The Economist- 12 issues for $12!Linksys Dual-Band Wireless-N Gigabit Router WRT320N
Manufacturer: Cisco Part number: WRT320N
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The Linksys Dual-Band Wireless-N Gigabit Router WRT320N forces you to pick either the 2.4GHz or the 5GHz band for your wireless network. Given that, it's not an ideal choice for an environment with both types of wireless clients. The router offers good wireless performance and features a high-speed wired network that caps at 1,000Mbps.
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CNET editors' review
Linksys Dual-Band Wireless-N Gigabit Router WRT320N price range: $74.00 - $89.75
- Reviewed by: Dong Ngo
- Edited by: Eric Franklin
- Reviewed on: 03/30/2009
The good: Good performance; compact and sleek design; Gigabit Ethernet; helpful Web-interface and software application; easy to switch between bands; comprehensive set of networking features.
The bad: Only works in either the 2.4GHz band or the 5GHz band at once; no USB support.
The bottom line: The Linksys Dual-Band Wireless-N Gigabit Router WRT320N forces you to pick either the 2.4GHz or the 5GHz band for your wireless network. Given that, it's not an ideal choice for an environment with both types of wireless clients. The router offers good wireless performance and features a high-speed wired network that caps at 1,000Mbps.
The Linksys Dual-Band Wireless-N Gigabit Router WRT320N is a good deal for those looking to create a network that only supports the 5GHz band. You can get it online for about $110. While the router supports 2.4GHz as well, unfortunately it does not support them both simultaneously. However, it does have Gigabit Ethernet support. The router achieved good throughput speeds, with decent range. Like most of Linksys' recent wireless routers, it comes with a comprehensive set of networking features that you can access via an easy-to-use Web interface. The router also has a useful desktop application that helps set up and manage both the router and the local network. For a "does everything" router that has simultaneous dual-band support, Gigabit Ethernet, and even better performance, check out the $180 Linksys WRT610N.
Design and setup
The Linksys WRT320N comes in an aesthetically pleasing, sleek, flat, UFO-shaped chassis. The router's antennas are hidden within the chassis, making it look much more compact than other, similarly sized routers do. This is a very welcome design that Linksys has been using for its wireless routers for about a year.
The WRT320N's layout is straightforward. On its back, it has four Gigabit Ethernet ports and one Gigabit WAN port. The former are for local wired clients, while the latter is to connect to a DSL or cable modem for connection to the Internet. Unfortunately, it doesn't have a USB port; that means there are no USB-related features, such as print serving or network storage.
On the front of the router is an array of light-emitting diodes that show the status of the ports, the wireless network, and the Internet. In the middle of the LEDs is the Wi-Fi Protected Setup button, which initiates the window of time when you can hook other WPS-compliant wireless clients to the network without manually having to enter the encryption key. For example, if you bring a WPS-enabled client close to the router and press the WPS button on both devices, they will be automatically connected.
Like all Linksys routers, the WRT320N has a very intuitive Web interface that you can access from any network computer or via the Internet. Savvy users can use the Web interface to configure and manage the router. Novice users are not shut out, either, since the WRT320N comes with Linksys's EasyLink Advisor (LELA) software for both PC and Mac. The software is well-designed and offers a thought-out, step-by-step setup process that novices can follow.
Features
The WRT320N is one of two dual-band routers we've reviewed that function only in one band at a time. The other is the D-Link DGL-4500. Considering the popularity of existing 2.4GHz-based wireless clients, you'd be hard pressed to find a situation where you can use the router in 5GHz mode. Still, it's nice to have the option.
Like most Linksys routers, the WRT320N has a comprehensive Web interface that allows access to the router's long list of advanced features. The router's most prominent and useful features include an elaborate content-filtering system, called "Access Restrictions," that lets you restrict or filter the Internet access of particular networked computers. This is helpful if you want to block, say, "Eric's computer" from certain Web sites. The "Applications & Gaming" feature lets you set up port forwarding and triggering to set specific ports for specific applications, such as games, remote desktop, or FTP and HTTP servers. You can also conveniently reserve static IP addresses to certain computers in the network, making the port forwarding much more relevant and easy to do. If you want to assign a VPN connection, an FTP connection, or a remote desktop connection to a certain computer in the network, you will find the above handy and convenient.
