Ultra Sleek & Slim Wireless-N Gigabit Router N+
Model #: WRT310N
Brand: Linksys by Cisco

The Story

I have been using the same wireless router for the past two years and now it cannot keep up with the amped up DSL Internet Speeds. So I rushed over to my favorite electronics store and found what I deemed was the best priced fastest router without breaking the bank.

The Product

In the store there was a faster and better wireless router for $200 (N++), it was the fastest on the market, but based on my needs and budget it was unnecessary. So I settled for the Wireless-N Gigabit Router that has Ultra coverage and 300 Mbps of speed. Sufficient for most gamers and video streaming.

Package Contents

Wireless-N Gigabyte Router
Setup Software and User Guide on CD-ROM
Ethernet network cable
Quick Installation Guide
Power Adapter

Minimum Requirements to Use Product

Laptop or Computer with Wireless adapter & CD/DVD drive
DSL Box [About $50]
Internet Explorer 6 (or similar browser) [Free]

First Step

Do not hook up the hardware, install the software first. It will take you step by step through the process of how to hook up the product and install the software. It takes only about 15 minutes to install the software and the hardware. Please note, you must have a DSL router, this is only a wireless and network router. Contact your Internet provider for the appropriate hardware if you do not currently have one (they usually give you a DSL box when you sign up for the service – you can also purchase new DSL boxes as Best Buy, Amazon.com and other electronic retailers for around $50).

The software was very easy to use for anyone, even if you have no computer knowledge at all. I would rate the software at an 8 out of 10. I rate it an 8 because the the Network Magic software that it comes with is a partial version and requires you to pay more money for the other features it shows. The Network Magic software will self diagnose your Internet connection and Network connection when there is a problem and tell you what to do if it can't fix it. Some of the cool features are that from this software you can easily manage passwords, access, see traffic and block certain computers. You can also test your Internet Upload and Download speed. However, some of these features are only available in the full Paid version.

Other Details

This is an energy star compliant product with 4 hard wire ports. It does not come with external alien antennas as my kids would say, but instead they opted for internal antennas for a sophisticated look. If you have trouble connecting computers to networks because of your level of understanding, fear no more. All you need to do is remember the network password you create in the beginning and that its. On the front of the router there is a little button with a “refresh” symbol. This will send a signal that will ping your laptop of computer and simplify locating the network and connecting to it.

On the front there are three symbols on the right that are simple diagnosis tools for users. Wifi signal, Internet connection, and power. If any of these are off then your network will not function. Everything is label very well, no mysterious ports or unknown buttons. There is a reset button on the back next to the power supply.

Wireless Band: 2.4 Ghz
Gigabit Ethernet 10/100/1000 Mbps
WEP, WPA, WPA2 Encryption
Built in Firewall

The company recommends this router for those who are looking to surf the Internet, Securce Connections, Email & Chat, Wireless Printing & Multiple computers. But I use it for streaming video, gaming and more without issues.

This is ultra thin with a glossy finish. It is made of a plastic housing and contains several wall mount holes on the back. The lights are blue and it has a simplified look. It looks very sexy on the wall with all the wires either hidden buried in the wall or bundled.

Possible Issues

Others say that this runs hot, well most electronics get hot without the proper ventilation. Yes, this will get hot if in a cabinet but not in an open area with plenty of ventilation. So the fix if you need it in a cabinet is to purchase a computer PC fan, wire the connection to an AC adapter and presto, you have a cheap small ventilation fan for your electronics. If the router gets to hot, it will turn off or need resetting.

So this negative aspect will occur with most products and never a problem with me.

In the End

I have never had serious trouble with Linksys products. I love them and will probably continue to purchase them over the competition. They have 24/7 free customer support, just be patient and it will work. This is an Industry certified award winning product that works both with PC & MACs. Easy to install and easy to use. If you have the money to spend, you can upgrade to the N++ Linksys router, faster connection and better security.

Thanks for reading my reviews,
Regards,
JBHut

Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 89.99
Driver Availability: Windows, Linux, and Mac