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Product Details
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Product Description
From the Manufacturer
Linksys EA4500
App Enabled N900 Dual-Band Wireless Router
with Gigabit and USB
App Enabled N900 Dual-Band Wireless Router
with Gigabit and USB
Create a maximum performance Wireless-N home network. Enjoy a premium home theater and gaming experience.
Best-in-class Wireless-N speed and performance for the ultimate home entertainment experience.
Ideal for:
- Large, multi-room homes and home theaters
- Faster HD video streaming on Tablets, TVs and mobile devices
- Transferring and downloading large files
- Connecting multiple users and devices — TVs, Blu-ray players and game consoles
- Adding storage, printers, or other devices
KEY FEATURES
- Maximum wireless-n speed (up to 450 + 450 Mbps) for ultra-fast wireless transfer rates
- Simultaneous dual-band to maximize throughput and help avoid network interference
- Maximum range and reliability with full 3x3 MIMO antenna array
- Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000 Mbps) ports for speeds 10x faster than Ethernet
- USB Port to add a range of devices such as storage and printers
Powered by Linksys Smart Wi-Fi
Anywhere, anytime access to your home Wi-Fi devices
Linksys Smart Wi-Fi gives you a new way to experience the connected devices in your home. With your secure Linksys Smart Wi-Fi account, you can:
- Access your home network from your mobile app or browser
- Easily give guests Internet access
- Set parental controls
- Add devices to your network
All from anywhere at any time.
Plus, a growing library of apps is now available that delivers one-click control of your home Wi-Fi devices.
Compare all of the Linksys Wi-Fi routers below and choose the one that's right for your home.
| E900 | E1200 | E2500 | EA2700 | EA3500 | EA4500 | EA6500 | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Wireless Technology - Built with leading 802.11 technology for top performance and range | 802.11N | 802.11N | 802.11N | 802.11N | 802.11N | 802.11N | 802.11AC | |||||||||
 | High Speed - Get fast transfer rates, perfect for surfing the web, sharing files and streaming media | 300 Mbps | 300 Mbps | 300 + 300 Mbps | 300 + 300 Mbps | 300 + 450 Mbps | 450 + 450 Mbps | 450 + 1300 Mbps | |||||||||
 | Advanced Security - WPA2 encryption and SPI Firewall to help keep your network protected | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||||||||
 | Broad Compatibility - Works seamlessly with all b/g/n Wi-Fi devices | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||||||||
 | Optimal Range - MIMO antenna array for expanded coverage and reliability |  | | | | | | | |||||||||
 | IPv6 Enabled - Supports the latest Internet Protocol technology to future-proof your network | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||||||||
 | Cisco Connect Software - Quick three step setup, plus parental controls, instant guest access and easy network management | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||||||||||
 | Simultaneous Dual-Band - Double the network bandwidth to avoid interference and maximize throughput | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||||||||||
| E900 | E1200 | E2500 | EA2700 | EA3500 | EA4500 | EA6500 | |||||||||||
 | Quality of Service (QoS) - Traffic prioritization technology delivers smooth performance for music, voice and video | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||||||||||
 | Linksys Smart Wi-Fi - Over time, continue to get new apps and capabilities that will enrich your connected lifestyle | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||||||||||||
 | Gigabit Ports - Four 10/100/1000 ports to connect wired devices at speeds 10x faster than Ethernet | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||||||||||||
 | SpeedBoost - Increases signal strength across greater distances for added in-home mobility | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||||||||||||
 | USB Storage Port - Add external storage, printers and other devices to share across your network | 1 | 1 | 2 | |||||||||||||
 | Home Theater Ready - HD/3D quality performance for Internet ready TVs, media players, game consoles, and more | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||||||||||||
 | DLNA Certified Media Server - Automatically discover and play media across your network | Yes | Yes | ||||||||||||||
 | SimpleTapTechnology - Add Wi-Fi and NFC-Enabled Devices to Your Network | Yes | |||||||||||||||
| E900 | E1200 | E2500 | EA2700 | EA3500 | EA4500 | EA6500 |
The Cisco Advantage
Cutting-edge technology from the networking leader
Best-in-class security
24/7 award-winning customer support
One-year hardware limited warranty
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
| Model: | Linksys EA4500 |
|---|---|
| Technology: | Wireless-N |
| Bands: | Simultaneous 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz |
| Transmit/Receive: | 3 x 3 for 2.4 GHz, 3 x 3 for 5 GHz |
