Shop RadioShack for Great GiftsLinksys WRT310N Wireless-N Gigabit Router
Manufacturer: Linksys Inc. Part number: WRT310N
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- Aside from its potentially worrisome heat output, the Linksys WRT310N Wireless-N Gigabit Router is a networking dynamo with chart-topping performance and a sleek (maybe too sleek) design.
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CNET editors' review
Linksys WRT310N Wireless-N Gigabit Router price range: $106.83 - $129.99
- Reviewed by: Dong Ngo
- Edited by: Matthew Elliott
- Reviewed on: 05/29/2008
The good: Compact, antenna-free design; great range, unparalleled performance among Draft N routers.
The bad: Runs very hot; no USB-related features; a short one-year warranty.
The bottom line: Aside from its potentially worrisome heat output, the Linksys WRT310N Wireless-N Gigabit Router is a networking dynamo with chart-topping performance and a sleek (maybe too sleek) design.
The Linksys WRT310N Wireless-N Gigabit Router is basically the Draft N 2.0 version of the RangePlus WRT110 that we reviewed earlier this month. Bearing the same sleek, antenna-free design as the WRT110, the WRT310N offers two significant upgrades: Gigabit networking and Draft N 2.0 compliance. We are a little disappointed to see it inherit the WRT110's lack of a USB port, which means it can't act as a print server or easily facilitate network storage. It more than makes up for these lacking features, however, with excellent performance in CNET Labs' testing. In fact, it was by far the fastest router we've tested to date on our mixed mode setup, which we believe to be the most popular real-life network scenario with older 802.11b/g devices operating with newer Draft 802.11n devices. It was also the top performer on our max throughput test. Unfortunately, this good performance does come with heat--and lots of it. For $120, the Linksys WRT310N makes a good investment for any networking environment, both home and office--just make sure the router is not stuck in a tight corner but a clear well-ventilated area.
Device type: Wireless router
Network standard: Draft N 2.0 and Linksys proprietary RangePlus
Bandwidth: 2.4GHz
Operating systems supported: Windows 2000, XP, Vista, Mac OS X, Linux
Security options: WEP 64/128-bit,WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK WPA-TKIP, WPA-AES, Wireless Protected Setup
Features: Four Gigabit LAN ports; one Gigabit WAN port; DHCP support
Notable design features: Internal antenna design
Support: One-year warranty
Design and ease of use
Like the WRT110, the WRT310N boasts a design that is both attractive and practical. There are no external antennas to clutter the ports on the back. You'll find four LAN ports and one WAN port on the back. All of the network ports are Gigabit, which is always a welcome upgrade, especially in a Draft N 2.0 router, where the wireless speed is claimed to potentially get up to 300Mbps--higher than the 100Mbps maximum of a 10/100 Ethernet router. On its top toward the front, there is a line of cool, blue LEDs that show the status of the ports on the back and the state of the wireless network. In the middle of the LED is the button that initiates the Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) feature that allows for quickly adding WPS-enabled wireless clients to the network.
The router is very compact and thin, which is great in and of itself, but it also means there's not much empty space inside. Because the WRT310N is a high-power router and lacks proper ventilation, it runs very hot. The WRT110 we reviewed earlier runs a lot cooler, though it bears the same design.
The WRT310N doesn't have a USB port to offer relatively popular USB-related features such as print serving, network storage, or Windows Connect Now, which lets you transfer the wireless encryption key with a thumb drive. This is disappointing since we view the WRT310N as a rather high-end router on par with others such as the D-Link DIR-655 .
The router comes with Linksys' EasyLink Advisor (LELA) software that walks you step by step through the setup process. It's one of the most well-thought-out setup apps we've used for wireless routers. Savvy users might still skip it and just use the Web interface, which is also relatively intuitive, but novice users will definitely appreciate LELA. We had absolutely no problem and were able to get the router up and running for testing within a few minutes.
Features
Where the WRT110 router supported near Draft N speed, the WRT310N is a certified Draft N 2.0 router. Both routers feature Linksys' proprietary wireless enhancing technology called RangePlus. This means the WRT310N can potentially offer higher than wireless-G speed to non-wireless-N adapters that support this technology (You'll need to get those from Linksys; they are availalbe in PC Cards, USB, and PCI adapter form factors). In real life, you might not find any chances to take advantage of this at all and you won't miss much, either, as a Draft N adapter would get a much faster speed than a RangePlus adapter anyway.
The WRT310N has basically the same Web-interface layout and networking features as the WRT110, which is similar to most Linksys routers. It has a very elaborate content filtering feature called "Access Restrictions" that allows for restricting/filtering access of particular computers in the network to the Internet. You can also set up special port forwarding/triggering using the "Applications & Gaming" feature. This feature allows for setting specific ports for specific applications such as games or Remote Desktop or FTP, HTTP server, and so on.
The router supports all available wireless encryption from WEP to WPA and WPA2, as well as Remote Authentication Dial In User Service and higher-end features such as Firewall, VPN pass-through, and access restriction. For quick wireless network setup, it uses the Wi-Fi Protected Setup push button mentioned earlier.
