Linksys WRT-1900AC Open Wireless Router - CES 2014

The CES 2014 coverage of the Linksys WRT-1900AC opens by framing the router as a modern revival of Linksys’ iconic WRT line, noting the return after Belkin’s acquisition and the effort to blend retro design with current technology. The speaker highlights a premium positioning with an expected street price around $300, underlining that the device targets power users who want enterprise-grade features at home. Key hardware details are outlined, including a 1.2 GHz CPU, four LAN gigabit ports, a dedicated WAN/ESA port, and USB 3 plus USB 2 ports, all within a chassis cooled by a fan. A notable shift from the original integrated Cisco antennas is explained with detachable antennas and antenna diversity, enabling auto-sensing to select the best signals for each client and supposedly yielding up to 30% better performance in lab tests. The speaker emphasizes openness in software, confirming support for stock, cloud, and manual configuration, while inviting the community to develop firmware such as OpenWRT, DD-WRT, or Tomato. Expectations for the device’s prominence in the booth are tempered by a practical note that performance and features are designed to justify the price, and there is a sense of nostalgia tying the product to the legendary WRT-54G. The segment closes with acknowledgments of CES sponsors and a promise of continued coverage, positioning Linksys as an ambitious return player in the wireless router market. The overarching takeaway is that the WRT-1900AC aims to be a feature-rich, enthusiast-focused router that preserves openness and upgradeability while delivering modern performance and form factor.

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