Networking

Cracking open the Linksys WRT54G wireless router

By // April 19, 2007, 4:24 AM PST // erikeckel

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  • The Linksys WRT54G

    The Linksys WRT54G Wireless Router is one of the most common 802.11g devices deployed, a favorite of everyone from Linux fans to Windows users. Take a look inside what powers this ubiquitous device.

    The Linksys WRT54G, which hit the market in 2003, boasts four 10/100 Ethernet network ports and a fifth 10/100 WAN port protected by Linksys' firewall software.

  • The Linksys WRT54G - Rear panel

    The four 10/100 Ethernet ports, and the protected WAN port, are easily accessible on the Linksys rear panel. A factory reset button is also present (far left), as is the power adapter plug (far right). Two antennaes, for powering 802.11 wireless communications, are readily evident as well.

  • The Linksys WRT54G - Bottom

    Cisco attaches model and serial number information on the WRT54G's bottom-side.

  • Antenna removal

    Antenna removal is easy on most Linksys 802.11 routers. Just unscrew both antenna from the main router unit.

  • Removing the case

    Forcefully pinching the front case on the Linksys WRT54G separates the front cover from the unit's rear compartment. Removal requires that a tamper-proof sticker (bottom right) be separated from the case. Breaking the seal, of course, voids the manufacturer's warranty.

  • The front cover removed

    Here you can see the front cover of the WRT54G removed from the main unit. Note the warranty-voiding protective seal toward the bottom left.

  • The circuit board

    Removing the front cover reveals the WRT54G circuit board. The LEDs display power, DMZ, WLAN, Ethernet port and Internet status, while the pushbutton enables Linksys' Secure Easy Setup.

  • Secure Easy Setup

    The pushbutton, typically hidden behind the Linksys front panel, enables Secure Easy Setup.

  • Empty rear cover

    The main circuit board is easily separated from the rear cover shell. Here you can see the plastic rear shell by itself.

  • Main circuit board

    The main board hosts numerous circuits, the radio antennae connectors, Ethernet ports, the Broadcom CPU that powers the unit and Hynix RAM, among other items. Note that the main board is still attached to the unit's plastic bottom.

  • Screw removal

    To separate the main circuit board from the unit's bottom plastic cover, these two Phillips head screws must be removed.

  • The bottom panel

    Removing the main circuit board's two screws frees the asembly from the bottom panel, shown here.

  • The main circuit board

    Here's the main circuit board removed from the bottom panel. Note the capacitors (circled in red). The capacitors should be flat on top, as shown here. Rounded or leaking tops are a sign the unit suffered an electrical surge and needs to be replaced.

  • The bottom panel

    Wireless connections sprout from the main board, circled in red here. Note the first wireless antenna connection is integrated to the main board.

  • The main circuits

    Circled on top are the Broadcom CPU that powers the Linksys WRT54G, as well as the Hynix RAM module. Below are various microchips that help manage the unit's firewall, routing and network features.

The Linksys WRT54G

The Linksys WRT54G Wireless Router is one of the most common 802.11g devices deployed, a favorite of everyone from Linux fans to Windows users. Take a look inside what powers this ubiquitous device.

The Linksys WRT54G, which hit the market in 2003, boasts four 10/100 Ethernet network ports and a fifth 10/100 WAN port protected by Linksys' firewall software.

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By Erik Eckel

Erik Eckel owns and operates two technology companies. As a managing partner with Louisville Geek, he works daily as an IT consultant to assist small businesses in overcoming technology challenges and maximizing IT investments. He is also president o...