Linksys E2500 Advanced Dual-Band N Router
Manufacturer: Cisco Part number: E2500
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- Though far from perfect, the Linksys E2500's ease of use, nice design, and reasonable price make it a very good router for a small home or apartment.
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CNET editors' review
Linksys E2500 Advanced Dual-Band N Router price range: $73.71 - $148.99
- Reviewed by: Dong Ngo
- Reviewed on: 08/24/2011
The good: The affordable true-dual-band Linksys E2500 Advanced Dual-Band N router is easy to use, thanks to the included Cisco Connect software and a well-organized Web interface. The router is also stylish and compact.
The bad: The Linksys E2500's range is short and its 2.4GHz-band performance is subpar. The included Cisco Connect utility provides limited access to the router's features, doesn't work in sync with the Web interface, and requires a live Internet connection to work.
The bottom line: Though far from perfect, the Linksys E2500's ease of use, nice design, and reasonable price make it a very good router for a small home or apartment.
The Linksys E2500 is the budget true dual-band router, and the third tier after the E3200 and the top-notch E4200 in the refreshed E series of Wireless-N routers that Cisco announced a while back. Compared with the other two, the E2500 lacks Gigabit Ethernet, an USB port, and support for the 450Mbps wireless speed, but it's also much more affordable at just around $70.
Similar to the other E series models, the E2500 is good-looking and especially easy to use for novice and home users, thanks to the included Cisco Connect software. In our testing, however, the router was comparatively slow, especially on the 2.4GHz band, and offered limited range. For this reason, it's only good for small spaces, such as a dorm room or an apartment. Those who need a more viable and robust network should spend a little more for a more powerful router, such as the E4200 or the Editors' Choice Award-winning RT-N56U from Asus.
Design and ease of use
The Linksys E2500 looks almost the same as the Linksys E3200 minus the USB port. The router comes in a flat, UFO-shaped design with internal antennas. It's made to stay flat on a surface and is not wall-mountable.
On the back the E2500 has four LAN ports and one WAN port. All of these ports are traditional 10/100 Ethernet. Also on the back, you'll find the button for the Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) feature and the power connector. On the front, the new E2500 doesn't have the usual array of status LEDs. In fact, the router has no indicator lights at all except for the LEDs on the network ports themselves, which can't be seen from the front.
The router doesn't come with a manual, just a CD that contains the Cisco Connect software, which helps with both the initial setup and ongoing management of the network. In either case, you just have to pop the CD into the computer's optical drive and run the software. The rest is self-explanatory.
By default, the first time you run the software for the setup process, it'll show you how to connect the router with the cables and an Internet source, such as a broadband modem. After that it'll configure the router's settings to connect to the Internet. This process takes less than 5 minutes and is completely automatic. Note, though, that you'll need a live Internet connection for the setup to finish. Just in case there are any problems, the software will show you different ways to contact Cisco's technical support.
Once the router is configured with Internet access, Cisco Connect will pick a catchy name, such as GoldFish, and an easy-to-remember password for your wireless networks. You can either keep that name and password or type in ones of your liking. Note that the name will be used for both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. It's normal for a dual-band router to have two networks with the same name. In this case, 5GHz-enabled clients will automatically pick the 5GHz band to connect to.
In addition to handling the setup process, Cisco Connect is used to turn on and off the guest network (which is available only in the 2.4GHz band), manage the parental control features, and run the included Speed Test tool that shows how fast the connection to the Internet is.
To do more, say to set up the router for an isolated network that's not connected to the Internet, to rename the two wireless networks, or to take advantage of other functions, including the router's network storage feature, you'll need to log in to the router's Web interface. You can get there by following the "advanced setup" link within Cisco Connect, or by pointing a connected computer's browser to the router's default IP address, which is 192.168.1.1.
Note that if you haven't used Cisco Connect at all, the default password to log in to the router's Web interface is "admin" with the username left blank. Once you have used the software to set up the router, the user name will be "admin" with the password being that of the wireless network. Note that if you use the Web interface to make major changes to the router's settings, the Cisco Connect software will stop working with the router. In this case, to use the software again, you'll need to reset the router to the factory default setting via a tiny recessed button on its bottom.
As in the case of the E3200, the functionality of the E2500's Web interface encompasses that of Cisco Connect. This means savvy users can skip Cisco Connect entirely to avoid a situation in which they are not aware of what the software has changed about the settings of the router.
