The two essential elements to a clean, consistent and fast wireless home internet network are 1) A reliable and fast internet service. No equipment will compensate for a poor quality service. An internet service that is slow and/or unreliable when delivered to the internet enabled devices (computers, TVs, gaming devices, printers, etc.) via a hard wire will not work any better or any quicker when delivered through the very best wireless router no matter what claims the manufacturer may make to the contrary, and 2) A wireless router that is able to deliver your internet signal in an uninterrupted way and at a speed close or equal to the speed (upload and download) received through a hard wire (Ethernet Cable) connection. For most imaginable home uses, assuming a good quality high-speed broadband (cable modem, fiber-optic or DSL) connection, the Cisco-Linksys E2000 Wireless-N Router does the job very nicely.
Necessary Upgrading
People upgrade equipment (hardware) most often for one of two reasons. Either they just feel that is time to get something new or something no longer works well and needs to be replaced. In the case of upgrading a wireless router, the motives have been entirely functional.
Over the past six years, I have graduated to the Linksys E300 Wireless-N after having moved through a reliable but slower, Wireless-G router (the Linksys WRT54G) and then on to my fist Wireless-N router, the Linksys N160. The second, as an “N” router was a lot faster than the “G” but, over a few years of regular and heavy usage, became unreliable.
Specifically, the speed of the signal it put out would fluctuate often and the router would need to be re-set on a daily basis to regain the higher speed. The warranty was expired and the expense of diagnosis and repair was prohibitive. Replacing that router with this Cisco-Linksys E3000 was the right thing to do. Since the day of the installation, my home wireless network has worked flawlessly and at the same high speed that is delivered through a plugged-in Ethernet Cable.
Technical Specifications, Features and Capacities
All wireless routers are not created equal. The reliability, cost and features vary considerably as does the ease of installation and warranty. The Cisco-Linksys E3000 is more than satisfactory in each area. It has all of the basic features needed by the average home-networker and then some! These include:
• Dual Band Capacity: Broadcasts the signal at both 2.4 and 5.0 Ghz bands (This feature provides additional channels and reduces the possibility of any interference from other household electronics being operated at the same time.)
• Six internal antenna (Improves overall performance and allows for more than one data-stream at a time.)
• 4 Ethernet ports (these allow for the connection of devices that are NOT wireless-enabled.)
• A built-in UPnP AV media server (This allows for streamed media to be shared over all devices on the network.)
• A USB port through which data can be placed into the router and then sent to and shared with all connected devices (This allows you to use or view material stored on a thumb-drive on your wireless network.)
•Fully customizable security settings (including the option of the WPA-2 type which is most secure and most preferred) as well as parental settings to manage access to devices used by children in the home.
Set-Up and Operation
The Linksys E3000 comes with an installation disk that walks the user through a step-by-step process. I decided not to use it and installed it manually. It took about 20 minutes to have the E300 up and running with active connections to a desktop, a laptop, a TV and a multi-function machine. For those unfamiliar with installing this type of equipment, it is recommended that the CD guide be used and the directions be followed precisely at every step.
Once the wireless router is set up and active, the job is finished. Barring some unforeseen and unusual event, the installation will hold permanently.
Included Software
The E300 automatically self-installs a program called “Cisco Connect” on the computer. This program is a short cut to install additional devices, control guest access, test connection speed and set/adjust parental controls.
A Final Word
With both previous wireless routers, the signal strength (and speed) was considerably lower on a laptop running about 25 feet away from them. With the Linksys E3000, the speed at 30-40 feet away is just as fast as it is with the desktop that sits immediately in front of the device. It seems incredible, but the technology actually delivers the identical performance at a household distance. This is a wonderful added (and unexpected) capacity.
The warranty has two components. Firstly, there is unlimited phone-support for the first 90 days to ensure that help is available if there are complications in getting the E3000 up and running. Secondly, the Cisco-Linksys One Year Limited Warranty is in place and covers and problem resulting from flaws in the device itself.
There are Wireless Routers that have more features and many that cost more. For users wanting/needing a wireless home network, the Cisco-Linksys E300 Wireless-N Router is a great device available at a reasonable cost just about anywhere that carries such equipment. As is commonly the case, the best prices tend to be found online.