When Linksys launched its new Linksys E4200 series, I though that this E4200 series is the ultimate router products at least until end of 2011 replacing the previous E series (including E3000, E2000 and E1000). However, Linksys launched other new E series including E3200, E2500, E1500 and E1200. I think that these new E series are to replace the previous E series (E3000 and others). The Linksys E4200 is still its superior products with its N750 technology for fastest speed. And now I’m still waiting for its ultimate product like its competitor Netgear with its WNDR4500 N900 wireless router.

I wonder why Linksys still launched the new E series. If you examine more detail about the features, it looks like that these new E series have the same features as those previous E series. However, the new E series are more stylish and look elegant. Have a look at the new Linksys EA4500 with Connect Cloud.

The following table lists the features between the E3000 series and E3200 series.

High Speed

The Linksys E3200 is powered by the final version of 802.11n standards, but E3000 is still powered by the draft version of 802.11n. Basically there are not many differences between the draft and the ratified versions, except some additional options on the final version.

Both routers support simultaneous dual band technology. All types of wireless devices with mix bands (either 2.4GHz or 5GHz) can connect to the routers. Each band can deliver the high speeds of up to 300Mbps (ideal speed, in the real world you never reach these speeds). Dual band doubles your bandwidth demand to support the applications.

Larger Coverage

Both routers are powered by 6 internal antennas, 3 antennas each band with enhanced smart antenna technology for high speed and larger network coverage. With 3 antennas each band, the system delivers 3 spatial data stream for higher bandwidth.

Gigabit Interfaces

Both Linksys E3200 and E3000 include gigabit interfaces for either WAN (1xGigabit Ethernet) or LAN (4xGigabit Ethernet) ports. Brand new computers are now embedded with gigabit NIC adapters. With both ends router and computers use gigabit Ethernet adapters, you can get optimal data throughput.

The next generation DOCSIS 3.0 cable infrastructure support higher speed than DOCSIS 2.0 and some types of DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem supports gigabit Ethernet port for example Surfboard SB6120 DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem. For cable services with this modem, you can take advantage of connecting the Gigabit WAN port-base router to obtain optimal data throughput between the router and modem.

Shared Storage

Linksys E3200 and E3000 support one USB port to let host an external USB storage for sharing across the network either in home or over the internet.

The new Netgear WNDR4700 N900 includes a built-in storage disk upgradable up to 2TB (coming soon).

Guest Network

There are not many wireless routers support Guest network feature. Guest network allows you create separate network and password with limited access to your local network. You can provide internet access to the guest without granting access to your local network.

Both routers include Cisco Connect Software that provides you a step-by-step wizard for managing the network including security settings, parental control and guest network.

With the above features, it seems that Linksys E3200 will be the replacement for Linksys E3000. The price between the routers are almost the same, so should need to choose – the new design would be great. See more detail about the Linksys E3200 manufacturer specs.

A common networking diagram of the wireless router (Linksys E3200) can be shown in the above figure. If you have many home theater with Ethernet-based ready, you can consider connecting them using Buffalo WLI-TX4-Ag300N dual band adapter or Linksys WES610N

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