Linksys WRT54GL Review | 77 Data compared
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Linksys WRT54GL Review | 77 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£55
  • Wi-Fi version: Wi-Fi 3 (802.11g)
  • Wi-Fi speed: 54 Mbps
  • LAN port speeds: 100 Mbps
  • Mesh Wi-Fi: no

Linksys WRT54GL review. Compare 77 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Routers category and whether it is worth buying.

5.8

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the router's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best routers on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

5.5

Technical Score

10.0%

8.5

User score

Good
5.5

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the router's technical performance, covering key areas such as Wi-Fi performance, wired connectivity, security, software features, coverage, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare routers based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

26.0%

4.4

Wireless

20.0%

5.1

Ports

18.0%

5.8

Networking

14.0%

8.5

Security

12.0%

5.1

Hardware

10.0%

4.2

Management

Good
8.5

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the router.

When it matters: When you want to know how a router performs in daily use and how reliable it is for speed, coverage, and stability according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

8.4

User reviews

30.0%

8.6

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
(477)
amazon
3.7
(104)
amazon
4.5
(11)
United States
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4.1
(1242)
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
(485)
Amazon_logo.png
3.6
(63)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

Excellent
  • 7.0
    Gaming

    Score components:

    33.0%

    ?

    Wi-Fi speed

    28.0%

    ?

    CPU clock speed

    22.0%

    ?

    RAM capacity

    17.0%

    1.8

    Maximum connected devices

  • 6.8
    Travel

    Score components:

    40.0%

    ?

    Weight

    30.0%

    ?

    Wi-Fi speed

    20.0%

    4.0

    Cellular modem type

    10.0%

    4.0

    SIM slot

  • linksys-wrt54gl
linksys-wrt54gl

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Linksys WRT54GL is a legacy 802.11b/g wireless-G broadband router operating on the 2.4 GHz frequency band with maximum wireless speeds of 54 Mbps. It features four 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet LAN ports, one WAN port, and dual external omni-directional antennas, all powered by a Linux-based architecture. Its primary advantages include its legendary compatibility with third-party open-source firmware like DD-WRT, which unlocks advanced business-class networking features, and its highly reliable, durable build quality. However, its main drawbacks are its severely outdated performance compared to modern standards, being limited to a single band and relatively low throughput speeds that struggle with contemporary high-bandwidth internet connections.

Technical Specifications of router Linksys WRT54GL

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the router's technical performance, covering key areas such as Wi-Fi performance, wired connectivity, security, software features, coverage, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare routers based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

26.0%

4.4

Wireless

20.0%

5.1

Ports

18.0%

5.8

Networking

14.0%

8.5

Security

12.0%

5.1

Hardware

10.0%

4.2

Management

5.5
Linksys WRT54GL has a technical score of 5.46 points, which is lower than that of 99.3% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the router.

When it matters: When you want to know how a router performs in daily use and how reliable it is for speed, coverage, and stability according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

8.4

User reviews

30.0%

8.6

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
(477)
amazon
3.7
(104)
amazon
4.5
(11)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
(1242)
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
(485)
Amazon_logo.png
3.6
(63)

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

8.5
Linksys WRT54GL has a user score of 8.45 points, which is higher than that of 76.2% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the router.
When it matters: When you prefer to choose a router reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
8.6
Linksys WRT54GL has a popularity of 8.6 points, which is higher than 76% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the router's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a router with a good balance between network performance, features, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

5.8

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

7.0
Linksys WRT54GL has a quality-to-price ratio of 7 points, which is lower than 95.6% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: LOW

Linksys
Wi-Fi version
What it is: Identifies the Wi-Fi generation the router supports, such as Wi-Fi 5, 6, 6E, or 7.
When it matters: When newer phones, laptops, and consoles need the latest Wi-Fi efficiency and speed features.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)

Wi-Fi 3 (802.11g)
Linksys WRT54GL uses Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 3 (802.11g), which is less advanced than 98.3% of routers and equal to 0.3% of routers.
Wi-Fi bands
What it is: Lists which wireless frequency bands the router can use, such as 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz.
When it matters: When you need to balance range, speed, and congestion across different types of client devices.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz

2.4 GHz
Linksys WRT54GL supports 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi bands, which are less versatile than 75.4% of routers and equal to 22.4% of routers.
Wi-Fi speed
What it is: The advertised maximum wireless throughput rating of the router under supported conditions.
When it matters: When several users stream, download, and game at once and you want more wireless headroom.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >2700 Mbps

