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Setup WiFi on the Linksys WRT54GS2

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Setup Router Staff
(Last Updated: ) | Reading Time: 4 minutes

The Linksys WRT54GS2 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.

NordVPN is the fastest VPN!

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 WRT54GS2 Guides

This is the wifi guide for the Linksys WRT54GS2. We also have the following guides for the same router:

WiFi Terms

Before we get started there is a little bit of background info that you should be familiar with.

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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 WRT54GS2

To get started configuring the Linksys WRT54GS2 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 WRT54GS2, follow our Linksys WRT54GS2 Login Guide.

Find the WiFi Settings on the Linksys WRT54GS2

If you followed our login guide above then you should see this screen.

router setup
This is the setup page from your Linksys WRT54GS2 router.

This guide starts on the Basic Setup page of the Linksys WRT54GS2 router. To configure the WiFi settings, click the link at the top of the page labeled Wireless.

Change the WiFi Settings on the Linksys WRT54GS2

wifi wireless
This is the wifi setup page from your Linksys WRT54GS2 router.

On this new page, if you click Wi-Fi Protected Setup you are taken to a page like the one you see above. Do not use Wi-Fi Protected Setup or WPS. It has been found to be very insecure. Read our What is WPS Guide for more information.

Click the Manual button to get to the correct page. Use the Wireless Network Mode list to choose Mixed.

Below that is the Wireless Network Name (SSID). This is referring to the name you create in order to identify your local network. It really doesn't matter what you enter here but we recommend avoiding personal information. Read our Wireless Name Guide for more information.

Under that is the Wireless Channel drop-down menu. For the least interference we recommend using channels 1,6, or 11. Learn why in our WiFi Channels Guide.

The last setting on this page is titled Wireless SSID Broadcast. If you want to hide your Wireless Network Name (SSID) from scanning wireless devices then click Disabled. Remember that while this camouflages you, it does not make your SSID invisible and can still be found by a hacker with the proper tools.

Click Save Settings to apply your changes. Then going back to the top of the page click the option of Wireless Security.

router wifi security wireless
This is the wifi security page from your Linksys WRT54GS2 router.

This directs you to a page like the one you see above. First use the drop-down menu to choose the appropriate security for your internet. We recommend using the selection of WPA2 Personal. Learn why this is the best option for your network in our WEP vs. WPA guide.

You are now asked to choose the WPA Algorithm. We recommend AES.

Below that is the setting of WPA Shared Key. This is the password you use to gain access to your local internet. Hackers know all the default passwords so it is very important that you change this as soon as you get it. We recommend creating a strong password of at least 14 to 20 characters with a mix of symbols, numbers, and letters. We have more tips for you in our Choosing a Strong Password Guide.

Go ahead and leave the Group Key Renewal at the default of 3600 seconds.

To apply your changes click the Save Settings button at the bottom of the page.

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 WRT54GS2 Info

Don't forget about our other Linksys WRT54GS2 info that you might be interested in.

This is the wifi guide for the Linksys WRT54GS2. We also have the following guides for the same router: