Linksys Open Source WiFi Wireless-G Broadband Router, Speeds up to (AC1200) 1.2Gbps - WRT54GL
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-08-15. Price and availability subject to change.
Bottom line: The Linksys Open Source WiFi Wireless-G Broadband Router, Speeds up to (AC1200) 1.2Gbps - WRT54GL is a specs-and-price decision rather than a crowd-consensus one in the networking category, priced around $69.99. Check the specification table above against one or two close alternatives — on price and spec fit, not on star ratings.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Backed by Linksys's warranty and support channels
- ✓ Ships via Amazon with Prime eligibility and the standard returns policy
Cons
- ✗ Confirm socket / form-factor / power-rating compatibility against your build before ordering
- ✗ Price, stock, and Prime eligibility update from Amazon and may have changed since this page was last verified
The Linksys WRT54GL is the router that refused to die. Built on Linux and shipped specifically so you can flash open-source firmware, this Wireless-G broadband router remains a staple for anyone running DD-WRT, OpenWrt, or Tomato on cheap, proven hardware. Inside one compact 3.91 x 3.85 x 3.92 inch box you get three devices: an 802.11b/g access point topping out at 54 Mbps, a 4-port 10/100 full-duplex switch, and a router that shares a single cable or DSL connection across your whole network. Two external antennas handle coverage, WPA2 encryption secures the wireless side, and a built-in SPI…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored Linksys Open Source WiFi Wireless-G Broadband Router, Speeds up to… using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to our editorial and benchmark analysis across the networking category. Linksys's networking lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.
Common buyer scenarios for networking of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the Amazon listing before purchase. Prices, stock, and Prime eligibility update directly from Amazon's catalog and may have moved since this page was last verified.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install DD-WRT or OpenWrt on the WRT54GL?
Yes. The WRT54GL runs Linux-based firmware and Linksys sells it as an open-source router, which is why it became the standard target for DD-WRT, OpenWrt, and Tomato builds. Confirm your exact hardware revision against the firmware project's supported-device list before flashing.
How fast is the WiFi on this router?
The maximum link rate is 54 Mbps on 802.11g, with 802.11b clients falling back to 11 Mbps. Real throughput is lower than link rate. The wired ports are 10/100, so this router cannot pass more than about 100 Mbps to any device.
Does the WRT54GL really support AC1200 at 1.2Gbps?
The product title says AC1200, but the listed specifications state IEEE 802.11b/g compliance with a 54 Mbps maximum link rate and 10/100 ports. Treat this as a Wireless-G router and check the current listing directly if the discrepancy matters to your purchase.
How many devices can I plug into it?
Four wired devices connect directly to the 4-port 10/100 full-duplex switched LAN. You can expand beyond that by chaining additional switches or hubs off those ports, plus wireless clients on the 802.11b/g access point.
Does it come with a modem?
No. The package includes the router and no modem. You connect your existing cable or DSL modem to the single 10/100 WAN port, then share that connection across the wired and wireless network.
Key Features
- Linux based Internet sharing Router with built in 4 port Switch and Wireless G Access Point
- Shares a single Internet connection (10/100 WAN) with 4 Ethernet wired (10/100 switched LAN ; Compliant with the IEEE 802.11b/g protocol; LEDs: Power, DMZ, WLAN, Ethernet (1, 2, 3, 4), Internet
- Max. Link Rate:54 Mbps; Has 2 External Antennas ; supports WPA2 standards for use of the available encryption regardless of client devices and features a built in SPI firewall to prevent potential attacks from the Internet
- Interface: Ethernet Port; Ports: 1x 10/100 WAN, 4x 10/100 Switched LAN, 1x Power; Dimensions 3.91 x 3.85 x 3.92 inches/ 99.5 x 97.8 x 99.6 millimeters
- Platform Compatibility: Windows XP, Windows Vista 32/64 ; package includes router and no modem. Operating Humidity: 10 to 85 percent Noncondensing
Full Specifications
| Brand | Linksys |
|---|---|
| Color | Blue / Black |
| Voltage | 120 volts |
| Coverage | Home and Small Office Network Coverage |
| Frequency | 2.4 GHz |
| Interface | Ethernet Port; Ports: 1x 10/100 WAN, 4x 10/100 Switched LAN, 1x Power; Dimensions 3.91 x 3.85 x 3.92 inches/ 99.5 x 97.8 x 99.6 millimeters |
| Dimensions | 3.91 x 3.85 x 3.92 inch |
| Model Name | WRT54GL |
| Unit Count | 1 Count |
| Antenna Type | Fixed |
| Connectivity | Wireless, WiFi |
| Model Number | WRT54GL |
| Compatibility | Switch, Linux |
| Built-In Media | Router, Ethernet Cord, Power Adapter |
| Control Method | App |
| Connection Type | Wired |
| Controller Type | vera |
| Mfr Part Number | WRT54GL |
| Number of Ports | 4 |
| Special Feature | WPS |
Ready to buy?
Linksys Open Source WiFi Wireless-G Broadband Router, Speeds up to (AC1200) 1.2Gbps - WRT54GL is available on Amazon with Prime shipping and the full Amazon returns policy. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.
View Current Price on Amazon →
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-08-15. Price and availability subject to change.
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