Linksys WAG160N Review

By Vinod Yalburgi

29-10-2010

Vinod Yalburgi

Digit Rating: Average

3/5

Features:

Performance:

Value:

Design:

PROS

Ultra-portable and lightweight design
Advanced security features
Highly customisable and user-friendly

CONS

Expensive
No external antenna

MRP: 7925

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Summary

The Linksys WAG160N is a feature-rich Wireless-N certified home modem router, that is identical to its sibling the WAG120N in terms of design, build quality and form-factor. Assuring the promise of decent performance with neck-to-neck scores against the WAG120N, it makes a nice product. However, the price tag of Rs. 7,925 is ridiculously expensive and it hardly makes a point in the value for money segment. Although, the street prices could be much lower at this time.

Review
Specifications & Performance

The Linksys WAG160N is another 802.11n compliant ADSL2+ modem router, which provides the ability of connecting to the internet through a telephone cable (RJ-11) and simultaneously link to your wireless LAN network to share files and resources. Matching its sibling WAG120N in terms of hardware features and connectivity options, it stirs up an even competition in the entry level category. Like its younger sibling - the WAG120N, it also supports backward compatibility with wireless devices running on 802.11b/g technologies.

Linksys WAG160N - front view

The Linksys WAG160N is coated with metallic grey on the edges of the body frame, which adds a stark contrast against the glossy black finish on the body. The contrasting colours promote a touch of class and beauty to the design aesthetics. The sleek and ultra-portable form-factor contributes to the appealing look of the router. The WAG160N justifies the tag of being the ultra-portable sprint sibling of the WAG120N in terms of features, design aesthetics and identical performance.

The following are some of the salient features of the WAG160N:

Incorporates high-speed ADSL2+ modem for fast and uninhibited Internet connection through the RJ-11 port.
Internet sharing through built-in wireless access point and 4-port switch.
4-port Ethernet switch for connecting to wired devices
Wi-Fi Protected Setup for establishing a secure wireless configuration, at a push of the button.
In addition, it includes advanced security features identical to its younger sibling the WAG120N which we have reviewed earlier. Some of the key security features worth mentioning are: Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) firewall that filters out unauthorized access into your network, 128-bit encryption using WEP, WPA and WPA2 standards, NAT (Network Address Translation), Port forwarding and DMZ for controlled access to your network resources from the Internet, QoS and VOIP.

The modem router bundles with a Wireless software setup CD, Ethernet network cable, telephone cable and a power adapter.

Linksys WAG160N - ports on the rear

Setup and configuration

The setup and configuration is quick and easy. Connect the power adapter to the wall outlet and the other end at the rear of the router. Then connect an Ethernet network cable from one of the ports at the rear of the router to the Ethernet port on the computer. Turn on the power button at the rear of the router and the LEDs should start glowing indicating the power “ON” status, active Ethernet port status and the wireless activity status.

Read on to know the performance, conclusion, ratings, price and performance test results in the next page...

Router type: ADSL;
Protocols supported: Draft 2;
WAN port type: ADSL; External Antennas: None; Internal Antennas: two; RJ45 ports: four; USB ports: None;
MIMO support: Yes;
Encryption types: WEP, WPA, WPA2;