Cisco's Linksys WAG200G: Great DSL Wi-fi router!. Review on Cisco Modems

The Linksys WAG200G Wi-fi router is a breeze to set up! I purchased it from SP Road in Bangalore, and it was up within five minutes of unpacking!

I have an Airtel DSL broadband connection. I was initially unsure of whether to buy this or to go with the Airtel supplied Beetel 450BXI Wi-fi router, since the latter is cheaper and the Airtel guys would set it up and even help with troubleshooting. Here I would be on my own(I had never configured a Wi-fi router before). But I'm happy to say I never had a chance to rue my decision of buying the WAG200G.

The setup process is so simple that even a school-going child can configure it. The manufacturer Linksys provides a setup CD. You must connect one of the Ethernet ports on the Wi-fi router to your laptop/PC's Ethernet port and then insert the CD in your laptop/PC to start the setup.

It just asks you to enter the service provider details(Airtel, Tata Indicom, BSNL, etc. are all supported). Based on your input, it configures the specific DSL settings for that service provider. It then asks you your broadband username and password. Once you enter it, you're done! It totally takes about five minutes!

Some of the salient features of WAG200G are:

• Great signal reach(best in the industry), so you can work from anywhere in your house

• Faster downloads

• Built-in ADSL 2+ modem, which means you don't need to have your service provider's modem alongside the router, which reduces clutter

• Great security features. WEP, WPA, WPA2, etc. encryptions are all supported. Besides, you can disable logins to the router management menu via Wi-fi and also allow only specific MAC addresses to access the router(so no outside person can use your net connection or change your modem settings). You can even "hide" your Wi-fi network from everyone else by disabling SSID broadcasts.

• So easy to set up that it's literally child's play! The Wi-fi router will be up and running in no time!

• Great technical support of Linksys(a division of Cisco).

• Four Ethernet ports in addition to Wi-fi, so you can connect both PCs and laptops simultaneously.

• Sleek and beautiful looks!

Last but not the least, it is slightly costlier as compared to similar Wi-firouters from other well-known companies like Netgear, Belkin, etc., but you get the best possible performance, security and technical support which makes it well worth the extra money!