Question 1

Isn't the benefit of a 300+300 Mbps wireless connection limited if the wired connections are only 100Mbps?

It seems like the high wireless bandwidth is only beneficial if you have a bunch of devices connected to WiFi that are communicating directly with each other and needing a lot of bandwidth.  But a single WiFi client trying to transfer files to/from a wired file server would be limited to 100 Mbps.  Is that accurate?

Accepted Answer

If your server and the Linksys are connected to each other through a gigabit network (switch or hub) then you'd get the 300Mbps transfer rate or close to it. If one or the other of the Linksys or the server is connected on a 100Mb network connection or nic, that will be your limiting factor.

I have a couple of servers with gigbit nic cards that are hard wired and a couple of laptops connected through the Linksys and get transfer rates above 200Mb on a regular basis. I also have other servers on 100Mb nic cards and get transfer speeds approaching 100Mb due to network overhead.

Overall, I liked the way my first Linksys worked so well that I got a second one to add to my network to extended the wi-fi service area.

Question 2

is this compatible for windows 8?

Accepted Answer

Routers and wifi access points have nothing to do with PC operating systems.  Their functions are different layers.  It works with all versions of Windows.

Question 3

Will the Linksys e2500 work with my Ipad, IPhone and my Hp printer and computer?

Accepted Answer

Yes the N600 router will provide wireless service for all of your devices. Once installed, your device will find available wireless networks and you will select and enter credentials as needed.

Question 4

Has anyone flashed this router (specifically the e2500-NP) with either Tomato or DD-WRT firmware?

I've just purchased this router with plans on flashing it. However, most guides and other information I've found are for other (non-NP) versions. I don't want to brick it!

Accepted Answer

I've installed DD-WRT on this router.  It installed fine, however, DD-WRT cannot yet take advantage of the dual band radio.  DD-WRT will only see the 2.4GHz band.

Question 5

Can you use the Linksys router other than WiFi?
Or is it only used as a Wireless router?

Accepted Answer

It is a wireless router however it does have several ethernet ports for a wired connection

Question 6

Is this router wi-fi ready and is it compatible with Comcast?

Accepted Answer

Hi!  Yes it is WiFi ready, but there is a small setup procedure to go through when you first get it to configure some of the settings regarding the WiFi such as name, password (optional), etc.

As far as compatibility goes, I don't see any reason why it shouldn't be compatible with Comcast cable.  I myself am a Cablevision customer and I've had no issues with it whatsoever.  Just plug the ethernet cable from your Comcast modem into the Linksys after you've set it up and you're ready to go!

Question 7

I have the Comcast rented SMC modem/router. The modem workes great but the wifi signal is poor.  I was told to have the router turned off by Comcast then while this is in "bridge mode" to use a different router.  I'm running game consoles, lapstops, and droid phones.  Will this give me a better signal (the current one can't go more then 50 feet) and work on all my machines?

Accepted Answer

It sounds like what Comcast wants to do is to disable the router inside the modem and have another router connected to it with a better signal, which is the network setup used by most homes.

Whether this would net you a better signal depends on the router you get. My personal experience is that the Linksys E2500-NP has a somewhat shorter range than most routers, although I'm mainly familiar with higher end routers so this one probably has a fairly standard range.

The WiFi range is definitely longer than 50 feet although this can be affected by the infrastructure of the house. I personally know that my house causes poor wireless connections when I'm up stairs or in the basement.

Overall my experience with the E2500-NP has been positive.

There are custom firmwares for the E2500-NP that from what I've heard can boost the WiFi signal. I personally have no experience with this, but it's something to look into while doing research on what router you want.

Question 8

Do you include Ethernet cables?

Accepted Answer

Hello Nancy,

I purchased this router not to long ago. It comes with one ethernet cable. Hope this helps.

Question 9

So if i have an old mac g4 this router is not compatable?

Accepted Answer

Rick, I have used Cisco wired & wireless networking products since 1998 & a company I own is a full partner with Cisco. Linksys products for me always out performed all others at the consumer & prosumer level. This is obviously why Cisco bought Linksys but still uses the the name as there are very loyal customers too both. I only use high-end Mac PC's in video editing & that is limited in scope as I build my own servers & am a Microsoft Developer. I am not completely familiar with the g4 but there should be absolutely no reason this router shouldn't work fine, you may need to use crossover cables either between your modem, PC or both I'm not for sure. I suggest going to Cisco & call their Tech support it's 24/7. These guys know what their doing, you would love this router, if you find the 2500 isn't compatible I am confident the E-4200 will be as I have more than 32 wireless devices & 6 wired servers connected @ Gigabit speed on a true 100Mbs cable connection & nothing struggles! Further help contact me thru www.newegg.com. Rick

Question 10

Although the router is wireless can it be hard wired also?

Accepted Answer

Yep! There are Ethernet ports on the back. (Four, I think, but I'm at work and can't check.)

Questions & Answers