| Antennas: | 6 internal |
| OS Compatibility: | Windows, Mac |
| Software Setup | CD Install |
| Ethernet Ports x Speed | 4 x Gigabit |
| Cisco Connect Software: | Yes, App Enabled** |
| USB Ports: | Yes, Shared Storage, Virtual USB and Media Server |
MINIMUM SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
- PC: Wi-Fi enabled PC with CD or DVD drive, running Windows XP SP3, Windows Vista SP1 or later, Windows Vista SP1, or Windows 7
- Mac: Wi-Fi enabled Mac with CD or DVD drive, running OS X Leopard 10.5.8 or later, Snow Leopard 10.6.1 or later, or Lion 10.7 or later
- Web Browser: Internet Explorer 8, Safari 5, or Firefox 8 or Chrome
PACKAGE CONTENTS
- Linksys EA4500 Dual-Band N900 Router with Gigabit and USB
- CD-ROM with Setup Software and Resources
- Ethernet Cable
- Power Adapter
* Maximum performance derived from IEEE Standard 802.11 specifications. Actual performance can vary, including lower wireless network capacity, data throughput rate, range and coverage. Performance depends on many factors, conditions and variables, including distance from the access point, volume of network traffic, building materials and construction, operating system used, mix of wireless products used, interference and other adverse conditions.
** May require a software/firmware update available for download at linksys.com/support.
Product Description
Dual-band 3x3 wireless supports high bandwidth applications such as video streaming or file sharing with speed up to 450+450Mbps
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
The manufacturer commented on the review below
427 of 458 people found the following review helpful
By markdr
I have had this router now for quite a while and it was working flawlessly, I had it set up exactly how I wanted it. I absolutely LOVED this router.
Unfortunately this all changed on 6/26/2012 when Cisco took it upon themselves to basically FORCE an install of their new firmware which enables their Cisco Cloud Connect service. My device was set to not do updates automatically and yet the router became inactive and after a reboot it received this new firmware update from Cisco without my acknowledgement. This service makes you log into an external server to access your routers settings. There was no option given by Cisco to either use or not use the Cloud, and we were not notified that this firmware update was going to be installed without our knowledge or desire for that matter.
The new firmware apparently can be removed if you call Cisco technical support, but they will advise you that the firmware on your router is no longer supported (the router is only 3 months old, so basically they trashed the original software and wont support you if you use it).
The new firmware is very buggy and reports my internet connectin is down when it clearly isnt. You no longer have direct access to your router even from within your own network. I believe this to be a security risk potential.
Unfortunately the new GUI is unfamiliar and not very intuitive at all.
If you would like to purchase this router as a set it and forget it device its fine. If you are a more advanced user, look elsewhere as they are dumbing the interface down, creating a security risk, and disallowing you from actually connecting to your router in any meaningful fashion from within your own network unless you first log into the Cisco servers with your email address and a password.
This firmware was pushed to current users of this device without our knowledge or consent, leaving me to be very leary of future Cisco endevours for the home. If you have an advanced home network or want greater flexibility in things such as forwarding ports and other advanced options, look elsewhere. .This new, mandatory firmware is too buggy and to risky to be of any good use.
Unfortunately this all changed on 6/26/2012 when Cisco took it upon themselves to basically FORCE an install of their new firmware which enables their Cisco Cloud Connect service. My device was set to not do updates automatically and yet the router became inactive and after a reboot it received this new firmware update from Cisco without my acknowledgement. This service makes you log into an external server to access your routers settings. There was no option given by Cisco to either use or not use the Cloud, and we were not notified that this firmware update was going to be installed without our knowledge or desire for that matter.
The new firmware apparently can be removed if you call Cisco technical support, but they will advise you that the firmware on your router is no longer supported (the router is only 3 months old, so basically they trashed the original software and wont support you if you use it).
The new firmware is very buggy and reports my internet connectin is down when it clearly isnt. You no longer have direct access to your router even from within your own network. I believe this to be a security risk potential.
Unfortunately the new GUI is unfamiliar and not very intuitive at all.