Features
The Linksys E2500 has the same features as the Linksys E3200, minus the support for an USB external hard drive. The router is able to offer two concurrent networks, on the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, and can also provide a third guest network on the 2.4GHz band at the same time.
Guest networking is a great solution when you want to share the Internet with others but want to keep them from accessing your local resources, such as files or printers. The E2500's guest networking feature allows a maximum of only 10 clients, which is limited but enough for home use.
Like the rest of the E series, the E2500 includes a simple, yet robust, parental control content-filtering system. This feature, which you can manage with the Cisco Connect software or the Web interface, allows you to change the way a particular computer on the network accesses the Internet.
Finally, the E2500's Web interface also gives access to the router's Applications and Gaming feature that lets you set port forwarding and triggering for specific applications such as games, remote desktop, or FTP and HTTP servers. You can also assign static IP addresses to certain computers in the network, making port forwarding much easier. If you want to create a VPN connection, FTP access, or a remote desktop connection to a certain computer in the network, you will find the above handy and convenient.
Like most recent routers, the Linksys E32000 supports all available wireless encryption standards, including WEP, WPA-Personal, and WPA-Enterprise. The router supports VPN pass-through for all existing VPN protocols including IPsec, L2TP, and PPTP, meaning that with the router at home, you can use a VPN client to access your office via a VPN connection.
Unfortunately, the Linksys 2500 doesn't support IPv6, at least with the current firmware at the time of this review. IPv6 is the new version of the Internet protocol designed to replace the current IPv4, which is running out of addresses.
Performance
The Linksys E2500 didn't impress us with its performance. While the router performed as expected on the 5GHz band, its 2.4GHz band performance was dismal. On top of that, it has the shortest range of the routers we've reviewed recently, just about 170 feet in our testing facility. Ideally, to get decent throughput performance, the router should be used within 100 feet or so.
In the 5GHz frequency tests, the Linksys E2500 router registered 77.2Mbps and 70.2Mbps for close-range and long-range throughput, respectively. These numbers, while not the fastest, were on par with those of other routers. On the 2.4GHz band, however, the router registered only 36.5Mbps and 10.7Mbps for close range and long range, respectively, by the far the slowest we've seen among dual-band routers. Note that though slow, this level of Wi-Fi performance won't affect your connection to the Internet, which generally is much slower than this. Those who want to have a fast local network for wireless file-sharing or content-streaming needs, however, will for sure need to use just the 5GHz band or opt for a different router.
To make up for this, the E2500 successfully passed our 48-hour stress test, without disconnecting once during that period.
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
 |
Range | |
Throughput |
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
|
Range | |
Throughput |
Service and support
As with the rest of the routers in the E series, Cisco backs the Linksys E2500 with one-year limited warranty, which though short is the same as for most routers on the market. Cisco's toll-free phone support is available 24-7, as is online chat with a support representative. The company's Web site includes software, drivers, and firmware downloads as well as a FAQ section.
Conclusion
With short range and relatively low throughput speeds, the Linksys E2500 is only a good fit for small homes or offices with not much space. Its nice design, ease of use, and affordable price, however, still make it a very good buy for novice Internet users.
User reviews
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Good serviceable reasonably priced dual-band N Router.
by mohden on June 24, 2011
Pros: Set-up was very easy using the enclosed CD.
Cons: So far no major negatives, though the connection is weaker upstairs. The lowest price online was the same price as at the local Walmart (La Cholla, Tucson, Arizona)
Summary: Pleased so far and much easier to set up than the older Linksys that it replaced.
Summary: Pleased so far and much easier to set up than the older Linksys that it replaced.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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The included CD could not even find the router!
by gworden on January 5, 2012
Pros: None. It does not work.
Cons: Te installation software couldn't find its own router. After manually configuring with an ethernet cable it worked with Vista but not Windows 7 or iPhones. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk.
Summary: Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. ...
Summary: Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk. Junk.
1 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great router router for the price!
by Jeffbat on February 1, 2012
Pros: Easy to install, decent range for the money, no problems what so ever.
Cons: Had to go through Cisco connect before being able to make any changes to IP address, dhcp settings, etc. Once you go through the setup your SSID and wireless password are your router logins instead of the usual admin, password combo.
