Linksys EA4500 dual-band wireless router review
Linksys EA4500 review: a poor installation procedure is offset by exceptional 5GHz network performance
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Dan Rippedoff
1
As indicated in the review. The router is a true pain to setup. Had to go through several hoops as the CD is nothing but a coaster and the documentation for support is totally missing. Instead, you get online support and videos that are wonderful if you " it was already setup to the network". You spend an hour total on setup and will more than likely have to setup old network in order to get access so you can get info on how to use it.
Once running it seemed wonderful and easy to use. Fast speeds. 24hrs in I have put my router from 10 years ago back in. Network fails on any media download or video streaming. Just stops downloading or freezes.
The router boasts high traffic multiple device ability, but yet you have to prioritize devices for media use?? Shouldn't the router bend to demand of the network. Only slowing if a high number of devices are pulling data??
I for one can tell you that I now have a 200 dollar book end that lights up. Whereas my old no frills Belkin router has to be unplugged and plugged back in once or twice day. It's vastly superior to what the educated idiots at Cisco have packaged for you. Do yourself a favor and buy something standard. Only buy something like this after 5 years if development and guys like being ripped off.
Yes, I could spend countless hours on a support phone call with someone who speaks another language than me so that I could be even angrier with it. I have found that if its brine to start. There is no fixing it.
Low tech outdated router is running the following without slow downs or issues outside age:
(2) iPhone 5
(1) iPad HD
(2) kindle fire
(1) LG LM8600 55" Cinema 3D TV
(1) main station computer
Up to (4) laptops
(2) Nintendo DSI
(1) Xbox 360
(1) Nintendo wii
Whereas all of these are not drawing off the network at once. I would say at least 4-5 are at any given time.
NOW
New CISCO Linksys ea4500 lighted book end
(2) iPhone 5 - failed any media stream, picture download and huge Internet slow downs
(1) iPad with other devices powered down. Same Result as above.
All firmware updates completed(should be able to handle most recognizable wifi devices to date) and still it runs like dial up Internet and downloads pics and stream the same.
RESULT:
Use the KISS method on your network. I was snookered by multiple device abilities and higher speeds. I was also excited about having a guest channel and parental filtering for my son who is now getting out more.
DO NOT BUY THIS DEVICE!!!!!!