Like many families, we could not live without our wireless router. We’re streaming movies, playing games, working on computers, all of which require a wireless connection. Now that we’ve got all sorts of new gadgets from the holidays, we realize we’ve not only had to transition to a new Internet service provider with better connection speeds, we’ve found ourselves tinkering with our wireless router more than we’d like. Seems our new fancy toys are only as good as our wireless network.
So imagine how thrilled I was to try out Cisco’s new Linksys E4200v2 router, which is loaded with cool features.
[After the jump, don’t miss an opportunity to enter an AMAZING $10,000 tech giveaway!]
Whether you’re a super connected family like us and really need to maximize what you have or you’re looking for a reliable, secure router that you can just plug in without another thought, here are 5 reasons I’ve found why the Cisco Linksys E4200v2 router might be the answer to other family’s wireless woes too.
1. 1-2-3 Set-up. Literally.
Even though my husband is generally the go-to guy for technology set-up around my house, I was able to get the Linksys up and running in less than 15 minutes. While you can just plug in and go, the three-step set-up software ensures that you’ve got a secure connection. It’s easy. Promise.
2. Kid Safety First
If you’ve got kids old enough to be surfing on the web on their own, you’ll appreciate that the Linksys has built-in parental controls and security protection. So while I’ll still be monitoring my kids’ Internet usage, I can set limits using the Linksys itself–nice way to make a parent’s job a little easier.
3. Super Speed
Our ISP’s speeds have been abysmal lately, which not only makes working from home challenging, but it can really affect movie watching and game playing. (No one wants to wait an hour for a 30 minute TV show to download, or have your viewing experience interrupted by annoying buffering.) While the Linksys can’t change the actual speeds you’re getting from your provider, they can make sure that you’re maximizing them. I’m already noticing faster uploads and downloads, and way fewer frustrated texts to my husband since we starting using it.
4. Hello, Coverage.
Since our wireless router lives in the basement, the upper levels of our house get slower speeds. And of course, that’s where my office is. Well, the Linksys comes with a Full 3 x 3 MIMO antenna which boosts the signal strength. All I know is that lately, I haven’t had to sit in the basement for a signal during prime Internet usage hours. That also means we’ve been able to stream movies in our upstairs bedroom; the only interruptions are sleepwalking children–not a weak signal.
5. USB FTW!
The Linksys goes above and beyond most routers in that it offers faster USB hard drive performance. When you plug in, you can stream videos, music, or even your photos without having to wait ridiculous amounts of time. You can also connect storage options and printers to share across your network, making your router a gadget that actually helps keep everyone and everything connected in a nice, streamlined way.
To learn more about and purchase the Cisco Linksys E4200v2 router, visit www.Linksys.com. And thanks to our sponsor Cisco Linksys for providing me with a router to test out.
EXTRA COOL: WIN IT! Cisco Linksys has teamed up with our friends at Geek Dad for a Cool Contest where one lucky person will win a $10,000 custom tech package full of home theater products and networking tools, plus 10 lucky runners up who will take home their very own Cisco Linksys E4200v2 router! For more details and to enter, head over to the Linksys Facebook page. Contest ends 2/17/12.
