Save Time, Print this Hardware Guide

Hardware guide to print as you shop for used devices.

The original development was done on Linksys WRT54G hardware versions 1 through 4. Starting with hardware version 5, the firmware Flash and working RAM memory were reduced and the factory operating system was changed to VXworks. Version 5+ WRT54G and GS units don't have enough memory to run HSMM-MESH™. A repackaged version of a WRT54G is separately marketed as WRT54GL (for Linux) and is specifically advertised as supporting Linux. All hardware versions of the WRT54GL work fine.

Versions 1 through 4 of the WRT54GS are also supported. Versions 1-3 of WRT54GS have 32 Mb memory and 8 Mb of flash. They are very desirable. A few users have discovered that special versions of the WRT54GS were built under other model numbers and distributed by Internet Service Providers. You might find the conversion process to make existing firmware support those models by using the search feature at the top of each page. Just enter the model number to find discussions related that device.

The supported versions of the router all have a minimum of 4 Mb of Flash memory and 16 Mb of RAM.

Linksys Devices

Hardware versions are on the device label on the bottom but the font is very small and difficult to read. Keep in mind that the WRT54G v 1.0 uses only regulated 5.0v power. Higher voltage will let the smoke out. V 1.0 units are easy to spot since they have 3 status LEDs for each LAN jack and all others have one.The easiest way to determine hardware versions on Linksys devices is to read the serial number. The first few letters of the serial number decode the actual hardware version using the chart in the link above. These serial numbers are also printed on the outside of new hardware boxes near the UPC barcode and can be read without buying the product or opening the box.

Ubiquiti Devices

Ubiquiti firmware for the listed devices is available from the Software Download page, and properly interacts with BBHN devices of the same major version number. For example, a WRT54GL using 3.x.x will talk to a Bullet M2 if both are in the same band, in RF range of each other, and have 3.x.x firmware. You always have to match the SSID as some devices can create differing RF signals not compatible with other hardware.