Cisco-Linksys E1000 Wireless-N Router

For shoppers who need a straightforward home networking hub, the Linksys E1000 Wireless N Router focuses on connecting everyday wireless and wired devices in one place. Its Wireless N capability is aimed at home internet use and home office productivity, making it a sensible fit for households or workspaces that need to connect computers, smartphones, printers, and other wireless devices.

The main wireless feature is support for transfer speeds of up to 300 Mbps. That gives the E1000 a clear role for buyers who want wireless connectivity for several familiar device types rather than a router centered on a specialized use. Computers, wireless printers, smartphones, and other wireless devices can all be part of the setup, so the router can serve as a central connection point for a mixed group of home devices.

There is also a wired option through four Fast Ethernet ports, each supporting speeds of 10 or 100 Mbps. This matters if you have devices that you prefer to connect directly rather than wirelessly. The four port count also gives the router a practical way to accommodate multiple wired devices while its wireless connection handles compatible devices elsewhere in the home.

The trade off is tied to that wired connection specification. The Ethernet ports are Fast Ethernet rather than offering a higher listed wired speed, so shoppers should consider how much of their setup they expect to connect directly. On the wireless side, the stated transfer speed is up to 300 Mbps, which is the clearest performance figure provided for this model.

Verdict: Buy the Linksys E1000 if you want a home router built around Wireless N connectivity, with support for wireless devices and four wired Ethernet ports. Look elsewhere if your needs depend on wired connections beyond the listed 100 Mbps port speed or on capabilities outside those described here.

A great fit if you:

• Need one home networking point for computers, smartphones, printers, and other wireless devices.
• Want wireless connectivity suited to ordinary home internet use and home office productivity.
• Have several devices that can benefit from direct wired connections as well as wireless access.

Consider something else if you:

• Need faster wired connectivity than the 100 Mbps maximum offered by these Ethernet ports, so consider a router with faster wired ports.
• Need capabilities beyond the listed Wireless N and Ethernet features, so consider a model with specifications matching those requirements.

Confirm on the listing:

• Check whether the router's physical size suits the space where you plan to place it.
• Check compatibility with the computers, smartphones, wireless printers, and other devices you already plan to connect.
• Check what is included in the box if you need specific accessories or setup materials.
• Check the listing for setup instructions and any requirements connected with your particular home network.

How to compare your options: Focus on the type of devices you need to connect, whether you want wireless or direct wired connections, and the connection speeds that matter for your setup. This model offers Wireless N with transfer speeds up to 300 Mbps and four Fast Ethernet ports supporting 10 or 100 Mbps, so those are the key specifications to compare against your needs.

• Start by identifying which computers, smartphones, wireless printers, and other wireless devices you want connected, then organize your setup around those needs.
• Use the wireless connection for compatible devices when that suits your setup, and use the four Ethernet ports for devices you want connected directly.
• Keep the distinction between wireless and wired connections in mind when choosing where each device belongs, since the listed speeds differ between them.
• If the router came with setup or care instructions, follow those directions for installation, configuration, and ongoing care rather than assuming a particular procedure.
• Review the connected devices from time to time so the router continues to serve the computers, printers, smartphones, and other devices you actually need to connect.

Is the Linksys E1000 suitable for home internet use?
Yes. The router is designed for Wireless N use in the home, including home internet usage and home office productivity.

How fast is the wireless connection?
The listed wireless transfer speed is up to 300 Mbps. That specification applies to its wireless connectivity for compatible devices.

Can I connect devices with Ethernet?
Yes. The router has four Fast Ethernet ports for directly connecting wired devices, with listed speeds of 10 or 100 Mbps.

Can I connect a wireless printer or smartphone?
Yes. The listed features specifically include wireless printers and smartphones among the devices it can connect.

What comes with the router?
The listing data does not state what is included in the box. Check the current listing details if you need to confirm included accessories or setup materials before buying.