harman03
:)
The Cisco Linksys E2000 has the desktop software and same design like other Cisco routers such as E3000 and Valet Plus. New users need not worry about setting it up as it is very simple and advanced users can take the benefit of its robust Web interface. E2000 has the best performance we have seen. Unfortunately even E2000 router shares the same drawbacks as other Cisco’s Valet and Linksys E series. The easy-to-use software of it does not function with its Web interface. The router does not include USB port and can work in only one band at a time, either 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz band. For the price tag of around $90, those who are looking for a friendly and fast router can definitely go for E2000.
Design:
The sleek-plate design of the router makes the Linksys E2000 look great. Since the antennas are hidden within chassis, router looks much small. Its flat shape supports to stay grounded on any surface and it is also wall mountable. On the back of E2000, one WAN port and 4 Gigabit LAN port is present along with Power jack and Reset button. As USB port is absent, router lacks print serving capability and network storage. To indicate the status of the ports, wireless connection and Internet connection, a group LEDs are present on the front of E2000.
It is very simple to set up the router with included CD, which has the setup and managing software called as Cisco Connect. This CD will give you steps for unpacking the router and connecting it to the modem with cable. Later software might take maximum 5 minutes to do the configuration. It includes establishing connection to the internet, creating wireless network name, encryption of wireless connection and picking a password.
Networks name is nothing particular, just can be picked at random but should be short and simple, for instance “BusyMonkey” or “RedHorse”. Connecting another computer, could be Mac or PC to the wireless network is simple, just insert the CD, and then software will take care of rest. Cisco Connect software can also be copied into thumbdrive and can be used through USB port in case if you have a system which lacks optical drive like Netbooks.
Features:
We are disappointed regarding the fact that software, setup and Web interface do not work together, meaning that once you log into the Web interface and make important changes, like admin’s password, the desktop software will stop functioning. To make use of the software again you will have to reset the router and run the setup process from first. As all the features are not present in the Web interface you will have to use desktop software to access few features like parental control etc.
Price: $99.99
Device type: Router
Networking Options: 802.11n (2.4 and 5 GHz Dual band)
One of the feature managed by Cisco Connect software and not by routers Web interface is guest networking. It permits you to create separate network for guests, but not more than 10 guests at a time. People connected to guest network can access the internet, of course not the local resources like printers and files. The Web interface gives access to routers “Applications and Gaming” feature that allows you set port for forwarding and triggering apps such as remote desktop, games, or HTTP and FTP servers. Linksys E2000 offers support for all existing wireless encryption standards including WPA, WEP and WPA2. Routers allows for VPN pass-through for all the available VPN protocols including L2TP, IPsec and PPTP.
Performance:
The E200 routers performance is very impressive and offers nice set of features. It has pleasing design and simple software application to assist home users to set up and conveniently manage the home wireless network. It can complete transmitting the data of 500MB in just 50 seconds. Router gives a great 5 GHZ throughput and a decent 2.4 GHz throughput. Cisco has provided a warranty of 1 year to its router E2000.
