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  • Review count
    198
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    June 21, 2013
  • Last review
    June 10, 2024
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  • Answer count
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    December 10, 2014
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    November 4, 2021
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emiliosic's Reviews
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Your household wants to play, stream and work online all at once. With this Linksys router, you can do it all without buffering or other interruptions. Use the Smart Wi-Fi app to get started, control, and monitor your home network from anywhere.
 
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Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Great WiFi, with simple configuration options
on February 13, 2016
Posted by: emiliosic
from Wakefield, MA
Interface:
All the configuration was done via a web brower with a modern interface.
There is a well organized network map widget that displays useful information about connected devices.
The router will suggest you go through an assisted setup; or skip it and configure it manually. I tried manually first; and end up resetting and starting again with the assisted setup first; because the assisted setup provides better default options.
Assisted Setup:
- Note that assisted setup; which link sys calls ‘Smart Wi-Fi Setup’ won’t run unless the router is connected to the internet; so it’s best to connect it to the cable modem or an existing network first. Note that some cable modems need to be rebooted when changing routers in front of it. The link sys setup lets you ‘clone’ a MAC address of another device if you cannot reboot the cable modem.
The first thing the setup does is to check for firmware updates.
Then lets you configure both WiFi bands under the same name or select different names for each (i.e. homeNetwork or homeNetwork-5G). My preference is to set up both with the same name. Most AC capable devices will pick up the 5G network first and downgrade to 2.4Ghz as necessary. Linksys setup defaults to different names.
There is no default admin password when using assisted setup (better security); so you’ll need to enter a new password for administering the router. If the assisted setup isn’t used; the default password is ‘admin’.
At the end of the setup; the router will guide you to crearte a link sys account. This account (optional) can be used to access the router remotely (unless is in Access Point mode; see below). This is optional; and it’s in addition to the local user. This is also used by the mobile apps (iOS / Android).
USB ports:
There is one USB 2.0 and one USB 3.0 ports that can be used to shared storage (but not for printing).
- Connect an external storage on USB ports and by default if’s open for windows shares with no password.
Network Security:
IPv4 and IPv6 SPI (Stageful Packet Inspection), IPv6 port filters, DMZ settings, IPv4 Port forwarding, triggers.
Security concerns:
- WPS is done through a button on the back of the router; or through its web interface; so you don’t need to walk to the router to pair a new device, if you have web access through another computer.
- Firmware updates are not automatic in manual setup; but automatic updated are enabled if assisted setup is selected (Smart Wi-Fi).
- Local management supports http and https but https is disabled by default. There is no way to load https certificates.
- The default WiFi mode is WPA/WPA2 Personal. I can’t find a good reason for having the old WPA mode enabled. WPA2 is mandatory in WiFi devices in the past 10 years or so.
Network:
Local network: Allows to define a netmask so there is no pre-set limit of how many DHCP reservations it can handle. By default is only 50 devices when using a /24 mask (255.255.255.0); but can be set up to 155 devices when using this mask. For some reason; it leaves IPs 1-100 reserved. This is way better than other basic routers that don’t allow much flexibility; however the DHCP parameters are not configurable; except for external DNS servers (like Google DNS, OpenDNS or DynDNS). Configurable DHCP parameters are useful in some home offices with IP phones that sometimes need extra help booting.
- Activity lights can be disabled; except for the power / status indicator; which is a bright white ‘Linksys” logo, and by far the brightest on the device.
Advanced Network setup:
Can toggle between NAT routing or RIP (but there is no way to disable RIP if NAT is not checked). It also supports static routes.
QoS settings: Only allows three entries; that can be either a device, a range or ports; or defined applications (like Vonage, certain games, etc). This would give certain applications priority when competing for broadband access. I think it could be more comprehensive without making it more difficult but it’s sufficient for the most basic home applications. It’s ny no means required.
Ethernet ports support VLAN tagging on ethernet WAN port and LAN ports 3 and 4; but it’s confusing on how it’s expected to work. There is nothing on the routing tab to define what to do with VLANs; so it looks like a hardcoded workaround for certain providers. Could not find a way to define different networks between VLANs nor any type of VLAN routing.
VoIP:
- It supports a SIP ALG. It’s either enabled or disabled. It’s disabled by default; which is probably good; since there is no documentation on what it does to SIP signaling, and no way of configuring ALG ports.
