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Linksys E4200 Wireless Router – Review & Giveaway

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I have a TiVo. The only way for TiVo to function properly is with internet access. However the TV is miles (OK not MILES – but far) away from the cable modem that resides in the office, and there is no way I’m going to run a 50 foot long Ethernet cable through the house. The only alternative is to go wireless. Wireless modems, like the Linksys E4200, provide convenient internet access for my TiVo, my laptop, and even my iPod.

Wireless internet is also a great bonus for families with middle school and high school students. Oftentimes the older kids like studying in their own rooms, where they can get away from the noise and activities of the house. With wireless access, they can grab the laptops and study in the quiet and comfort of their own rooms.

About the Linksys E4200

Linksys E4200

The Linksys E4200 wireless router is perfect for anyone interested in building the ultimate connected home. The E4200 is the first building block that can handle gaming consoles, HDTV streaming video, Roku boxes, eReaders, smartphones, and anything other wireless device that needs screaming connectivity. Also, with back to school fast approaching, now is a great time for parents to make sure their homes are well-equipped for their kids to succeed academically and maximize learning from home to school. A simple and cost-effective way to make the home an ideal learning environment is to transform the home into a learning hotspot with home wireless.

Linksys E4200 Specifications

For my fellow nerds – here are the technical specs for the Linksys E4200.

Model: Linksys E4200
Technology: Wireless-N
Bands: Simultaneous 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz
Transmit / receive: 3 x 3
Antennas: 6 Internal
Ethernet ports x speed: 4 x Gigabit
USB storage port: Yes, Shared Storage, Virtual USB and Media Server

The Review

Wireless internet wasn’t always a “given” here. Friends would come over for LAN parties (hey – I’ve said I was a nerd!) and we would literally have to power cycle the router every time someone needed to connect to the internet. That meant that we’d all have to lose internet, and then one by one, reconnect. It was a pain. Power cycling the router became a regular things. Not fun.

Ever since we upgraded to the new Linksys E4200 Maximum Performance Dual-Band N Router, I haven’t had to power cycle the router once. The internet connection hasn’t been lost and friends can get internet access just by connecting to my router’s guest user account. Not only that, but now I can get internet access in every single room of the house – from upstairs to even the closet in the back room furthest from the office. How’s that for “internet accessible”?

It’s very easy to set-up the Linksys E4200:

Step 1. Insert the included Set-Up CD into your CD-ROM
Step 2. Set up your router.
Step 3. Follow the on-screen instructions.

In a matter of minutes, your new router is set-up with internet access and ready to go. Let’s take a closer look at the router and the on-screen instructions.

The Linksys E4200 box includes the router, power cord and power adapter, one Ethernet cable, and the welcome CD.

Linksys E4200 Box Contents

Upon taking a closer look at the back of the router, you’ll see (from left to right) the 4 Ethernet ports, Internet port (internet in), a Wi-Fi Protected Setup button, USB port, Reset button, and the power port.

Linksys E4200 Ports

After you insert the CD, it’ll prompt you to make sure that the router is connected. Simply plug-in the power, then connect the router to both your modem and to your computer.

Linksys E4200

After your connected, you’ll move through a series of prompts to help you set-up your router. Then the router will enter the set-up process. A progress bar will show you where the router is in the process.

Linksys E4200

After the set-up is complete, you’ll be able to name and set the password for your network. Then comes the really fun part – Cisco Connect.

From the Cisco Connect application you are able to control the computers and devices that are connected to your network, set parental controls, set-up guest access, and personalize your router settings.

Linksys E4200

I really like the Parental controls feature since it allows you to monitor and control the times and websites that your kids can visit. If you’re out at work, you can make sure your kids are NOT on the internet looking at things they shouldn’t be.

The nerdy side of me also really likes the Speed Test you can run through your Router Settings menu. You simply launch the test and it will show you the download and upload speeds for your connection.