54 Mbps
Linksys WRT54GL delivers 54 Mbps Wi-Fi speed, which is lower than 99.8% of routers and equal to 0.3% of routers.
Channel widths supported
What it is: Lists the Wi-Fi channel widths the router can use, such as 20, 40, 80, or 160 MHz.
When it matters: When you want the option to trade peak speed against stability in crowded wireless environments.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz

20 MHz
Linksys WRT54GL supports 20 MHz channel width options, which is fewer than 95.6% of routers and the same as 1.2% of routers.
Show more
Wi-Fi security protocols
What it is: Lists the wireless security standards the router supports, such as WPA2 or WPA3.
When it matters: When you want stronger wireless protection without locking out older devices that still need compatibility.

Importance: MEDIUM

WPA2, WPA, WEP
Linksys WRT54GL supports WPA2, WPA, WEP Wi-Fi security protocols, which are more advanced than 40.9% of routers and equal to 17.7% of routers.
DoS protection
What it is: Provides defenses intended to reduce the impact of denial-of-service traffic against the router or network.
When it matters: When exposed services or remote access make resilience against traffic floods more important.

Importance: LOW

yes
Linksys WRT54GL includes DoS protection. 12.8% of routers include DoS protection.
SPI intrusion protection
What it is: Uses stateful packet inspection to track sessions and block suspicious unsolicited traffic more accurately.
When it matters: When the router needs a stronger first line of filtering on an internet-facing connection.

Importance: LOW

yes
Linksys WRT54GL includes SPI-based intrusion protection. 6.1% of routers include SPI-based intrusion protection.
MAC address filtering
What it is: Lets the router allow or block devices based on their MAC addresses.
When it matters: When you want an extra device-level access rule beyond passwords and network names.

Importance: LOW

yes
Linksys WRT54GL supports MAC address filtering. 2.2% of routers include MAC address filtering.
URL filter
What it is: Allows the router to block or allow access based on website addresses or domain rules.
When it matters: When you need to restrict specific sites for children, guests, or work-policy reasons.

Importance: LOW

yes
Linksys WRT54GL supports URL filtering. 3.4% of routers include URL filtering.
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IPv6 support
What it is: Support for the newer IPv6 internet addressing standard alongside the older IPv4 system.
When it matters: When your internet provider or network already uses IPv6, or you want the router to stay compatible as IPv6 use becomes more common.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Linksys WRT54GL does not support IPv6. 88.7% of routers are IPv6-ready.
Dynamic routing
What it is: Supports routing protocols or dynamic route updates instead of relying only on static route entries.
When it matters: When the router sits in a more complex network with changing paths between multiple subnets.

Importance: LOW

yes
Linksys WRT54GL supports dynamic routing. 47.8% of routers support dynamic routing.
Inter-VLAN routing
What it is: Allows the router to pass traffic between separate VLANs under controlled rules.
When it matters: When you need segmented networks to communicate selectively instead of staying fully isolated.

Importance: LOW

no
Linksys WRT54GL does not support inter-VLAN routing. 23.5% of routers support inter-VLAN routing.
VLAN tagging
What it is: Lets the router mark traffic with VLAN tags for segmented or ISP-specific network setups.
When it matters: When you separate guest, office, IoT, or ISP-required traffic into different network segments.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Linksys WRT54GL does not support VLAN tagging. 62% of routers include VLAN tagging.
QoS
What it is: Provides quality-of-service controls that prioritize some traffic over less important traffic.
When it matters: When calls, gaming, and downloads compete and you want latency-sensitive traffic protected.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Linksys WRT54GL includes QoS controls. 3.2% of routers include QoS controls.
Show more
N. of LAN ports
What it is: Measures how many LAN ports the router includes. A higher count expands direct connectivity for matching devices.
When it matters: When you run a home office with NAS, TV boxes, and desktops, having more LAN ports avoids extra switches and keeps latency lower on wired links.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 4 ports

4
Linksys WRT54GL has 4 LAN ports, which is more than 23.7% of routers and the same as 69.2% of routers.
LAN port speeds
What it is: Lists the Ethernet speeds available on the router’s LAN ports, such as Gigabit or multi-gig.
When it matters: When wired transfers to NAS, desktops, or access points need more than basic Ethernet speeds.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 1 Gbps

100 Mbps
Linksys WRT54GL offers 100 Mbps on its LAN ports, which is slower than 73.2% of routers and on par with 26.4% of routers.
N. of WAN ports
What it is: Shows how many separate WAN uplink ports the router provides for internet connections.
When it matters: When you use dual internet lines, backup WAN, or load balancing between multiple external links.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 1 WAN port

1
Linksys WRT54GL has 1 WAN ports, which is more than 1% of routers and the same as 90.1% of routers.
N. of USB ports
What it is: Shows how many USB ports the router includes for storage, printers, or modem accessories.
When it matters: When you plan to share storage, attach a printer, or use USB-based network extras.