Performance
The Linksys WRT310 blew us away with its performance. It easily topped the charts on both CNET Labs' max throughput and mixed mode tests, scoring 110.6Mbps and 95.3Mbps respectively. These scores are still no way close to the claimed theatrical 300Mbps throughput of the 802.11n spec, but they come the closest that we've seen from any Draft N router. On our range test, the router lost its top position to the Asus WL-500W 802.11n but only by a small margin.
We were especially pleased with the WRT310N's performance in mixed-mode testing; we believe this is the most common scenario for Draft N routers in real life, where you are adding newer N clients to existing B and G devices.
The WRT310N offers excellent range too. We had no problem picking up its signal at 200 feet, and we were able to maintain a connection at 300 feet. Our testing environment is not optimal for broadcasting a signal over long distances, so the WRT310N may offer even better range in your home where there is less interference than in CNET Labs. It's worth noting that a router's range depends a lot on the environment it is in, especially for routers that operate on 2.4GHz frequency, which is used by a lot of other electronic equipment like cordless phones and Bluetooth devices.
As mentioned before, the router ran very hot during our testing process, to the point that you might not be able to rest your fingers on its bottom for longer than a few seconds. It's more of a design flaw than a performance problem, from what we saw. In testing, its performance was not adversely affected by the heat, but we didn't work with it for longer than a few days.
Service and support
Linksys has the same amount of love for the WRT310N as it does the WRT110, backing it with disappointing one-year warranty. The fact that the router runs hot makes this a bit worrisome, as the excessive heat may reduce the lifespan of the device. Linksys' toll-free phone support is available 24-7, as is online chat with a support representative. Its Web site includes software, drivers, and firmware downloads and a FAQ section.
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
User reviews
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Improvement over WRT300N
by SingTodd on March 14, 2008
Pros: G/N Support, Sleek Design, Decent Range, Gigabit ports
Cons: Slight overheating problem, no 5GHz support
Summary: I purchased one of these units after also purchasing a WRT300N and having no luck at all getting WPA encryption to work with laptops on the 300. The 310 model ...
Summary: I purchased one of these units after also purchasing a WRT300N and having no luck at all getting WPA encryption to work with laptops on the 300. The 310 model seems to address a lot of the issues that have plagued the 300 out of the box. For only 2 internal antennas vs. 3 external antennas on the 300, the 310 has about the same or slightly better range. Have not fully tested the N range yet. The 310 tends to feel a lot warmer to the touch than other LinkSys routers, but the design is nice and the Gigabit ports are a plus. Good improvement over a previously dismal model.
6 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Drops Connection Frequently
by fotoczar on October 14, 2008
Pros: The product is fast as billed, but it drops connection 2 or 3 times a day, requiring the router to be unplugged and plugged back in.
Cons: It drops internet connection 2 or 3 times a day, requiring the router to be unplugged and plugged back in; quite a hassle.
Summary: If you're patient and don't mind rebooting the router daily, then this router will be terrific for you. Otherwise, look elsewhere.
Summary: If you're patient and don't mind rebooting the router daily, then this router will be terrific for you. Otherwise, look elsewhere.
5 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Numerous issues with this router
by omar_rehman on August 9, 2008
Pros: looks nice
Cons: numerous connection drops requiring a power on/off of the router
Summary: Check out linksys's forums and you'll see all the problems people are having with this router. Appears to be a firmware issue but the connection keeps dropping requiring ...
Summary: Check out linksys's forums and you'll see all the problems people are having with this router. Appears to be a firmware issue but the connection keeps dropping requiring a power down of the router. Can't believe cnet didnt experience this in their review!
5 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Blazing Fast
by GaryCoombs on April 26, 2008
Pros: Full Gigabit speed and no visible antennas
Cons: None that I've found
Summary: I upgraded from my old reliable LinkSys WRT54G. This puppy is flat amazing! The new installation is literally automagic. I'm getting an amazing full gigabit speed with connected PC'...
Summary: I upgraded from my old reliable LinkSys WRT54G. This puppy is flat amazing! The new installation is literally automagic. I'm getting an amazing full gigabit speed with connected PC's. I have no choice but to rate my WRT310N as Spectacular. I've even come to like the new design. It's actually easier to see the performance lights. Highly recommended!
3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Fast & Reliable
by Ffailtltgy on April 21, 2008
Pros: Gigabit wired; N-speed wireless
Cons: Becomes unusually hot
Summary: I bought the Linksys WRT310N router to replace a 3Com product that never worked properly. All the problems that I had been having with the 3Com product disappeared as soon ...
Summary: I bought the Linksys WRT310N router to replace a 3Com product that never worked properly. All the problems that I had been having with the 3Com product disappeared as soon as I connected the Linksys WRT310N. The 1-gigabit wired speed is REALLY fast. The "draft N" wireless speed is likewise impressive (though no match for the wired connection speed).
