
8 expert reviews - 0 user reviews
Follow
0
0
Want it
0
Have it
0
Had it
0
We have collected 8 reviews of the Linksys E4200. Experts rate Linksys E4200 7.8/10. Reviewsor.com helps you find reviews, best prices, user reviews of the Linksys E4200 and Linksys Routers.
A well-designed and easy-to-use router, the $200 Cisco Linksys E4200v2 is an improved version of our Editor's Choice from last year. As a dual-band router, the E4200v2 lets you access either the 2.4-GHz or 5-GHz band, and hums along without any speed bumps. The E4200v2 also supports the new IPv6 standard, has a USB port and four Gigabit ports. Plus, Cisco throws in mobile apps that let you configure parental controls. Is this still the best dual-band router? Read on to find out.The sleek design and dark gray look of the E4200 fits well on a desk, but only lays flat -- you can't prop the router on its side. Ports are clearly labeled, but not quite as easy to understand as the labels on the Belkin N900. Cisco includes a remarkable configuration tool called Cisco Connect that hides all the technical details, and makes the router easy to setup. We had the E4200v2 up and running in about five minutes.Like the first generation, the E4200v2 has four Gigabit Ethernet ports, plus a USB port that can be used to network a hard drive or printer.Using an included utility, you can set guest accounts (visitors just type a code on a Web page to get online, almost like being at the airport), security passwords, set parental controls for blocking sites and even update the firmware.
Linksys' E4200 v2 Maximum Performance Dual-Band N900 router ($200) does not look any different from the original E4200, which came to market at the beginning of this year. That's a good thing, too because the E4200 is perhaps the most stylish consumer router available. The difference between the E4200 v2 and the original are under the surface. A ratcheted-up processor, tweaked software and a flawless setup process makes the E4200 a router that delivers power to even the most technically clueless of users. Make no mistake—it's expensive, at a list price of $200. That price should come down somewhat if purchasing through various online retailers. However, if you are looking for a router with speed only topped by Netgear's powerful N750 and N900 dual-band routers, and you want an even simpler setup and user experience than Netgear provides; the E4200 v2 is the router to choose. The E4200 v2 is Cisco Linksys' first router to provide throughput of up to 450 Mbps on both the 2.4- and 5-GHz bands. This is achieved by 3x3 spatial stream MIMO antenna arrays for both bands. Six internal antennas along with internal and external amplifiers help the router keep good throughput at range—although not as consistent as that of Netgear's N750 and N900 routers.
The Linksys E4200 v2 Maximum Performance Dual-Band N900 router is a major upgrade to the original Cisco Linksys E4200 that was released in January. Though it looks exactly the same on the outside, on the inside the E4200 v2 boasts 450Mbps on both 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands (as opposed to just the 5GHz band of the original) and a faster processor for network storage when coupled with an USB external hard drive, and can host up to 50 guest clients (up from the original 10). Other than that, the two routers are essentially the same in terms of features. That said, the new E4200 v2 offers all that the original has to give and more, enough to justify its price tag of $199, compared with the original's street price of around $150. If you're looking for a top-notch router with no compromises, especially one that also offers an easy and viable network storage option when coupled with an external hard drive, the Cisco Linksys 4200 v2 will make an excellent investment. Those who don't care much about the 450Mbps speed should also consider the original Linksys E4200, the Netgear WNDR3800, or the Asus RT-N56U. Like the rest of the Linksys E-Series routers, the Linksys E4200 v2 looks more like an expensive jewelry gift box than a router.
We weren’t impressed with the last Linksys-branded router that passed through Maximum Lab North. The dual-band Linksys E3000 (in reality, a rebadged Linksys WRT610N) delivered humdrum performance and lacked a number of important features we expect to find in a high-end router. The E4200 fares better, but we’re still scratching our heads over some of Linksys’s decisions. The first thing you’ll notice about the E4200 is its minimalist industrial design. Plug in its inline power supply (no wall wart!) and you’ll find that it’s almost devoid of front-panel idiot lights: There are no LEDs to indicate an Internet connection, which of its radios are operating, or even which of its ports are in use. The only thing that glows on the front panel is Cisco’s logo. There are port-activity LEDs on the back of the router, but even these can be turned off via the router’s web interface. We like that. In fact, we liked the entire low-profile design—at least until we tried to plug in our Ethernet cables. That’s when we discovered that the top of the router’s housing blocked the vinyl hoods covering our cables’ RJ45 connectors. We had no problem fitting cables outfitted with bare connectors, but that’s pretty lame.
With every new wireless gadget you own, a wireless router becomes increasingly important in the office and at home. The Linksys E4200 by Cisco is the best router we've tested, providing lightning-fast access, extremely intuitive setup, and smart security options. The router can support connections on the 2.4-GHz and 5.0-GHz bands at the same time, and it has an excellent range for both. Our only slight complaint is its $159 price; if you do not need high-end features, less expensive models will suffice, but speed freaks should look no further.Cisco has strayed far from the light-blue technical design of Linksys' earlier routers. The all-black E4200 is sleek and has a low profile--at 8.9 x 6.3 x 1 inches, it's only about two finger widths tall at the back, where it's the thickest. The top sports a soft-touch black plastic, with a metallic stripe running down the middle. Around the back are four Gigabit Ethernet ports and a USB port to network a hard drive or printer.The included Cisco Connect software could not be easier to install and use. We plugged in the Linksys E4200 router, installed the software, clicked through a few setup screens, and had the router powering our home network in just five minutes.Security is partly an issue of encryption and passwords, and partly an issue of smart configuration.
