Linksys E4200 Review | 77 Data compared

The SmallNetBuilder followup review of the Cisco Linksys E4200 reveals a major performance bottleneck where simultaneous heavy traffic on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands causes a significant throughput drop, specifically cutting 2.4 GHz performance by roughly half due to the Broadcom BCM4718 chipset. Despite marketing, the router lacked official IPv6 support at launch and offered no real-world performance advantage for its 450 Mbps "three-stream" 5 GHz capability, while featuring a notably large, inconvenient power adapter. While offering user-friendly setup and high-speed single-band performance, the E4200's primary cons include the dual-band throughput limitation, lacking IPv6, and "mediocre" NAS performance.

The Cisco Linksys E4200 delivers impressive 5GHz performance with an average throughput of 161.1Mbits/sec, maintaining high speeds over long distances through obstacles, all housed in a stylish, rubberized chassis. However, the router suffers from inconsistent 2.4GHz performance, slow USB NAS file transfer speeds (5.4MB/sec), and a lack of advanced features like hardware VPN or VoIP. Due to its high £169 price point, underwhelming feature set, and the lack of client devices capable of utilizing its full 450Mbits/sec speed at the time of review, the E4200 is hard to recommend over more rounded alternatives.

The Cisco Linksys E4200 is a high-performance, dual-band router featuring 3x3 MIMO technology and six internal antennas, designed to deliver exceptional speeds, particularly on the 5GHz band. Its key pros include impressive range, a stylish rubberized design, and a USB port for network-attached storage. However, a significant con is that its peak 450Mbps speed was largely theoretical at launch due to limited client device support. Furthermore, the management interface is criticized as arcane, and the high cost is difficult to justify despite its hardware capabilities.

The Cisco Linksys E4200 is a high-end wireless-n router featuring 3x3 MIMO technology, supporting theoretical speeds up to 450 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and 300 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band. Key pros highlighted include its attractive design with internal antennas, exceptionally fast throughput, and a user-friendly setup process via Cisco Connect software. However, the review notes that real-world performance often fails to reach maximum speeds because most client devices lack 3x3 spatial stream support. Furthermore, the router is criticized for its weak Network Attached Storage (NAS) capabilities and limited advanced management options within the default software. Ultimately described as a "router of the future," it offers excellent performance for demanding users, though its high price point may be unnecessary for average households, according to PCMag.

The Cisco Linksys E4200 is a top-tier "maximum performance" router offering stellar throughput, true simultaneous dual-band support with 450Mbps on the 5GHz band, and a sleek, compact design with internal antennas. It features a comprehensive web interface and user-friendly software for easy setup, along with four Gigabit Ethernet ports and a USB port for basic NAS functionality. While the device excels with impressive 290-foot range, stable 48-hour performance, it suffers from limited NAS speeds, a bulky power adapter, and high operating temperatures.

The Cisco Linksys E4200 is a premium, simultaneously dual-band N750 router featuring a sleek, antenna-free "Danish modern" design, Gigabit Ethernet ports, and USB storage support. SmallNetBuilder's review highlights excellent 2.4GHz performance and easy configuration, though it notes disappointing 5GHz range and only mediocre NAS throughput. While offering a clean, user-friendly interface, the unit is prone to running warm and can experience reduced throughput under heavy, simultaneous dual-band traffic loads.

The Linksys E4200 Dual-Band N Router, recognized with an Editors' Choice award, offers exceptional 3x3 antenna performance and a sleek, low-profile design ideal for modern home entertainment centers. It provides user-friendly setup via Cisco Connect software and delivers robust throughput, handling simultaneous heavy-duty streaming and gaming with ease. However, achieving maximum 450Mbps speeds requires specific, high-end Intel Wi-Fi cards, and the included USB port is limited to storage rather than peripherals.

The Linksys E4200 is a high-performance, dual-band 802.11n router featuring a sleek, flat design with internal antennas and supports 450Mbps speeds on the 5GHz band. It offers exceptional range, maintaining strong signals up to 290 feet, and utilizes user-friendly Cisco Connect software for easy setup, along with four Gigabit Ethernet ports and a USB port for basic network storage. Despite its speed, the device carries a high $180 price tag and its 450Mbps capability requires specific, currently uncommon, client hardware to be fully utilized. Furthermore, the NAS performance is only average, and the router tends to run warm.

The Disczone review of the Cisco Linksys E4200 highlights a sleek, low-profile design with all ports located at the rear, though this fixed horizontal orientation prevents vertical mounting. Pros include robust Gigabit Ethernet connectivity, a USB port for storage/media, and dual-band performance, while the "Storage Link" NAS functionality is noted as mediocre. The router is recommended for high-consumption networks due to its stable 3x3 MIMO antenna array, despite the unit running warm and having a complex interface for novice users.