Parental controls:
- I was excited to test the advertised parental controls; but found them quite lacking:
- It allows time of day settings per device (MAC Address) which is good; within a weekly schedule; in a nice chart interface to select the time ranges.
- Then it allows a list of optional web sites to block; that’s it. It would be very easy for a teen to get around this very simplistic filter.
- If you’re interested in some form of parental controls with this router, your best option would be to set MAC based time restrictions (if each restricted user has their own device), and set up a DNS based filter like OpenDNS for the whole household.
Naming resolution:
DDN Support: Dyn.com and NO-IP.com
It supports bonjour but its name is hardcoded to ‘myrouter’. It does not match the UPnP / DLNA name; like any other service offered by the router.
If the router is changed to Access Point mode; the hardcoded mDNS (Bonjour) name becomes ‘Linksys’ instead of ‘my router’. This seems like a double oversight.
Network shares:
It supports sharing via SMB (Windows shares) with local user names; and the workgroup advertised is ‘WORKGROUP’; which cannot be changed. It supports FTP but not SFTP nor WebDAV. This limits how data can be accessed; and offers no encrypted access.
DLNA:
It offers a DLNA media server, on the drives configured for network sharing. The only options are which folders are accessible through DLNA and selections on scan intervals.
IoT:
There is a setting to enable ‘AllJoyn Notifications’; which is disabled by default. There is no documentation on the router. What it is; as simply as possible; it’s a standardized gateway for IoT devices (like WeMo lamps; etc); which provides additional interfaces and security ( https://allseenalliance.org ).
Access Point:
Changing the router into an Access Point mode is an interesting process. It almost feels like a whole different firmware is running when in this mode:
It’s done by changing the mode (Connection Type) on the WAN port; however; this setting is only available when logged in as the local admin user; it’s not possible to change it by using the Linksys account created during the initial setup; and there was no indication on the router’s interface about this.
Once it’s in access point mode; it’s not possible to use any other additional feature; like the network map nor the USB ports; and it’s not possible to log in with mobile apps or remote access.
Hardware:
Remains rather cool; with plenty of ventilation. It has three removable external antennas; so it’s possible to replace them with high gain antennas.
One gigabit WAN port and four gigabit WAN ports. One USB 3.0; one USB 2.0; power plug and a power switch!.
It consumes between 5 and 6 watts.
The power supply is a power brick type that is actually quite large (It takes what it amounts to four plugs on a power strip).
The power supply is rated 100-240V; so it should be good for use in any country; with a plug adapter.
WiFi Configuration:
Very flexible configuration options. Allows automatic channel selection on both radios; or manual. Automatic channel selection is a nice feature on some newer routers that selects the least congested channels for each radio. This is the default mode. It has Network mode controls (i.e. which wireless protocols are allowed, like in most routers of this type) and supports Radius for WPA2 Enterprise; has MAC filters, and scheduler with hours and days of the week.
As noted earlier; The security model enabled by default is WPA/WPA2 Personal. It would’ve been preferable to leave only WPA2 enabled by default.
Wi-Fi performance:
In my few days of using this product; Apple MBPs, iPhones, Amazon tablets, Surface Pro; etc all connected reliably. As a point of comparison, I’m also currently using older Apple routers (5th Gen ’N’) that are over three years old. I set up one Apple router next the Linksys, in a house that is two stories high plus basement; so set them on the basement; using different channels for 2.4 Ghz and 5 Ghz. Computers and tablets right above the router get about -20 dBm more with the Linksys than the older apple devices. Moving to the 2nd floor and on the opposite side of the house; the differences are not as pronounced. On 2.4 Ghz, the Linksys provides between -10 and -5 dBm more than the older devices. The newer radios in the Linksys should perform better when multiple devices are transmitting large amounts of data; yet I had no issues with either device with at least two Netflix streams and several other devices connected.
I didn’t test performance outside the house; but this unit should reasonably be able to serve a medium size house with usable signal reaching outside the house; so I could replace the two 802.11N units at each side of the house with this; centrally located.
Support:
Tried to contact Belkin, d/b/a Linksys by email and I was surprised to find out I couldn’t open a support case by web or email. There are community forums, live chat, twitter support ?? or phone support (90 days complimentary); but no way to send them a detailed explanation on my questions.
Phone support is nice; but email or web support would’ve facilitated more technical support exchanges that are simply not possible with current options.
My Best Buy number: 0784609086
What's great about it: Fast WiFi, very good WiFi range
What's not so great: Limited network setup options with minor quirks
I would recommend this to a friend!
User submitted photo
User submitted photo
+24points
30of 36voted this as helpful.
 