Summary: I have purchased a half dozen of these routers for various jobs in the last few weeks and I have had nothing but good experiences with all of them. Even ...
Summary: I have purchased a half dozen of these routers for various jobs in the last few weeks and I have had nothing but good experiences with all of them. Even though I like doing my setup manually, the Cisco connect software was very straight forward and I was able to be on the internet in minutes.
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terriblisimo
by joecooldeejay on January 28, 2012
Pros: dualband n wifi
Cons: makes my modems internet and activity lights shut off and then when I connect the modem directly to the computer, i can get online.
Summary: ugh.....
Summary: ugh.....
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Not as dependable as I was led to believe.
by wfover on January 27, 2012
Pros: Initial set up was easy, the cd had sufficient detail to make all the connections work.
Cons: One peculiarity is that after a service outage by my provider the e2500 no longer recognized our modem. I spent 3 separate sessions with 3 tech support people who could not solve the problem and one failed to call me back when he promised he would.
Summary: After 12 hours with first tier technical support trying to reset ip addresses etc. and replacing both the modem and router, I was compelled to escalate the problem to a ...
Summary: After 12 hours with first tier technical support trying to reset ip addresses etc. and replacing both the modem and router, I was compelled to escalate the problem to a a conference call with supervisory tech support at Cisco and a level three wireless engineer from Time Warner, who mentioned that routers and modems are two of the stupidest consumer electronics you can own. The fix was not simple and I'm still frustrated the e2500 is not as dependable as advertised. After two more outages and connectivity problems I have decided to buy another brand of router and never own another Cisco product. Sign me a very unhappy customer.
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Its worth more then what you paid.
by wingon521 on October 26, 2011
Pros: Superb easy to install;
Guest login is great if your place party a lot;
Cheap dual band;
Nice looking;Cons: Have to setup with CD;(web login not going to rdy till you finished w/ setup through the CD)
Short distance compare to wrt160n and better in old version;Summary: Upgrade this router from wrt160n for my gf because of the facebook app issue, this is mine 6th linksys routers and it works great compared to wrt160n and wrt300n.
Installation ...Summary: Upgrade this router from wrt160n for my gf because of the facebook app issue, this is mine 6th linksys routers and it works great compared to wrt160n and wrt300n.
Installation is easy, you have to start with the CD, only take you 5 mins to complete.
Only cons. for me is it has shorter connecting distance compare to wrt160ns, so distance 160n got 3-4 bars but E2500 only have 1-2, but the loading speed is slightly better.
My gf used it almost a week, and it work smooth and stable, strongly recommand it for home and small business user.
*E2500 already an upgrade from E2000, what I heard from the sale in computer store, he said this version already removed most of the bugs from E2000. -
Easy to install
by josetheman34 on October 24, 2011
Pros: super easy installation,cheap,and doesn't loose signal
Cons: none so far
Summary: I previously had a netgear router which was pure junk. I threw that away and got this cisco router which is a thousand times easier to install, and doesn't ...
Summary: I previously had a netgear router which was pure junk. I threw that away and got this cisco router which is a thousand times easier to install, and doesn't drop the signal like the netgear one did. I got this working within 5 minutes, while that other junk would take me like 15 minutes if it ever worked right(which it never did). I'm a happy camper now. No more frustration.
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Superb in all regards
by Vidableek on October 22, 2011
Pros: Not too expensive for performance. It didn't come with a huge, complicated manual for set up. Just one CD that you pop in, and it tells you what to do so simply, a monkey could set it up. I thought I was gonna have to mess with a lot of difficult wireless
Cons: No indicator lights on the front/top to ensure signal is coming through(they are on the back). Reset button is also in back. Nothing else.
Summary: We bought this at Walmart, brought it home, and had wireless set up almost instantly. The process was very easy. I am especially a fan of the option to allow "...
Summary: We bought this at Walmart, brought it home, and had wireless set up almost instantly. The process was very easy. I am especially a fan of the option to allow "Guests" use the signal with a password that allows only internet access, but not full network access to other computers, etc. As well, at any time you can simply open up the program installed to change/remove the password, change parental control settings, add a device, and other advanced options. As a side note, I was so impressed with this that I decided to search online for a product review site to express my satisfaction by leaving a review(which I never do). A Google search of 'product reviews brought me to Cnet, who happened to have a Linksys E4200 promoted review on the front page of the Networking & Wi-Fi section. I guess I made the right choice.
