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I've been having problems with a Linksys WRT54GL router, with latest Linksys firmware. I've read a LOT of great reviews on this model but we are having instability problems with the network. Should I RMA this router and get it replaced? Anyone else with this type of problem?

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Do you have any problems with the wired ports? What have you done to rule out interference as the source of your problems? – Zoredache Oct 13 '09 at 0:31
Yes, there are problems even when using the wired ports. Given that, we haven't done much to rule out interference. – ExtraLean Oct 13 '09 at 1:15
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4 Answers

up vote 5 down vote

I'd recommend dumping the Linksys firmware and load up DD-WRT. It's a far superior firmware for the WRT54GL with enterprise-like features. Turns that $60 router into a $600 one (software-wise). If it's still having issues, it may be the hardware.

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I've loaded DD-WRT on other WRT54GL routers, but not this one. I should give it a go and see if it makes any difference. – ExtraLean Oct 13 '09 at 1:16
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+1 for DD-WRT. It's rock solid. I just skip straight to DD-WRT on any capable router I configure and save myself the future headache. – Collin Allen Oct 13 '09 at 2:26
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up vote 1 down vote

We have many WRT54GLs running and we have had our share of lemons; sometimes occurring right out of the box and sometimes after a period of use. The problems seem to be consistent though: no internet access for wired clients and no DHCP for wireless. Also, no remote access. Usually the power LED on front of the router is rapidly flashing. Sometimes a restart will temporarily resolve the issue, sometimes not. Lately I have started just replacing with new ones.

For us, these issues occur regardless of whether or not DDWRT is installed. Usually I try to flash DDWRT before deploying the router, but sometimes I just dont have time. We have the same problem with both firmwares.

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up vote 0 down vote

I haven't had to buy a Linksys in a couple of years, but for the few years before that, about 1/3 of the ones we bought were lemons and conked out in just a few months. Other ones would keep going (and are still going strong).

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Was this before or after Linksys was acquired by Cisco? – ExtraLean Oct 13 '09 at 1:34
I did once get one that had bad capacitors. I ended up buying new ones and resoldering them myself. Worked like a charm. – Xorlev Oct 13 '09 at 3:32
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up vote 0 down vote

afaik, most people buy GL only to 'upgrade' it with linux firmware. try tomato or ddwrt put few iptables on it and (all) your problem be gone...

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