Different Linksys WRT54G(L)(S) Options/models?

[TheRyuu]

I going to be setting up a wireless network in my house soon and I need a wireless router. I like the Linksys routers since I've had experience with them in the past and I own an aging old 4 port wired router from 4ish years ago.

Right, now here's the part were I ask the question(s) . It seems they have 3-4 different versions of the WRT54G router.

Standard WRT54G

WRT54GL (I think all this has is the superspeed thing on it which isn't all that usefull (at least I think so)

WRT54GS

I'm not really sure what the difference is between all the different model #'s and their features. I've read that the WRT54G (at least the new v5's) use a VX Workbase firmware (at least I think that's what it's called and the WRT54GS uses a linux based firmware. I know the older WRT54G's also used a linux firmware. (because I might be considering installing third party firmwarm if it's worth it)

I like to have a lot of control over the network and I'm not sure which one will give me the greatest control (and I've thought about building my own router but I don't have the parts or the time).

So which one should I get (or is best for me) and why?

 

[JackMDS]

It depends what you intent to do with the Router.

If you need to Flash it in order to gain functions that are not available as is, you need to find previous versions of the WRT54G or WRT54GS, or buy the current version of the WRT54L.
This page is an example of one type of Open source firmware.
At the end their is a list of compatible models.

http://www.thibor.co.uk

:sun:

 

[TheRyuu]

So what would be the difference in the stock firmware of the WRT54GS and the WRT54L? And why is the GS more expensive?

So, I should get the WRT54GL? What benifits are there to flashing on a custom firmware anyway?

Thanks.

 

[JackMDS]

To find out the differences between the Models read the Data Sheets on Linksys' web site.

As seen the the page that I linked above.

The addtional feature are:
Adjustment of transmit power of wireless LAN
Antenna selection
14 wireless channels
'Boot wait' protection (increase the time slot for uploading firmware via the boot loader)
Increased Port Forwarding & Triggering fields
Increased QoS Device & Application fields
Increased Access Restrictions Policies & Blocked Services fields
Command Shell
TELNET Daemon (access to shell)
Startup & Firewall scripts
Uptime and load average
Reboot button at 'Management' page
Additional filters to proxy, Java applet, ActiveX, cookies, port scans and P2P (blocks BitTorrent, Kazaa, WinMX, eDonkey, DC and Gnucleus)
WDS and Wireless Bridge (WET) capabilities
Static DHCP leases
Local domain names
Programmable SES button (wireless on/off button or run a custom script)
UPnP page to view and delete UPnP mappings
Site survey page to view other networks in your neighborhood
Secure Shell server (SSHD)
Wake-on-LAN from GUI (from qwerty)
Port redirection
P2P-specific QoS
Additional DDNS services
Raw print server for USB printers (HyperWRT Thibor SL only)
Bugs from the stock firmware fixed
Plus other improvements

:sun:

 

[TheRyuu]

I read up on Linksys's web site and I think (and it seems) the WRT54GL has an open source firmware (and is flashable) and the WRT54G doesn't and isn't flashable.

In other words, I should get the WRT54GL and I should flash it with the thrid party firmware (my my, look at all those features)

Thanks for your help.

 

[TheRyuu]

So can I get a confirmation that the WRT54GL is the best on out of them all to get? (especally for the 3rd party flashing capability)?

(just want to make sure)

 

[JackMDS]

Unless you manage to find an older version of WRT54G or WRT54GS, the WRT54L is the only current version that is flashable.

Basically it is WRT54Gv4 in a New "Jacket".

:sun:

 

[Kougar]

This will answer all your questions on the WRT54G, WRT54GS, and WRT54GL http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WRT54G

So basically if you walked in and bought a WRT54G or GS off the shelf it would only be a shadow of it's former self, with the WRT54GL sent in to replace the original, and the WRT54GS to be the premium model with Speedbooster.

Link to a definition for Speedbooster: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SpeedBooster While I cannot say for the range, Speedbooster does improve throughput rates above the original WRT54G model.

I actually own a v1 WRT54GS with Speedbooster, and have flashed it with both modified and current firmware versions. I found it rather interesting that Linksys has been releaseing updates for years now, even the v1 models have had firmware updates released as recent as the 26th of last month. Stability for mine has been excellent, and except for the modified firmware I tried I have never had a problem due to this router. I won't even launch into the itenerary of problems with a SMC router had previously....

 

[Mogadon]

You can find older verisons of the WRT54G on ebay, funnily enough I was lucky enough to pick up a WRT54GS v.4 on amazon a month or two back so they're still around to be had though pretty rare. Many of the older version WRT54G's you'll find on ebay have already been flashed with the Talisman firmware from Sveasoft so if you're dubious about flashing the firmware yourself you might want to try that option.

 

[TheRyuu]

Originally posted by: Mogadon
You can find older verisons of the WRT54G on ebay, funnily enough I was lucky enough to pick up a WRT54GS v.4 on amazon a month or two back so they're still around to be had though pretty rare. Many of the older version WRT54G's you'll find on ebay have already been flashed with the Talisman firmware from Sveasoft so if you're dubious about flashing the firmware yourself you might want to try that option.

I'm not really afraid to flash things (no, not that kind ). I've done Xbox mod chip installations, vmod's on video cards, I've done a lot of risky things to my stuff so I think flashing the firmware of a Router just doesn't seem too high in terms of risk (am I right? Is it really that hard?)

So, before I probably buy tommorow or over the weekend, WRT54GL it is? (since I kinda want a new one)

 

[psoucaco13]

Toms has a nice review of these routers.

 

[Kougar]

Heh, soon as I read that first page I was just about to post that linky here.... The first page pretty well sums up the "why" for the models. Never knew the "L" was for linux though!

As for the question about flashing them, it's really pretty darn easy, maybe too easy Just download the .bin file, log into the router and point it at the DIR, click upload, and that is that. It even will keep your previous settings if possible. I've never had to once use the built-in hard reset switch on my linksys.