While the Linksys E2500 has a small range and only moderate throughput speeds, it is a decent value for money. This is best suited for tiny spaces such as residences and offices with little available floor space. It is an excellent buy because of its design, ease of use, and features, which make it especially suitable for first-time Internet users.
I recently purchased the Linksys E2500 (N600) dual-band wireless-N router, which I have been using for the past week. And here is what I want to say about it after using it for a week: it’s great.
First and foremost, the Linksys E2500 is an extremely affordable Wi-Fi router. There are a number of promising routers available on the market, and after extensive and exhausting study, I determined that this one was the winner based on the price and the features provided by CISCO. An additional advantage of using this gadget is that it is both aesthetically pleasing and quite simple to operate.
Even the most inexperienced or inexperienced home users will have no problems using this router (at least my family had none). However, one disadvantage of this router is that its range is not particularly long. This is a useful option only in the event of tiny areas, such as those found in an apartment. However, if you want anything with a strong network, you’ll need to boost your money as well as your expectations.
Design
The Linksys E2500 is very identical in appearance to the Linksys E3200, with the exception of the absence of a USB port. The router has a flat, UFO-shaped design with inbuilt antennae, which makes it easy to use. It is designed to remain flat on a surface and is not intended to be wall-mounted.
The E2500 features four LAN connections and one WAN port on the rear of the computer. All of these ports are standard 10/100 Ethernet connections. You’ll also find a button for the Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) function, as well as a power port on the rear of the device. The E2500 does not contain the customary array of status LEDs on the front panel, as does the E2500. In reality, there are no indicator lights on the router at all, with the exception of the LEDs on the network ports itself, which are not visible from the front.
In place of a manual, the router comes with a CD that contains the Cisco Connect software, which assists with both the initial setup and continuing administration of the network. The router does not come with a handbook. In any scenario, all you have to do is insert the CD into the computer’s optical drive and begin using the software on it. The remainder of the instructions is self-explanatory.
Once the setup program has been launched, it will teach you how to connect the router to the cables and an Internet source, such as a broadband modem. This is the default setting for the first time you run the software. Following that, it will set up the router’s settings so that it may connect to the Internet. In less than 5 minutes, you will have completed a totally automated process. However, it should be noted that you will want an active Internet connection to complete the setup. In the event that you encounter any difficulties, the program will provide you with many options for contacting Cisco’s technical assistance.
Once the router has been set to provide Internet access, Cisco Connect will choose a memorable name for your wireless networks, such as GoldFish, and an easy-to-remember password for you to use. You have the option of keeping your current user name and password or creating new ones. It should be noted that the term will be used for both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands. The existence of two networks with the same name on a dual-band router is not uncommon. Clients with 5GHz capability will automatically select the 5GHz band to connect to in this situation.
Specifications
- Model Name:
Linksys E2500 - Network Standards:
- 802.3
- 802.3u
- 802.3ab
- 802.11b
- 802.11a
- 802.11g
- 802.11n
- Radio Frequency Bands:
2.4 & 5GHz - Ports:
Internet, Ethernet (1-4), Power - USB Port:
Yes - LEDs:
Power/WPS (Shared LED), Internet, Ethernet (1-4)
- Buttons:
Reset, Wi-Fi Protected Setup - Operating Temperature:
32° to 104°F (0° to 40°C) - Storage Temperature:
-4 to 158°F (-20 to 70°C) - Operating Humidity:
10 to 80% Noncondensing - Max. Link Rate:
300 Mbps - Platform Compatibility:
- Windows XP
- Windows Vista
- Windows 7 32/64
- Windows 8 32/64
- Windows 8.1 32/64
- Mac OS X 10.5.8 Leopard
- Mac OS X 10.6.1 Snow Leopard
- Mac OS X 10.7 Lion
- Mac OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion
- Mac OS X 10.9 Mavericks
Conclusion
Because of its limited range and very low throughput speeds, the Linksys E2500 is best suited for tiny homes or workplaces with limited space and resources. Its attractive appearance, ease of usage, and reasonable pricing, on the other hand, make it a very good choice for those who are new to the Internet.