Designed for use with a variety of mobile devices, including action cameras, smartphones and tablets, this 32GB Samsung EVO+ MB-MC32DA/AM microSDXC memory card offers ample room for pictures, videos and music.
 
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Good for Android devices
on January 29, 2016
Posted by: emiliosic
from Wakefield, MA
Verified Purchase:Yes
Works fine with Amazon Fire; with applications stored on the card. This memory seems relatively fast and reliable so far. Good deal when on sale.
My Best Buy number: 0784609086
My Best Buy number: 0784609086
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
Pebble Time Smartwatch: Easily manage your busy life with help from this versatile smartwatch, which offers a variety of notifications at a glance and includes Pebble Health to keep track of your steps and sleep. Just connect with your Apple® iOS or Android device via the Bluetooth interface to get started.
 
Customer Rating
4 out of 5
4
Solid phone companion
on December 28, 2015
Posted by: emiliosic
from Wakefield, MA
Verified Purchase:Yes
This is my second Pebble. The 1st being the Kickstarter edition of their 1st watch.
Relatively long battery life (up to a week as per specs) and always-on screen are the distinctive features of this watch.
The body is plastic but the top is glass and metal. It's relatively thin for a smartwatch and does not feel bulky nor too cheap. The top metal band is a gunmetal color.
The screen of this watch displays a handful of colors (16 or so); and is visible during daytime.
There are hundreds of watch faces available and a handful of useful apps that run on the watch with assistance from the phone; like swam, yelp, uber, pandora controls. As for fitness it has a pedometer and works very well with Apple health. It has a microphone for replying to SMS and taking voice notes.
Integration of notifications and call alerts work very well on iOS; with different color codes based on the app that's generating the notification.
It also presents a timeline with calendar and weather.
It connect to the phone via Bluetooth and gets internet access through the phone (iOS or Android).
My Best Buy number: 0784609086
My Best Buy number: 0784609086
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
Let your child privately enjoy content on his or her LeapPad, LeapReader or LeapsterGS using these LeapFrog 31702 on-ear headphones, which feature 40mm drivers and padded ear cushions to ensure comfort and clear sound.
 
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Good for young kids
on October 2, 2015
Posted by: emiliosic
from Wakefield, MA
Verified Purchase:Yes
Bought this as a replacement for an older Leapfrog headphones. These are much larger than standard over the ear headphones; and do not fold; however they're light and seems to be much more solidly constructed. The headband is adjustable and fits comfortably for a 7 year old.
Sound is OK for a children's headphones. Volume seems comparatively lower than other headphones; but is adequate and would limit the volume which is a feature for kids products.
My Best Buy number: 0784609086
My Best Buy number: 0784609086
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
With 3D capability and 2 pairs of included 3D glasses, this Epson Powerlite Home Cinema 3500 LCD projector brings your favorite movies and other media to life. The built-in stereo speakers deliver lush, enveloping sound.Not sure what size projector or screen you need? Learn more.
 
