Cisco-Linksys WRT160NL Wireless-N Broadband Router with Storage Link (Compatible with Linux)

by Cisco

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 2.4 x 10.6 x 9.4 inches ; 1.9 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0028N6VLE
• Item model number: WRT160NL
• Average Customer Review: 3.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (84 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #422 in Computers & Accessories (See Top 100 in Computers & Accessories)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: September 14, 2004

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

From the Manufacturer The Linux-based Wireless-N Broadband Router with Storage Link (WRT160NL) is an open source router targeted at IT or programming professionals and hobbyists. Two detachable antennas allow flexibility for customized applications. A Storage Link USB port allows connection of a hard drive or flash-based USB storage device to easily add storage and access music, video, or data files from any computer within the network, or more securely through the Internet. This Wireless-N router--essentially the next generation of the WRT54GL--transfers data faster and further than Wireless-G. Wireless-N delivers high performance for smooth streaming video, high frame-rate gaming, fast data transfers, and heavy Internet use from multiple users—all with great range and reduced dead spots.

MIMO Smart Antenna Technology for Enhanced Speed
The WRT160NL utilizes MIMO (Multiple-In; Multiple-Out) smart antenna technology embedded in the router design. MIMO leverages the wireless signals that reflect off walls and other interior surfaces to extend the signal coverage and enhance the speed of data transmissions. The WRT160NL features two detachable antennas with SMA connectors but is designed to accept other antennas with SMA connectors as well. It has the same contemporary design and styling as all new Linksys by Cisco routers.

Backwards Compatible with Wireless-B/G
This router is compatible with 802.11b/g wireless devices. It also includes a built-in 4-port 10/100 Fast Ethernet switch for connecting other computers, Ethernet-enabled storage devices or other peripherals. There is also an integrated UPnP AV media server that can serve media content (audio, video and pictures) on an attached storage drive to a media adapter.

Product Features: Internet-sharing Router and 4-port Switch, with a built in speed and range enhanced Wireless Access Point Great for media-intensive applications like streaming video or music, and gaming MIMO technology uses multiple radios to create a robust signal that travels farther and helps reduce dead spots Storage Link lets you connect a hard drive or flash-based USB storage device to allow access to your music, video, or data files from anywhere within your network		View larger	View larger

View larger	The Customer's Needs The Linux-based open source Wireless-N Broadband Router with Storage Link (WRT160NL) was created specially for hobbyists and wireless aficionados. The external antennas give users the option of attaching high-gain antennas to improve the wireless range and receive sensitivity of the router.

Do More, Faster Enjoy fast wireless connectivity for your home or home office. The Wireless-N Broadband Router with Storage Link is designed to deliver plenty of speed and coverage, so multiple users can go online, transfer large files, print, and stream stored media--all at once, all without wires. Great for bigger homes. Easy to use, and easy to install on Windows or Mac. Wireless-N Power The speed and bandwidth of Wireless-N, today's most advanced wireless technology, makes it easy for multiple users to share Internet access, files, and printing. Enjoy media-intensive activities like gaming, video and Voice-over-IP phone calls--all at once, with less lag and performance degradation. Achieves faster speeds when used with Wireless-N enabled devices, but is fully compatible with Wireless-G and -B equipment.

Reliable Coverage Experience coverage you can count on, all around your home. Wireless-N's Multiple in, Multiple Out (MIMO) technology actually uses the signal reflections that confuse ordinary wireless technologies to boost range and reduce dead spots. Storage for All The Storage Link feature lets you connect a hard drive or flash-based USB storage device directly to your network to easily add gigabytes of storage. Access your music, video, or data files from anywhere within your network. Built-in DLNA 1.5 compatible media server streams to PCs or UPnP AV digital media adapters. Connect to More Four 10/100 Ethernet ports let you connect printers, networked storage drives, and other Ethernet-enabled devices to your network, so you can access and share them from all around the house. Fast Wireless-N connectivity frees you to do more around your home. Easy to set up and use. Industrial-strength security protection. Easily add shared storage to your network.