The router supports Dynamic DNS services, including TZO.com and DynDNS.org, which means you can set up remote access and many other over-the-Internet services. It can also take a client's MAC address as its own. This can be a useful feature when you want to use the router with a service, like those found in college dorms, that requires you to register your computer's MAC address before you can access the Internet.
However, this doesn't mean you can skip the desktop software LELA entirely. The software has some original post-setup features, and we especially liked the capability to see a map of all clients connected to the network and manage each of them in real time. For example, if you see an unidentified device connected to the network, the software lets you mark it in red to distinguish it from other known devices. If a client in the network has LELA installed, you can do more, such as viewing its complete status, including its MAC, IP address, operating system, CPU information, and so on.
For security, the WRT320N supports all available wireless encryption standards, including WEP, WPA-personal, and WPA-Enterprise. The router allows for VPN pass-through for all existing VPN protocols, including IPsec, L2TP, and PPTP. If you're using the router from your home, you can use a VPN client to access your work offices via a VPN connection. It can toggle the built-in SPI Firewall on, or block potentially dangerous Web services--such as Proxy, Java, ActiveX, and cookies. This is not something you'll want to get into the habit of doing, however, as a lot of Web sites will not function properly if you block Java or ActiveX.
Performance
We tested the Linksys WRT320N on both 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands and were happy with the results.
In the 5GHz band, the router scored 52.8Mbps in our throughput test and 47.7Mbps in our range test. The throughput test was conducted with the wireless test client just 15 feet away from the router. In our range test, the client was 100 feet away. These scores were about average, but we were impressed that there's a very small degradation between the two ranges. Based on these scores, the router can finish transmitting 500MB in about 80 seconds.
In the 2.4GHz band, the WRT320N did even better in comparison with other routers. It achieved 45.3Mbps in throughput, 32.6Mbps in range, and 40.8Mbps in our mixed-mode test. The mixed-mode test was done with the router set to work with both Wireless-N and legacy Wireless-G simultaneously.
It's important to note that the scores, while lower than the theoretical ceiling of the Wireless-N specification (300Mbps), were actually sustained data rates, with all software and hardware overhead and interference taken into account.
We were very impressed that the router could apply many changes without needing to restart. For example, when we switched the router's wireless function from operating in one band to another, our test client--which supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands--didn't disconnect at all, even briefly. Other routers, such as Apple's Airport Extreme Base Station , need to restart to apply even the slightest change.
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
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Mixed mode | |
Range | |
Throughput |
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
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Range | |
Throughput |
The WRT320N's maximum connection range was decent and about the same as the WRT400N's. In our testing facility, which is an office building and not optimized for wireless range, we connected to the WRT320N from about 280 feet away. In both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, the WRT320N performed within our expectations for a Wireless-N router.
Service and support
Linksys backs the WRT320N Dual-Band Wireless-N Gigabit Router with a one-year, limited warranty. While this is a short period, it is standard for most new routers on the market. Linksys' toll-free phone support is available 24-7, as is online chat with a support representative. Linksys' Web site includes software, drivers, firmware downloads, and a FAQ section.
User reviews
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Excellent N Router For Home.
by DaveMcLain on January 16, 2010
Pros: Very good wireless range, Gbit LAN switch easy setup and easy to wall mount. Simple configuration. DD-WRT firmware compatible.
Cons: Looks a little weird and the LEDs are rather bright. Somewhat expensive. Does both 2.4 and 5Ghz bands but only one or the other at one time.
Summary: I bought this router at Wal Mart to replace a rather flaky D Link DIR-655. This is the first router I've used that has the internal style antennas and ...
Summary: I bought this router at Wal Mart to replace a rather flaky D Link DIR-655. This is the first router I've used that has the internal style antennas and it works just fine. The stock Linksys(most recent version) firmware works well and has been completely stable for over a month. Does not run hot like some of the other Linksys models with the Gbit switch. I would buy one again, highly recommended.
So far I've had this router up and running nonstop on a UPS for 2.5 months with zero problems. No slowdowns, reboots or signal problems of any kind. This thing is very solid.
Updated on Mar 2, 20102 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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A+++ Router, Freaking best 802.11N router out there
by bscott92787 on October 22, 2009
Pros: This router has it out, WP2, QoS, VPN, access restrictions (ACLs), blocking websites via the router, port forwarding, policy settings to allow only certain hosts to connect on specific times of the day/night (helpful if you have kids).