For the record, I did not bother using the automatic setup program. Instead, I manually configured the WRT310N. I cannot say whether the automatic setup program works reliably or not.3 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Drops wireless all the time
by asheahen on October 11, 2008
Pros: sleak design and when the wireless signal is working, its great
Cons: Drops the wireless signal all the time. It works slightly better with DD-WRT firmware but is essentially unusable with the OOTB linksys firmware.
Summary: Better off buying an "ugly" wireless N router that actually works.
Summary: Better off buying an "ugly" wireless N router that actually works.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Fails every second week
by jpullam on October 8, 2008
Pros: Pretty. Claims to do everything you'd ever want.
Cons: The most important requirement of a router is that it works 100% of the time. This one fails at intervals varying from 8 to 20 days. Hard down. Must power down and up to get back on the air each time.
Summary: Impossible to get past the idiots at linksys first line support to talk to someone who knows what's really happenning though. I guess ignorance is bliss. Why hasn't ...
Summary: Impossible to get past the idiots at linksys first line support to talk to someone who knows what's really happenning though. I guess ignorance is bliss. Why hasn't the firmware been upgraded since last January? Surely they know it stinks.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Fast to transfer, fast to heat, faster to fail!
by jwws on September 19, 2008
Pros: Speed and ease of setup.
Cons: HOT! Needs external cooling. Hangs quite often, needs power cycle restart at least 2 times per night. Linksys will not recognize to the device's design flaws and the failings in their firmware, despite many comments from irate users in their forums.
Summary: When I installed the router, I was delighted by the speed and ease of setup.
Unfortunately, it is soon discovered to be the "router from hell" Scorching temperatures had to ...Summary: When I installed the router, I was delighted by the speed and ease of setup.
Unfortunately, it is soon discovered to be the "router from hell" Scorching temperatures had to be lowered with an external desk fan. Even so, it remains quite warm, and soon starts to fail. It gets stuck at least twice each and every night, requiring a power cycle to clear it, sometimes only 15 minutes apart. Linksys is completely ignorant of the users' difficulties, and will probably remain that way for the foreseeable future. Do not, under any circumstances, buy this product.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Random connection drop - Firmware problem
by Marty_99 on September 11, 2008
Pros: Nice design, easy setup
Cons: Very poor reliability.
Summary: The firmware in this router is bad. It has many bugs that need to be fixed. The worst one is that the router freezes randomly and you connection drops. At ...
Summary: The firmware in this router is bad. It has many bugs that need to be fixed. The worst one is that the router freezes randomly and you connection drops. At this point, the only way to recover is to power cycle the device. This firmware problem has been confirmed by Linksys Tech Support.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Couldn't connect
by wdstou01 on July 6, 2008
Pros: Sleek design, LELA software
Cons: Couldn't connect computers to Internet, unit is very hot.
Summary: Internet going into the router worked. My wireless computer recognized the network. But, I could not get access to the Internet on either wired or wireless computers. There's probably ...
Summary: Internet going into the router worked. My wireless computer recognized the network. But, I could not get access to the Internet on either wired or wireless computers. There's probably an answer, but I couldn't figure it out. After hours of wasted time, I returned it, got a competing brand. Everything works now.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Linksys Inc.
- Part number: WRT310N
- Description: The Wireless-N Gigabit 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 much 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 far faster than 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 Gigabit 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
- Built-in Devices LED panel
- Width 8 in
- Depth 6.3 in
- Height 1.3 in
- Weight 12 oz
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, Gigabit Ethernet, IEEE 802.11n (draft 2.0)
- Switching Protocol Ethernet
- Remote Management Protocol HTTP
- Communication Mode full-duplex
- Status Indicators Power, Link OK, Port status, Link activity
- Features DHCP server, MIMO technology, VPN passthrough, Auto-negotiation, 256-bit encryption, Firewall protection, Auto-sensing per device, Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS), Auto-uplink (auto MDI/MDI-X), Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI)
- Compliant Standards IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.3u, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n (draft 2.0)
Antenna
- Antenna Internal integrated
- Antenna Qty 3
- Directivity Omni-directional
Communications
- Type None
Expansion / Connectivity
- Interfaces 1 x Network - Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T - RJ-45 ( WAN ), 4 x Network - Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T - RJ-45
Miscellaneous
- Cables (Details) 1 x Network cable
- Encryption Algorithm WPA, WPA2, 64-bit WEP, 128-bit WEP
- Microsoft Certifications Compatible with Windows 7
- Compliant Standards CE, FCC, UPnP, IC CS-03
Power
- Power Device Power adapter - External
Software / System Requirements
- Software Included Drivers & Utilities, Norton Internet Security
- OS Required Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows Vista
- Peripheral / Interface Devices CD-ROM
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) 28.83
- CNET Labs maximum throughput tests (at 15 feet, in Mbps) 111.27
- CNET Labs maximum throughput tests with mixed 802.11b/g and draft N, MIMO clients (at 15 feet, in Mbps) 95.31
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
