Linksys Dual-Band Wireless-N Gigabit Router WRT320N review

Performance
We tested the Linksys WRT320N on both 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands and were happy with the results.

In the 5GHz band, the router scored 52.8Mbps in our throughput test and 47.7Mbps in our range test. The throughput test was conducted with the wireless test client just 15 feet away from the router. In our range test, the client was 100 feet away. These scores were about average, but we were impressed that there's a very small degradation between the two ranges. Based on these scores, the router can finish transmitting 500MB in about 80 seconds.

In the 2.4GHz band, the WRT320N did even better in comparison with other routers. It achieved 45.3Mbps in throughput, 32.6Mbps in range, and 40.8Mbps in our mixed-mode test. The mixed-mode test was done with the router set to work with both Wireless-N and legacy Wireless-G simultaneously.

It's important to note that the scores, while lower than the theoretical ceiling of the Wireless-N specification (300Mbps), were actually sustained data rates, with all software and hardware overhead and interference taken into account.

We were very impressed that the router could apply many changes without needing to restart. For example, when we switched the router's wireless function from operating in one band to another, our test client--which supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands--didn't disconnect at all, even briefly. Other routers, such as Apple's Airport Extreme Base Station , need to restart to apply even the slightest change.

CNET Labs 2.4GHz Wireless-N performance test (in Mbps)
(Longer bars indicate better performance)

Mixed mode

Range

Throughput

D-Link DIR-825 (2.4GHz)

55.04 

40.4 

57.44 

Belkin N+ Wireless Router (2.4GHz)

36.16 

29.44 

55.44 

Linksys WRT320N (2.4GHz)

40.8 

32.6 

45.3 

Apple Airport Extreme Base Station (2.4GHz)

35.2 

21.12 

40.6 

Linksys WRT400N (2.4GHz)

38.2 

37.4 

40.1 

Linksys WRT610n (2.4GHz)

27.04 

28.8 

35.76 

Apple Time Capsule (2.4GHz)

20 

20.3 

32.2 

CNET Labs 5GHz Wireless-N performance test (in Mbps)
(Longer bars indicate better performance)

Range

Throughput

D-Link DIR-825 (5GHz)

36.48 

80.96 

Apple Time Capsule (5GHz)

57 

70.16 

Apple Airport Extreme Base Station (5GHz)

59.04 

66.48 

Linksys WRT610n (5GHz)

54.8 

64.8 

Linksys WRT320N (5GHz)

47.7 

52.8 

Linksys WRT400N (5GHz)

40.1 

44.6 

The WRT320N's maximum connection range was decent and about the same as the WRT400N's. In our testing facility, which is an office building and not optimized for wireless range, we connected to the WRT320N from about 280 feet away. In both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, the WRT320N performed within our expectations for a Wireless-N router.

Service and support
Linksys backs the WRT320N Dual-Band Wireless-N Gigabit Router with a one-year, limited warranty. While this is a short period, it is standard for most new routers on the market. Linksys' toll-free phone support is available 24-7, as is online chat with a support representative. Linksys' Web site includes software, drivers, firmware downloads, and a FAQ section.