If you would like to purchase this router as a set it and forget it device its fine. If you are a more advanced user, look elsewhere as they are dumbing the interface down, creating a security risk, and disallowing you from actually connecting to your router in any meaningful fashion from within your own network unless you first log into the Cisco servers with your email address and a password.
This firmware was pushed to current users of this device without our knowledge or consent, leaving me to be very leary of future Cisco endevours for the home. If you have an advanced home network or want greater flexibility in things such as forwarding ports and other advanced options, look elsewhere. .This new, mandatory firmware is too buggy and to risky to be of any good use.
The manufacturer commented on this review
(What's this?)
Thank you for your post. Pasquale, you are correct, we have already addressed the issues raised in this post. The changes we made, as you experienced, give our customers a clearer choice in when and if they decide to upgrade their firmware. For those interested in the facts about the product and service please read on. Otherwise have a great day.
markdr - Thank you for initiating your post, we hope the changes and clarifications will allow your pleasant experience to continue.
Linksys customers are not required to sign-up for the Cisco Connect Cloud service and they are able to opt-out of signing up for an account
Cisco Connect Cloud is an optional service that brings additional features to a home network. It is not required to set-up and manage Cisco Linksys EA Series routers. In response to our customers' concerns, we have simplified the process for opting-out of the Cisco Connect Cloud service and have changed the default setting back to traditional router set-up and management.
Customers can set-up and manage their Linksys router without signing up for a Cisco Connect Cloud account
If a customer chooses not to set up a Cisco Connect Cloud account, they can manage their router with the current local management software. We are committed to providing both Cloud-enabled and local management software. Customers who have already signed up for a Cisco Connect Cloud account may stay with the service and enjoy the expanded features, or can revert back to the local management software by calling the Linksys customer support line at 1-800-326-7114 or by http://www6.nohold.net/Cisco2/ukp.aspx?pid=80&login=1&app=search&vw=1&articleid=25856&donelr=1
Cisco will not arbitrarily disconnect customers from the Cisco Connect Cloud service based on how they are using the Internet.
Cisco Connect Cloud and Cisco Linksys routers do not monitor or store information about how our customers are using the Internet and we do not arbitrarily disconnect customers from the Internet. The Cisco Connect Cloud service has never monitored customers' Internet usage, nor was it designed to do so, and we will clarify this in an update to the terms of service.
Cisco Linksys routers are not used to collect information about Internet usage.
Cisco's Linksys routers do not track or store any personal information regarding customers' use of the Internet.
Cisco only retains information that is necessary to sign up for and support the Cisco Connect Cloud service
If a customer signs up for the Cisco Connect Cloud service, they are asked to provide a new username, a password, and an email address, which is required to set up the account. When the customer sets up a Cisco Connect Cloud account, they are asked to provide a local administrative password for the EA Series router to associate it with a Cisco Connect Cloud account. Cisco does not store this local administrative password.
To reiterate, even when a customer signs up for a Cisco Connect Cloud account, Cisco does not track or store any personal information regarding a customer's usage of the Internet.
Cisco will not push software updates to customers' Linksys routers when the auto-update setting is turned off.
Cisco will only push software updates to a Linksys router when the auto-update option is selected. We will clarify this in an update to our documentation.
Once again, I sincerely apologize on behalf of the Cisco team for the inconvenience we have caused. Cisco is committed to the privacy and security of our customers, and I assure you we will update our terms of service and related documentation as quickly as possible to accurately reflect our company policy and values.
Is Cisco Connect Cloud secure?
The security of the network and protecting user data is always our top priority. NONE of the router settings are stored in the cloud - they still remain on the router and only the username and password are stored to allow for remote connectivity. We take your security very seriously and have gone to great lengths to ensure your information and connected home devices are safe and secure.
Here are the security details:
Validating the user
* We validate the user through double verification of their email account. This double verification process proves to us that the user owns the email account supplied during account setup.
* We validate the network. When setting up your Cisco Connect Cloud account, you must supply the router password when you are connected to that network, behind their router.
* Only when these two elements are satisfied will the unique ID of the router be sent to Cisco Connect Cloud for pairing with the account.
Secure communications
* Communication with the cloud is encrypted and secure.
