Winner of the Which Best Buy award in the Wireless router category, Reviewed January 2001.
Rating 1/5
Don't trust the xx magazine '5 star' reviews
Reviewed by
Simon Eade
14 October 2009
I bought this router from a retail store and initial impressions were very good. The built in modem synced at 0.5mbps higher than my previous Buffalo device and transfer speeds between two wireless n connected devices were very quick. This is probably why the unit receives good reviews from magazines/ web sites.
HOWEVER, after using the device constantly for a few weeks, a horrible problem surfaced. After random amounts of time (some times hours, sometimes a day or two), the router will suddenly switch on its Wireless Isolation mode. This prevents devices connected wirelessly from seeing each other. This means you cannot copy files from pc to pc, xbox media sharing will not work etc. I spent 3 weeks messing with settings, firmware etc to try and fix with no success. I did find out that I was not the only one with the problem, many people reporting the same thing and Linksys dont seem to care. Tried a replacement from the retail store just to be sure - same problem.
Stay well clear!
Rating 5/5
Low cost, high performance and excellent configuration options
Reviewed by
Kat Orphanides, Computer Shopper
03 September 2009
As with other Linksys routers weve seen, the WAG160N has in-depth QoS settings, so you can prioritise real-time sensitive traffic, such as VoIP, video and games. A number of games are preconfigured, but MSN Messenger, Skype and Yahoo! Messenger are the only preconfigured applications. You can add your own applications.
Access restrictions let you determine which computers can access which services, and you can filter websites by keyword and URL. These settings are easy to configure, but for parents looking to control their childrens internet access we recommend investing in dedicated web-filtering software.
Performance was good, particularly when using Linksyss WUSB600N USB wireless adaptor (£27 including VAT). This produced some of the fastest transfer speeds weve ever seen, with 81.3Mbit/s at 1m, which is close to 100Mbit/s Ethernet speed. At 10m we achieved speeds of 55Mbit/s, which is easily enough for HD video streaming and large file transfers.
With its low cost, high performance and excellent configuration options, the WAG160N-UK wins our Best Buy award.
Rating 0/5
Very poor, unstable and incompatible with some kit.
Reviewed by
Pete
20 August 2009
Bought one of these to replace my trusty old D-Link which had died. What a mistake. From previous experience I avoided using the CD Rom but managed to get basic running easily enough.
The problems started when I tried to put WPA security on. XP worked fine but Vista didnt, then vica versa. Absolute nightmare. Eventually got that working but have never ever been able to connect my Nokia E61i phone except with no security.
During hot weather the connection (wired & wireless) drops
intermittently and the unit runs so hot its uncomfortable to pick up to reset it (which I have to do frequently). When the connection drops all lights "rotate" and it has to be powered off - no help anywhere on what this means.
Admin reporting is flaky: some machines are flagged as connected when they arent and others dont show up even though they are. Finally, my home network vanishes and reappears randomly. Firmware recently updated to .15 - no change.
Rating 2/5
Looks good, but caused me problems
Reviewed by
ThePuss
19 August 2009
Its a nice piece of kit, but is does get hot. the venting needs improving.
It does NOT allow for IP address reservation (IP to MAC functionality) which is disappointing.
But most of all, the LELA software totally messed up *all* the network adapters on my main PC (it has 6 in all) which took me a good evenings work to restore. Unless you really need it I wouldnt use the LELA functionality (LinkSYS EasyLink Assistant ? something like that anyway).
Rating 3/5
Dissapointed
Reviewed by
Tim Cooper
22 July 2009
Supplied software makes setup and configuration easy even for the non-technical user. Wireless works well with latest firmware (1.00.15 at time of writing) What is very disappointing however is the lack of means to properly configure the firewall. You are unable to add or remove rules of any kind limited simply to adding port forwards. Logging is also fairly poor.
Ideal for the basic home user but a fairly rubbish product if you want to do anything remotely technical. DG834v4 is probably a better all-round choice at this level of product.
Rating 1/5
Vista and wireless client-client connection problems
Reviewed by
David Ward
06 July 2009
Install CD rom behaved really badly on Vista x64 Ultimate. I eventually gave up and configured it manually which was fairly easy.