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Improvement over previous generation
on December 10, 2014
Posted by: emiliosic
from Wakefield, MA
Verified Purchase:Yes
Compared to a previous gen model, like the 8350; this projector has fast start times and even faster cool times. Image quality is comparable; except for this has 3D capabilities; which I don't find that good in any TV or projector so far. It has a better signal processor with better blacks and better detail. The optical lens shift in my opinion seems less capable (flimsy) than the previous model but still a high point on this unit. This adds better controls like discrete on and off buttons (extremely useful when using an universal remote with macros), it adds keystone correction; which is useful in some cases but should be avoided at all costs (That's what lens shift is for); and finally has R & B alignment (V & H); whereas in previous models was factory set (sometimes less than optimal). It's slightly quieter than previous models as well.
It's bright enough to be used in daylight; with good black levels.
My Best Buy number: 0784609086
My Best Buy number: 0784609086
I would recommend this to a friend!
+3points
3of 3voted this as helpful.
 
Gain access to the AT&T or T-Mobile network on your GSM or CDMA device with this NET10 BYOP NTPBYOPUNSVNA activation kit that includes compatible dual-punch standard or micro SIM cards and nano SIM cards for wide-ranging use.
 
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Great service , very good pricing
on June 6, 2014
Posted by: emiliosic
from Wakefield, MA
Verified Purchase:Yes
Needed a temporary extra service for three weeks for relatives. Went with NET10 with an AT&T SIM; because I was also using AT&T on an iPhone 4S. Worked great between northern NH, Boston area and NYC. Good broadband speeds, no issues with voice calls nor with SMS. I was gladly surprised to be able to pick a SIM from all the four major carriers networks. The iPhone which was unlocked had no issues with the SIM; which also comes in every size.
As a nitpick, could not set up 'Visual Voicemail' but I really didn't care for VM.
Internet worked very well the whole time, did not seem slow for regular use (Mostly messaging and maps).
The price is reasonable even compared to a corporate discounted family plan from AT&T; and the service is comparable. Note that I did not try using LTE. The older iPhone 4S is 3G+.
The package has four SIM cards: two for each carrier AT&T, T, Sprint, VZ for every size: Standard and mini-micro. All pre-cut; No need to use scissors :)
Note: Also get a prepaid card otherwise this kit doesn't give you any extra minutes.
My Best Buy number: 0784609086
My Best Buy number: 0784609086
What's great about it: Works great, very easy with every SIM available
I would recommend this to a friend!
+9points
9of 9voted this as helpful.
 
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Fun for my 6 year old
on April 12, 2014
Posted by: emiliosic
from Wakefield, MA
Verified Purchase:Yes
Used the BD version and is well made as any recent Disney movie.
The movie is entertaining for young kids; with a good age appropriate plot; and most important; interesting references to some of the original Peter Pan characters.
The digital code is for DisneyMovieRewards + iTunes; which includes iTunes extras; or all the other common providers
My Best Buy number: 0784609086
My Best Buy number: 0784609086
What's great about it: Entertaining for kids
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
Customer Rating
5 out of 5
5
Classic 80s
on June 21, 2013
Posted by: emiliosic
from Wakefield, MA
Verified Purchase:Yes
Might not remember the movie; but this album (soundtrack) is one of the few that transcends its time.
The CD itself seems very much unchanged from its original. CD booklet contains lyrics
My Best Buy number: 0784609086
My Best Buy number: 0784609086
What's great about it: Required in any 80s library
What's not so great: Classic 80s
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
 
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emiliosic's Answers
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Simplify your everyday life with the Google Home, a voice-activated speaker powered by the Google Assistant. Use voice commands to enjoy music, get answers from Google and manage everyday tasks. Google Home is compatible with Android and iOS operating systems, and can control compatible smart devices such as Chromecast or Nest."
 

Can it work with Roku and streaming TV?

No, it only works with Chromecast devices
7 years, 7 months ago
by
emiliosic
 
Simplify your everyday life with the Google Home, a voice-activated speaker powered by the Google Assistant. Use voice commands to enjoy music, get answers from Google and manage everyday tasks. Google Home is compatible with Android and iOS operating systems, and can control compatible smart devices such as Chromecast or Nest."
 