Linksys E4200 Speed Test

Another great feature is the ability to create an Easy Setup key. Simply plug a USB drive into the port, then create an Easy Setup Key. Once the key is created, you can take that USB drive to any other computer on the network and it’ll automatically connect that computer to your wireless network. No remembering WEP passwords or accessing Network Connections. It is THAT easy.

For our LAN parties, I love that there is a separate guess login that allows you to control the number of guests connected to your network (up to 10) and also creates a separate password that you can give to allow them to connect.

If you’re more technical, you can still access the advanced settings through the routers IP address, including port forwarding, firewall settings, and additional security options.

The Linksys E4200 Wireless Router is hands down the most user-friendly router I’ve used. It is incredibly intuitive to set-up and it makes it very easy for even non-technical folks to set-up the security and protections that every network should have.

The Linksys E4200 is available for purchase online from Amazon for $159.99 or the Cisco online store.

Buy Now

Linksys E4200 Online

The WiC Project Linksys E4200 Wireless Router Giveaway

The Prize:

One winner will receive a Linksys E4200 Wireless Router of their very own.

This giveaway ended on Sept. 5, 2011 and is now closed.

Disclaimer: This post consists of my (and/or fellow tester) opinions only. Your experiences may be different. No compensation was given for this review/giveaway. I did receive a free product from the manufacturer or their representing PR agency to use and test for the purposes of this review. This did not affect the outcome of this review.

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  48. Heather says

    I’d hook up 3 PCs one Android phone one laptop and one xbox to my router. As it is if more than one device is on at a time it can crawl.. we use the router our ISP provided us and its ok but far from ideal 🙁

    Reply

  74. Lois M. says

    Hiya! 🙂 Well, in actuality there will be the one desktop physically hooked up to the router — but actually used with it will be my laptop, my netbook and my pda. 🙂 Yeah, way too many things. LOL

    Lois
    OV_099@yahoo.com

    Reply

  80. Tamara B. says

    I “Like” the Linksys on Facebook and posted on their wall.
    (Tamara Bennington)
    tamben7996(at)aol(dot)com

    Reply

  108. Valerie Serna says

    I have three laptops and a desktop computer (4 devices) that I would link up to this Linksys E4200 Wireless Router! I would also connect mine and my husband’s Android phones. I guess that makes 6.

    Reply

  138. Scott Martin says

    I have 1 laptop and a desktop computer (2 devices) that I would link up to this Linksys E4200 Wireless Router.

    Reply

  141. Scott Martin says

    I follow Linksys on Twitter. THANKS for the AWESOME GIVEAWAY!!!

    Scott Martin
    @dasasc1971
    spmartin122 at gmail dot com

    Reply

  158. Ann F says

    I would hook up our HDTV, Blu-ray DVD player, two laptops, a desktop computer and several ipod to our wireless network.

    abfantom at yahoo dot com

    Reply

  183. Heather C says

    I’d hook up 3 computers, one xbox, one phone, and one laptop to the router

    heatherc191 at gmail dot com

    Reply

  212. april eom says

    i have 4 desktops and 3 laptops, along with iphone, ipods, ps3, xbox and ipad that i’d love to hook up 😀

    Reply

  224. Timbo says

    Oh man 🙂 I myself personally own four computers and we’ve got about 3 others in the house, so I’d say about 7 😀

    Please feel free to contact me at – sales4545 at gmail dot com

    Reply

  225. Timbo says

    I am following you on Twitter 😀 @TimboSquad

    Please feel free to contact me at – allrightyes at gmail dot com

    Reply

  226. Timbo says

    I am following them on Twitter 😀 @TimboSquad

    Please feel free to contact me at – allrightyes at gmail dot com

    Reply

  227. Timbo says

    I am following you on Google Friend Connect 😀 Username: Timbo Squad

    Please feel free to contact me at – allrightyes at gmail dot com

    Reply

  251. Heather H. says

    We have several things hooked up to our router including our computer, weather station, and security camera.
    hendymartin1 at yahoo dot com

    Reply

  271. Mike says

    Let’s see:

    Netflix streaming DVD
    GoFlex for cached media content
    Wireless printer
    Two MacBook Pros
    HP Windows laptop
    iPad

    I think that’s all….
    iPod Touch

    Reply

  303. bgolden says

    I would put this by my desktop computer, and it would also allow me to use my laptop via wireless … and don’t forget my son who would also use it for his Xbox360. Thanks.