Importance: LOW

Good value: 1 USB port

0
Linksys WRT54GL has 0 USB ports, which is fewer than 60.8% of routers and the same as 39.2% of routers.
Power over Ethernet (PoE)
What it is: Power over Ethernet support, meaning the router can receive power, deliver it, or be part of a PoE-based installation.
When it matters: When you want cleaner installation with fewer separate power cables, especially in ceilings, walls, racks, or remote locations.

Importance: LOW

no
Linksys WRT54GL does not support Power over Ethernet (PoE). 0.5% of routers can be powered over Ethernet.
Show more
Management interface
What it is: Shows how the router is configured and monitored, such as web UI, app, or command-line tools.
When it matters: When setup depth and day-to-day admin convenience are part of the buying decision.

Importance: MEDIUM

Web UI
Linksys WRT54GL uses Web UI for management, which is less advanced than 72.2% of routers and equal to 27.3% of routers.
Firmware upgrade method
What it is: Describes how router firmware updates are installed, such as automatic OTA, web UI, or manual upload.
When it matters: When you want security fixes and new features applied with less maintenance friction.

Importance: MEDIUM

Web UI
Linksys WRT54GL supports Web UI firmware update methods, which are less convenient than 69.5% of routers and equal to 29.7% of routers.
Traffic monitoring
What it is: Lets the router track bandwidth usage by device, app category, or time period.
When it matters: When you need to find which devices or activities are causing slowdowns or high data use.

Importance: LOW

no
Linksys WRT54GL does not include traffic monitoring. 82.1% of routers include traffic monitoring.
Guest Wi-Fi network
What it is: Lets the router create a separate wireless network for visitors or less-trusted devices.
When it matters: When guests need internet access without reaching private devices on the main network.

Importance: LOW

no
Linksys WRT54GL does not offer a guest Wi‑Fi network. 91.7% of routers offer a guest Wi‑Fi network.
Captive portal
What it is: Supports a login or acceptance page that users must pass before getting internet access.
When it matters: When guest networks, rentals, cafes, or managed access points need a sign-in page.

Importance: LOW

no
Linksys WRT54GL does not offer captive portal features. 23.5% of routers offer captive portal features.
Show more
CPU clock speed
What it is: Shows the operating frequency of the router processor, often listed per core.
When it matters: When routing, encryption, QoS, and many active clients can put heavier load on the CPU.

Importance: MEDIUM

0.2 GHz
Linksys WRT54GL runs at 0.2 GHz, which is slower than 99.7% of routers and on par with 0.3% of routers.
RAM capacity
What it is: The amount of working memory available for sessions, routing tables, and running router services.
When it matters: When many devices, VPN tunnels, or advanced features need the router to stay responsive under load.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=512 MB

16 MB
Linksys WRT54GL has 16 MB of RAM, which is less than 95.7% of routers and the same as 3.4% of routers.
Internal storage
What it is: The built-in storage available for logs, apps, shared files, or other local router functions.
When it matters: When the router runs extra services and needs space for logs, packages, or shared content.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=8 GB

4 GB
Linksys WRT54GL has 4 GB of internal storage, which is more than 90.4% of routers and the same as 9.3% of routers.
Hardware acceleration
What it is: Uses dedicated hardware paths to offload routing, NAT, encryption, or switching tasks from the main CPU.
When it matters: When heavy routing or security features would otherwise reduce throughput on the processor alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Linksys WRT54GL does not offer hardware acceleration. 68.9% of routers offer hardware acceleration.
N. of external antennas
What it is: Shows how many antennas are mounted externally on the router.
When it matters: When you want stronger adjustable coverage or plan to aim antennas for difficult room layouts.

