Linksys WRT300N Router
Manufacturer: Linksys Inc. Part number: WRT300N
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Accessories
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- Though it offers good maximum throughput, the Linksys WRT300N ultimately fails to do the new Draft N standard proud in both mixed-mode and long-range tests. Wait to see how the rest of the Draft N products fare.
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Where to buy
| store | customer rating | inventory | tax & shipping | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon.com Marketplace |  | In stock | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 12/08/2009 |
CNET editors' review
Linksys WRT300N Router price range: $179.99
- Reviewed by: Stephanie Bruzzese
- Edited by: Felisa Yang
- Reviewed on: 04/24/2006
- Released on: 04/26/2006
The good: A reasonable price, solid maximum throughput, well-organized documentation, an easy setup process, essential security features, and a long warranty are the best things about the Linksys WRT300N.
The bad: The Linksys WRT300N performed below expectation in a mixed-mode environment and just about bombed at long range, which is supposed to be a strength of the 802.11n spec.
The bottom line: Though it offers good maximum throughput, the Linksys WRT300N ultimately fails to do the new Draft N standard proud in both mixed-mode and long-range tests. Wait to see how the rest of the Draft N products fare.
We will soon be testing a slew of new Draft N routers that we hope will demonstrate more of the spec's promise; though the $149 WRT300N is a tad less expensive than some of its Draft N competitors, we recommend waiting to see if the other devices deliver better performance. In the meantime, those who absolutely must have a new router now should check out the Netgear WPNT834 RangeMax 240, which offers blazing maximum and mixed-mode throughput.
The Linksys WRT300N router takes the idea of multiple antennas to a new level. In addition to its two standard, pen-shape antennas, the device offers a unique third antenna that's shaped like a big paddle. All three antennas are located on the router's right edge, where they bend and rotate in multiple directions, letting you adjust them to maximize your signal. The back edge includes the usual suspects: one WAN and four LAN jacks, plus a pinhole reset button. The front edge features well-labeled status lights that correspond to the jacks on the back, as well as two more lights that indicate when the router is experiencing wireless activity and that its security settings are active. A button emblazoned with a lock icon, which the user guide claims is "reserved for a future function," sits on top of the WRT300N. You can snap the handy stand onto the router's left edge should you want to set it upright, but because the device lacks wall-mounting brackets underneath, you can't hang it up and out of the way of competing wireless signals.
Linksys does a nice job with the WRT300N's documentation and setup. The clear, comprehensive user guide and installation wizard come on a CD that's neatly packaged inside of a large envelope. Flip up the envelope's flap, and you're immediately faced with instructions to insert the CD as the first step in the setup process. The disc prompts you to start the wizard, which guides you through connecting the device to your modem and computer, then configuring settings via the Web-based configuration tool. Advanced users can skip the wizard and get directly to the tool by typing the router's default IP address (192.168.1.1) into their browsers. The tool provides access to the WRT300N's thorough features list, which includes a four-port 10/100 Ethernet switch; an SPI firewall; a DHCP server; DMZ and VPN pass-throughs; and, of course, WPA2 security.
While no wireless device ever achieves its theoretical maximum speed in the real world, the WRT300N's scores weren't even in the ballpark and fell short of our expectations of Draft N gear. In CNET Labs' maximum throughput trial, the device beat the times of most of the pre-N routers we've reviewed, such as the Belkin Wireless Pre-N (which was among the first generation of MIMO routers), but it was still considerably slower than the very fast Netgear WPNT834 RangeMax 240. In our mixed-mode test, the Linksys barely squeaked past the Belkin and again fell far behind the Netgear, though to be fair, it did best the rest of the competition. Worse, the WRT300N's long-range throughput was slower than nearly all of the pre-N routers we've tested, save Linksys's own WRT54GX2. (We should note that for all MIMO-based routers and adapters released prior to this round of Draft N-based equipment, you must use routers with their adapter counterparts in order to achieve maximum speed. Draft N of the 802.11n spec mandates that products be fully interoperable, meaning that you should see optimized speeds using any combination of Draft N equipment from various vendors. So theoretically, you should be able to use this Linksys router with a Draft N adapter from any vendor and see similar performance.)
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The WRT300N ships with a good warranty for a wireless router: three years of free parts and labor, as well as toll-free tech support that's available 24/7. That said, the terms don't top Belkin's lifetime support policy. The Linksys support Web site includes the obligatory downloads and FAQ sections, along with a useful 24/7 chat feature that lets you engage in a real-time virtual discussion with a support rep.
