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The Cisco Linksys EA4500 ($199.99) is the updated version of the Cisco Linksys E4200 . While the hardware inside hasn't changed, the EA4500's software has been updated and designed to work with Cisco's upcoming Cloud Connect router software as well as several apps being developed to extend the...

Features the EA series' excellent Cisco Connect setup software; Dual-band; Very good throughput at both bands; USB for connecting storage and printers

Expensive; Does not offer much performance advantage over similar and lower-priced dual-bands on the market

The improvement in performance is felt from every corner of my (two storey) house. Setting up the EA4500 is extremely easy. Any novice can do it by following steps in the Setup CD. I have only been using the EA4500 for about two weeks. So far, haven't discover any negative aspect of the product.

Running Cisco Connect Cloud firmware, the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Router EA4500 makes an excellent router for those who want a fast and advanced home network that's easily manageable from anywhere.

Cisco's Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Router EA4500 offers excellent performance; a nice set of features; and a completely new home networking experience with the Cisco Connect Cloud solution

The Linksys EA4500's 2.4Ghz band performance could use some improvement; and the router requires a live connection with Cisco for users to access and manage its features/settings

Linksys is the consumer arm of global networking giant Cisco so it has plenty of experience in delivering reliable, robust and well-performing networking equipment.

Parental controls; performance

Annoying setup process

Cloud Computing has long been touted as the service to revolutionise the way we use our devices. The likes of DropBox, iCloud, OnLive , Spotify, Google Docs and many more have set the process in motion, but few thought its next place of attack would be our home routers.

Excellent 802.11n performance & range; Game changing Cloud-based user interface; Simple setup; Slick mobile access & third party apps

Expensive; 802.11ac devices are hitting the market

Other than gradual speed advancements, there's rarely any radical re-imagining in the world of wireless routers. Despite more and more people relying on that blinking box in the corner, most routers remain tricky for inexperienced users to troubleshoot and maintain.

Other than gradual speed advancements, there's rarely any radical re-imagining in the world of wireless routers. Despite more and more people relying on that blinking box in the corner, most routers remain tricky for inexperienced users to troubleshoot and maintain.

We can see where Cisco was going with Connect Cloud, but it's definitely a first-revision product. The forced removal of settings to the cloud, the privacy debacle with its launch, the potential to have a slow and unresponsive server, a downed internet connection, the potential security risks during...

New Cisco Connect Cloud interface looks nice and controls well; Excellent 5GHz speeds; You can downgrade to the old; "classic" firmware

Router design prevents access by some Ethernet cables; Cisco Connect Cloud means that most features are only accessible if you're online; Wi-Fi-only set-up with Cisco Connect Cloud; Security risks introduced with Cisco Connect Cloud; such as storing Wi-Fi and router password on the desktop and

With its novel cloud-based configuration and app platform, Cisco's EA4500 is an interesting experiment, but the hardware itself fails to excite.

Simple setup; Compact and stylish design; Easy remote configuration from any browser; Third-party apps can add extra functionality; Good range; Guest network; Dual-radio; three-stream MIMO

Setup wizard assumes a wireless connection; Limited configuration options when no web connection; Single USB port; Lacklustre maximum throughput