Intermittant problems with Windows Vista. Connection stalls on Identifying... Only solved by router reboot.
Connections between all wireless clients stops working after 6-24 hrs. Again only solved by router reboot.
My old router would go months between reboots.
Rating 2/5
Range problem
Reviewed by
Karl
04 July 2009
I have installed quite a few of these now but recently problems with reliability, Ive had one replaced because the connection was very unstable, the replacement which is supposed to be QAS has very poor range, no better than the G router I replaced.
Rating 5/5
Firmware
Reviewed by
Mike
09 June 2009
I see alot of reviews complain about the connection dropping between computers. I was also seeing this problem but I got hold of a pre lease version of the latest firmare which has been officially released today v1.00.14. It seems to have fixed the issues I was having i.e. clients dropping connection, adsl dropping and shared file browsing by ip address but not computer name.
This apart I have been streaming HD video across the network flawlessly so I give this router a big thumbs up with the new firmware installed.
Rating 2/5
Good looks / Poor Connection
Reviewed by
Hani
21 May 2009
Bought this router in May-2009 because of its price/feature/brand offering. Was easy to install and use and also looks good. However I returned it the next day after I bought it because it suffers the following problems:-
1) Heats up significantly during operation. Surely not a good thing for the components inside nor the radio signals.
2) Drops the wireless connection fairly regularly and randomly for no apparent reason. The connection drops roughly once every 2 hours. Not helpful if you are in the middle of downloading a large file from the internet.
Could have been a fantastic product had Cisco/Linksys applied little bit more quality assurance before releasing this product.
Rating 1/5
Very disappointing
Reviewed by
Andrew
28 April 2009
The software on this router is very disappointing. When wireless security is enabled the machines on my network lose the ability to see each other. This is a known problem but Linksys have not fixed it. Avoid this router and go for a different one
Rating 1/5
Was I third time lucky?
Reviewed by
Mike T
19 April 2009
A follow up to what I put earlier, no, I am far from happy. The third router works up to a point but keeps dropping the connection several times a day whereas the old Netgear 834G is as steady as a rock. The Linksys is relegated to an emergency backup/paperweight and is an expensive mistake. Simple advice, do not buy one.
Rating 0/5
Unreliable.
Reviewed by
04 March 2009
Bought one which was DOA, the second one kept dropping the Internet connection several times a day. Have spent numerous calls and several hours on the phone to Linksys support checking settings, changing settings, back to factory default, flashing the firmware, and then start all over again several times to no avail. The wireless speed was poor too, often worse than my old G router, only the range is better. Linksys finally said this one needs replacing too. Third time lucky? Hope so but somehow I have my doubts.
Rating 1/5
Major design flaw
Reviewed by
Dave
30 January 2009
Easy to set up and great coverage but the connection keeps dropping and the only simple fix is to turn it on and off.
See forum: forums.linksys.com/linksys/board/message?board.id=DSL&thread.id=5550&view=by_date_ascending&page=1
Rating 5/5
Excellent product - pity the setup wizard didn't work
Reviewed by
01 January 2009
The router is up and running and does everything flawlessly. No major problems once I ditched the setup wizard (supplied on CD). Running on a standard Intel-based PC, the wizard found a modem on my network that didn't exist! Then it kept stopping prematurely and asking me to reboot. Once I gave up and followed the manual setup routine in the Quick Installation guide everything worked perfectly. It's so easy to set up manually on a BT broadband line that I see little use for the wizard anyway. In summary, a great router.
And what terrific service from Broadbandbuyer! Ordered one afternoon, arrived the following lunchtime using standard Royal Mail service (1-5 days). Fantastic.
Rating 5/5
Good Value
Reviewed by
Simon
23 December 2008
I bought the WAG160N as a replacement for my previous Netgear DG834GT which died abruptly. The Linksys was very easy to set up, with a host more features than the Netgear, the QOS facility is especially useful. Ive wall mounted mine which keeps it out of the usual desk clutter. Although Ive only used it in g mode not n, its proved to be rock solid, & much more reliable than the Netgear. Good value for money, definitely recommended.