Cons: There are none that I can see
Summary: I spent three months trying to get my wireless networking cards to connect on my Dell Inspiron E1405 and my Gateway desktop downstairs. I bought a new Linksys Wireless N ...
Summary: I spent three months trying to get my wireless networking cards to connect on my Dell Inspiron E1405 and my Gateway desktop downstairs. I bought a new Linksys Wireless N card for my desktop in the basement. I tried the Belkin N, N+, and even the Linksys WRT160n, none of these routers would work, constantly dropped connections, my computer could be sitting right beside the router and it wouldn't connect. I purchased this router LAST night as my LAST hope for wireless before I hard-wired a 3,000 square feet town home, I connected this baby up, and within 20 minutes, my laptop and desktop in the basement are connected and purchasing good signals. Thank you once again Linksys. You have restored my faith in the new 802.11N standard! I would highly recommend this product to anyone.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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A+ wireless router, D- parental controls solution
by Bryce_M on September 18, 2009
Pros: Stylish, good reception, fast, easy software, this same basic design and firmware has been getting refined for half a decade now
Cons: The Trend-integrated "Home NEtwork Defender" parental controls system renders the router borderline unusable! Weak policy configuration, unstable network connectivity, slow network connectivity, $49.95\year pricetag - You've got to be kidding me!
Summary: I bought this to upgrade my WRT54G as I was attracted by the faster wireless and router-based parental controls solution (we have a lot of networked devices in my household, ...
Summary: I bought this to upgrade my WRT54G as I was attracted by the faster wireless and router-based parental controls solution (we have a lot of networked devices in my household, so one-stop configuratiuon without a per-machine install was a big lure), but I should've saved my money... The Wireless N is good, but not enough better than G to warrant the money for me as the wireless is only a supplement to our Gig-E wired network, and the "Home Network Defender" feature was so bad I had to disable it... When enabled, the network becomes too unreliable - constantly losing gateway connectivity, and massive delays... Net Nanny was a better parental controls solution.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Absolutely horrible product.
by poovs_returned on December 19, 2011
Pros: Great paperweight
Cons: Multiple resets per day. Didn't even use advanced setup. Only factory settings and basic wireless security. Router would just stop working, try to login to it, "connection times out". Power cycle would get it working for a few minutes.
Summary: No wonder Cisco is in the toilet. With lousy hardware and lousy warranties, customers should beware buying from them. The first and only time I will buy from their company. ...
Summary: No wonder Cisco is in the toilet. With lousy hardware and lousy warranties, customers should beware buying from them. The first and only time I will buy from their company. Lousy customer support. Overheating issues. I can go on and on, but hopefully everyone will be warned by this shotty product.
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OUTSTANDING!
by 350zx6r on November 9, 2010
Pros: First and foremost make sure you flash it to the latest firmware available from linksys. Its fast, reliable, it works really well wireless/lan gigabyte (1000). I used to have an older model wrt54g and this is a real upgrade!
Cons: Whats not to like it?
Summary: I would buy it again.
Summary: I would buy it again.
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Poor Firmware, Ok if you Know What You're Doing
by eskimocode on July 3, 2010
Pros: Pretty, DD-WRT compatible
Cons: Unstable Firmware, Lousy Interface, Uber Basic Logging System
Summary: I purchased this expecting the exceptional. I was replacing my existing Netgear router targeted at the home market. The 320n proved to be unstable, dropping wireless connections willy-nilly, and unable ...
Summary: I purchased this expecting the exceptional. I was replacing my existing Netgear router targeted at the home market. The 320n proved to be unstable, dropping wireless connections willy-nilly, and unable to cope with the most basic of tasks (eg. static IP to MAC assignment) without needing to be reset (locked all clients out)
The only really good thing is that I could get DD-WRT working on this router. (IT admins or risk-takers only) Shouldn't have to replace the firmware in an off the shelf router, but I'm glad I did. The functionality and stability I've gained by replacing the firmware is excellent. -
Works great if you are careful about security settings!
by USAFVet1 on June 6, 2010
Pros: Fast upload and download times, data packs really move.
Cons: You will need to experiment with the settings to maximize its potential. Automatic settings aren't great.
Summary: I'm overall pleased with this product, however I was having a problem with downloads on my PS3 for several months until just by sheer trial and error I changed ...
Summary: I'm overall pleased with this product, however I was having a problem with downloads on my PS3 for several months until just by sheer trial and error I changed my wireless security setting from WPA-2 to WPA. Now I'm having the fast download speeds I expect.
