Review Date January 19, 2011

Cisco Linksys E4200 Maximum Performance Wireless-N Router

  • Pros


  • Bottom Line


By Samara Lynn

Setup and Testing
Upon setting up the router and agreeing to the license agreement, the Cisco Connect software checks for any software updates. Setup then offers a step-by-step set up guide that shows you how to physically connect the router. You literally click "Next," sit back and the router does everything. Your computer doesn't even have to be physically connected to the router; you just need a computer with an enabled wireless adapter. During setup, the router auto generates an SSID and passphrase. My laptop was connected to the E4200 in just under five minutes.

Once the software is set up, you're presented with a very user-friendly interface, perfect for performing basic router tasks. There are four areas in the Cisco Connect management interface: "Computers and Devices" allows users to connect another computer or device and walks you through creating an Easy Setup USB key; "Parent Control" gives some limited controls over restricting Internet access (users can only block up to 8 URLs and can control the times kids can access the internet); "Guest Access (which allows up to ten guests to access the router without giving access to shared devices or files on your network); and "Router Settings" (which is where users can change the SSID and password of the router, view system information, and get into Advanced Settings).

Advanced Settings is the typical management console that's accessible by opening up a browser and going to the router's IP address. Cisco has managed to rectify a particularly annoying problem that cropped up when changing Advanced Settings in other E-series routers—the inability to get back into the Cisco Connect interface. I was able to move back and forth between both interfaces, while making settings changes in both.

This is crucial as there are settings that are only accessible in Advanced Settings. For instance, you can only manage storage devices in the Advanced settings or perform more granular configuration of features like SPI firewall, VPNs, port forwarding and more. You also have the capability to extend parental settings, by creating a true Internet Access Policy in Advanced.

Samara Lynn
By Samara Lynn Lead Analyst, Networking


Follow Samara Lynn Twitter: @samaralynn
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