Any home or small business having three to four PCs or other devices that use Internet connections would benefit from using a Linksys EA2750 router. The device offers a nice combination of features at an extremely affordable price. The router is also a worthwhile purchase if devices use Windows 7 or above operating systems. The features are also desirable if you eventually desire to ramp up your service speed or an Internet conversion to IPv6 occurs.
The Linksys EA2750 is one of the newest models in the company’s EA line of routers. The devices differ from the older E series units in terms of software upgrades. The EA routers were created to gain access to the Cisco Connect Cloud, which provides consumers with remote access to their established network via a browser or a mobile device. EA router owners will also have the option of adding apps that control appliances or perform other functions using the wireless network. However, overall, Cisco Linksys routers provide commendable performance.
Linksys EA2750 Overview
The EA2750 is compact, measures 8.9 x 2.6 x 9.3 inches, weighs 1.6 pounds, has a black matte finish and an overall flat design that reminds many of a spaceship. Perfect for home or a small business, the dual-band device operates on 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. The router provides speeds of up to 300 Mbps on both bands. The dual-band functionality provides the option of switching from one band to the other in the event that users experience heavy Internet connection traffic. Two exterior, adjustable antennas ensure strong signals to any PC, HD TV, Blu-ray player or other electronic device that operates using Internet access.
The back of the router features four Gigabit Ethernet ports, an Internet port, the power cable port and a 2.0 USB port. The technology within the device enables Ethernet ports to boost speeds up to 10 times faster compared to Fast Ethernet. The USB port provides the opportunity to connect a network printer or share network resources. The software also include high-tech security features that are designed to protect your network.
Setting Up the EA2750
The package comes with a CD that provides set-up instruction. However, users can easily login to the router’s configuration screen directly to manually configure the device. The set-up process takes less than 15 minutes. When using the CD, the wizard checks for available updates and automatically allows the router to configure itself. The device also generates passwords that can be altered if desired.
The user-friendly Cisco Connect software loads following installation. Once installed, you can manage guest access limitations, determine parental controls and adjust other basic settings. Advanced pages enable users to establish port forwarding and other complicated tasks. The router also comes equipped with IPv6 settings in the event that local Internet functions on this setting. Linksys also features Smart Wi-Fi software that enables you to access and manage your network via phone from any location.
EA2750 Security
The router protects personal connections against online invasion using WPA/WPA2 Wi-Fi encryption codes. The safety measure ensures that other people cannot access the Internet by using your connection. An SPI firewall protects all incoming information. A Wi-Fi Protected Set-up button found on the rear side of the router also allows you to quickly configure security for other devices on your network.
Router Performance
Both bands offer very good performance in terms of delivering a consistent, reliable connection. Testing revealed that the connection remained at the same signal strength whether devices were located five or 30 feet away from the router. Linksys also provides the option of establishing the EA2750 the network on Cisco Cloud Connect. The firmware and interface platform supports third-party applications, which then enables users to manage their network or appliances using any type of connected device.
System Requirements
The Linksys EA2750 works with Windows XP SP3 through Windows 10. The device is also compatible with Mac users using OS X Snow Leopard 10.6.1 through OS X Yosemite 10.10. The router recognizes Google Chrome 10 and higher, Mozilla Firefox 8 or higher, Safari 5 or higher and Internet Explorer 8 and higher.