OverviewStaking its claim in the dual-band 5GHz/2.4GHz world, Cisco has released the Linksys Maximum Performance E4200 Dual-Band N Router. Unlike the Netgear Dual Band DGND3300, the Linksys Maximum Performance E4200 Dual-Band N Router is just a DSL router, so in the same vein as the Asus RT-N56U. Again unlike the Netgear DGND3300 it offers four full Gigabit LAN ports, alongside the DSL port. For optimum performance it uses a 3x3 antenna array and so can offer 450Mbps connections at 5GHz.We also spied a single USB port to provide NAS and UPnP services from a USB drive and there's an actual power switch, which we always like to see. A WPS button is tucked at the back to make adding supported devices a one-push affair. Clearly Cisco is trying to up the game with packaging and design, which attempts to ape Apple products such as the iPad 2. It certainly gets close in terms of design but doesn't quite manage the same levels of finesse.
The Linksys E4200 is a major upgrade to the Linksys E3000; it has a better design, faster performance, and a Web interface that encompasses the functionality of the easy-to-use Cisco Connect desktop application. Except for a few minor blemishes--its bulky power adapter, a guest networking feature that's limited to only 10 clients at a time, and the lack of support for 450Mbps throughput on the 2.4GHz band--we love everything about this router. At around $180, it's rather expensive, but it's worth the investment. For a slightly cheaper router with similar features, we'd recommend the Linskys E3000 or the Linksys E2000. The Linksys E4200 router brings the overall styling of Cisco's Linksys E series up a notch, looking more like an expensive jewelry gift box than a router. With the flat shape and internal antenna design, the router is also compact compared with its peers. Its features allow you to leave it out in the open, rather than hide it, as you would most other routers. Unfortunately, you do want to tuck away its power adapter, which is disproportionately large for a router this size; it's about the size of portable charger for a small laptop.
The Cisco Linksys E4200 Maximum Performance Wireless-N Router ($179, direct) is the latest in Cisco's E-series wireless-N router lineup. This simultaneous dual-band router's claim to fame is that it houses six internal antennas; three each for the 2.4- and 5-GHz bands, enabling the E4200 to achieve a theoretical maximum throughput of 450 Mbps - the fastest (theoretical) wireless speed in the industry. This throughput is, of course, only achievable in a controlled setting using specifically compatible adapters that can best use the E4200's unique antenna setup. Most home and small business users won't see those kinds of speeds with the E4200, but it's still a router that's easy to set up and delivers very good throughput speed. In my testing, however, it wasn't the speed demon I expected - in fact, the year-older E3000 beat the E4200. The E4200 boasts a gorgeous design and an almost fail-proof setup. The chassis is encased in a smart, black matte housing which has a sleek strip of silver metal on the top with Cisco's logo embossed on it. The logo glows a soft bluish-white when the router is connected to the Web. Overall, it's an appealing piece of hardware with the look of luxury. With that look comes a premium cost; the E4200 lists for $179.
| Retailer | Information | Prices | |
|---|---|---|---|
![]() |
LinksysLinksys E4200v2 WiFi Wireless Router N900 Dual-Band USB 802.11n Network Routers | $149.99 | See it |
![]() |
Cisco Consumer Cisco E4200 Maximum Performance Dual-Band Wireless-N Router (E4200) | $159.99 | See it |
![]() |
CISCO E4200 VERSION 2 MAX PERFORMANC DUAL-BAND N900 - E4200V2 E4200V2 | $167.95 | See it |
![]() |
Linksys Maximum Performance Dual-Band N900 Router, E4200v2 | $167.99 | See it |
![]() |
Cisco Linksys E4200 Maximum Performance Simultaneous Dual-Band Wireless-N Router E4200 | $169.95 | See it |
![]() |
StrongVPN FlashRouter - Cisco E4200 V1 OpenVPN Ready - DD-WRT Firmware Preinstalled | $169.95 | See it |
![]() |
Linksys E4200 Maximum Performance Simultaneous Dual-Band Wireless-N Router | $169.95 | See it |
![]() |
Cisco-Linksys E4200 Dual-Band Wireless-N Router | $174.99 | See it |
![]() |
Cisco-Linksys E4200 Dual-Band Wireless-N Router | $174.99 | See it |
![]() |
Cisco E4200 Router 1yearwarranty 2xavailable Ask More Qty | $175 | See it |
![]() |
HideMyAss (HMA!) VPN FlashRouter - Cisco E4200 V1 OpenVPN Ready [TomatoUSB PREINSTALLED] | $179.95 | See it |
![]() |
DD-WRT Router - Cisco Linksys E4200 V1 Wireless-N Refurbished, 750Mbps, Dual Band, Gigabit, USB, VPN Ready [DD-WRT PREINSTALLED] | $179.95 | See it |
![]() |
HideMyAss (HMA!) VPN FlashRouter - Cisco E4200 V1 - DD-WRT Firmware Preinstalled | $179.95 | See it |
![]() |
Linksys Maximum Performance Dual-Band N900 Router (E4200 v2) | $179.95 | See it |
![]() |
Linksys Maximum Performance Dual-Band N900 Router (E4200 v2) | $179.95 | See it |