Importance: LOW

Good value: 3 antennas

2
Linksys WRT54GL has 2 external antennas, which is more than 45.1% of routers and the same as 13.1% of routers.
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Linksys WRT54GL vs the average router

  • 32x more internal storage
    Linksys WRT54GL has more internal storage than the average router (4 GB vs 0.125 GB). The average router offers 0.125 GB of internal storage.
    What it is: The built-in storage available for logs, apps, shared files, or other local router functions.
    When it matters: When the router runs extra services and needs space for logs, packages, or shared content.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=8 GB

    Linksys WRT54GL has more internal storage than the average router (4 GB vs 0.125 GB). The average router offers 0.125 GB of internal storage.4 GB vs 0.125 GB
  • 3.7 W lower power consumption
    Linksys WRT54GL uses less power than the average router (4.4 W vs 8.1 W). The average router uses 8.1 W power.
    What it is: The amount of electrical power the router draws during normal operation, usually measured in watts.
    When it matters: When the router stays on all day and you care about heat output and long-term electricity cost.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <6 W

    Linksys WRT54GL uses less power than the average router (4.4 W vs 8.1 W). The average router uses 8.1 W power.4.4 W vs 8.1 W
  • Stronger Wi-Fi security
    Linksys WRT54GL supports the Wi-Fi security protocols WPA2, WPA, WEP, while the average router supports WPA2, WPA, WEP, WPS.
    What it is: Lists the wireless security standards the router supports, such as WPA2 or WPA3.
    When it matters: When you want stronger wireless protection without locking out older devices that still need compatibility.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Linksys WRT54GL supports the Wi-Fi security protocols WPA2, WPA, WEP, while the average router supports WPA2, WPA, WEP, WPS.WPA2, WPA, WEP vs WPA2, WPA, WEP, WPS
  • Supports TWT
    Linksys WRT54GL supports Target Wake Time (TWT), while the average router does not. 36.4% of routers support Target Wake Time (TWT).
    What it is: Supports Target Wake Time, a Wi-Fi feature that helps clients wake less often to save power.
    When it matters: When many battery-powered devices rely on Wi-Fi and longer client battery life matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Linksys WRT54GL supports Target Wake Time (TWT), while the average router does not. 36.4% of routers support Target Wake Time (TWT).
  • Removable antennas
    Linksys WRT54GL has removable antennas, while the average router does not. 27.4% of routers have removable antennas.
    What it is: Detachable external antennas that can be swapped for different ones later.
    When it matters: When you may want to replace the stock antennas later with higher-gain or more directional options.

    Importance: LOW

    Linksys WRT54GL has removable antennas, while the average router does not. 27.4% of routers have removable antennas.
  • 5.7% higher user score
    Linksys WRT54GL has a higher user score than the average router (8.45 vs 8.000).
    What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the router.
    When it matters: When you want to know how a router performs in daily use and how reliable it is for speed, coverage, and stability according to user feedback.
    Linksys WRT54GL has a higher user score than the average router (8.45 vs 8.000).8.45 vs 8
  • Supports TWT
    Linksys WRT54GL supports Target Wake Time (TWT), while the average router does not. 36.4% of routers support Target Wake Time (TWT).
  • Stronger Wi-Fi security
    Linksys WRT54GL supports the Wi-Fi security protocols WPA2, WPA, WEP, while the average router supports WPA2, WPA, WEP, WPS.
  • 32x more internal storage
    Linksys WRT54GL has more internal storage than the average router (4 GB vs 0.125 GB). The average router offers 0.125 GB of internal storage.
  • 3.7 W lower power consumption
    Linksys WRT54GL uses less power than the average router (4.4 W vs 8.1 W). The average router uses 8.1 W power.
  • Removable antennas
    Linksys WRT54GL has removable antennas, while the average router does not. 27.4% of routers have removable antennas.