Overall, the Linksys WRT300N is a good router from a dependable networking company. While its maximum throughput and mixed-mode throughput were good, its long-range performance was poor, which is especially disappointing given that one of the strengths of the 802.11n spec is high throughput at great distances. If you're interested in buying Draft N equipment, we recommend that you wait until we review the rest of the pack to see how the Draft N gear fares. After all, you may end up having to upgrade yet again when the 802.11n spec is finalized; it's still too early to tell.
User reviews
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range is very disappointing
by unwireme on April 26, 2006
Pros: cheaper than other draft-N gear
Cons: range is very poor, pre standard
Summary: This new draft-N technology from Linksys can not mantain a connection where my nearly 3 year old Linksys WRT54G router and WPC54G CardBus can. I really hope the performance improves ...
Summary: This new draft-N technology from Linksys can not mantain a connection where my nearly 3 year old Linksys WRT54G router and WPC54G CardBus can. I really hope the performance improves when the standard is finalized. This equipment is heading straignt back to Linksys. I would really like to see how they justify 4x the range. Seems like false advertizing to me.
11 out of 11 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Almost there Linksys!
by atrain4 on July 4, 2006
Pros: Speed, Speed, and Speed
Cons: Range not as far as Linksys says
Summary: I don't know why so many of these guys had problems with this router? The speed is very, very good. I would say this WRT300N Router is about 25% ...
Summary: I don't know why so many of these guys had problems with this router? The speed is very, very good. I would say this WRT300N Router is about 25% to about 35% faster than the Linksys WRT54GX4 Router. If you were to buy this new router the main reason you should buy it is because of SPEED!!! The setup of this router was really easy. And also the compatibility of this router too! It works great with other Wireless G and B devices! The only bad thing about this router is the range. I did a couple of trials with my old Linksys Router (WRT54GX4) and my newly bought router (WRT300N). And strangely my old WRT54GX4 had a little bit of a farther range than my new WRT300N. I'm still keeping my WRT300N for the speed though. I would recommend that you get this router if you don?t have a router with SRX technology. But if you have the following Routers, WRT54GX, WRT54GX2, or WRT54GX4, just go on ahead and keep them until you see the real capability of Wireless N Routers later next year in 2007 and then you could decide what Wireless N Routers you would like to buy.
8 out of 10 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Reliability is good if you're not using mixed mode.
by W Macaulay on November 14, 2006
Pros: Good range; ready for 802.11N once it's finalised
Cons: Mixed mode unreliable using FW 0.93.9
Summary: I was asked to set up a wireless network for a client in their condo at a local ski resort. Using the 0.93.9 firmware from Linksys, I noted ...
Summary: I was asked to set up a wireless network for a client in their condo at a local ski resort. Using the 0.93.9 firmware from Linksys, I noted that the signal would drop for 20s, then reappear for about 30s, and drop again. (My laptop's Intel 3945ABG card defaulted to 802.11g, but also works on 802.11a and b.) After changing the router to use only 802.11g, reliability was 100%. Range varied from 30m to 150m depending on how many walls were in between the router and my laptop, and seemed to fare better than other 802.11g Linksys products I've used in the past.
Without being able to test the N standard, I would like to see mixed mode performance improve. Other Linksys wireless routers I've installed also functioned poorly in mixed mode; so the problem is not unique to the WRT300N.
Throughput was a full 54Mbps in the entire range I tested the device. I hope the extra paddle shaped antenna has some use and is there for more than show!
In summary, range is good, and we'll have to wait and see on the new 802.11n standard. Unless you are an office user there is little point to upgrade to 802.11n because your connection is unlikely to keep up with the old 802.11b 11Mbps, let alone 802.11g at 54Mbps -- given that the average high-speed connection is around 1.5Mbps.5 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Generally Disappointing
by tvieceli on March 24, 2007
Pros: Easy setup
Cons: Range, signal drops at short range.
Summary: At first, I thought I had something in my condo soaking up or disrupting the signal, but that wasn't the case. I would have a "very good" signal for ...
Summary: At first, I thought I had something in my condo soaking up or disrupting the signal, but that wasn't the case. I would have a "very good" signal for a while, then it would suddenly drop completely to nothing and disconnect. I returned to the 802.11G router and have no signal problems. Maybe the actual N will be better than the Draft N.
