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1331 Review
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Review on πŸ” Cisco-Linksys BEFSR41 EtherFast Cable/DSL Router: Enhanced Connectivity with 4-Port 10/100 Switch by Trey Michaels

Revainrating 2 out of 5

Excellent features, pathetic documentation, non-existent svc

I've been using the router for more than a month, I've managed to get comfortable with it, it's manual and there are enough service people to comment make or two per unit. First let me say that for the price you can't touch it. Whatever its flaws (and it certainly is), there's nothing for [money] that does what it *could* do or does the same thing. If you just need to share a DSL or cable modem connection between multiple computers, this is the only game in town at this price point. this must be configured differently. you can write me about it) can be fixed. Be sure to visit the Linksys home page and download firmware V1.33 or higher, it will make your work much easier. The documentation is so far below standard for the device it "describes" that I could write a book on the lack of information. . According to the main characteristics, it should be three times larger in depth. I don't think Linksys has researched this market well enough to understand that most buyers of this device are networking hobbyists and not information systems specialists. A little "why and why" explanation would go a long way. And no, and I mean that's exactly what "NO" is written to support advanced features. Not in the manual, not in the oddly titled "Customer Service" line. It's ridiculous, it's these features that make this device flexible enough to actually use. This is possibly the worst guide I've ever seen on a device that was obviously intended to be a powerful tool for the masses. Email or phone support was pathetic, with one enthusiastic exception. Nicholas Mack from Linksys Sales not only helped me but continued to be involved until we both figured out how to get the router to do whatever I needed. He sent me tips, firmware updates, and we repeatedly emailed and found solutions to problems. In return, I reported that I performed every step on my machine for them to share with others. Without Nikolai's intervention I would have sent the router back long ago. Linksys should give this boy a BIG raise. He is the reason why I recommend this device today. So, here is the bottom line. The device can go beyond its price range, nothing in this price range can do what it can. The guide will help you when the most basic setup is fine and you already have an idea of how to work on your machine. Otherwise, take whoever does. Also, the guide is good for aligning short legs on the kitchen table, that's all. Support only answers direct questions about the device (after you receive it over the phone) and will not help you with software (including the Microsoft networking software that it works with). So if it's not "where do I plug this cable in?", you'll probably get frustrated and resort to the return line. If you're lucky, you might get one of the few Linksys employees who not only knows how it works, but is happy to tell you about it. In short, this is the most amazingly functional, fully unsupported device I've ever seen. As a PS my install wizard CD was not packaged with the unit and a short Cat 5 cable would have been a very welcome addition to the package.

Pros
  • Quick replacement
Cons
  • Style 90