Everything you need to know about the Linksys WRT1900AC [A Review]

The Linksys WRT1900AC has been identified as a successor of the Linksys WRT54G. It comes with better performance and more technological advancements. Here, we will look at the features of the Linksys WRT1900AC that would give you fast and stable internet.

Every time I would have a connectivity issue in my small home or at my office, I would frequently contact my internet service provider and blame them for it. However, I came to realize that the performance and features of my router are at the core to giving me a reliable network connection. With this in mind, I substituted my previous router with the Linksys WRT1900AC and ever since then I am able to seamlessly work through my internet and enjoy high bandwidth activities like online gaming and 4K video streaming.

When you compare the Linksys WRT1900AC router to the Linksys WRT54G, it has been developed to make use of the 802.11ac standard, rather the Wi-Fi 6, which actively contributes to its exceptional performance. Aside from that, this particular router is Open Source ready which allows me to customize my firmware.

Linksys WRT1900AC review and breakdown

Linksys Open Source Dual-Band Gigabit WiFi Wireless Router, Speeds up to (AC1900) 1.9Gbps - WRT1900ACS

• Wireless AC, up to 4.3x faster than N technology: Simultaneous dual band speed up to 600 Mbps (2.4 GHz) +...
• 4 high performance antennas: Engineered to enhance dual band communication, four external, adjustable...

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The Linksys WRT1900AC comes as a router with a retro design and has 4 antennas towards its side that ensure maximum signal strength and optimal coverage throughout your household. It is a dual band router that support the 2.4 and 5 GHz channels and has a throughput speed of up to 1900 Mbps. It has been designed to cover a range of up to 1800 square feet which makes it suitable for a small home.

It has been optimized with a 1.3 GHz dual core CPU and the beamforming technology. It also has Gigabit LAN and WAN ports. Moreover, it has the USB 3.0, USB 2.0 and ESTATA port to help in the transfer of files across your internet.

This router has been designed to support DNLA and Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) streaming standards. It also supports IPv6 protocol which provides a location and identification system for all the computers on network and routes the traffic across the internet. For stable network connection, you should always ensure that its operating temperature runs between 0 and 40°C.

As a smart Wi-Fi router, it helps you monitor and control the activities on your home network through your IOS and Android device. It is secured with the WEP/WPA and WPA/WPA 2 security protocols.

What we liked;

• Its retro design makes it aesthetically pleasing
• It provides a reliable network connection
• It is hackable and allows you to customize your firmware
• It has 4 antennas for added Wi-Fi coverage
• You can control your home network from the Linksys app

What we didn’t like;

• It is a large router that takes up a lot of storage space
• At launch, the open source firmware is not fully supported

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Linksys WRT1900AC Specifications

Linksys WRT1900AC Features

Speed and Performance

The Linksys WRT1900AC router has throughput speeds of up to 1900 Mbps and is a dual band router whose speed bandwidth is distributed as 600 Mbps for the 2.4 GHz channel and 1300 Mbps on the 5GHz channel. It comes with a 1.3 GHz dual core CPU which high speed data processing simultaneously. Besides that, it is optimized with the beamforming technology which focuses the Wi-Fi signal on your connected device and prevents any interference that would come from other devices and reduces dropped signals which in turn strengthens your network efficiency.

Its 4 antennas provide you with a strong Wi-Fi signal as it enhances the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands in such a way that you can simultaneously game, download files and stream videos at the same time without experiencing a connection lag. Its Gigabit Ethernet ports help you transfer data up to ten times faster than fast Ethernet in such a way that it ensures high speed connectivity for all your wired connections.

The behavior of its white LED lights help you monitor the status of your internet connection, the status of your router and the status of your WAN & LAN ports.

Design and Structure

The Linksys WRT1900AC router comes as a large router with its dimensions at 11.5 x 8 x 5 inches. It is embodied in a black and blue retro design that is aesthetically pleasing to the eye. It has four legs at the bottom which are supposed to keep it sturdy in the event that you would established a wired connection to your devices on all the Ethernet ports. It comes with 4 adjustable antennas attached to it towards the side which help you extend the Wi-Fi coverage in your household.

At the back of the Linksys WRT1900AC router, there are four Gigabit Ethernet ports for your LAN and one Gigabit WAN port. It also comes with a USB 3.0 and a USB 2.0/ ESATA port which allow you to transfer files and add external storage through your router. There is a reset button at the bottom of the router which you can use to reset your router to its factory settings incase you have connectivity issues.

Security and Network control

The Linksys WRT1900AC is a smart Wi-Fi router that allows you to remotely control your home network through the Linksys app. Here, you can create separate Wi-Fi network for your guests to access. This means that they are able to enjoy internet connections but they cannot access your printer and storage devices on your router. Also, the Linksys app comes with a parental control feature that allows you to restrict websites and block devices to your Wi-Fi as a way of creating a safe internet experience for your children. On the app, you can also prioritize the devices that need more speed than others.

A unique feature of the Linksys WRT1900AC is that it comes with the Open Source firmware that has been developed for you to use with OpenWRT. This feature lets you customize your firmware. Additionally this router has 128-bit encryption and is secured by WPA/WPA 2 wireless security protocols.

Range and Capacity

The Linksys WRT1900AC router covers a range of up to 1800 square feet. When you move beyond this recommended distance you may notice a few connectivity failures such as dropped signals or no internet connections. However, you are able to sort this out by purchasing a Wi-Fi extender or keeping your connected devices close to the router.

It has a 128MB flash memory alongside 256 GB of DDR3 RAM that increase its overall efficiency.

Who is it best suited for?

The Linksys WRT1900AC router is suitable for you if you are looking for a router with added Wi-Fi coverage and a stable signal throughout your household. Also, if you are interested in customizing your own firmware and adjusting the features of your router/internet, you should consider purchasing the Linksys WRT1900AC.

Are there any alternatives to the Linksys WRT1900AC router?

Yes. The ASUS RT-AC68U, the NETGEAR Nighthawk AC1900 and the TP-LINK AC1900 are alternative routers to the Linksys WRT1900AC router and they have similar network performance and have almost similar features.

Features of the alternative routers

Verdict: Should you get the Linksys WRT1900AC router?

Yes. Despite being a large router, the Linksys WRT1900AC router provides exceptional network performance and is very reliable.

FAQs

How many guest networks can I set up on my Linksys WRT1900AC router?

With the Linksys WRT1900AC router, you are able to set up two guest networks. One for the 2.4 GHz band and the other for the 5 GHz band. Setting a guest network means that your visitors and friends are able to connect to the internet but they cannot access your printer and storage devices like your flash disc or hard drive.

Does my Linksys WRT1900AC router support Open Source?

Yes it does. The Linksys WRT1900AC is Open Source ready which means that coders are able to modify their own firmware. However, it is important for you to note that your Linksys WRT1900AC router can only support the official firmware and if you install third part firmware it may damage your router and this is not catered for by its manufacturer.