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Range Disappointing / Unstable Driver
by jjgarc on May 23, 2010
Pros: It looks nice
Cons: Range is a joke. LELA (Linksys Easy Link Advisor) is highly unstable. Requires multiple, periodic iterations of uninstalling/reinstalling. Still remains unstable. Features become disabled for no apparent reason. Linksys website is unstable.
Summary: I will ask around before buying anything Linksys in the future. I am totally disappointed with this router. What a waste of money.
Summary: I will ask around before buying anything Linksys in the future. I am totally disappointed with this router. What a waste of money.
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MUST READ.... SLOW OVER TIME!!!!! DO NOT BUY
by blfromaz on April 28, 2010
Pros: WAS quick; in the beginning.
Cons: Will bring your system to slower than dial-up speeds.
Summary: This is a horrible product! Linksys does not care about it's poor performance. Simply Google "WRT320N" and you will see the horrible performance. My system has come to speeds ...
Summary: This is a horrible product! Linksys does not care about it's poor performance. Simply Google "WRT320N" and you will see the horrible performance. My system has come to speeds so slow that I basically have NO internet, and it is all due to this router.
Please look this model # up before your purchase and you will see all of the problems. These problems usually start after the first couple months of owning this model, and the management of cisco/linksys have been made aware of these problems yet continue to market and sell this model; without any fixes as of yet!!!
DO NOT BUY!!!!! -
Great Router
by dhoward2050 on April 10, 2010
Pros: blazing fast connection, especially when using a newer laptop with wireless n, our older laptop runs almost as fast with a wireless g.
Cons: Network Defender seemed to slow it all down so I diaabled it and have had no problems since doing this.
Summary: I purchased this router after having major issues with my first Belkin N router, lost connections, or not connecting at all. After reading the reviews for the WRT 320N I ...
Summary: I purchased this router after having major issues with my first Belkin N router, lost connections, or not connecting at all. After reading the reviews for the WRT 320N I decided to give it a try and am glad I did. We haven't had any issues to date with it. GREAT ROUTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Part number: WRT320N
- Description: The Dual-Band Wireless-N Gigabit Router means high performance for both wireless and wired devices. Your wireless connections are radio band selectable to avoid interference in your area, and the four built-in Gigabit ports supply high-speed connections to your wired devices.
General
- Device Type Wireless router - 4-port switch (integrated)
- Enclosure Type Desktop
- Compatible Slots None
- Connectivity Technology Wireless ,
Wired - Data Link Protocol Ethernet,
Gigabit Ethernet,
IEEE 802.11b,
IEEE 802.11g,
IEEE 802.11n (draft 2.0),
Fast Ethernet - Remote Management Protocol HTTP
- Encryption Algorithm WPA2,
WPA,
128-bit WEP,
64-bit WEP - Features MIMO technology ,
Firewall protection ,
Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) ,
Auto-uplink (auto MDI/MDI-X) ,
Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) - Compliant Standards IEEE 802.11g ,
IEEE 802.3ab ,
Wi-Fi Protected Setup ,
IEEE 802.11n (draft 2.0) ,
IEEE 802.11b ,
UPnP ,
IEEE 802.3u ,
IEEE 802.3 Expansion / Connectivity
- Interfaces LAN : 4 x Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T - RJ-45,
WAN : 1 x Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T - RJ-45 Networking
- Networking type Wireless router
Antenna
- Antenna Internal integrated
- Antenna Qty 3
Power
- Power Device Power adapter - External
Communications
- Type None
Miscellaneous
- Width 8 in
- Depth 6.3 in
- Height 1.3 in
- Weight 10.6 oz
- Cables (Details) 1 x Network cable
- Microsoft Certifications Compatible with Windows 7
- Compliant Standards CS-03,
FCC Software / System Requirements
- Software Included Drivers & Utilities
- OS Required Microsoft Windows Vista (64-bit versions),
Microsoft Windows Vista / XP - Peripheral / Interface Devices CD-ROM
Environmental Parameters
- Min Operating Temperature 32 °F
- Max Operating Temperature 104 °F
- Humidity Range Operating 10 - 85%
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 1 year warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 1 year
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Cisco products on Shopper.com
-
- Manufacturer:Cisco
- Address:
170 W. Tasman Dr.
San Jose, CA 95134 - Phone: 800-553-6387
- Email: tac@cisco.com
