The Linksys WRT54GC router is considered a wireless router because it offers WiFi connectivity. WiFi, or simply wireless, allows you to connect various devices to your router, such as wireless printers, smart televisions, and WiFi enabled smartphones.
Use a VPN Instead
Have you considered using a VPN instead of forwarding a port? For most users, a VPN is a much simpler and more secure choice than forwarding a port.
We use and recommend NordVPN because not only is it the fastest VPN, it includes a new feature called Meshnet that makes forwarding a port no longer necessary for most applications. With NordVPN Meshnet, you can connect to your devices from anywhere in the world, completely secure, over a highly encrypted VPN tunnel.
When shopping for a VPN, make sure that they meet the following criteria:
- Your VPN provider should have a no-logs policy. This means that they do not keep any logs of any kind.
- Make sure that your VPN provider has lots of exit nodes all around the world.
- Check that your VPN will not affect your speed.
- Verify that your VPN provider uses WireGuard as the underlying protocol.
- Many people prefer a VPN provider that is not based in the United States.
This is the list of requirements that we used when we were shopping around for a VPN provider. There are lots of free, shady VPN providers out there that we looked at and dismissed.
Based in Panama, using diskless servers, and with over 6,100 servers in 61 countries, we can safely say that NordVPN satisfies all of these requirements.
Once you've set up your NordVPN account on multiple computers and enabled Meshnet, you can seamlessly access all of your devices as if they were on the same network. You don't even have to log in to your router. It's very simple.
Every time you click on one of our affiliate links, such as NordVPN, we get a little kickback for introducing you to the service. Think of us as your VPN wingman.
Other Linksys WRT54GC Guides
This is the wifi guide for the Linksys WRT54GC. We also have the following guides for the same router:
- Linksys WRT54GC - How to change the IP Address on a Linksys WRT54GC router
- Linksys WRT54GC - Linksys WRT54GC User Manual
- Linksys WRT54GC - Linksys WRT54GC Login Instructions
- Linksys WRT54GC - How to Reset the Linksys WRT54GC
- Linksys WRT54GC - Information About the Linksys WRT54GC Router
- Linksys WRT54GC - Linksys WRT54GC Screenshots
WiFi Terms
Before we get started there is a little bit of background info that you should be familiar with.
Don't forget to sign up for NordVPN's promo deal before it's gone.
You might notice that most of our site doesn't have ads on it. This is because we use partnerships with companies like NordVPN to keep the site running. Thank you for supporting us by using our referral links.
Wireless Name
Your wireless network needs to have a name to uniquely identify it from other wireless networks. If you are not sure what this means we have a guide explaining what a wireless name is that you can read for more information.
Wireless Password
An important part of securing your wireless network is choosing a strong password.
Wireless Channel
Picking a WiFi channel is not always a simple task. Be sure to read about WiFi channels before making the choice.
Encryption
You should almost definitely pick WPA2 for your networks encryption. If you are unsure, be sure to read our WEP vs WPA guide first.
Login To The Linksys WRT54GC
To get started configuring the Linksys WRT54GC WiFi settings you need to login to your router. If you are already logged in you can skip this step.
To login to the Linksys WRT54GC, follow our Linksys WRT54GC Login Guide.
Find the WiFi Settings on the Linksys WRT54GC
If you followed our login guide above then you should see this screen.
Once you have logged into the Linksys WRT54GC, you should begin on the Basic Setup page. To configure the WiFi settings, click the option at the top of the page labeled Wireless. Then click Basic Wireless Settings.
Change the WiFi Settings on the Linksys WRT54GC
You should now be on a page like the one you see here. First, use the Mode drop down list to choose Mixed.
Second use the box labeled Wireless Network Name (SSID) to change your network name. This name acts as your identification. It really doesn't matter what you enter here but we recommend avoiding personal information. Learn more in our Wireless Name Guide.
The third drop down list is titled Wireless Channel. Make sure to use channel 1,6, or 11. Learn why in our WiFi Channels Guide.
Once you are done, click the Save Settings button at the bottom of the page. Then go back to the top of the page and click Wireless Security.
On this page, use the drop down list labeled Security Mode and choose WPA2 Personal. Click this link to learn more.
Next, use the Encryption list to choose AES.
The last thing you need to change is the Passphrase. This is the password you use to access the internet. It is important to change your password from the default because hackers know the defaults and try these first. Try and use some symbols, numbers, and letters in your new password. Use a minimum of 14-20 characters and make it look random. Click this link to learn more.
That's it, just click the Save Settings button.
Possible Problems when Changing your WiFi Settings
After making these changes to your router you will almost definitely have to reconnect any previously connected devices. This is usually done at the device itself and not at your computer.
Other Linksys WRT54GC Info
Don't forget about our other Linksys WRT54GC info that you might be interested in.
This is the wifi guide for the Linksys WRT54GC. We also have the following guides for the same router:
- Linksys WRT54GC - How to change the IP Address on a Linksys WRT54GC router
- Linksys WRT54GC - Linksys WRT54GC User Manual
- Linksys WRT54GC - Linksys WRT54GC Login Instructions
- Linksys WRT54GC - How to Reset the Linksys WRT54GC
- Linksys WRT54GC - Information About the Linksys WRT54GC Router
- Linksys WRT54GC - Linksys WRT54GC Screenshots