* Both your web browser and the router establish connections to the Cisco Connect Cloud infrastructure over a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), the same security you use when connecting to online bank accounts.
* Cisco Connect Cloud connections to the router are managed using Transport Layer Security (TLS), a secure bi-directional tunnel for information similar to SSL.
* Privacy Settings - Cisco Connect Cloud does not actively track, collect or store personal info or usage data for any other purposes, nor is it transmitted to third parties. The only information stored in the cloud are the following:
i. The email address you registered for your Cisco Connect Cloud (CCC) account
ii. Your first and last name
iii. SHA-256 encrypted password
iv. Your router's model number
v. Your router's hardware version
vi. Your router's firmware version
vii. Your router's serial number
For more information, please visit the following link:
http://www6.nohold.net/Cisco2/ukp.aspx?vw=1&articleid=25865&kptester=1
Will Cisco support the local management access?
Cisco will continue to support both local and cloud management options for our customers.
Should you have any question or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact Technical support at 1-800-326-7114
markdr - Thank you for initiating your post, we hope the changes and clarifications will allow your pleasant experience to continue.
Linksys customers are not required to sign-up for the Cisco Connect Cloud service and they are able to opt-out of signing up for an account
Cisco Connect Cloud is an optional service that brings additional features to a home network. It is not required to set-up and manage Cisco Linksys EA Series routers. In response to our customers' concerns, we have simplified the process for opting-out of the Cisco Connect Cloud service and have changed the default setting back to traditional router set-up and management.
Customers can set-up and manage their Linksys router without signing up for a Cisco Connect Cloud account
If a customer chooses not to set up a Cisco Connect Cloud account, they can manage their router with the current local management software. We are committed to providing both Cloud-enabled and local management software. Customers who have already signed up for a Cisco Connect Cloud account may stay with the service and enjoy the expanded features, or can revert back to the local management software by calling the Linksys customer support line at 1-800-326-7114 or by http://www6.nohold.net/Cisco2/ukp.aspx?pi
Cisco will not arbitrarily disconnect customers from the Cisco Connect Cloud service based on how they are using the Internet.
Cisco Connect Cloud and Cisco Linksys routers do not monitor or store information about how our customers are using the Internet and we do not arbitrarily disconnect customers from the Internet. The Cisco Connect Cloud service has never monitored customers' Internet usage, nor was it designed to do so, and we will clarify this in an update to the terms of service.
Cisco Linksys routers are not used to collect information about Internet usage.
Cisco's Linksys routers do not track or store any personal information regarding customers' use of the Internet.
Cisco only retains information that is necessary to sign up for and support the Cisco Connect Cloud service
If a customer signs up for the Cisco Connect Cloud service, they are asked to provide a new username, a password, and an email address, which is required to set up the account. When the customer sets up a Cisco Connect Cloud account, they are asked to provide a local administrative password for the EA Series router to associate it with a Cisco Connect Cloud account. Cisco does not store this local administrative password.
To reiterate, even when a customer signs up for a Cisco Connect Cloud account, Cisco does not track or store any personal information regarding a customer's usage of the Internet.
Cisco will not push software updates to customers' Linksys routers when the auto-update setting is turned off.
Cisco will only push software updates to a Linksys router when the auto-update option is selected. We will clarify this in an update to our documentation.
Once again, I sincerely apologize on behalf of the Cisco team for the inconvenience we have caused. Cisco is committed to the privacy and security of our customers, and I assure you we will update our terms of service and related documentation as quickly as possible to accurately reflect our company policy and values.
Is Cisco Connect Cloud secure?
The security of the network and protecting user data is always our top priority. NONE of the router settings are stored in the cloud - they still remain on the router and only the username and password are stored to allow for remote connectivity. We take your security very seriously and have gone to great lengths to ensure your information and connected home devices are safe and secure.
Here are the security details:
Validating the user
* We validate the user through double verification of their email account. This double verification process proves to us that the user owns the email account supplied during account setup.
* We validate the network. When setting up your Cisco Connect Cloud account, you must supply the router password when you are connected to that network, behind their router.
* Only when these two elements are satisfied will the unique ID of the router be sent to Cisco Connect Cloud for pairing with the account.
Secure communications
* Communication with the cloud is encrypted and secure.
