Cisco-Linksys E1000 Wireless-N Router

10 Review to this product

• 

  T. Turner
  April 12th, 2010 on 3:08 am

  Rating

  So far so good. This is my third or forth router and the first one in a few years so maybe they are all this easy to set up. Basically, this thing is plug and play. For the computers in my home (2 desktops, 1 wireless laptop) I needed to put in a usb drive to the primary computer – into which I had loaded the info from the cdrom – and then reinsert it into the other computers. About 20 seconds each computer, and they all linked up from there. I was able to change the password into something more manageable (and memorable) quickly. The speed across the board has improved also. I only have wireless-G for the laptop so I can’t comment on the speed for N but based on how well everything else worked, I am optimistic. Good job.
• 

  Richard P. Voss
  April 19th, 2010 on 4:39 am

  Rating

  Admittedly, my installation is not typical. I already have a router and another wireless access point, that one G and this one N. So I had to change the settings. I had to disable DHCP before I could even get started, and I made some other changes, too. The problem is that the setup program is intended only for the simplest form of installation, directly to the modem and with no other routers in the network. I think it’s called Cisco Connect, on which the user guide is focused. But I never even got to the point where Cisco Connect could even be installed, much less function or solve any of my problems, due to my nonstandard installation.

  In the end, I was able to set it up correctly, just poking around in the setup program and enduring a problem that seemed to solve itself after a couple of hours. With a different set of instructions for nonstandard installation, I might not have made so many frustrating wrong turns. The Cisco Connect approach probably works well for many, but not for anyone who strays from the straight and narrow.

  Anyway, all is well now and it seems to be doing its job well as an N access point.
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  Narut Ujnat
  April 21st, 2010 on 4:16 am

  Rating

  After upgrading my internet service, I was forced to purchase a new router to provide wireless access. After looking at the usual suspects, I purchased this item based on experience with Linksys on prior occasions and a decent price. The unit is rated for speeds up to 300 MBPS, is rated N and 2.4 GHZ. I am very glad I did purchase this particular router.

  Pros:

  1. Set-up: I literally have NEVER had such an easy time setting up a wireless network before. I simply took the unit from the box, gave it power and after installing the CD on my ‘home’ computer, the thing literally began finding the internet signal and within maybe 4 minutes completed the task. Voila! I had a network! Besides changing the name of the network and the password, I had no issues whatsoever – it simply worked. And I only had an issue briefly because I failed to turn off the previous router (I was too excited). Unbelievably easy. Actually, I think the word is astonishing.

  2. Aesthetic: I think this matters for any electronic item because most likely you will be looking at it on a table or desk somewhere. And I have to say, this thing is ultra cool looking. No antennas. It is simply a futuristic flying saucer looking item. The unit is black, with an ultra-cool “Euro style” blue light panel. I certainly don’t mind having it around to look at continually. However, it does not have a small footprint. For a comparison, think of a trade paperback book and you will get the approximation of the size. It is oriented horizontally, not vertically. As is typical with these routers, you get 4 Ethernet ports on the back, a power plug, and a reset button on the back.

  3. Reliability: I have not had any issues with this item since I purchased it. The network seems stable, and I have not had any drop-outs.

  Neutral:

  1. I did enter the router manually, and the router setting are not as easy to navigate around as other routers I have dealt with, but I found the buttons easy to change and manipulate.

  Cons:

  I bought this at a decent price, it worked instantly and it looks very neat and tidy. I have NO complaints.

  Overall, I think this is an excellent product, and this is why I am sharing it with other readers. It just works!
• 

  TnMountain
  April 28th, 2010 on 10:21 am

  Rating

  This router is pretty easy to set up and link other computers in as well. The software does most of the work. Signal is strong all over our property. For basic, secure home networking, this is a high-quality product that will suit your needs.
• 

  Just Eveie
  May 6th, 2010 on 5:55 pm

  Rating

  This router is fantastic for anyone, especially for those new to wireless networking. Linksys has done everything for you. All you have to do is pop in the Cisco Connect disk after you’ve plugged in the router, and you’re pretty much done. They give you an SSID, passwords, etc. You can change your SSID and whatever settings you need to change very easily and quickly using the Cisco software if you like.

  I loved the Guest network option for friends and family who need internet access on your wireless network without giving them the key to your main network. The parental controls option is also a fantastic feature for people such as myself who have children whose internet access you need to limit after school and/or on the weekends.