Total
Overall
Wireless
Security
Hardware
  • Older Wi-Fi version
    Linksys WRT54GL uses an older Wi-Fi version than the average router (Wi-Fi 3 (802.11g) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)). The average router uses Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac).
  • Fewer Wi-Fi bands
    Linksys WRT54GL supports fewer Wi-Fi bands than the average router (2.4 GHz vs 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz). The average router supports 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz Wi-Fi bands.
  • 96.3% slower Wi-Fi speed
    Linksys WRT54GL has a lower Wi-Fi speed than the average router (54 Mbps vs 1,475 Mbps). The average router reaches Wi-Fi speed of 1,475 Mbps.
  • Narrower channel widths
    Linksys WRT54GL has a lower supported channel width than the average router (20 MHz vs 20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz). The average router supports channel width of 20 MHz + 40 MHz + 80 MHz.
  • No band steering
    Linksys WRT54GL does not support band steering, while the average router does. 51.8% of routers support band steering.
  • No beamforming
    Linksys WRT54GL does not support beamforming, while the average router does. 56.7% of routers support beamforming.
  • No WPS support
    Linksys WRT54GL does not support WPS, while the average router does. 89.5% of routers support WPS.
  • 32 fewer connected devices
    Linksys WRT54GL supports fewer connected devices than the average router (32 vs 64). The average router supports 64 connected devices.
  • No VPN server support
    Linksys WRT54GL cannot act as a VPN server, while the average router can. 66.3% of routers can act as a VPN server.
  • No PPTP server
    Linksys WRT54GL cannot act as a PPTP server, while the average router can. 62.4% of routers can act as a PPTP server.
  • No VLAN tagging
    Linksys WRT54GL does not support VLAN tagging, while the average router does. 61.9% of routers support VLAN tagging.
  • No IPv6 support
    Linksys WRT54GL does not support IPv6, while the average router does. 88.5% of routers support IPv6.
  • No DHCP reservation
    Linksys WRT54GL does not support DHCP reservation, while the average router does. 99% of routers support DHCP reservation.
  • 10,988 fewer NAT sessions
    Linksys WRT54GL has fewer concurrent NAT sessions than the average router (4,000 vs 14,988). The average router supports 14,988 concurrent NAT sessions.
  • Slower LAN ports
    Linksys WRT54GL has a lower LAN port speed than the average router (100 Mbps vs 1 Gbps). The average router has a LAN port speed of 1 Gbps.
  • 1 fewer USB ports
    Linksys WRT54GL has fewer USB ports than the average router (0 vs 1). The average router has 1 USB ports.
  • Limited firmware updates
    Linksys WRT54GL supports the firmware update methods Web UI, while the average router supports Web UI, App, Automatic.
  • Less capable NAS services
    Linksys WRT54GL includes none NAS services, while the average router includes SMB, FTP, time machine, NFS, web access.
  • Weaker management tools
    Linksys WRT54GL uses the management interface Web UI, while the average router uses Web UI, App.
  • No traffic monitoring
    Linksys WRT54GL does not offer traffic monitoring, while the average router does. 81.9% of routers offer traffic monitoring.
  • No guest Wi-Fi network
    Linksys WRT54GL does not offer a guest Wi-Fi network, while the average router does. 91.4% of routers offer a guest Wi-Fi network.
  • No DLNA support
    Linksys WRT54GL does not support DLNA, while the average router does. 54% of routers support DLNA.
  • No hardware acceleration
    Linksys WRT54GL does not offer hardware acceleration, while the average router does. 68.7% of routers offer hardware acceleration.
  • Lower CPU clock speed
    Linksys WRT54GL has a lower CPU clock speed than the average router (0.2 GHz vs 2x0.5 GHz). The average router has a CPU clock speed of 2x0.5 GHz.
  • 93.8% less RAM
    Linksys WRT54GL has less RAM than the average router (16 MB vs 256 MB). The average router has 256 MB of RAM.
  • 10 older release date
    Linksys WRT54GL is an older model than the average router (2005 vs 2015). The average router release year is 2015.
  • Limited firmware updates
    Linksys WRT54GL supports the firmware update methods Web UI, while the average router supports Web UI, App, Automatic.
    What it is: Describes how router firmware updates are installed, such as automatic OTA, web UI, or manual upload.
    When it matters: When you want security fixes and new features applied with less maintenance friction.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Linksys WRT54GL supports the firmware update methods Web UI, while the average router supports Web UI, App, Automatic.Web UI vs Web UI, App, Automatic
  • Older Wi-Fi version
    Linksys WRT54GL uses an older Wi-Fi version than the average router (Wi-Fi 3 (802.11g) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)). The average router uses Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac).
    What it is: Identifies the Wi-Fi generation the router supports, such as Wi-Fi 5, 6, 6E, or 7.
    When it matters: When newer phones, laptops, and consoles need the latest Wi-Fi efficiency and speed features.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)