* Both your web browser and the router establish connections to the Cisco Connect Cloud infrastructure over a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), the same security you use when connecting to online bank accounts.
* Cisco Connect Cloud connections to the router are managed using Transport Layer Security (TLS), a secure bi-directional tunnel for information similar to SSL.
* Privacy Settings - Cisco Connect Cloud does not actively track, collect or store personal info or usage data for any other purposes, nor is it transmitted to third parties. The only information stored in the cloud are the following:
i. The email address you registered for your Cisco Connect Cloud (CCC) account
ii. Your first and last name
iii. SHA-256 encrypted password
iv. Your router's model number
v. Your router's hardware version
vi. Your router's firmware version
vii. Your router's serial number
For more information, please visit the following link:
http://www6.nohold.net/Cisco2/ukp.aspx?vw
Will Cisco support the local management access?
Cisco will continue to support both local and cloud management options for our customers.
Should you have any question or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact Technical support at 1-800-326-7114
158 of 168 people found the following review helpful
By G. Haney
Amazon Verified Purchase
As noted above, I upgraded from a D-Link DIR-655 router, which was a good piece of kit and did its job well, but this EA4500 is more than an incremental improvement.
SET UP
I'm fairly tech savvy, so I'm not afraid of a challenge, but this thing coddled me like I was an AOL user and just got the job done.
It's an extremely easy set up. It sniffs for your internet connection, sets it up, and basically gets itself comfortable and up and running with very little need for anything from you. Heck, I used the same SSID as my prior router and many devices (like my Tivo, iPhones, and Macbooks) connected to it like there had been no change in router. If it weren't for a pain-in-the-butt webcam, I would have been fully set up within 15 minutes. The other 4 hours were purely the fault of my Foscam (and only related to setting up that device)!
Back to comparisons with my DIR-655:
SPEED/THROUGHPUT - Per either the router app's built in speed tester (very cool, as is the automatic firmware upgrade option, if desired) or speedtest.net, I went from something like and average of 25 over 10 Mbps to 43 over 25 Mpbs. Finally, efficient use of my advertised Verizon FiOS connection!
RANGE - Our house is about 1600 square feet, but it was built in 1942, meaning plaster and other Frankenstein structural components abound. My DIR-655 was barely making it to the middle and back of the house (router is in the front) with a serviceable connection, such that my wife (who is typically in middle or back and was losing connection) was very frustrated at times. Based on my speedtests on her computer in other parts of the house, I don't think she'll be cursing our network anymore. So far so good. Also, that cursed (just in terms of set up) Foscam webacam is showing a much better video feed both in the house and via remote view on port forwarding. That was an unexpected bonus.
SOFTWARE - Cisco/Linksys are definitely trying to make it an easy/pleasant experience to manage the router, but I (and I'm sure many others who would use a piece of kit like this) won't to go beyond the glossy top level management app. So I was pleased to see that I could indeed jump over to a much more detailed device management interface, much like you'd see with the DIR-655 or other routers. I'm still getting used to the different menus, but it looks like just about everything is there. I'm having a hard time finding the status/MAC address/etc. of all connected devices (such that I had to use a separate IP sniffer when setting up the webcam) but I have to believe it's there somewhere!
Overall, it was absolutely money well spent to move up to this device. Will try to remember to follow up after I've used it for a couple months.
SET UP
I'm fairly tech savvy, so I'm not afraid of a challenge, but this thing coddled me like I was an AOL user and just got the job done.
It's an extremely easy set up. It sniffs for your internet connection, sets it up, and basically gets itself comfortable and up and running with very little need for anything from you. Heck, I used the same SSID as my prior router and many devices (like my Tivo, iPhones, and Macbooks) connected to it like there had been no change in router. If it weren't for a pain-in-the-butt webcam, I would have been fully set up within 15 minutes. The other 4 hours were purely the fault of my Foscam (and only related to setting up that device)!
Back to comparisons with my DIR-655:
SPEED/THROUGHPUT - Per either the router app's built in speed tester (very cool, as is the automatic firmware upgrade option, if desired) or speedtest.net, I went from something like and average of 25 over 10 Mbps to 43 over 25 Mpbs. Finally, efficient use of my advertised Verizon FiOS connection!