  The only issue I encountered was the signal going in and out upon initial hookup. This was quickly fixed by unplugging my cordless home phone. Although my phone is 6.0 DECT and shouldn’t have been a problem, it was for some reason. After unplugging the phone and setting up the router, I plugged my phone back in and haven’t had any issues of any kind.

  This setup was simple and unintimidating. No logging into the router and being so confused you want to either stay wired or end up leaving your system unsecured. I would most definetely suggest this router for newbies or anyone else who’s found setting up a wireless network to be frustrating. Best router out there!
• 

  Benjamin F. Sullivan
  May 7th, 2010 on 3:55 pm

  Rating

  You get a lot of quality for the price. This router has (so far) proven to be very reliable and has a great, easy to use application for setup. I aslo like the advanced options that are available when logged into the device. Overall I’m extremely happy with it!Cisco-Linksys E1000 Wireless-N Router
• 

  tiffany lynn
  May 9th, 2010 on 1:20 pm

  Rating

  Setup was simple and really fast! We had an old wireless router that was a “b” router so the speed of this router is LIGHTNING fast compared to that. I did a ping test before installing this router and got poor results and an F rating on my connection. After installing the new router, I got great results and a A rating. Totally worth the sixty bucks! The range is only slightly improved (two bars where I used to get only one) but that is about what I was expecting.

  I can’t speak to its long-term performance since I just installed this router today but I have been really happy with Linksys products in the past.
• 

  MB
  May 18th, 2010 on 5:17 am

  Rating

  The E1000 is an entry level wireless N router with a 100Mb switch. This router runs 802.11n in the 2.4GHz frequency (~130Mbs) to be backward compatible with 802.11b/g. The downside is that if you have a mixed wireless client environment at home (Wii/Blackberry) – 802.11b/g, newer laptop with 802.11n) you will only ever get a max of 802.11g speeds. If you have any 802.11b only clients, your performance could be much less. If you have a mixed environment and really think you need 802.11n speeds then you should be looking at the E3000. This device has two separate radios (2.4GHz and 5GHz). You would then dedicate the 5GHz to your 802.11n and use the 2.4GHz for 802.11b/g connections. You also get a gigabit capable switch vs. 100Mb). Running 802.11n in the 2.4GHz frequency in theory is 130Mb/s and in the 5GHz frequency that is pushed to 300Mb/s. Keep in mind, that you will never get the advertised speeds, not even on b/g as the wireless protocol has a very large overhead. You are lucky if you actually see half of that speed. The 2.4GHz frequency does travel farther than 5GHz but with speed tradeoffs. 2.4GHz is also more susceptible to interference from the microwave, baby monitor, or anything else that runs in the 2.4GHz frequency.

  I know that was long, but the point is to understand what you have at home for wireless clients and then determine what product you need to buy. I think most people see the E1000 at a lot cheaper price and don’t really understand what they are getting.

  Now for my review: I have a mixed environment and am just happy with the 802.11g like performance. The speeds are not an issue for streaming HD content from my DireTV DVR to laptops over wireless or streaming video/music throughout my house. I have the device set up in the basement and get adequate coverage throughout my two story home. It even sneaks out to my garage (on the opposite end of the house from the E1000) and the patio. Having much experience with networking equipment, I choose to bypass the “easy setup” and manually configure the device and the clients. I think setup problems from a client perspective have more to do with Windows Vista and Windows 7 security than the E1000. My Wii and Blackberry connected quickly and easily while the Vista and Win7 machines took a couple of tries to connect. Overall, a good product for its intended purpose.
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  John Davis
  May 18th, 2010 on 11:06 pm

  Rating

  I had to buy this router after my linksys router I bought two years ago suddenly quit connecting to the internet. Bought this router and the only problem I had with the setup was my older computer did not have xp service pack 3 installed and the setup would not run, I setup the router by connecting it to a laptop and works great. However, I did have update the old desktop to sp3 of xp because if it was connected to the router, the router would disconnect from the internet, this could have been what happened to my old router, but I haven’t tried it yet. The bottom line is this: if you computers are up to date you will have no problems.
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  olecat
  May 22nd, 2010 on 6:48 pm

  Rating

  So far, I’m very happy with this router. It replaced a simularly priced Netgear and is much,much better. Easy install and seamless use.