- Pros
Excellent throughput. Flawless setup. Good management interface. Nice performance as a light NAS.
- Cons
Some drop in throughput with distance. Router bottom gets hot to touch after some uptime.
- Bottom Line
Cisco has achieved an impressive feat: creating a powerful router with excellent throughput and delivering a setup process that is flawless.
Linksys' E4200 v2 Maximum Performance Dual-Band N900 router ($200) does not look any different from the original E4200 , which came to market at the beginning of this year. That's a good thing, too because the E4200 is perhaps the most stylish consumer router available. The difference between the E4200 v2 and the original are under the surface. A ratcheted-up processor, tweaked software and a flawless setup process makes the E4200 a router that delivers power to even the most technically clueless of users.
Make no mistake—it's expensive, at a list price of $200. That price should come down somewhat if purchasing through various online retailers. However, if you are looking for a router with speed only topped by Netgear's powerful N750 and N900 dual-band routers, and you want an even simpler setup and user experience than Netgear provides; the E4200 v2 is the router to choose.
Hardware Specs
The E4200 v2 is Cisco Linksys' first router to provide throughput of up to 450 Mbps on both the 2.4- and 5-GHz bands. This is achieved by 3x3 spatial stream MIMO antenna arrays for both bands. Six internal antennas along with internal and external amplifiers help the router keep good throughput at range—although not as consistent as that of Netgear's N750 and N900 routers.
The E4200 v2 has four Gigabit Ethernet ports, and a USB port for connecting printers and external storage. The processor has been upgraded from 533 MHz from the previous E4200 to 1.2 Ghz which results in faster copy and file transferring to and from a connected USB storage device.
Setup
The setup process is fantastic: the best we've ever seen. Setup takes only a couple of minutes and does not require anything more than a computer with a working wireless adapter. You need no wired connection to get the E4200 v2 set up. During setup, I ensured the laptop I was using wasn't connected to the Internet via one of the many WLANs in proximity. The router sets up SSIDs, security and other preliminary configurations. Not only that, but after configuring, my laptop was connected to the newly created wireless network without requiring me to do anything.
By default, the router gives both the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands the same SSID. This way, wireless devices will typically select the most appropriate band, which is fine for those who don't want to deal with the underbelly of networking. I prefer to distinguish the 5 GHz band by denoting it as '<SSIDname>-5' because this makes it easier for me to select which devices should access which band for myself. For more on which of the most popular wireless devices connected to which bands, check out The Wi-Fi You Need For The Gadgets You Want.
The features are the same as in latest E-series routers. You can read the full description of features in the Cisco Linksys E3200 review. The Cisco Connect software is a user-friendly interface for setting up parental controls, guest networking and other tasks. The only management you can't do it from it is work with devices connected to the USB port. That has to be done through the advanced settings interface.
Testing and Performance
The E4200 v2 is a speedy performer, only bested by Netgear's latest dual-bands. I was a bit disappointed with the range—throughput dropped 7 percent as I moved from 5 to 30 feet—just a little more than the E3200's which has a drop of only 4 percent. You are still getting excellent throughput at longer distances, however, so this is not a big issue.
Other than the range, my only other issue is how hot a portion of the bottom of the router got after leaving it up for a day and half. There are air vents at the bottom and running underneath the lip of the top chassis, so the hardware should be protected. The hottest part was a plastic strip running underneath the bottom with information like the serial number printed on it. Hopefully there is nothing important hardware-wise under that strip.
File copy performance to and from an attached storage device has greatly improved over older E-series routers with the same capability. Uploading a 1.5 GB file to an attached 250 GB USB external drive clocked 7.7 Mbps over 5 GHz. Download speed was an impressive 13 Mbps. This is better performance than copying a file with the Cisco Linksys E3000 , which only managed 6.25 Mbps download. The improvement is due to the buffed-up processor in the E4200 v2. The USB can support a printer or serve as a connection for external storage to serve light network-attached storage needs.
Here are the throughput benchmarks at 2.4 GHz in Mixed mode, channel width set to 'Auto 20/40 MHz' encryption set to WPA2/WPA compared to other dual-band routers:
Here are the throughput numbers at 5 GHz, 802.11n-only mode, with channel width set to 40 MHz and ecryption set to WPA2 Personal:
Our Favorite Dual-Band Router
The E4200 v2 is our new Editors' Choice for dual-band routers. While Netgear had faster throughput with the N750 and N900, the E4200 v2 also has excellent throughput and its setup process and software can't be beat. This is a future-proof router with support for IPv6 and is an excellent choice for the home with lots of data demand and lots of wireless gadgets whose users don't want any hassle with setup and maintenance.