RANGE - Our house is about 1600 square feet, but it was built in 1942, meaning plaster and other Frankenstein structural components abound. My DIR-655 was barely making it to the middle and back of the house (router is in the front) with a serviceable connection, such that my wife (who is typically in middle or back and was losing connection) was very frustrated at times. Based on my speedtests on her computer in other parts of the house, I don't think she'll be cursing our network anymore. So far so good. Also, that cursed (just in terms of set up) Foscam webacam is showing a much better video feed both in the house and via remote view on port forwarding. That was an unexpected bonus.
SOFTWARE - Cisco/Linksys are definitely trying to make it an easy/pleasant experience to manage the router, but I (and I'm sure many others who would use a piece of kit like this) won't to go beyond the glossy top level management app. So I was pleased to see that I could indeed jump over to a much more detailed device management interface, much like you'd see with the DIR-655 or other routers. I'm still getting used to the different menus, but it looks like just about everything is there. I'm having a hard time finding the status/MAC address/etc. of all connected devices (such that I had to use a separate IP sniffer when setting up the webcam) but I have to believe it's there somewhere!
Overall, it was absolutely money well spent to move up to this device. Will try to remember to follow up after I've used it for a couple months.
191 of 216 people found the following review helpful
Amazon Vine™ Review
(What's this?)
Update May 24, 2012:
###############
Netgear is about to release the R6300 based on the 802.11ac VHT spec which promises Gigabit wireless speeds, making wireless HD video streaming a reality. (See the comments section for a tutorial on the 802.11n specification and all this Nxxx business.)
What does this mean to someone looking for a new router?
It means that the phrase "top of the line router" just got redefined, and the answer of which router to choose just got a bit more complicated.
However, I'd still recommend the WNDR4500 because (a) the 802.11ac spec isn't yet final; (b) there aren't any adapters that can take advantage of all that extra bandwidth (remember the cost of high bandwidth is not just at the router - you have to spend big bucks at each device's adapter to get maximum benefits); and most importantly (c) unless you are an early adopter whose Pavlovian response just kicked in, do you really have the time/desire to be a beta tester for a brand new implementation? (Waiting for a few firmware updates to blow through tends to do wonders for one's sanity).
Original Review:
###########
I recently had a chance to compare the Netgear WNDR4500 and the Cisco EA4500 - both top of the line consumer grade routers that are brimming over with the latest features.
Since there is very little difference in their feature sets, I am going to try and answer a more important question:
Which router is the better choice as the centerpiece of a home network?
In a nutshell: The WNDR4500 was the clear winner for me - at the farthest usage point from my router, through multiple walls and floors, it not only provided a stronger signal, but also provided twice the throughput as the EA4500.
Test setup:
########
(1) I used inSSIDer to measure signal strength at my receiver, and iPerf to measure the network's throughput.
(2) To focus purely on the router's throughput, I hardwired the server host to my router, and turned off all other network hosts except my test wireless client.
(3) I tested in the 2.4 GHz band because (a) it is the most relevant band in our home, and (b) it is the most challenging for any router
(4) I took measurements at 3 locations - right next to my router, at the farthest point (my fitness area), and at a mid point (my entertainment center).
Note that for throughput measurements, I did not use speedtest.net - as measurements can be skewed by factors outside of the router's control (such as a congested neighborhood backbone). Similarly, I did not perform file copying - as this can be skewed by NAS/drive performance.
Test Results:
#########
The two measures of interest are:
(1) the throughput - i.e. how many bits can this router actively pump through our network, measured here in Mbps (millions of bits per second).
The higher the throughput, the better your network experience, especially while streaming video content.
For the near, farther, and farthest positions:
-- the Cisco AE4500 delivered throughput rates in Mbps of 36.5/20.9/9.5
-- the WNDR4500 delivered throughput rates in Mbps of 27.2/24.4/20.1
(2) the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) which is a measure of the signal strength at the receiver.
The higher the RSSI, the stronger your signal, and so the better the chance that you will be able to receive content from your router. Remember that these are negative numbers, so -58 is actually a stronger signal than -65.
For the near, farther, and farthest positions:
-- the Cisco AE4500 delivered RSSIs of -48/-58/-65 respectively.
-- the WNDR4500 delivered RSSIs of -46/-53/-58 respectively.
