Linksys resurrects classic blue router, with open source and $300 price

[silicon_toad2000]

http://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2014/01/linksys-resurrects-classic-blue-router-with-open-source-and-300-price/

Updated to support the 802.11ac Wi-Fi standard, the "Linksys WRT1900AC Dual Band Wi-Fi Router is inspired by the original WRT54G iconic blue/black stackable form factor but with a modernized spin as well as more powerful hardware such as a dual-core 1.2GHz processor, four removable antennas (instead of the standard three), and eSata and USB 2.0/3.0 connectivity ports," Linksys said. Four gigabit LAN ports are included. Maximum throughput will be "up to 1.3Gbps on the 5GHz band and up to 600Mpbs on the 2.4GHz band."

Linksys is also providing early hardware along with SDKs and APIs to the developers of the third-party OpenWRT firmware, with plans to have custom open source firmware available for download when the router becomes commercially available. The Linux-based firmware supports dozens of routers, including the WRT54G and its successors.