Cisco Linksys E4200 v2 Maximum Performance Dual-Band N900
Bottom Line: Cisco has achieved an impressive feat: creating a powerful router with excellent throughput and delivering a setup process that is flawless.
Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus.blog comments powered by DisqusHi AllI have a Linksys E4200 Router which got brick once i tried to update its firware Wirelessly .
now its getting powered ON , Cisco Logo is constantly ON .
I have tried 30,30,30 reset but it did not work ,none of its port showning any sign of life .
I dont see any console ports on it , however found that there are some holes on this motherbaord which acts as console ,
once you cut the nokia DKU- 5 cable and unfire and fit the pins on it as some given guide .
Linksys E4200 Review
it might start responding on hyperterminal and then DDWRT can be put on this .
thats the information I have . just wanted to know if there is any solution to get this working on normal ????
worth 150 $ for my home us e.
Making-serial-cable-to-connect-C.pdf
See 'WikiDevi' @ the Internet Archive (MW XML, Files, Images)
upgraded MW to 1.30 - maybe things are slightly less broken
Manuf/OEM/ODMCyberTAN
FCC approval date: 20 October 2010
(Est.) release date: 19 January 2011
UPC: 745883590438 (UPC DB, On eBay)
Country of manuf.: China
Serial Num Prefix: 01C10C
Amazon image
ASIN
B004K1EZDS (, On Amazon, On CCC)
multiple revisions of this device, use caution
FCC ID:Q87-E4200
Industry Canada ID:3839A-E4200
FLA1:16 MiB
131,072 Kib
16,384 KiB
128 Mib
0.0156 GiB
RAM1:64 MiB
524,288 Kib
65,536 KiB
512 Mib
0.0625 GiB
WI1 chip1:Broadcom BCM4718A1
WI1 802dot11 protocols: bgn
WI1 MIMO config: 2x2:2
WI1 antenna connector: none
WI2 chip1:Broadcom BCM4331
WI2 802dot11 protocols: an
WI2 MIMO config: 3x3:3
WI2 antenna connector: U.FL
ETH chip1:Broadcom BCM4718A1
Switch:Broadcom BCM53115
LAN speed: 10/100/1000
LAN ports: 4
WAN speed: 10/100/1000
WAN ports: 1
Additional chips
2.4GHz Power Amplifier IC;Skyworks;SE2528L;SiGe, 2528L, 108EC;2;
2.4/5GHz Front End Module;Skyworks;SE2594L;SiGe, SE2594L, 109HD;3;
Stock FW OS: Linux
Third party firmware supported:DD-WRT • (List), Tomato (Shibby) • (DLs) • (List), Tomato RAF (Victek) • (DLs) • (List)
Default SSID: CiscoXXXXX (6 addl. devices)
Default IP address: 192.168.1.1
the IP 192.168.1.1 is used by 1144 additional devices
of which 143 are Linksys devices
Default login user:blank
Default login password: admin
blank:admin credentials used by 275 additional devices
of which 140 are Linksys devices
802dot11 OUI:58:6D:8F(8 E, 8 W, 2011), C0:C1:C0(12 E, 14 W, 2011)
Ethernet OUI:58:6D:8F(8 E, 8 W, 2011), C0:C1:C0(12 E, 14 W, 2011)
CPU1 brand | WI1 chip1 brand | WI2 chip1 brand | |
---|---|---|---|
Linksys E4200 v1 | Broadcom | Broadcom | Broadcom |
Linksys E4200 v2 | Marvell | Marvell | Marvell |
Maximum Performance Dual-Band N Router
- • Support page • (Template link outdated)
'3763-40700105R' and the Cisco logo is silkscreened on the board.
- This router uses Galtronics antennas.
- Note: Three antennas are used by the 2.4 GHz radio, but it's still a 2T2R radio.
The default SSID pattern for this device is CiscoXXXXXX on both bands,
- where XXXXX is the last 5 characters of the serial number.
Wi-Fi Certified(alt.) (as of 10/18/2010)
Additional external links[edit]
Wikis[edit]
Reviews[edit]
Forum threads[edit]
- The v1 serial numbers appear to start with 01C10C.
Firmware projects[edit]
This device is supported by..
