The Missing Guide

While we really liked the Linksys' performance, features and hardware, we were disappointed in the setup process. The SRX is the first router we've ever reviewed that lacks a printed Quick Start-type guide, forcing you to insert the CD-based setup disc to see what to do. But the CD setup is only for Windows. So Mac and Linux users will have to find the PDF documentation file on the CD, open it and look for instructions on how to access the Web-based setup utility, something new users might not realize. There's no printed setup guide for the adapter card, either.

That said, setup on Windows is straightforward using the CD. It tooks just a couple minutes to confirm various parameters and get connected. Those who skip the CD-based utility and go straight to the Web setup should also find it easy to fill in the basic settings pages, although there is no Web-based Wizard as with many competing routers. A Web-based Wizard would have avoided the need for the CD and made things simpler for non-Windows users.

Each of the settings pages has very good context-sensitive help that explains what the various parameters do. Some of the wireless settings are pretty obscure, so it's good to have the definitions close to hand. If you have a g-only network, you can speed things up by not allowing b devices to connect.

More wireless settings can be found under the Advanced tab. For best performance in the absence of b devices, disable the "Protected" mode. To help beginners wade through all the various wireless settings, including security, we'd like to see Linksys provide Wizards for common scenarios, such as a home office with some regular g cards, but no b cards, a mixed b/g environment, etc.