Linksys WRT54GS

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This page will compare the strengths and weaknesses of the access points that we have used on the network, and is intended as a reference gueide for community wireless network friendly access points.

The Linksys WRT54GS is currently our favorite access point on the network. There are two key areas of performance that we look for in an access point for network use. Firstly it must have good radio performance, and Secondly it must have well developed and stable firmware.

Our testing and experience has shown that the Linksys WRT54GS has the best radio performance of any access point that we have tried, and it has a stable suite of firmware that is perfect for Access Point use.

To prove the WRT54GS' radio performance, we connected it to our main node - the one that faces North toward the city of Sydney and it's Eastern suburbs. We then tested it's performance using flood pings and comparing packet loss, to a remote client that has at best marginal access. Using the same antenna and coax, we carried out the same tests with a Minitar MNWAPB access point, and a Senao 125 mW access point.

The results were that the WRT54GS out performed the Senao 125 mW access point by about 20% or more. The difference between the two was a stable and usable link with a throughput of about 150 K/Second, and a poor and less reliable link capable of between 25 and 50 K/Second. The minitar performed similarly to the WRT54GS, it may have been marginally weaker, but this was not quantifyable.

Our main access point currently has a WRT54GS on it's north facing wave guide antenna, and a 125 mW Senao on it's South facing wave guide antenna. The North facing AP out performs the South facing one hands down to stations that are off to the side of the wave guides. Even stations to the South often perform better if they are connected to the North facing AP - the one with the WRT54GS.

As far as firmware stability goes, the WRT54GS is a bit of a shining light. We have found a lot of problems with firmware in consumer grade access points. If the firmware is poor, then clients all sorts of problems can arise, from packets not getting passed, to clients not being able to connect, or dropouts during data transfer. The WRT54GS once again is a star performer in this area. We have not found an access point that has difficulty connecting to it. It has never crashed since we installed it, and it has an easy to use GUI that accesses most of the functionality of the unit, and has no bugs.

The WRT54GS also has a few other firmware features that we like. It's operating system is a linux, and Linksys have had the smarts to release the source code for their firmware. This has lead to a number of groups developing different firmware for the WRT54GS that enhance it's functionality to enable high power operation, client mode, and a raft of other functions. We run Alchemy software on our WRT, this is not free, but it does work well. Other software includes hyper WRT which is free but does not have a client mode, and Open WRT, whcih is also free, but more suited for use by the linux community than every day users.

Other features that we like about the WRT54GS is that it has a four port switch built in. It runs on 12 Volts DC. It has external RP-TNC antenna connectors.

The only down side of the WRT54G series of access points, if there is one, is that they are somewhat bulky. Because of their size, it is hard to find a waterproof enclosure for them that comes at a reasonable cost. We have been able to mount them in a cheap enclosure (pipe enclosure), but this requires the removal of the access point from it's case, as well as the removal of the TNC connectors from the board. Removing the TNC is not a pretty process at all, requiring a hot air gun to melt the solder and a screwdriver to lever the connector from the board. There is a bit of work involved with getting a WRT in to a water pipe enclosure

At this time (June 2005), the WRT54G or WRT54GS is the access point of choice for the nameless wireless network for all 802.11B Access Point mode applications.

We have been using a WRT54GS in client mode now ever since we put up the Bexley link (see news). We are using Sveasoft Talisman software that enables client mode - it works flawlessly and is straight forward to use.