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Pleasantly surprised, great deal, great purchase.
by kosmicgirl on September 23, 2011
Pros: Ease of set up, ease in adding machines and phones, speed.
Cons: None so far, but I just purchased it.
Summary: I must say that I am pleasantly surprised with this wireless router. After reading the Znet review I expected that I may have a problem with the range. My home ...
Summary: I must say that I am pleasantly surprised with this wireless router. After reading the Znet review I expected that I may have a problem with the range. My home is not that big though so no problems. I have Comcast so my speed is amazing with the router. Did a test on www.toast.net and it blows everyone else out of the water. Great deal and great product.
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Better then the WRT54G
by abbazaba35 on September 13, 2011
Pros: Fast, out of box install. Good range. Dual Band allows for ease of use of older technology and new.
Cons: No USB, which would have earned this model a 5 out of 5 in my book.
Summary: I just upgraded from an old WRT54G that I'd had for about 6-7 years now. I have no clue how this router compares to others in its class, but ...
Summary: I just upgraded from an old WRT54G that I'd had for about 6-7 years now. I have no clue how this router compares to others in its class, but I can tell you that I have not had any problems with it so far. I had my last Linksys router for about 6-7 years and thought that was worth giving my business again. Plus the dual band technology allows for me to make sure that all of my devices will work on the network without any problems. No USB though, so it loses one star.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Cisco
- Part number: E2500
- Description: The Linksys E2500 offers fast speed to connect your computers, wireless printers, game consoles, and other Wi-Fi devices at transfer rates up to 300 + 300 Mbps speed for an optimal home network experience. Built with leading 802.11n wireless technology, the Linksys E2500 offers superior range to create a powerful wireless network. MIMO antenna array boosts signal strength to provide expanded coverage and reliability so you can enjoy your wireless network from anywhere in your home.
General
- Device Type Wireless router - 4-port switch (integrated)
- Enclosure Type Desktop
- Connectivity Technology Wireless ,
Wired - Data Link Protocol Ethernet,
IEEE 802.11b,
IEEE 802.11n,
IEEE 802.11a,
IEEE 802.11g,
Fast Ethernet - Frequency Band 2.4 GHz,
5 GHz - Data Transfer Rate 300 Mbps
- Routing Protocol Static IP routing,
RIP - Remote Management Protocol HTTPS,
HTTP - Encryption Algorithm WPA2,
40-bit WEP,
WPA,
128-bit WEP,
64-bit WEP - Authentication Method RADIUS
- Features DHCP server ,
Wall mountable ,
Parental control ,
Quality of Service (QoS) ,
VPN passthrough ,
Port forwarding ,
Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) ,
128-bit encryption ,
MAC address filtering ,
Firmware upgradable ,
Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) ,
NAT support - Compliant Standards IEEE 802.11g ,
IEEE 802.11a ,
IEEE 802.11n ,
IEEE 802.11b ,
Wi-Fi CERTIFIED ,
UPnP ,
IEEE 802.3u ,
IEEE 802.3 - Status Indicators Port status,
Power Line Properties
- Line Coding Format 64 QAM,
CCK,
OFDM,
QPSK,
BPSK,
16 QAM Expansion / Connectivity
- Interfaces LAN : 4 x Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX - RJ-45,
WAN : 1 x RJ-45 Networking
- Networking type Wireless router
Antenna
- Antenna Internal integrated
- Antenna Qty 4
Power
- Power Device Power adapter - External
Miscellaneous
- Width 8.9 in
- Depth 7.1 in
- Height 1.4 in
- Weight 15.9 oz
- Cables (Details) 1 x Network cable
- Microsoft Certifications Compatible with Windows 7
Software / System Requirements
- Software Included Drivers & Utilities
- OS Required Microsoft Windows 7,
Apple MacOS X 10.4.11 - 10.6.1,
Microsoft Windows XP SP3,
Microsoft Windows Vista SP1 Environmental Parameters
- Min Operating Temperature 32 °F
- Max Operating Temperature 104 °F
- Humidity Range Operating 10 - 80% (non-condensing)
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 1 year warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 1 year
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Cisco products on Shopper.com
-
- Manufacturer:Cisco
- Address:
170 W. Tasman Dr.
San Jose, CA 95134 - Phone: 800-553-6387
- Email: tac@cisco.com
