Linksys WRT54G Disassembling

Disassembling the unit is quite easy, actually it's probably the easiest disassemble I've done recently.

Note: You only need to disassemble the unit if you want to do a custom antenna modiciation or forgot to set the boot_wait parameter in the NVRAM. If you've already set boot_wait, you only need to flash it via tftp (recommended) or the web-based administration.

Disassemble

First thing to do is to remove the antennas, just unscrew them from the connectors.

Next, flip the unit up-side-down and hold a hand on each of the feet on the same side while pushing them apart. The front cover should easily pop open.

Remove the other back cover by pressing slightly backwards and up.

Now the unit is dissambled and you can access the top of the circuit board. But if you want to access the bottom you only need to remove one screw in the center next between the WAN and the LAN ports. Infact that's the only screw in the entire unit.

Overview

Components

The main component, the CPU, Broadcom BMC4712KPB. Memory chips, ASCEND AD484M1644VTA-7. VLAN switch controller, ADMtek ADM6996L.
Complete picture of the VLAN section, LB 20PT1024X and TS6121CX. Flash memory, current software version is printed on the label. Intel TE28F320 flash memory.
The transceiver module, lid closed. The transceiver module, lid open. More detailed picture.
The leds.

Revisions