Purchase Guide: Linksys E1200 Monitor N300 Wireless-N Router

With COVID-19 still forcing many of us to work from home, there has been an increasing need for wireless connectivity. Today, we rely on our Wi-Fi router for much more than just streaming videos and playing games. These wonderful friends of ours help us stay connected, whether we need to communicate with someone or access a smart device.  When looking for a router that best suits your needs, we suggest starting by estimating the coverage area, the number of people that need access, and the kinds of devices that need to be connected. 

However, we each have different usage that does not always require the level of performance delivered by the latest models, and we certainly do not want to end up paying for features we are probably never going to need. So, if you have a very basic use and are looking for a low-cost router with features that efficiently serve your needs, instead of one with cutting-edge technologies that rip you off, check out the Linksys c Monitor N300 Wireless Router. 

The Linksys E1200 N300 Wireless Router

When released, it was one of the best routers. However, since quite a lot of time has passed by, and consumer needs have grown, it is certainly no longer in the race. It just does not have the capacity to host the latest devices. 

Here is a quick list of its key features to help you decide whether or not you should purchase it.

  • Wireless-N technology
  • 2.4 GHz radiofrequency
  • 2×2 Transmit/Receive function
  • 2x internal antennas
  • Guest Access feature
  • 4x Ethernet ports 10/100Mbps
  • Linksys Connect Software
  • IPv6 support 
  • Integrated Parental Controls and Internet Access Policy features

You can connect to the internet via the router’s 2.4 GHz wireless connection or any of its four Ethernet connections. The Linksys E1200 Monitor N300’s range extends up to 250 meters. The router’s real performance, such as connectivity, data transfer rate, range, and coverage may differ depending on the following variables:

  • The distance between the access point and the router   
  • Network traffic volume
  • The computer’s operating system (OS)
  • Disruptions caused by other devices
  • Interferences such as walls and furnishings
  • The adapters’ wireless standard.

The router packs some security features as well. 

  • Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2TM), which encrypts data on your network
  • Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI), which blocks unsolicited access to the router
  • Network Address Translation (NAT), which secures and allows your whole network to access the internet via a single Internet IP address

While we are at it, you need to know the minimum system requirements as well. 

Windows®

  • Windows® XP SP3
  • Windows Vista® SP1 or later
  • Windows® 7
  • Windows® 8 / 8.1
  • Windows® 10

OS X®

  • Leopard 10.5
  • Snow Leopard 10.6
  • Mavericks 10.9
  • Yosemite 10.10
  • El Capitan 10.11
  • macOS™ Sierra 10.12

Web Browser

  • Internet Explorer® 7
  • Safari® 4
  • Firefox® 3 or higher
  • Google Chrome™

Now that you have a basic understanding of the Linksys E1200 Monitor N300, you can see if you need it. Advanced wireless routers must comply with 802.11n Wi-Fi standards, which need a theoretical data speed of 300Mbps or more, but most can handle much more. The old 802.11g specification, which had a theoretical speed of 54Mbps, was replaced by Wireless-N technology. Because wireless-N has backward compatibility with wireless-G, wireless-G clients can connect to a Linksys E1200-enabled Wi-Fi network. Although the router offers multiple streams, a wireless-G client can only connect to the 20MHz channel, with a projected data speed of 150Mbps.

One disadvantage is that it only operates at 2.4GHz and lacks a 5GHz output, which would enable quicker data transfer over greater distances. As a result, it is severely restricted in comparison to most contemporary routers.  However, the E1200 is an excellent low-cost wireless router choice, costing around $30. If you do not have a tight budget, go ahead and get an 802.11ac router. However, if you are looking to save money, Linksys E1200 Monitor N300 might suffice if your setup is old.

If you are a parent, the E1200 allows you to efficiently control how and when your children may surf the web. You can easily restrict internet access at all times, or only on particular days and hours, such as school evenings or weekends. You can also choose the websites you want to ban. Visitors can access the internet using a password-protected account. Guests can access the internet using the guest credentials, but they will be unable to print to any connected printer on the local network, gain access to any files on connected computers, or view the personal information of the host.

Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA/WPA2) is a type of encryption. For customers that use old versions of the Wi-Fi standard, legacy encryption, known as Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP), is available. If the Linksys E1200 Monitor N300 is linked to a RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service) server, which verifies users and devices before providing network access, WEP is necessitated. Network Address Translation (NAT) and Stateful Packet Inspections are supported by the firewall (SPI). NAT gives the internet a single IP address that represents the whole LAN.  SPI identifies spyware and malware by looking for threat signatures in data packets.

To add other computers, you can build an Easy Setup key on a USB flash drive with the Wi-Fi settings. Another option for managing router setup settings is to use a browser-based tool. In this instance, advanced options are configured using a web browser. This option is intended for modern users who are familiar with router management. By establishing a remote administration port, users connected to the network may operate the Linksys E1200 remotely via any external IP address.

After configuring the router, you may save the setting as a backup and restore it when needed. Although the router’s firmware can be upgraded, reconfiguration will be needed.  Allowing Windows to automatically set up Linksys E1200 Monitor N300 to support activities as gaming and videoconferencing is possible with Universal Plug and Play. You can easily add and configure client devices with a Wi-Fi Protected Setup button

There are two options if you need to restore the factory settings for whatever reason. One option is to utilize the Administration tab’s browser-based tool. The other is the reset button that needs to be pressed and held for five seconds. 

For horizontal installation, the router includes four rubber feet. However, it does feature wall-mount slots in case mounting is desired. 

The Linksys E1200 comes with a one-year warranty, as well as one year of free technical assistance through phone or online chat. A product guide, knowledge base, community forum, and frequently asked questions are all available on the website. The firm also exists on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter to provide you extra opportunities to connect with them for further information.

Decision Time

We do not recommend the Linksys E1200 Monitor N300 Wireless Router for use with modern devices. There are more sophisticated routers on the market that cost about the same and last considerably longer. It is an outdated AC1200 router that does not even support 5GHz. This type was popular in 2011, but has now been superseded by Linksys’ superior, newer routers.

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Christophe Rude

Christophe Rude

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