In my tests, the WNDR4500 provided nearly constant throughput across the extent of our home (24 Mbps average), and its strong RSSI showing even at the farthest point in our home, was instrumental in subduing our neighbor's rather aggressive router.
Other Thoughts:
###########
1. You can't go wrong with either router when it comes to features.
In addition to the fastest rating - 450 Mbps on both the 2.4GHz and 5 GHz bands, you get DHCP Address Reservation, a Stateful Packet Inspection firewall, Dynamic DNS configuration, Guest networks, Port forwarding and triggering (AE4500's interface is better), QoS configuration, etc.
2. The vertical form factor of the WNDR4500 takes up very little desk space.
3. While the web interfaces of both routers are usable, the WNDR4500's is slightly better because of how it segregates Basic and Advanced functionality.
4. The WNDR4500 not only supports guest networks on both bands (2.4 and 5GHz), but also provides awesome control over what a guest device can do. E.g., you can limit it to only accessing the Internet. The AE4500 does not allow such control and only supports a single guest network on the 2.4GHz band.
5. The EA4500 hosts one USB port, whereas the WNDR4500 supports two.
6. The EA4500 can act as a FTP server (I didn't try this out) - but the WNDR4500 cannot.
7. The WNDR4500 can be configured for use as a wireless repeater, allowing a wireless signal's range to be extended.
8. I did not use the bundled software. See the comments for easy steps to set up a router without installing another piece of software.
9. The WNDR lights up like a Christmas tree, giving a nice sense of well-being. The AE4500 is more staid with a single glowing logo.
Conclusion:
########
More than anything else, the key characteristics of a router are:
(a) its ability to maintain high throughput over its coverage area,
(b) the ability to maintain a solid stable connection with its clients
(c) the ease with which it can be configured, and
(d) solid security options (see my first comment for tips here).
On all four counts, the WNDR4500 comes up aces.
I'd caution against the following marketing features, which I personally do not use (of course, YMMV):
1) USB printing - quite an anachronism with most printers being wireless.
2) Heavy client applications like Netgear's Genie or Cisco's Connect are unnecessary. I'd rather they focused on making the web interface more user friendly, as Netgear is doing.
3) Configuring a router over a phone might possibly be the most inane feature invented. Yes, I'm talking about you, Cisco Connect Cloud.
4) USB drive support is usually neither as performant as a dedicated NAS solution; nor is the remote access web interface as simple as using a cloud client such as Dropbox. However, the convenience it presents may argue in its favor.
Final Word:
########
If you are considering the WNDR4500, I would also point you at my review of the Netgear N600 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit Router - Premium Edition (WNDR3800) - which brings features such as Clear Channel to the party, but at the cost of speed. The WNDR3800 is a very capable router and should be on your list of routers to consider.
Happy Networking!
~Damodar
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Netgear is about to release the R6300 based on the 802.11ac VHT spec which promises Gigabit wireless speeds, making wireless HD video streaming a reality. (See the comments section for a tutorial on the 802.11n specification and all this Nxxx business.)
What does this mean to someone looking for a new router?
It means that the phrase "top of the line router" just got redefined, and the answer of which router to choose just got a bit more complicated.
However, I'd still recommend the WNDR4500 because (a) the 802.11ac spec isn't yet final; (b) there aren't any adapters that can take advantage of all that extra bandwidth (remember the cost of high bandwidth is not just at the router - you have to spend big bucks at each device's adapter to get maximum benefits); and most importantly (c) unless you are an early adopter whose Pavlovian response just kicked in, do you really have the time/desire to be a beta tester for a brand new implementation? (Waiting for a few firmware updates to blow through tends to do wonders for one's sanity).
Original Review:
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I recently had a chance to compare the Netgear WNDR4500 and the Cisco EA4500 - both top of the line consumer grade routers that are brimming over with the latest features.
Since there is very little difference in their feature sets, I am going to try and answer a more important question:
Which router is the better choice as the centerpiece of a home network?
In a nutshell: The WNDR4500 was the clear winner for me - at the farthest usage point from my router, through multiple walls and floors, it not only provided a stronger signal, but also provided twice the throughput as the EA4500.
Test setup:
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(1) I used inSSIDer to measure signal strength at my receiver, and iPerf to measure the network's throughput.
