I tend to research tech ad nauseum. My
venerable 3-Com switch was showing some intermittent issues. I was getting drop off and I connected my PC
directly to the cable modem and the drop off disappeared. So I added in my 3-Com and it was back. I tried several other old switches I had and
none were seamless. Since they were all
at least five years old, I bit the bullet and bought the E1200.
The router got four or five stars on several online rating
sites. PC Mag had an article that
mentioned it no less than three times as a good value. It is not a high end switch/router but it is
ranked as worthwhile.
I would have to disagree with that ranking. I do not have any wireless N devices so that
is moot. It is quicker than the 3-Com
and configuration was truly simple.
After I installed the router I turned off the cable modem, turned it
back on and Viola! The internet was back.
Setting up the wireless aspect was not as simple. First it self configures but doesn’t tell you
that it is doing that. I have not
satisfied my self on the security settings yet but it is moderately
protected. The wireless setup instructions
need some work. I used Cisco connect and
it walks you through a usb key to set up any other devices. That didn’t work.
I have a laptop that has been installed on
several wireless routers with security.
I have used the laptop in multiple hot spots and gotten on easily. The guest version of the E1200 which is
unsecured works just fine but the secured version will not work.
I spent 30 minutes on chat with a Cisco tech who said they
had gotten a lot of calls regarding the E1200 and the Atheros wireless adapters. He suggested I update the driver for the
adapter. There is no update. They he suggested I disable the internal
wireless adapter and install another wireless adapter to see if that
connected. Since the laptop connects
everywhere else and to the E1200’s unsecured version, it doesn’t seem likely
that going to all that trouble should be necessary. Logic dictates the E1200 has a problem.
I’m disappointed that the E1200 doesn’t meet the standards
of the old WRT54G I replaced. Today
wireless security is imperative not optional.
I have to wonder how many of the reviewers that touted the E1200 actually
installed one themselves.
The E1200 wireless router works fine wired, as far as the
wireless part is concerned DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY!
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