Updated
This thing worked alright for a few months. Then it went! I bought this router for the speed and range. Well, the speed is definitely there . . . when it decides to work. I can use it for a few hours, then it suddenly decides to stop and disappear from my list for a while (30 to 90 minutes). Like I said, the speed is great, but the lack of dependability makes it junk to me. I went back to the wireless G that is bundled with my modem.3 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Speed is great
by jrosnow on December 10, 2006
Pros: Very fast, usually 215+ Mbps
Cons: Range is OK, not great
Summary: When combined with the wireless N adapter, speed was great. I usually get around 220 Mbps, even if I have another wireless G device on the network.
Range was OK ...Summary: When combined with the wireless N adapter, speed was great. I usually get around 220 Mbps, even if I have another wireless G device on the network.
Range was OK for G, but not much better than my old G router.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Don't bother. Especially if you have a Dell Inspiron 6000
by Advocate A on June 4, 2006
Pros: Nice black and blue color which is what I felt like after hours and hours of phone support
Cons: Technical support was fair to midland. They continued to try and then pawned it off on Dell's problem. Dell said: "sorry" we don't support it; Linksys then went through same old blame-game routine.
Summary: Sorry, Linksys. You blew this one, but I'll give you a "3" Poor rating for trying. I thought that I would buy "up" for a wireless router that said ...
Summary: Sorry, Linksys. You blew this one, but I'll give you a "3" Poor rating for trying. I thought that I would buy "up" for a wireless router that said it was backward compatible with B & G WiFi devices. It's not. No matter what we tried, it would not allow my practically brand new Dell Inspiron 6000 built-in WiFi card to read the Linksys WRT300N router. I wasted hours on end trying to get on-line with a wireless connection only to have Linksys try to blame it on Dell.
If Linksys comes out with a brand new product that is supposed to be backwards compatible, you would think that they would contact major manufacturers like Dell to make sure their product is compatible. Nope. They would rather make the customer the guinea pig and pay the consequences if it is not compatible.1 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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2 opinions, 2 returns
by weamdog on May 9, 2006
Pros: speed, when it works
Cons: wireless is worthless
Summary: Wish I would have seen the first opinion before I went out and bought this. Wireless is very unstable and it is nearly impossible to keep a connection alive even ...
Summary: Wish I would have seen the first opinion before I went out and bought this. Wireless is very unstable and it is nearly impossible to keep a connection alive even with a 100% signal within 3 feet (using their WPC300N). Even my PPC couldn't maintain a connection. My old BEFW11S4 blows this router away. Back to the drawing board for Linksys, and back to the store for me. (BTW, as of this writing, no major stores have them on the shelves yet but they do have them available online). I just hope they are prepared for all the returns.
1 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great Product, The Best!!!
by stallonevieira on May 4, 2009
Pros: Everything is Great, Not had a problem in 3 Years
Cons: None, it has been very reliable handling three wired and two or three wireless connections most of the week
Summary: I would agree with some that the range isn't 8 or 10 times greater than a G but it gave me more than previous Linksys G and Dlink G ...
Summary: I would agree with some that the range isn't 8 or 10 times greater than a G but it gave me more than previous Linksys G and Dlink G routers and the extra range was enough for me to pick up wireless on the third floor when my router is in the basement.
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Dont bother
by demisecco on February 5, 2009
Pros: Erm... none
Cons: The range is extremely poor. The promises are false. I upgraded from an old Linksys router to this one. Very disappioned to the extent its going back and I will upgrade my network by going back to the old WAG54G
Summary: Range very poor and network keeps dropping out over distance.
Summary: Range very poor and network keeps dropping out over distance.
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Expensive Piece of Junk
by mikee061 on December 25, 2008
Pros: Fancy design and easy set up
Cons: Wireless is very unstable. Can not keep connection alive even with a 100% signal within a feet.
Summary: Linksys shoudl have recalled this producet for it does not work like it advertise. I upgraded from my G and did not see any increase in speed at all. Wireless ...
Summary: Linksys shoudl have recalled this producet for it does not work like it advertise. I upgraded from my G and did not see any increase in speed at all. Wireless connection is the worst ever that I have seen with the routers that I have seen. This product should have not been approved for sale at all.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Linksys Inc.