I have a Sonos sound bar will the Google device be able to control this device?

No, at least not today
7 years, 7 months ago
by
emiliosic
 
Simplify your everyday life with the Google Home, a voice-activated speaker powered by the Google Assistant. Use voice commands to enjoy music, get answers from Google and manage everyday tasks. Google Home is compatible with Android and iOS operating systems, and can control compatible smart devices such as Chromecast or Nest."
 

Does this support Sonos? iTunes?

No and No. Only Google services, Pandora and Spotify for now.
7 years, 7 months ago
by
emiliosic
 
Simplify your everyday life with the Google Home, a voice-activated speaker powered by the Google Assistant. Use voice commands to enjoy music, get answers from Google and manage everyday tasks. Google Home is compatible with Android and iOS operating systems, and can control compatible smart devices such as Chromecast or Nest."
 

Do I need a phone to use this or can i use it with my computer

You need an Android or iOS (Apple) device. No PC support.
7 years, 7 months ago
by
emiliosic
 
Simplify your everyday life with the Google Home, a voice-activated speaker powered by the Google Assistant. Use voice commands to enjoy music, get answers from Google and manage everyday tasks. Google Home is compatible with Android and iOS operating systems, and can control compatible smart devices such as Chromecast or Nest."
 

Do you have to have 802.11ac wifi to use it?

No, it should work with older WiFi devices. Audio doesn't use much bandwidth so it should be OK, as long as it gets a good signal.
7 years, 7 months ago
by
emiliosic
 
Simplify your everyday life with the Google Home, a voice-activated speaker powered by the Google Assistant. Use voice commands to enjoy music, get answers from Google and manage everyday tasks. Google Home is compatible with Android and iOS operating systems, and can control compatible smart devices such as Chromecast or Nest."
 

Does this have an intercom feature with multiple devices in use?

No it cannot be used as an intercom
7 years, 7 months ago
by
emiliosic
 
Simplify your everyday life with the Google Home, a voice-activated speaker powered by the Google Assistant. Use voice commands to enjoy music, get answers from Google and manage everyday tasks. Google Home is compatible with Android and iOS operating systems, and can control compatible smart devices such as Chromecast or Nest."
 

Can it connect to Google Drive and study all Books/ Documents there when we instruct it ? so later Google Home can answer our question based on the document/ book content

No, it doesn't do your homework. There is no integration with Google Drive.
7 years, 7 months ago
by
emiliosic
 
Simplify your everyday life with the Google Home, a voice-activated speaker powered by the Google Assistant. Use voice commands to enjoy music, get answers from Google and manage everyday tasks. Google Home is compatible with Android and iOS operating systems, and can control compatible smart devices such as Chromecast or Nest."
 

Can you change the name instead of "Ok Google"?

Yes, it responds to 'Hey Google' also. Other than that, no
7 years, 7 months ago
by
emiliosic
 
Simplify your everyday life with the Google Home, a voice-activated speaker powered by the Google Assistant. Use voice commands to enjoy music, get answers from Google and manage everyday tasks. Google Home is compatible with Android and iOS operating systems, and can control compatible smart devices such as Chromecast or Nest."
 

Is it compatible with 240v as well?

The power brick that comes with it support 240v but it will need a socket adapter, and I couldn't tell you if google services would work in other countries.
7 years, 7 months ago
by
emiliosic
 
Simplify your everyday life with the Google Home, a voice-activated speaker powered by the Google Assistant. Use voice commands to enjoy music, get answers from Google and manage everyday tasks. Google Home is compatible with Android and iOS operating systems, and can control compatible smart devices such as Chromecast or Nest."
 

Can I play music from my network drive?

No, only from cloud services: Google, YouTube, Spotify, Pandora, or you can cast to it from a phone or table.
So you could use something like Plex through a phone or tablet to control it but other than that no.
7 years, 7 months ago
by
emiliosic