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    My Linksys E4200 Review, FWIW

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by NoSpinZone, May 17, 2011.

  1. NoSpinZone

    NoSpinZone Notebook Consultant

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    I recently got a new Sager laptop and decided it was also time to upgrade my wireless router so that I would get increased speed and better range. I read through many threads on this forum and decided on the Linksys E4200. I was partial to Linksys since my long term router is the Linksys WRT54GS and it has performed well.

    Before hooking up the new E4200, I did multiple speed tests on the old router using Speakeasy, Speedtest and Internet Speed Test. I also checked range from various points inside and outside my house (I use my laptop outdoors in the summer). After hooking up the E4200, I ran the same tests.

    All I can say I was extremely disappointed. The speed was no better (but no wrose either), but more improtantly, the increased range I was hoping for was actually slightly less than with my old WRT54GS.

    I was curious how the E4200 could have better range with built in antennas vs. my old WRT54GS with two large external antennas. Well the answer is ......... it doesn't. So the new one is going back to BestBuy and I save the $159 I paid for zero performance increase.
     
    NoSpinZone, May 17, 2011
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  2. jalaj

    jalaj Notebook Geek

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    You didn't even list your laptop's wifi adapter model. Perhaps you didn't set up the e4200 properly or bad wifi drivers? Could also be a dud router unit, as some have experienced. But otherwise, reviews indicate that the e4200 is top tier for a home network.
     
    jalaj, May 17, 2011
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  3. KCETech1

    KCETech1 Notebook Prophet

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    the old WRT54Gx series was prob about the best G based routers ever built. I would expect more speed if your laptop was conecting at N speeds though.

    at work we use a bunch of the 54GL units with DDWRT for repeaters and bridges still and they are still king of RANGE
     
    KCETech1, May 17, 2011
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  4. NoSpinZone

    NoSpinZone Notebook Consultant

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    I meant to include that info. It's the Intel Centrino Advanced N6230.

    Actually the included CD didn't run so I went to the Cisco website and loaded the latest User Guide and drivers.

    I know, the reviews are so good, but the performance isn't any better. Also, I neglected to mention that I ran the same tests with my old Dell which the Sager is replacing .... same results.
     
    NoSpinZone, May 17, 2011
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  5. KCETech1

    KCETech1 Notebook Prophet

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    what was transfer rates from a hard cabled computer to your laptop to rule out you werent maxing out your internet connection? a G based router can easily pump data fast enough to shove a whole 5Mbps connection with room to spare
     
    KCETech1, May 17, 2011
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  6. NoSpinZone

    NoSpinZone Notebook Consultant

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    The speed with the ethernet cable was basically the same as the wireless connection, about 21 mbps download and 4 mbps upload.
     
    NoSpinZone, May 17, 2011
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  7. KCETech1

    KCETech1 Notebook Prophet

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    OK, but did you try to ship a large file from a NAS or a network share that was hard cabled to your router to your wireless connected laptop and keep it all in house. if your internet connection is only capable of 21mbps is wont matter if your hooked to a G or N router, hardcabled or wireless your internet speed is your limiting factor
     
    KCETech1, May 17, 2011
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  8. NoSpinZone

    NoSpinZone Notebook Consultant

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    Yea, that is probably it, and that speed is fine for what I do. I guess the real disappointing thing is the range was actually a little less than my old router. That's what I really was looking for so I can take the laptop outside in the summer.

    Thanks for all your input!
     
    NoSpinZone, May 17, 2011
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  9. KCETech1

    KCETech1 Notebook Prophet

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    no problem if you want great range get an ASUS RT-N16 router or other DD-WRT supported N router and up the wireless power and clip on good aftermarket omni antenna's. I have seen hubby get close to 1000m line of sight with them.

    but you started with a good router which was well known for its range anyways. I can sympathise with you there
     
    KCETech1, May 17, 2011
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