- Victek's Tomato RAF builds
- Shibby's Tomato builds (K26 and K26RT-N)
- Toastman's Tomato builds
Images[edit]
- from Cisco
angled unit
angled front
top
front Download kurdish fonts zanest.
back
box
- internal
board top
board top, shields off
over the BCM4331
BCM4331 w/ top shield off
..and closer up
CyberTAN P/N, RAM, etc.
RAM
antenna and Flash
5GHz RF section
2.4GHz RF section
BCM53115 GbE Switch
L side, top view
R side, top view
L side, over top (angled)
L side, angled internal, over top (angled)
L side, front, over top (angled)
L side, antenna view
R side, angled back, over top (angled)
R side, angled front, over top (angled)
back side, angled top view
Linksys E4200 Drivers
See 'WikiDevi' @ the Internet Archive (MW XML, Files, Images)
upgraded MW to 1.30 - maybe things are slightly less broken
Manuf/OEM/ODMWistron NeWeb RGWM04 .0GA
FCC approval date: 22 September 2011
UPC: 745883594900 (UPC DB, On eBay)
Country of manuf.: China
Serial Num Prefix: 01C106, 01C116, 01C136
Amazon image
ASIN
B0068ALV8Q (, On Amazon, On CCC)
multiple revisions of this device, use caution
FCC ID:Q87-E4200V2
Industry Canada ID:3839A-E4200V2
FLA1:128 MiB
1,048,576 Kib
131,072 KiB
1,024 Mib
0.125 GiB
RAM1:128 MiB
1,048,576 Kib
131,072 KiB
1,024 Mib
0.125 GiB
Expansion IFs: USB 2.0
USB ports: 1
Serial: yes, 6-pin header, (115200,8,N,1)
WI1 chip1:Marvell 88W8366
WI1 chip2:Marvell 88W8063
WI1 802dot11 protocols: bgn
WI1 MIMO config: 3x3:3
WI1 antenna connector: U.FL
WI2 chip1:Marvell 88W8366
WI2 chip2:Marvell 88W8063
WI2 802dot11 protocols: an
WI2 MIMO config: 3x3:3
WI2 antenna connector: U.FL
ETH chip1:Marvell 88F6282
Switch:Marvell 88E6171R
LAN speed: 10/100/1000
LAN ports: 4
WAN speed: 10/100/1000
WAN ports: 1
Additional chips
2.4GHz Power Amplifier IC;Skyworks (SiGe);SE2598L;SiGe, 2598L, 144ED;3;
5GHz Power Amplifier IC;Skyworks (SiGe);SE2567L;SiGe, 2567L, 144ED;3;
2A, 2V Non-Synchronous Buck Converter;Texas Instruments;TPS54231;;1;
4.5V/18V Synchronous Step-Down Three Buck Switcher;Texas Instruments;TPS65251;;1;
4.5V/18V Synchronous Step-Down Buck Switcher;Texas Instruments;TPS54325;;1;
Precision Timer;Texas Instruments;NA555;;1;
Stock FW OS: Linux
Third party firmware supported:OpenWrt(unofficially), Debian, IP Fire
Default IP address: 192.168.1.1
the IP 192.168.1.1 is used by 1144 additional devices
of which 143 are Linksys devices
Default login user: admin
Default login password: admin
admin:admin credentials used by 1183 additional devices
of which 58 are Linksys devices
802dot11 OUI:58:6D:8F(8 E, 8 W, 2011), C0:C1:C0(12 E, 14 W, 2011)
Ethernet OUI:58:6D:8F(8 E, 8 W, 2011), C0:C1:C0(12 E, 14 W, 2011)
CPU1 brand | WI1 chip1 brand | WI2 chip1 brand | |
---|---|---|---|
Linksys E4200 v1 | Broadcom | Broadcom | Broadcom |
Linksys E4200 v2 | Marvell | Marvell | Marvell |
Maximum Performance Dual-Band N Router
- • Support page
'48RGWM04.0GA' and 'Manufactured for CISCO' are silkscreened on the board.
- Wistron NeWeb is the OEM.
The same hardware appears to be used with the later model Linksys EA4500.
- Wi-Fi Certified
Reviews[edit]
- On SmallNetBuilder (source for this page)
Forum threads[edit]
- The serial number for these devices may start with
- 01C106, 01C116, 01C136.
Blogs[edit]
- Hacking Linksys E4200v2 firmware (binwalk dump)
Firmware[edit]
- (based on and extending work from the following)
- Installing Debian on the Linksys E4200v2