CES2014: Linksys Announces Retro-Inspired WRT Line of Networking Products

Linksys today announced that they are re-introducing the retro-inspired WRT line of high-performance wireless networking products.  Read on for details!

Linksys today announced that they are re-introducing the retro-inspired WRT line of high-performance wireless networking products.  Remember the won’t-die WRT54G router from 2002?  You know, the Linksys router that was built like a tank and was the best-performing router in its class?  I still have one and it still works, even after a lightning strike took out a LAN port!  Well, Linksys is trying to tap into the continuing goodwill associated with that product in its new AC1900 flagship high-performance router line with the introduction of the new WRT1900AC router and related product line.  Here are some product shots of the router:

The WRT1900AC sports four antennas, which should deliver these benefits:

• Project large, overlapping Wi-Fi patterns for maximum signal strength and coverage;
• Engineered to enhance dual band communication;
• Adjustable to customize your wireless signal for single or multi-story buildings;
• Removable to accommodate antenna upgrades; and,
• 4 antennas provide antenna diversity for a more robust connection with wireless clients.

Here are the specifications:

Interfaces

• 1x Gigabit WAN port
• 4x Gigabit LAN ports
• 1x USB 3.0 port
• 1x eSATA/USB 2.0 port

Processor

• 1.2GHz dual-core ARM-based

Memory

• 128MB Flash
• 256MB DDR3 RAM

LED

• Power, Internet, 2.4GHz, 5GHz, LAN 1-4 (10/100Mbps or
• 1Gbps), USB 3.0, USB 2.0, eSATA, WPS

Operating Frequency

• 2.4GHz and 5GHz (concurrent) – you could also say “simultaneous”

Data Rates – Maximum speeds:

2.4GHz:

• 600Mbps (802.11n)
• 54Mbps (802.11g)
• 11Mbps (802.11b)

5GHz:

• 1.3Gbps (802.11ac)
• 450Mbps (802.11n)
• 8 54Mbps (802.11a)

Antennas

• 4 External Antennas, adjustable and removable

Storage File System Support

• FAT, NTFS, and HFS+

Management

• Parental Controls
• Media Prioritization (QoS)
• Network Map
• Remote Management (Linksys Smart Wi-Fi)
• Wireless MAC Filtering
• Backup/Restore Router Configuration

This should be a high-performance router with a 1.2 GHz dual core processor and Smart Wi-Fi onboard.  Speaking of which, Smart Wi-Fi will add an additional network mapping feature called Network Map, which should give you a better idea of what devices are connected, how they are connected and what they are doing.  Here is a quick infographic that shows the new feature:

In addition, Linksys will be selling WRT accessories during 2014, including high-gain antennas, a NAS unit, and bridge and extender products.

Last but not least, OpenWRT will be fully supported from day one on the WRT1900AC, and Tomato and DD-WRT support is also planned.  If you like to use open-source firmware with your router, the WRT1900AC will give you that opportunity in a high-performance AC1900 router.

I’ll leave you with a trip down Router Memory Lane with this fun infographic that shows the history of Linksys WRT routers.  I look forward to testing the WRT1900AC.  In the meantime, enjoy this.