What's in the Box
WRT160NL wireless-N broadband router, setup CD-ROM, user's guide on CD-ROM, quick installation guide, Ethernet network cable, power adapter, antennas (2, R-SMA), and USB extension cable.

Product Description

The Wireless-N Broadband Router with Storage Link is really four 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. The Storage Link feature lets you connect a hard drive or flash-based USB storage device directly to your network to easily add gigabytes of storage. Access your music, video, or data files from anywhere within your network. Finally, the Router function ties it all together and lets your whole network share a high-speed cable or DSL Internet connection.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

71 of 74 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Check your speeds if you get this router, June 12, 2009

By 

A Professional Consumer (Peoria, IL USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Cisco-Linksys WRT160NL Wireless-N Broadband Router with Storage Link (Compatible with Linux) (Electronics)

I've had several routers over the years, and this one is the best so far. Range is great, speed is great, but best of all is the setup. Has a CD that makes it very easy, and when you are done it gives you a diagram of your entire network, including the names of each computer. I've set up several routers over the years, so I know what I'm doing, but who wants to spend time messing with it? I believe just about anyone could do this one. I've had it about a month, and I love it.

Update: I found out that my download speed was cut by 85% to my HARDWIRED computer when the ethernet cable was routed through the router (which it has to be) and then to my desktop computer. I found this out accidentally when checking speeds, and then got on the Linksys website and ask for help. I got a response and they had me change some obscure (MTU) settings (which I still don't understand), and it fixed the problem. My issue is, NOWHERE in the instructions does it even hint that you might need to do this.

Otherwise, the router works fine. But if you get it, check the download/upload speeds before and after the installation.

46 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars best router i've had, September 19, 2009

By 

Nick Beharry - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Cisco-Linksys WRT160NL Wireless-N Broadband Router with Storage Link (Compatible with Linux) (Electronics)

very cool. the usb drive is EASY to map as a network drive with a letter and it works fast enough. right now i'm backing up from the drive wirelessly to my computer and it is transferring data at a rate of 1GB in about 20 minutes. to some that will sound slow, but to me thats VERY fast. especially when you consider the price at which you're getting this utility. you can turn a USB drive into a network drive. (mine is 250 GB external). i still have not read the instructions for the device yet. tomorrow i will look into customizing the security options.

i am terribly excited about now having a network drive from which all 3 of my computers can access files. no more storing pictures or music or files on 1 of the 3, now everything is stored on the "network drive" and backed up to my main computer. my wife and i love it. just $85.

also interesting is that the compression rate is currently about 20%, so i think that means by the time my current backup is complete, my 44GB network drive might be compressed to under 9GB. i'll see, but it should give you some idea.

as for the networking features, the signal is very strong and reaches in my basement, so my buddy down there is happy too.

i find the description of the network controls you get to be really understated. you can block and allow websites and computers and you get a lot of other useful controls. its very user friendly and the only thing you'll really need to refer to the manual for is to see how to access the usb drive from your computer - its EASY.

the tricky thing is restricting admin access to just yourself - trying to figure that out. will do it tomorrow. i hope this review helps. i would recommend to anyone to get this router -

i'm not a techie, so my expectations are "normal" and this has exceeded my expectations by far.

its very similar to using the network drive at my job. the best part of it all to me is that i now have all my files stored in one place and finally made good use of my external usb hard drive, which will now always be connected. can't beat that. good luck and vote me up if this review was helpful.

19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Worth the Higher Price-- Definitely!, May 21, 2009

By 

Terri J. Rice "ricepaper" (WA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Cisco-Linksys WRT160NL Wireless-N Broadband Router with Storage Link (Compatible with Linux) (Electronics)

We went through three other brands, each time returning them for an exchange of another in their cheaper price range; finally we tried this Linksys and ta da!! it worked fantastically.

If you are like me and totally don't know how to install things on your computer, never fear, it comes with a CD that walks you through the process. If you know what you're doing you can skip the CD and browse the "Quick Installation Guide."

Yep, it costs more, but after returning three other cheaper ones, I am here to say this works great. We have not had a problem since.