Rating 1/5
Not for me - very disappointed
Reviewed by
Alistair Doran
08 October 2008
If you are someone that has never had a wireless router before and just simply want to surf the net then maybe this is the one for you. I personally have found it very restrictive, yes- its range is excellent but thats about! If running gaming consoles or want do provide remote access or even remotely manage this router you cant! I ended up putting my old rounter back in to manage things like DHCP, wake up on LAN, etc. You cant even remotely reboot the router
I bought this router on the back of the PCPro mag review as it rated it so high and to honest after using it for 3 months the only thing I would say it has going for it is its coverage! Very very disappointing!!!
Rating 4/5
Pretty solid so far
Reviewed by
Steve
28 August 2008
Set-up was relatively simple although Set-up Wizard didnt work on my Mac, but thats a given these days. Only problem I had with manual set-up was after configuring the gateway, I was directed straight to Linksys registration website and this would not connect. I connected to my ISPs website which accepted the connection and I could then proceed as normal. Maybe this is just a Mac thing again.
No problems with signal strength or range, overall very happy up to now
Rating 5/5
Great router - faster than my old BeBox
Reviewed by
Mike
21 August 2008
Bought this wireless router to improve wireless reception around the house (4 bedrooms, very solid walls) previously using an old BeBox a Speed Touch 716. BBB.Co.UK tech support recommended this for its wireless range. I was not too concerned about the PS3 download speed issue as I use it just for Bluray and went ahead.
I installed and set up the router as per the instructions on the BeForum wiki site (did not use the CD) and was surprised to find my download speed went from 12.5mb to 13.5mb as a result.
I had previously bought a good quality cable to connect the modem to the filter / splitter, but upgraded this with the Belkin cable from BBB.co.uk. This boosted speed and I now have 14.2mb.
Wireless range has improved, my PS3 has a rock solid connection, ipod Touch is fine, reception at another PC (with a legacy G card in it) is rock stable at 54mb. Yes the PS3 is slow, it took about 20 minutes to download its update, but the connection never drops as it used to do. So 5*s
Rating 3/5
Very limited range, so am I missing something?
Reviewed by
Gareth
12 August 2008
I bought this on the strength of magazine lab tests and the enthusiasm of current users, but the reception range Im getting is extremely limited.
I had expected it to operate throughout the house, and maybe even outside to some extent, but the signal is picked up only 1. in the same room as the router, 2. in the room next to it, and 3. for a couple of metres down the corridor.
Now this may be because the house is an old one, built of stone with very thick interior and exterior walls, but I had thought that the Wireless-N specification would mean that this might not be a great drawback.
What should I be doing to get a better performance from the unit?
Rating 4/5
worked flawlessly with the newer Centrino laptops with Draft-N WiFi
Reviewed by
Jim Martin of Computer Shopper, Aug 08
04 August 2008
We were also impressed by the ease of installation. The CD-based wizard guides you through connecting cables, entering your ISP details, checking internet connectivity and choosing a name for your wireless network. The setup process includes a step for configuring wireless security and recommends WPA2 for the best protection. We hope other manufacturers follow suit.
Once this is done, Linksys EasyLink Advisor (LELA) is installed. This displays a visual map of your network, showing all the connected devices. If any are compatible with LELA - currently this applies only to certain Linksys models - you can choose from a list of options including Advanced Options, Change Password and Wireless Protection. LELA can also monitor your network and alert you to any new devices, potential problems and security breaches.
We were a little concerned about performance because of the internal antennas, which can't be changed for high-gain models. However, we were pleasantly surprised by the test results. At 1m, we saw 38.7Mbit/s when using Linksys's own WUSB300N USB adaptor, 50.4Mbit/s at 15m and a speedy 24Mbit/s at 25m. Speeds with our Centrino notebook were as expected, but we were happy to find that newer Centrino laptops with Draft-N WiFi, such as Acer's Aspire 8920G, worked flawlessly with the WAG160N. Speeds were roughly the same as with the WUSB300N.
Rating 5/5
Nightmare setup
Reviewed by
Alan Martin
29 July 2008
Purchased one last week following the PCPro review.
