Linux firmware, and as such is not affected by this problem.

If using the default firmware that came with v5 of this router, one should upgrade at least temporarily (if you plan on running another firmware later on) to the latest release by Linksys (released 9/22/06). Earlier firmware versions contain a security hole, and an exploit exists that causes users to be peered from an IRC network through the use of a DCC command used either in the channel, or sent through a private message.

The v6 firmware revision 1.01.0 introduced a problem where the QoS page requires a valid manual upstream bandwidth value even if the upstream bandwidth is set to Auto. [4]

References

  1. ^ Berliner Quakeforen :: View topic - V5 possibilities
  2. ^ Flash your WRT54G or WRT54GS v5 series (v5, v5.1, v6) - WRT Wiki
  3. ^ Bitsum Technologies Wiki - WRT54G5 CFE
  4. ^ Re: NEW Firmware for WRT54G v5 & 6 - Wireless Routers - Linksys Community Forums

Information

Wireless Communities

  • Wireless Nomad A Canadian co-op ISP based in Toronto using WRT54GL boxes for mesh networking and free public WiFi internet access, based on OpenWrt and Chillispot, with OLSR for mesh.
  • WIFREE Another free WiFi sharing project similar to FON using a firmware which runs on the WRT54G.
  • Ile Sans Fil A Community Wireless Network project using WiFiDog and the OpenWrt firmware on the WRT54G/GS/GL and compatible firmware.
  • PobleteWireless A Community Wireless Network project using dd-wrt and the OpenWrt firmware on the WRT54G/GS/GL and compatible firmware in Spain.
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