 |
Cisco-Linksys WRT400N Simultaneous Dual-Band Wireless-N Router by Linksys
Digital Photo Product DetailsManufacturer: Linksys Audio: English (Original Language) Format: CD Model: WRT400N Product features: - High-performance simultaneous dual-band Wireless-N router for connecting wired and wireless devices
- Simultaneous Wireless-N technology for unsurpassed performance, great range, and reduced dead spots
- Four 10/100 Ethernet ports for connecting wired devices, such as computers, printers, and more
- 128-Bit wireless encryption and SPI firewall for air-tight security
- Measures 8.07 x 1.38 x 6.3 inches and weighs 1.01 pounds; It's backed by a 1-year limited warranty
Accessories:
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Cisco-Linksys WRT400N Simultaneous Dual-Band Wireless-N RouterCustomer Review: Hardware works well; avoid installation wizard Summary: 5 Stars
After doing a lot of research (and an abortive attempt to install an N router a year earlier from another manufacturer that wouldn't recognize existing adapters) I settled on the Linksys WRT400N 802.11n router to replace an aging, but functional, Microsoft MN-500 802.11b router.
I was impressed by the simultaneous, dual-band radios (each with its own SSID, making it basically two routers in one, one at 5GHz for 802.11a/n, and one at 2.4GHZ for 802.11b/g/n), and the generally good reputation Cisco and Linksys have had for networking products.
Installation was simple -- once I gave up on the installation CD. The CD I received was very slightly warped so wouldn't reliably be recognized by my laptop's CD drive. When it finally was, I followed the instructions to the letter, but repeatedly the Linksys wizard warned me my router had not been set up properly and to try again. After three attempts, I exited. And quickly and successfully used the router's own embedded Web-based management software to configure it (enter 192.168.1.1 into your Web browser and use the default password "admin" -- no username is required -- and then configure the router; the online help for settings is indeed helpful and should be enough for even novice users).
Pros:
- Consistent performance. I have, after several days, have had no issues with the connection (except as noted below, when changing settings). I'm on a cable modem, not DSL, but it appears Linksys has now paid attention to DSL issues by including a FAQ that highlights DSL with the installation package.
- Range. Range for the 2.4GHz radio has been excellent. I live in a four-story townhouse, and the router is installed by the front wall of the third floor. Every floor gets a very good signal, including the legacy desktop on the back wall of the first floor. 5GHz range is less, as expected, but still good at 30+ feet away on the same floor behind two walls. (I haven't tried 5GHz 802.11n on other floors.)
- Compatibility. I have an odd mixture of adapters on the network, and the WRT400N has connected to them without a hiccup: 2 TiVo-brand 802.11g (connected to two TiVos), ThinkPad laptop built-in 802.11g, Dell laptop built-in 802.11g, HP netbook built-in 802.11g, 2 desktop Microsoft MN-510 802.11b. However, the 802.11b adapters have sometimes had to be rebooted if I change any network settings; the newer adapters recover more gracefully on their own.
Cons:
- Installation "wizard," as noted above. Also, in trying to get a replacement CD from Linksys on the product support site, the touted replacement disk image of 491MB only downloads a 20b (that's right -- 20 byte) .ISO file that is far too small. Contacting Linksys support by chat was futile; they had no idea how to direct me to the actual full disk image. I've asked them to escalate the request, and perhaps they'll fix it by the time you read this.
- Setting change reset. Whenever changing any settings in the embedded router management software via a browser and saving the changes, the radios disconnect momentarily. This is minor and perhaps unavoidable. But it's slightly annoying if you're adjusting the management software via the same wireless connection that then disconnects after hitting "Save settings." It does recover, though.
Overall, recommended. Especially if you're finally upgrading an older wireless network and have a variety of legacy adapters.
Description of Cisco-Linksys WRT400N Simultaneous Dual-Band Wireless-N RouterThe sleek Simultaneous Dual-Band Wireless-N Router works in two radio bands at the same time, delivering twice the bandwidth for smooth high-definition video, lag free gaming, and uninterrupted music in one band, while browsing the Internet, sharing files, sending e-mail, and printing in the other. Wireless-N gives you incredible speed and range in both bands, while the 4 built-in Fast Ethernet ports connect your wired devices. Product Description Amazon.com Product Description Get ready for the power of simultaneous dual-band Wireless-N technology with the Linksys WRT400N Dual-Band Wireless-N Router that provides blazing-quick HD video streaming and gaming, air-tight security features, greater coverage, and support for wireless and wired devices. Dual Wireless-N radio bands work separately, yet simultaneously, to ensure less interference from other wireless networks and to increase speed, while four integrated Ethernet ports provide support for a variety of wired devices at blazing-fast speeds that are ideal for streaming videos, gaming, and ultra-quick file transfers. Simultaneous Dual-Band Wireless-N for HD Streaming and Gaming The Linksys WRT400N has the bandwidth for smoother and faster HD video streaming, file transfers, and gaming. Connect other computers and devices to the Internet and each other at N speeds in both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Simultaneous wireless bands help you avoid network interference. Use the 2.4 GHz band for surfing and e-mails and the less crowded 5 GHz band for time-critical entertainment. Four 10/100 Ethernet Ports for Wired Devices The WRT400N Simultaneous Dual-Band Wireless-N Router enables you to not only have an ultra-fast wireless network, but also to connect all of your Ethernet-enabled wired devices ? such as storage drives, computers, and printers ? at the same blazing-fast speeds as your wireless devices. All four of the 10/100 Ethernet ports support auto-crossover (MDI/MDI-X), so there's no need to purchase crossover cables. The versatile WRT400N is the only router you'll ever need for your home network. Air-Tight Security Features The WRT400N protects your wireless network from security breaches and malicious attacks from hackers with its two powerful, built-in security features. This router features both 128-Bit encryption and SPI Firewall for air-tight security that will keep your network safe and secure from Internet attacks. Minimum System Requirements Internet Explorer 6.0, Safari 3.1 or Firefox 1.0 or higher for browser-based configuration; CD-ROM drive; Wired or wireless network adapter with TCP/IP protocol; EasyLink Advisor Software and setup wizard require up-to-date Windows XP, Vista, or Vista 64-Bit Edition; Setup wizard also runs under Mac OS X 10.4 or higher; For optimum performance, we recommend Linksys Dual-Band Wireless-N Adapters Compatible with Windows and Macintosh, the Linksys WRT400N Simultaneous Dual-Band Wireless-N Router measures 8.07 x 1.38 x 6.3 inches and weighs 1.01 pounds. It is backed by a 1-year limited warranty. What's in the Box Simultaneous Dual-Band Wireless-N Router, setup CD-ROM, User Guide CD-ROM, Quick Installation Guide, Ethernet network cable, and power adapter. Product Description The sleek Simultaneous Dual-Band Wireless-N Router works in two radio bands at the same time, delivering twice the bandwidth for smooth high-definition video, lag free gaming, and uninterrupted music in one band, while browsing the Internet, sharing files, sending e-mail, and printing in the other. Wireless-N gives you incredible speed and range in both bands, while the 4 built-in Fast Ethernet ports connect your wired devices.
|
 |