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

Other products by Linksys

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 (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank

  Popular in this category: (What's this?)

  #23 in

  Electronics > Computers & Accessories > Networking Products > Routers

• Date first available at Amazon.com: May 15, 2009

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

24 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Doesn't Play Well with Vista, July 14, 2009

By	Bucknut Rob (Ohio, USA) - See all my reviews

I purchased this router for 2 specific reasons. First and foremost, I wanted the Storage Link function in order to add a quick and easy substitute for a separate home server or NAS box. Second, I wanted to upgrade from my current wireless G router to N.
This router worked fine as a router. The network was easy to configure and both of the laptops we use in my home connected without issue. Both machines run Vista Home Premium.
The router did, for some reason, cause our laptops to have problems accessing our D-Link wireless print server. Both laptops had accessed the server flawlessly for months prior to swapping out my old router, but now Vista on both machines had recognition problems with the print server, sometimes seeing it on the network, sometimes not.
The Storage Link function was hot mess from the start. I attached a 500G external drive with NTFS formatting (supported, according to the Linksys info), but it wouldn't show up on the network from either laptop or when I logged into the router config portal. On occasion, the hard drive would show, but I was unable to access it. I spent hours researching the Web, trying to find any answers as to what the problem was and how to fix it. I found lots of posts about the problem, but just about every one had a different suggested fix and none of them worked. I called Linksys support, spent 2.5 hours on the phone with Tier II technical support and was finally told that they couldn't help me unless I got an XP machine to diagnose the problem. I was given a ticket number and told to call back if I needed more help. Of course, I didn't call back. I returned the router to Amazon that day.
I have always used D-Link and NetGear products in the past. This was my first, and most likely my last, experience with Linksys.
I would have given 1 star, but as a router this worked fine. The Storage Link, which is a secondary function(but the more important one to me) is what drove the rating down so low.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

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

By	groff5 "groff5" (Metamora, IL USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

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.

12 of 12 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" (Pasco, WA United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

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.