Linksys WRT610N Router Review

Linksys is always up with the latest developments in the wireless industry and here is another example in Linksys WRT610N Simultaneous Dual Band Wireless Router is one of the first true dual band wireless router to hit the market. To put it up in layman language, the router can run on two frequencies simultaneously. The router also doubles up as a NAS if hooked up to a USB external drive.

Linksys WRT610N router specifications:

• Dimensions : 8.9″ x 7.1″ 1.4″
• Antenna : Internal
• Encryption : WPA, WPA2, 64-bit WEP, 128-bit WEP
• Switch : Integrated 4-port
• Data link protocol : Ethernet, IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n
• DHCP server, NAT support, MIMO Technology
• Warranty : 1-year limited warranty
• Approx. price : $180

The first thing that you will notice about this router is its look which is damn attractive. It has an internal antenna within its sliding shape. It size is relatively larger than other Linksys routers. In the front you will find a row of LEDs which are used to display the status of the various ports on the router. It also supports WPS devices, so the WPS button can be found in the middle of the LEDs.

It is rich in features and one of the best ones is to use is as a NAS. This can be established by conencting an USB drive to the USB port on the router. The router works on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies simultaneously of the draft N 2.0 signal. The newer 5.0 GHz frequency has better range, strength and stability compared to its 2.4 Ghz counterpart. Hence you can connect multiple devices without worrying about what frequencies they support.

The software is both Windows and Mac compatible, rarely do we see routers coming with Mac compatible softwares. Apart from the software, the router can be configured through the web interface. Setting it up either way is easy and you would be up and running in a few minutes. Using it as a NAS, you can use it access files like a normal file server. The external device is USB-powered, no need for any extra cables.

The router comes with the an extensive content-filtering system for restricting access to content or certain PCs. You can set up the filter to block ports, applications, FTP/HTTP access. A boon for the corporate world!! Encryption is also not compromised as it supports various encryption standards.

The performance of the router is good. It measured 101mbps on throughput test in close range. On long range test it clocked 64mbps. These tests were on the 5Ghz frequency, on the 2.4 Ghz front, it measured 54mbps on long range tests. On the 5GHz, the router had a range of 250 feet while on 2.4 GHz it has 270 feet, impressive.

Pros :

• Great design
• Supports simultaneous dual bands
• Good performance
• Can be used as NAS
• Supports WPS
• Mac compatible software
• Extensive filter system

Cons :

• Limited 1-yr warranty
• Expensive

Final Thoughts

Linksys WRT610N router is one of its kind, and has limited competition in the market, that explains its expensive price tag. It has almost everything going right about it. So if you need dual connectivity, then this could be your best bet.

My Rating : 4/5