Linksys BEFW11S4 Teardown
Duration: 45 minutes
Steps: 9 Steps
When this wireless router called it quits, I decided it was time to peek inside and see what’s going on under the hood.
Step 1
– Hang tight while we get ready to dive in and disassemble this thing…
Step 2
– Carefully disconnect the antennas by removing them from their connectors.
– Unscrew and take off the nuts and washers securing the antenna connectors.
– Gently press in the antenna connectors to disconnect them from the device.
Step 3
– Pop off the feet (use a flat-head screwdriver, fingernails, or whatever works for you).
– Loosen up those screws and take them out.
Step 4
– Give a solid tug to separate the blue front from the black back. You’ll need a little muscle here, but it’ll be worth it!
– Next, slide and gently lift the bottom up. Just make sure the antenna connectors don’t get stuck along the way!
Step 5
– Gently twist and pull out the antenna connector feeds to release them
Step 6
– Gently lift the RF shield off the motherboard to free it up.
– Remove the screws holding the motherboard in place from underneath.
– Slide the motherboard forward (like in this picture) to unclip it from the bottom. Keep at it until it’s free!
Step 7
If your card is held in place with screws, go ahead and remove them first. The steps below are for routers without screws. Let’s get started!
– Gently push the card forward to release the pins. It’s a simple move—just give it a little nudge.
– Carefully lift the card out of the metal holder. You’ve got this!
Step 8
– Check out these chip labels on your motherboard! Got some chip wisdom to share? Drop a comment!
– Macronix 29F040QC-90
– ISSI IS41C16100S-50K
– SAMSUNG ARM S3C4510X01-QERO
– RMC RTL8019AS
– Bothhands FB2022
– Bothhands 40ST1041E
– Kendin KS8995 (now part of Micrel).
Step 9
– Have a blast while fixing it!