Cisco Linksys E4200V2 Maximum Performance Dual-Band N N900 Router

[njweb]

Originally Posted by rhombus

CNET How we test: Access points and wireless routers

• The biggest variable of all, router positioning, is not addressed or optimised - but then this goes for a lot of review sites. Half an inch can make all the difference, let alone which perpendicular alignment was chosen. Especially with a single distant test location this really could skew results.
• The office environment can't be controlled (doors open/closed, obstructions, changing furniture, movement).
• And numbers in a lot of their written reviews don't match the entries on the charts.

All information is useful information though! When are we gonna see your Amped vs E4200 results?

Thanks. I actually meant controlled relative to the test they posted for the V1 earlier in the year, to allow for accurate relative comparisons.
I posted a PS a few minutes ago about the CNet results.

I will run the tests today to compare my Amped R1000 against my Cisco E4200 with RE1000 range extender (and without).
Then I can decide which one to keep...

[rhombus]

Originally Posted by njweb

(Anandtech actually says the new unit's amplifier and antenna are supposed to have been optimized for better, on paper at least, wireless performance).
QUOTE: "There's [sic] also been some optimizations to the antenna and amplifier configuration that should improve range and reduce dead spots."

It's always amusing to see techno journos rehash a press release badly.
Here is said Anandtech article.

If you click on the source listed underneath, you will get to the Cisco press release, which is at least accurate.

[rhombus]

Originally Posted by njweb

Thanks. I actually meant controlled relative to the test they posted for the V1 earlier in the year, to allow for accurate relative comparisons.

You're welcome. What is controlled and not controlled in their testing, applies to V1 vs V2, no?

Looking forward to the results! Thanks.

[Shikami]

The RT-N66U could perhaps be the Broadcom router that some are looking for due to the disappointment with v2.

http://vr-zone.com/articles/asus-rt-...on-/14242.html

Edit: this link does not work anymore. However this does: http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=642825

The E4200v2 is now showing up in some of the router charts on this site! It's performance seems terrible when compared to the original E4200...

[rhombus]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

The E4200v2 is now showing up in some of the router charts on this site! It's performance seems terrible when compared to the original E4200...

Not true. The Smallnetbuilder 2-stream test client has changed since the v1 review. So the only truly comparable results are the 5Ghz 3-stream tests, where it looks about even.

I think there might have also been a change of laptop housing/antenna for the old 2-stream client somewhere along the line. Perhaps color coding or something to distinguish these in the charts would be useful.

[thiggins]

Originally Posted by rhombus

Not true. The Smallnetbuilder 2-stream test client has changed since the v1 review. So the only truly comparable results are the 5Ghz 3-stream tests, where it looks about even.

I reran some 2 stream tests with the new Intel 6200 client with a V1 E4200 and results are pretty close. This is noted in the review.

Originally Posted by rhombus

I think there might have also been a change of laptop housing/antenna for the old 2-stream client somewhere along the line. Perhaps color coding or something to distinguish these in the charts would be useful.

Two stream test client remains an Acer 1810T. Just the card was swapped. Charts are color-coded to connote different test procedures. Latest method shows green bars.

[rhombus]

Originally Posted by thiggins

I reran some 2 stream tests with the new Intel 6200 client with a V1 E4200 and results are pretty close.

Thanks Tim - brilliant stuff. Seems you spot-checked some locations in 2.4Ghz and 40Mhz mode for the v1 - do you have any numbers or plots to share? These would be really useful.

A direct re-test of the v1 with the Intel 6200 for 2.4Ghz 20Mhz Up and Down would be the ultimate comparison though - of great interest for those debating between v1 and v2 I think...! That's just a couple of plots... it is Christmas remember... !

Two stream test client remains an Acer 1810T. Just the card was swapped.

The old Intel 5300 was moved from a Dell laptop to the current Acer though some while back, right? Apologies if I can't keep exact track - I have gone over the procedures as carefully as I can... What colors denote these 2 different card/laptop combinations?

Charts are color-coded to connote different test procedures. Latest method shows green bars.

Thanks, I never even spotted that. Where is the key for the color coding? Sorry if I just can't find it.

[RogerSC]

Great review of the V2, thanks for that...I missed why you have blanks at a couple of the locations that you used to test in the wireless throughput tests. I'm assuming, because of the consistency, that you're no longer testing those locations (B and E), is that correct?

Thanks.

[thiggins]

Originally Posted by rhombus

Thanks Tim - brilliant stuff. Seems you spot-checked some locations in 2.4Ghz and 40Mhz mode for the v1 - do you have any numbers or plots to share? These would be really useful.

Links to plots of retest data have been added to the review.

Originally Posted by rhombus

The old Intel 5300 was moved from a Dell laptop to the current Acer though some while back, right? Apologies if I can't keep exact track - I have gone over the procedures as carefully as I can... What colors denote these 2 different card/laptop combinations?

Thanks, I never even spotted that. Where is the key for the color coding? Sorry if I just can't find it.

Go to Router Charts and select a wireless benchmark, like this. Click the Benchmark Info link right under the Router Charts image.