I have set up many routers with no problems in the past. This was to replace my Belkin N1 Vision.
I dont want to go into great detail but after an hour of attempting to set this up using both manual methods and the CD Wizard I could NOT connect to the internet an any way shape or form. I was going to return it under RMA.
However I then decided to call Tech Support on the free 0800 number suppled. The support engineer was fantastic; she really knew her product and eventually enabled me to make an internet connection. I was on the phone to her for about half an hour. Without getting too technical, there was a problem with the IP address. Following advice, I have upgraded the Firmware to the lastest version - and now when reset to factory conditions it sets up like magic.A very fast connection and I can now give it a five star rating. The rating should really go to the Tech Support lady - who was the best I have ever encountered.
Rating 4/5
WAG160N and PS3 download speed
Reviewed by
Kuru Kanagalingam
19 July 2008
Hi all As few people reported here and else where about very slow download speeds. I have how ever managed to get using Wireless connection managed to get 700kbs and upward. I do howerver have to do hardware rest on the device number of times. Where you press and hold for 30sec and remove power and contine to hold reset button the insert power and still hold on reset button for another 30 sec and then relese BUT LLEAVE THE UNIT STILL UNTILL its light become green it very import the last setp as it may take few to several minutes. I had to do this after firmware update and when ever I notice the speed has gone down to very low. As the device is technicaly very good. However I do have PS3 problem where I cant seem to browse my Media coonect PCs any more.
--- Dynamic Information ---
LAN Mac Address: 00:1D:7E:B3:95:49
WAN Mac Address: 00:1D:7E:B3:9
Rating 4/5
PS3 connection
Reviewed by
John Again
18 July 2008
Just to clear something up.
Wired or wireless the physical connection to the PS3 was flawless, it was the actual throughput that was poor, downloads from the PS Store were between 6 to 8 times slower then using a Speedtouch 585v6 or a Netgear DG834n.
Maybe i just had a duff one.
Rating 5/5
Impressive software package
Reviewed by
Jonathan Bray, PC Pro magazine Sept 08 issue
16 July 2008
Two 2dBi gain aerials are built into the chassis, which adds to the clean look. We found that where the Linksys impresses most is in its software package and ease of setup.
In addition to the wizard-based setup on the router itself, you get an excellent disc-based wizard and Linksys EasyLink Advisor software. Once installed, the latter provides a clear diagram of the devices on your network and how they're linked together, depicting connected clients and information associated with them.
You can even click through and change settings from here - it's an excellent alternative to Vista's confusing collection of network adminstration tools and status views. This is a worthy winner!
Rating 4/5
Very good little router
Reviewed by
Jason
14 July 2008
Ive had this router for 2 weeks now and it has been running flawlessly. The wireless signal is strong throughout my house using my laptop which has built-in 802.11b/g.
I do have a PS3 and 360 which both works fine. However Im using Homeplugs to connect the PS3 & 360 back to my WAG160N instead of the wireless.
I would give this router 5 stars but I've dropped one star because it can get a little hot underneath.
Rating 1/5
I tried so hard to like this router......
Reviewed by
Al G
07 July 2008
My last D-Link routers ADSL connectivity started to cr@p-out so I bought this Linksys. The functionality looks great, just what I need!
It took me ages to get this to work with my 802.11b XP PCs, it would not let anything connect with any of the security settings enabled, not even WEP. I eventually got it working after upgrading the firmware. My Roku Soundbridge still wouldnt connect (it did once but only without the security enabled - Im not leaving security off!).
So I left my Roku out of the equation and tried to get my network working as normal. I use a lot of network services, but mainly Terminal Services. I could only get my PCs to see each other for 1 day. The next day all the PCs would still be connected (the could still use the internet), but they couldnt see each other, not even a PING got through.
So Ive had to given up and return the product, now looking for a new router. Any suggestions would be most welcome!
