The Linksys E1200 has all the features that any home and even small office might need with fast and solid connection through wireless means. For these reasons, in this article we will provide a thorough discussion on features and specifications of this router and its functions on enabling consumer to establish a wireless network.
Overview of Key Features
Some of the main highlights of the Linksys E1200 wireless router include:Adding light to some of the major features of the Linksys E1200 wireless router you will be able to gather the following information;
Dual-Band Wireless Network: Moreover, it supports two oclock.The new ASUS RT-AC5300 has not only just a single wireless frequency band but rather the device has two bands; the 4GHz and the 5GHz, which users can select for their devices and usage.
Fast WiFi Speeds: The typical rate of data transfer that is accessible to the users to achieve is about as high as 300 Mbps. It directs a 300Mbps at the 4GHz frequency and a 867Mbps at the 5GHz frequency and can be used in activities for instance; streaming.
4 Ethernet Ports: A consumer-friendly feature that is provided to users includes four ethernet LAN ports that allow wired peripherals such as desktop computers, gaming consoles, and Network Attached Storage to be connected.
USB Port: The USB became that device the USB 2. Local-network is accessible through the 0 port for sharing of printers, storage and even media.
Easy Setup: Linksys Smart WiFi feature allows for easy configuration through install guide, or through the linksys mobile app.
Parental Controls: Access schedules come in handy to limit the time that the child spends on the internet either in the day or the week while filters assist in the blocking of age-appropriate content that the child may come across.
Firmware Updates: Ensures that the router is protected from various bugs, latest updates is done to bring more improvement to the router.
Therefore, in essence, the E1200 has dual-band WiFi, Young / wired, USB / sharing, and parents controls, and is highly recommended for Home & SOHO applications due to its affordable price range.
Setting Up the Linksys E1200 Router
Here are the basic steps to set up the Linksys E1200 router out of the box:
- Take the power adapter and plug in the router and the other end at a power outlet.
- 2. Plug one of the LAN ports of the router to your modem using an Ethernet cable, the other end of the cable should be connected to the modem.
- 3. On the bottom of the router, identify and note down the SSID of the WiFi network and the password that is required.
- 4. Get the free Linksys smartphone application on your smart device, or use the mobile Web version of the site.
- 5. Turn on the app, tap the “Set Up a New Device” button, then click on E1200 from the options shown.
- 6. These identify the router’s wireless network and enable the user to plug into the router by following a series of on-screen prompts that include accepting the SSID and password.
- Create a Linksys WiFi network name and password through the app.
- The router is now installed. Devices can join the new wireless network.
Linksys makes setup straightforward using the mobile app. Alternatively, login to http://www.linksyssmartwifi.com to configure via a web browser.
Key Wireless Features of Linksys E1200
Dual-Band Wireless
The E1200 supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz wireless frequencies, which deliver different benefits:
- 2.4GHz has better range but can be slower. Best for whole-home coverage.
- 5GHz has faster speeds with less interference but shorter range. Ideal for gaming, streaming, and clustered devices.
Users have the flexibility to choose the best band for each device and application. The router can also prioritize certain devices on one band over the other.
Four Ethernet Ports
With four Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports, the E1200 accommodates both wireless and wired devices on the home network. Desktop PCs, network storage, set-top boxes, and gaming systems can enjoy high-speed, low-latency wired connections.
USB Port
The USB 2.0 port enables sharing a USB printer, external storage, or media across the local network. Devices connected to the router over WiFi or Ethernet can all access these shared resources.
MU-MIMO Technology
Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output (MU-MIMO) allows the router to simultaneously transmit WiFi data to multiple devices at once rather than in sequence. This boosts throughput and reduces latency for applications involving multiple concurrent users.
WPA/WPA2 Encryption
For security, the E1200 supports the latest WPA2 WiFi encryption standard (backwards compatible with WPA). This encrypts all wireless data transmissions to prevent hackers from being able to access your network and compromise connected devices.
Additional Features for Home Use
The Linksys E1200 includes useful advanced features optimized for home environments:
Dynamic QoS Prioritization
Quality of Service (QoS) ensures bandwidth-intensive applications like video streaming get priority access to available network capacity over latency-sensitive tasks like gaming. This enhances the overall WiFi experience.
Parental Controls
Features like access schedules and website filtering help parents restrict children’s online access according to age-appropriate schedules and content categories.
Guest Network Access
A separate wireless network can be created to allow visitors internet access without exposing the private home network. Tight MAC address filtering also blocks unknown devices.
Simple port forwarding
Power users can configure port forwarding with just a few clicks to enable services like hosting a website or game server from home.
Automatic Firmware Updates
Linksys keeps the router current by pushing security patches and new capabilities in the background without requiring manual intervention by the user.
These built-in controls and options make the E1200 very user-friendly for daily home networking needs.
Choosing Between 2.4GHz and 5GHz Bands
Deciding which wireless band works best depends on a few factors:
| Parameter | 2.4GHz Band | 5GHz Band |
| Speed | Up to 300Mbps | Up to 867Mbps |
| Range | Long range, through walls | Shorter range, line-of-sight best |
| Interference | More congested due to many devices | Less interference from other networks |
| Best use case | Whole-home coverage | Hotspots, gaming, multimedia |
As a general guideline:
- Use 2.4GHz for coverage-oriented devices elsewhere in the home
- Use 5GHz for clustered, high-performance devices near the router
- Smartphones, tablets – can use either band
- Streaming devices – connect via 5GHz for best quality
- Gaming systems – connect via 5GHz for lower latency
Placing the router in an open, central location helps maximize coverage from both bands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I use my existing modem with the E1200 router?
A. Yes, the E1200 works with any modem having a spare Ethernet port available to connect the WAN (Internet) side of the router.
Q. How many devices can the E1200 handle simultaneously?
A. The actual number depends on usage, but most modern routers including the E1200 can support 20-30 simultaneous connections without issues under normal home use.
Q. Can I connect an external hard drive to the USB port?
A. Yes, the E1200 supports connecting USB storage devices. All networked devices will be able to access shared files on the external hard drive.
Q. What web browser do I use to configure the router?
A. Default web management is through the Linksys app. Alternatively, use a modern browser like Chrome, Edge or Safari and enter http://www.linksyssmartwifi.com in the address bar.
Q. How do I perform a factory reset?
A. Use a paperclip or similar object to press and hold the recessed reset button on the back of the router for 10 seconds. All network settings will be cleared.
Performance Comparison with Other Entry-Level Routers
| Model | Top Wireless Speed | Ethernet Ports | Price |
| Linksys E1200 | 867Mbps (5GHz) 300Mbps (2.4GHz) | 4 | $79.99 |
| TP-Link Archer A7 | 600Mbps | 4 | $59.99 |
| D-LinkDIR-867 | 1000Mbps | 4 | $99.99 |
| NETGEAR Nighthawk AX4 | 1200Mbps | 4 | $149.99 |
The E1200 offers a good mix of performance, features and value compared to other routers in its price range. While some compete on top speeds, the Linksys provides tried-and-tested reliability for everyday home use.
Conclusion
To conclude, the Linksys E1200 is a compact, cheap wireless router suitable for a typical home usage, ranging from low to medium. Thanks to the fast speeds, adaptability of connecting to different devices, and the remote management, it becomes possible to create secure and private dual-band WiFi for the whole family. From homeworking to 4K streaming the E1200 is a solid performer that doesn’t cost the earth. At the same time, it implies that it will easily fit into most current broadband settings as well. Thus, for those seeking a router with lots of features and available for less than $100, the E1200 is a perfect choice.
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