    Reply

  313. Brenda Illescas says

    Wow, this router looks like the most user friendly I’ve seen.
    I would connect my computers and a gaming console.

    Reply

  333. Anastasia says

    We have three computes (so far), the PS3, Xbox 360 and the Wii. Not to mention the iPod touch & other wireless devices that guests bring! 🙂

    Reply

  334. cheryl says

    I have an ancient Linksys right now and this one is awesome…. I would find as many things to hook up to it as i possibly can !

    Reply

  335. Phil C says

    I have a Wii that would love some connectivity. My smartphone could use it too. Also, my friends bring their notebooks over from time to time that could use the wireless.

    Reply

  358. Geoff K says

    I’d hook up our two PCs (1 desktop, 1 laptop), blu-ray player, and iPod touch to our wireless network using the Linksys router. Thanks for the chance to enter!

    gkaufmanss at yahoo dot com

    Reply

  371. Amanda says

    It would just be the 1 computer we have now. But, we are planning on getting another laptop in the near future.
    magickalblessings26{at}yahoo.com

    Reply

  393. John M says

    We’d hook up 2 laptops, a desktop, an iPod, and a Playstation 3 for now. Planning on getting another laptop and desktop, and two iPhones. Who knows what else?

    johnpatrickandrew [at] gmail [dot] com

    Reply

  407. Denice P says

    I’d have 1 desktop, and 2 laptops, a printer, and occasionaly have my cell phone hooked up to the router. I like to have things with out wires just less hassle all together.

    Reply

  411. Jim Utrup says

    I have three laptops, a Xbox 360, and two android phones that I’m trying to use a single internet connection with

    Reply

  429. tina demarco says

    id hook up our 3 desktop 2 laptop 1 netbook and 2 cell phones and for use when friends come over with there wifi stuff

    Reply

  465. Leah Walker says

    We have three laptops, a desk top, two iPhones, and a Droid X (Android system) in our house. We are super crazy plugged in. I’m sure we have other things I’m not thinking about right now too. Lol.

    lewalk(at)hotmail(dot)com

    Reply

  495. elangomatt says

    I would be hooking up my android phone, laptop, Wii, and PS3 to my wireless router. Right now I just have an ancient wireless g router.

    Reply

  592. Renee Richardson says

    I would use it for my laptop, XBox 360, Roku and Wii. Thanks for the awesome giveaway 🙂

    Renee
    fattybumpkins at yahoo dot com

    Reply

  596. Renee Richardson says

    I am following @OfficialLinksys on Twitter
    Username: missreneer 🙂

    Renee
    fattybumpkins at yahoo dot com

    Reply

  610. jeff antill says

    i would hook up 4 devices to router,, wii, playstation, printer, computer–wow hope i know how to do all that–lol

    Reply

  650. Rick Gibson says

    I would most certainly hook up my car; and my dishwasher; and my pretzelbender!. Maybe I could fit my piano, sofa and computer onto to it also.

    Reply

  659. Gary Reynolds says

    I would share two Dell Computers (both hardwired) and one netbook, an Apple Itouch (both WiFi) to the router. Then I would kick myself in the rear end for not getting a Roku to stream my Netflix and Pandora to my HDTV set.

    Reply

  661. Tim Allen says

    I would hook up my desktop and xbox via a hardline, and wirelessly I would connect my laptop, my i-phone, my wife’s i-phone, and my daughter’s computer.

    Reply

  757. Robert Loehmann says

    I would hook up at least 6 devices to this wonderful router 2 laptops, 1 laptop setup as a media server, 2 Droid 3 phones, and an XBOX. There will also be a Droid 1 off and on the network due to testing and streaming music.