Rating 4/5
Noise margin reporting
Reviewed by
Chris
30 June 2008
You can get the noise margins for this router by going to:-
Down up
DSL Noise Margin: 8.4 dB 24.0 dB
DSL Attenuation: 35.0 dB 18.5 dB
DSL Transmit Power: 19.8 dBm 12.2 dBm
Rating 3/5
Review Update
Reviewed by
John
24 June 2008
The firmware was the wrong one, to get to the right firmware you must register with Linksys otherwise you are directed to a US version which will not work.
The biggy for me is the router seems to have serious issues with the PS3, no matter what your physical connection is when downloading via the Playstation Store the throughput is diabolical and it is not only me having this problem scanning Google it seems the WAG160n and PS3 are not a match made in heaven.
No noise margin reporting and you have no idea what is connected to your WLAN because the router just doesnt tell you. I find it hard not to love this router but i am falling out with it fast.
Rating 4/5
Little Belter
Reviewed by
John
20 June 2008
Easy to install with a clean interface, PS3 wireless connection rose from 65% to 100%. Good solid connection on a long line and the wireless is a massive improvement over my old 585v6
Only one problem so far but i guess it will be fixed soon and that is you cannot update to the latest firmware version (which offers a ton of fixes). The router stops the installation saying wrong file or unsupported or something similar so only 4 stars from me as updating is pretty important if you ask me (even though it will only be a temporary problem)
Rating 5/5
Dogs Donuts!
Reviewed by
Chris
14 June 2008
Exellent product, simple to set-up and coverage is exellent!
Rating 5/5
Linksys - it just works - and it looks like a piece of art lol!
Reviewed by
Lee W
14 June 2008
Had the dlink 2740b but the constant lockups forced me to change to this gem of a router. Easy to set up; as most linksys routers are, with easy to understand menus. The range is great, in the house I get excellent signal, outside in the garden on my Mac G4 I have to go to the end of my garden; 120ft before I start to lose signal strength. I am really impressed with this router and simply put, it does its job very well. As for the styling, I think they got someone from Ferrari, its the prettiest router Ive seen to date lol! In fact these companies ought to get some young designers to do just that, crazy router designs and sell them as a product line, art and functionality, you heard it here first.
Rating 5/5
Fantstic improvement in range, even using Wireless G adapters
Reviewed by
Danny
19 May 2008
I bought the Linksys WAG160N to replace my old WAG200GX2 unit which was suffering from wireless dropouts due to the number of other wireless networks in my area.
What an improvement. The old WAG200GX2 even using MIMO adapters struggled to get a full signal around our house. Nothing massive, a modern 4 bed.
The new WAG160N provides full strength coverage in every room and thats with standard wireless-G adapters! Must be amazing with wireless-n adapters!
ABOUT OUR REVIEWS
*When you see feedback given as a 'Review', Broadbandbuyer.co.uk can confirm that the reviewer has purchased the product from us, whereas 'Comments' are welcomed from any visitors to Broadbandbuyer.co.uk who have experience of the product.
If you have bought the Linksys WAG160N-UK from us why not review it?
You can review any items you have bought in 'Your Account'.
CUSTOMERS WHO PURCHASED THE WAG160N-UK ALSO BOUGHT
Wireless N ADSL Routers set up in minutes to let you share your Internet connection, share files, printers, and hard drives from anywhere in your wireless range or by wired Ethernet connectivity that is provided by one of the 4 port on the back of the wireless Wireless N ADSL router. With a built-in ADSL Modem, the Wireless N ADSL router plugs directly into your telephone line via a microfilter.
Choosing the right wireless networking speed and range to suit your individual requirements can be a confusing business! To help you make the right decision, we have created a short guide to various wireless options and the coverage they provide. Please not this is just a guide, every home or office is different and we cannot guarantee coverage and speed.
Wireless N (802.11n) Are you experiencing wireless drop-outs? Poor wireless range? If standard wireless G networking doesn't meet your expectations then Wireless N is your answer. Wireless N provides a breakthrough solution for larger homes or offices that have a wide area to cover and want to run multimedia and high-bandwidth applications. With its significant range and speed Wireless N is ideal for streaming video, music and photos, online gaming, Web-surfing and email.
Our ADSL Wireless N Routers and bundles will work with BT Broadband, ntl Freedom Broadband and any other ADSL Internet Service Provider (ISP)
