Cisco Linksys E2000 Advanced Wireless-N Router – “Cisco Factory Refurb”
I remember the days when routers were not even allowed on Comcast. At least that was the official line. Then like everyone else, Comcast realized that was a silly terms of service requirement. Today just about everyone has more than one computer and many folks are running a combination wired and wireless home network to hook up their PC and Apple desktops, laptops, Nintendo Wii, iPads, iPhones, Android phones, and even new high definition flat screen televisions are configured for wireless access for Netflix, Amazon, and other streaming video services. Making the best choice for a wireless router is most important when it comes to making sure all those devices work well for Internet connectivity.
Like many of you, I did tons of research on the pros and cons of all the available routers for sale. Trying to decide what is important is difficult when there are so many choices. However, the important stuff to me came down to reliability, cost, signal strength, and ease of use.
Reliability:
Like one of the Amazon reviewers stated in the feedback area online, since it is a refurbished unit, they felt that Cisco would have gone completely through it to test everything out. That gave me the confidence on the reliability aspect. Plus, having the backing of the good customer service through Amazon was icing on the cake for peace of mind.
Cost:
Wow, what can you say here! Such a great deal! Why would I want to spend more for a router?
Signal Strength:
Signal strength was part of my criteria for judging the various routers on the market. However, there are many issues which can affect signal performance. Location, location, location is everything. If you place a router behind some shielded wall, signal strength will surfer. Also, depending on the band usage, i.e. 2.4 GHz vs 5 GHz, 2.4 GHz goes further no matter what router you get. Remember, the lower the frequency, the greater the distance given the same power output. I operate exclusively on the 2.4 GHz band. Note that only one band is selectable at a time (which is no big deal in my mind). While the signal strength on the 2.4 GHz might (and I say might) be a little bit less than my old Linksys SRX200, there simply is no comparison as far as the performance is concerned. The Linksys SRX200 was constantly dropping signal. The Cisco Linksys E2000 has never dropped signal on me at all.
Ease of Use:
Let’s face it here. Once you set up the router, how likely are you going to have to keep changing things in the future? However, with that being said, the Linksys SRX200 was a piece of cake to set up. I use the router login through any web browser to set up all routers anyways. No, I did not even insert the setup CD in the computer. So, I can’t tell you how that goes, but from my standpoint, it is simple to login [ http://192.168.1.1 ] to the router IP address through the browser and set up what you want. Refer to getting a new IP address from Comcast for more information on various router brands and accessibility through a browser.
The Cisco E2000 has extended coverage with an additional internal antenna designed for larger homes.
Features Include:
- Wireless-N Selectable Dual-Band (2.4 or 5 GHz)
- Gigabit Ethernet 4-port switch
- Additional antenna for extended coverage
| Model: | Linksys E2000 |
|---|---|
| Technology: | Wireless-N |
| Bands: | Selectable 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz |
| Transmit / receive: | 2 x 3 |
| Antennas: | 3 Internal |
| Ethernet ports x speed: | 4 x Gigabit |
| USB port: | No USB port |
| Software setup: | CD Install |
| Cisco Connect software: | Yes |
| Support: | 24/7 Award-winning Online Support Resources 90 days Complimentary Assisted Support |
| Warranty: | 1 year hardware limited warranty |
| OS Compatibility: | Windows, Mac |
| Minimum System Requirements: | Internet Browser: Internet Explorer 6, Safari 3 or Firefox 2 for optional browser-based configuration PC: Wireless network enabled PC with CD or DVD drive, running Windows XP SP3, Windows Vista SP1 or Windows 7 Mac: Wireless network enabled Mac with CD or DVD drive, running OS X Tiger 10.4.11, Leopard 10.5.8 or Snow Leopard10.6.1 |
| Package Contents: | Linksys E2000 Wireless-N Router Setup Software and User Guide on CD-ROM Ethernet network cable Quick Installation Guide Energy Star power adapter |
Bottom line, it has been working great for a couple of months so far. I am extremely pleased with the performance at this time.
Regards,