- Part number: WRT300N
- Description: The Wireless-N Broadband Router is really three devices in one box. First, there's the Wireless Access Point, which lets you connect to the network without wires. There's also a built-in 4-port full-duplex 10/100 Switch to connect your wired-Ethernet devices together. Finally, the Router function ties it all together and lets your whole network share a high-speed cable or DSL Internet connection. The Access Point built into the Router uses the very latest wireless networking technology, Wireless-N (draft 802.11n). By overlaying the signals of multiple radios, Wireless-N's "Multiple In, Multiple Out" (MIMO) technology multiplies the effective data rate. Unlike ordinary wireless networking technologies that are confused by signal reflections, MIMO actually uses these reflections to increase the range and reduce "dead spots" in the wireless coverage area. The robust signal travels farther, maintaining wireless connections up to 4 times farther than standard Wireless-G. With Wireless-N, the farther away you are, the more speed advantage you get. It works great with standard Wireless-G and -B equipment, but when both ends of the wireless link are Wireless-N, the router can increase the throughput even more by using twice as much radio band, yielding speeds up to 12 times as fast as standard Wireless-G. But unlike other speed-enhanced technologies, Wireless-N can dynamically enable this double-speed mode for Wireless-N devices, while still connecting to other wireless devices at their respective fastest speeds. In congested areas, the "good neighbor" mode ensures that the Router checks for other wireless devices in the area before gobbling up the radio band. To help protect your data and privacy, the Router can encode all wireless transmissions with industrial-strength 256-bit encryption. It can serve as your network's DHCP Server, has a powerful SPI firewall to protect your PCs against intruders and most known Internet attacks, and supports VPN pass-through. Configuration is a snap with the web browser-based configuration utility. The incredible speed of Wireless-N makes it ideal for media-centric applications like streaming video, gaming, and Voice over IP telephony, and gives you plenty of headroom to run multiple media-intense data streams through the network at the same time, with no degradation in performance. With the Linksys Wireless-N Broadband Router at the center of your home or office network, you can share a high-speed Internet connection, files, printers, and multi-player games, and run media-intensive applications at faster than 10/100 wired network speeds, without the hassle of stringing wires!
General
- Device Type Wireless router
- Form Factor External
- Width 7.4 in
- Depth 1.6 in
- Height 6.9 in
- Weight 1.1 lbs
Networking
- Connectivity Technology Wired, Wireless
- Integrated Switch 4-port switch
- Frequency Band 2.4 GHz
- Data Link Protocol Ethernet, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, Fast Ethernet, IEEE 802.11n (draft)
- Switching Protocol Ethernet
- Network / Transport Protocol L2TP, PPTP, IPSec, PPPoE
- Routing Protocol Static IP routing
- Remote Management Protocol HTTP, HTTPS
- Status Indicators Power, Link OK, Port status, Link activity
- Features DMZ port, NAT support, DHCP support, MIMO technology, VPN passthrough, MDI/MDI-X switch, 256-bit encryption, Firewall protection, Firmware upgradable, MAC address filtering, Full duplex capability, Access Point operational mode, Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI)
- Compliant Standards IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.3u, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n (draft)
Antenna
- Antenna Qty 3
- Gain Level 2 dBi
Communications
- Type None
Expansion / Connectivity
- Interfaces 1 x Network - Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX - RJ-45 ( WAN ), 4 x Network - Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX - RJ-45
- Compatible Slots None
Miscellaneous
- Cables (Details) 1 x Network cable
- Encryption Algorithm WPA, WPA2, 64-bit WEP, 128-bit WEP
- Authentication Method RADIUS, Radio Service Set ID (SSID)
- Microsoft Certifications Works with Windows Vista
- Compliant Standards CE, FCC, IC CS-03
Power
- Power Device Power adapter - External
Software / System Requirements
- Software Included Norton Internet Security
- OS Required Microsoft Windows 2000 / XP
- Peripheral / Interface Devices CD-ROM
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 3 years warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 3 years
Environmental Parameters
- Min Operating Temperature 32 °F
- Max Operating Temperature 104 °F
- Humidity Range Operating 10 - 85%
CNET Labs' Benchmarks
- CNET Labs long-range tests (in Mbps) 17
- CNET Labs maximum throughput tests (at 10 feet, in Mbps) 71.5
- CNET Labs maximum throughput tests with mixed 802.11b/g and draft N, MIMO clients (at 10 feet, in Mbps) 46
Accessories
Manufacturer info
- Linksys Inc.
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Linksys Inc. products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.linksys.com/
- Address:
17401 Armstrong Ave.
Irvine CA 92614 - Phone: 949-261-1288
- Email: support@linksys.com
- Fax: 949-823-3002