    Linksys WRT54GL uses an older Wi-Fi version than the average router (Wi-Fi 3 (802.11g) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)). The average router uses Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac).Wi-Fi 3 (802.11g) vs Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
  • Slower LAN ports
    Linksys WRT54GL has a lower LAN port speed than the average router (100 Mbps vs 1 Gbps). The average router has a LAN port speed of 1 Gbps.
    What it is: Lists the Ethernet speeds available on the router’s LAN ports, such as Gigabit or multi-gig.
    When it matters: When wired transfers to NAS, desktops, or access points need more than basic Ethernet speeds.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 1 Gbps

    Linksys WRT54GL has a lower LAN port speed than the average router (100 Mbps vs 1 Gbps). The average router has a LAN port speed of 1 Gbps.100 Mbps vs 1 Gbps
  • No VLAN tagging
    Linksys WRT54GL does not support VLAN tagging, while the average router does. 61.9% of routers support VLAN tagging.
    What it is: Lets the router mark traffic with VLAN tags for segmented or ISP-specific network setups.
    When it matters: When you separate guest, office, IoT, or ISP-required traffic into different network segments.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Linksys WRT54GL does not support VLAN tagging, while the average router does. 61.9% of routers support VLAN tagging.
  • 96.3% slower Wi-Fi speed
    Linksys WRT54GL has a lower Wi-Fi speed than the average router (54 Mbps vs 1,475 Mbps). The average router reaches Wi-Fi speed of 1,475 Mbps.
    What it is: The advertised maximum wireless throughput rating of the router under supported conditions.
    When it matters: When several users stream, download, and game at once and you want more wireless headroom.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >2700 Mbps

    Linksys WRT54GL has a lower Wi-Fi speed than the average router (54 Mbps vs 1,475 Mbps). The average router reaches Wi-Fi speed of 1,475 Mbps.54 Mbps vs 1475 Mbps
  • No hardware acceleration
    Linksys WRT54GL does not offer hardware acceleration, while the average router does. 68.7% of routers offer hardware acceleration.
    What it is: Uses dedicated hardware paths to offload routing, NAT, encryption, or switching tasks from the main CPU.
    When it matters: When heavy routing or security features would otherwise reduce throughput on the processor alone.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Linksys WRT54GL does not offer hardware acceleration, while the average router does. 68.7% of routers offer hardware acceleration.
  • Fewer Wi-Fi bands
    Linksys WRT54GL supports fewer Wi-Fi bands than the average router (2.4 GHz vs 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz). The average router supports 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz Wi-Fi bands.
    What it is: Lists which wireless frequency bands the router can use, such as 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz.
    When it matters: When you need to balance range, speed, and congestion across different types of client devices.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz

    Linksys WRT54GL supports fewer Wi-Fi bands than the average router (2.4 GHz vs 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz). The average router supports 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz Wi-Fi bands.2.4 GHz vs 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz
  • No IPv6 support
    Linksys WRT54GL does not support IPv6, while the average router does. 88.5% of routers support IPv6.
    What it is: Support for the newer IPv6 internet addressing standard alongside the older IPv4 system.
    When it matters: When your internet provider or network already uses IPv6, or you want the router to stay compatible as IPv6 use becomes more common.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Linksys WRT54GL does not support IPv6, while the average router does. 88.5% of routers support IPv6.
Total
Overall
Wireless
Security
Networking
Ports
Management
Hardware

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
477 Reviews
amazon
3.7
104 Reviews
amazon
4.5
11 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
1242 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
4.3
485 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
3.6
63 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about Linksys WRT54GL?

  • Highly reliable and 'rock solid' hardware that can run for years without restarts
  • Excellent support for open-source firmware like DD-WRT, Tomato, and OpenWRT
  • User-friendly web-based management interface with helpful built-in guides
  • Removable antennas allow for easy hardware upgrades and signal boosting
  • Solid range and coverage for standard home environments
  • Affordable price point, often described as great value for money

What customers dislike about Linksys WRT54GL?

  • Outdated Wireless-G (802.11g) technology with slow speeds (~15-54 Mbps) by modern standards
  • Lacks support for modern 5GHz, Wi-Fi 6, or IPv6 networking features
  • Limited RAM and storage can cause performance bottlenecks with modern security or heavy traffic
  • Does not handle high-bandwidth tasks like 1080p/4K streaming or multiple device gaming well
  • Initial setup for ADSL connections can be frustrating and require manual configuration
  • Stock firmware may lack advanced features found in third-party options

Video reviews

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