    Reply

  793. benjamin bernier says

    thank you for hosting this contest

    i would hook up a gigabit 5 port switch, feed my two esx virtual servers from that, and hook up a 16 port netgear 10/100 and feed four desktops from that, i would connect four android phones and five laptops to the wifi

    Reply

  809. Michele Keller says

    I have 2 cell phone, 3 laptops and Directv and would love to be able to connect all. I “Like” on Facebook for both.

    Reply

  842. Pauline says

    6. I followed you on Google Friends Connect (Pauline T…pls use this email address to contact me- emscout9 at Hotmail dot com instead of Gmail)

    Reply

  843. Pauline says

    7. I followed via RSS…Google reader (Pauline T…pls use this email address to contact me- emscout9 at Hotmail dot com instead of Gmail)

    Reply

  848. Tim Lalli says

    I would really like this router. I currently have an older model Linksys. would like to run 2 laptops, PS3 and smartphone.

    Reply

  850. Dara Nix says

    We have 2 computers (a desktop and a laptop) as well as 2 iPod Touch devices that could benefit from this — especially since I have trouble getting my iPod to connect when I am in the house (I think our current dinosaur router is dying a slow death)!

    Dara Nix
    kitty32504 at cox dot net

    Reply

  861. adrian alvarez says

    i would use the router for my portable lap top and any other device i see can resolve an issue with an access the internet.

    Reply

  883. Jeremy Eldred says

    Xbox 360, Playstation 3, ASRock ION 330 HTPC, 2 household desktop computers, Macbook Pro, HP Laptop, HTC Thunderbolt, LG Revolution, iPhone 3G (x2)

    Thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply

  904. Stacie Studer says

    I would use this router, for the 4 people in my apartment, including (3 xbox’s, 2 wii’s, 4 laptops, 1 e-reader, 2 ipod touches, 2 android devices, and 1 tv(which has internet capability) I feel your pain with the circle routing, our router right now (we’re college kids) has to have the same thing done!!

    Reply

  935. Steve Olson says

    Gosh… I have a lot. Two tivos, two laptops, a couple of iPhones, a wireless printer, a Nintendo Wii, and Xbox 360… this thing would be awesome

    Reply

  936. Randy Schumann says

    Let’s see…. I would hook up my desktop, laptops (x2), iPhone, iPod Touch (x2), iPad, SlingBox and Sony Blu-Ray player. Sooo, 9 devices!

    Reply

  949. Poobah says

    I currently have a wireless router connected to my cable modem It is connected to two printers, game connection, PC connection and a connection to the upstairs router. It is connected to two game systems and two PCs.

    Reply

  967. Kyle Lawver says

    i would love the router bc we have a xbox 360 2 mac laptop 2 desktops and of course our smart phones but were always losing connection.

    Reply

  980. Jeffrey Lowe says

    I would hook up;
    4 – PC laptops
    2 – Handheld wireless game systems
    4 – Cell phones (wiFi)
    3 – Video game consoles
    2 – DVR/HTPC
    1 – BlueRay
    1 – 16 port switch

    Reply

  999. Rosey says

    Six…college student’s computer, home computer, my laptop, husband’s and teen’s itouch devices, and tween’s netbook.

    Reply

  1015. brian e. says

    Thanks for the giveaway…we have two laptops, two printers, and our kid’s desktop that are ready to be “connected” to a wireless router !

    senorpiero [at] yahoo [dot] com

    Reply

  1026. brian e. says

    … already subscribed to the mailing list of The WiC Project – Faith. Free Giveaways. Product Reviews. Recipes.

    senorpiero [at] yahoo [dot] com

    Reply

  1027. brian e. says

    #2 … already subscribed to the mailing list of The WiC Project – Faith. Free Giveaways. Product Reviews. Recipes.

    senorpiero [at] yahoo [dot] com

    Reply

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