(2) To focus purely on the router's throughput, I hardwired the server host to my router, and turned off all other network hosts except my test wireless client.
(3) I tested in the 2.4 GHz band because (a) it is the most relevant band in our home, and (b) it is the most challenging for any router
(4) I took measurements at 3 locations - right next to my router, at the farthest point (my fitness area), and at a mid point (my entertainment center).
Note that for throughput measurements, I did not use speedtest.net - as measurements can be skewed by factors outside of the router's control (such as a congested neighborhood backbone). Similarly, I did not perform file copying - as this can be skewed by NAS/drive performance.
Test Results:
#########
The two measures of interest are:
(1) the throughput - i.e. how many bits can this router actively pump through our network, measured here in Mbps (millions of bits per second).
The higher the throughput, the better your network experience, especially while streaming video content.
For the near, farther, and farthest positions:
-- the Cisco AE4500 delivered throughput rates in Mbps of 36.5/20.9/9.5
-- the WNDR4500 delivered throughput rates in Mbps of 27.2/24.4/20.1
(2) the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) which is a measure of the signal strength at the receiver.
The higher the RSSI, the stronger your signal, and so the better the chance that you will be able to receive content from your router. Remember that these are negative numbers, so -58 is actually a stronger signal than -65.
For the near, farther, and farthest positions:
-- the Cisco AE4500 delivered RSSIs of -48/-58/-65 respectively.
-- the WNDR4500 delivered RSSIs of -46/-53/-58 respectively.
In my tests, the WNDR4500 provided nearly constant throughput across the extent of our home (24 Mbps average), and its strong RSSI showing even at the farthest point in our home, was instrumental in subduing our neighbor's rather aggressive router.
Other Thoughts:
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1. You can't go wrong with either router when it comes to features.
In addition to the fastest rating - 450 Mbps on both the 2.4GHz and 5 GHz bands, you get DHCP Address Reservation, a Stateful Packet Inspection firewall, Dynamic DNS configuration, Guest networks, Port forwarding and triggering (AE4500's interface is better), QoS configuration, etc.
2. The vertical form factor of the WNDR4500 takes up very little desk space.
3. While the web interfaces of both routers are usable, the WNDR4500's is slightly better because of how it segregates Basic and Advanced functionality.
4. The WNDR4500 not only supports guest networks on both bands (2.4 and 5GHz), but also provides awesome control over what a guest device can do. E.g., you can limit it to only accessing the Internet. The AE4500 does not allow such control and only supports a single guest network on the 2.4GHz band.
5. The EA4500 hosts one USB port, whereas the WNDR4500 supports two.
6. The EA4500 can act as a FTP server (I didn't try this out) - but the WNDR4500 cannot.
7. The WNDR4500 can be configured for use as a wireless repeater, allowing a wireless signal's range to be extended.
8. I did not use the bundled software. See the comments for easy steps to set up a router without installing another piece of software.
9. The WNDR lights up like a Christmas tree, giving a nice sense of well-being. The AE4500 is more staid with a single glowing logo.
Conclusion:
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More than anything else, the key characteristics of a router are:
(a) its ability to maintain high throughput over its coverage area,
(b) the ability to maintain a solid stable connection with its clients
(c) the ease with which it can be configured, and
(d) solid security options (see my first comment for tips here).
On all four counts, the WNDR4500 comes up aces.
I'd caution against the following marketing features, which I personally do not use (of course, YMMV):
1) USB printing - quite an anachronism with most printers being wireless.
2) Heavy client applications like Netgear's Genie or Cisco's Connect are unnecessary. I'd rather they focused on making the web interface more user friendly, as Netgear is doing.
3) Configuring a router over a phone might possibly be the most inane feature invented. Yes, I'm talking about you, Cisco Connect Cloud.
4) USB drive support is usually neither as performant as a dedicated NAS solution; nor is the remote access web interface as simple as using a cloud client such as Dropbox. However, the convenience it presents may argue in its favor.
Final Word:
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If you are considering the WNDR4500, I would also point you at my review of the Netgear N600 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit Router - Premium Edition (WNDR3800) - which brings features such as Clear Channel to the party, but at the cost of speed. The WNDR3800 is a very capable router and should be on your list of routers to consider.
Happy Networking!
~Damodar
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