Linksys EA8500

The Linksys EA8500 router is a high-performance router that can reach a maximum speed of 2. 53 Gbps, making it an excellent choice for demanding tasks such as streaming 4K video and online gaming. It has a maximum speed of 1733 Mbps on the 5 GHz band, which allows for smooth streaming and gaming experiences.

The router also supports MU-MIMO technology, which ensures that multiple devices can connect and stream simultaneously without any lag. The Linksys EA8500 router has excellent Wi-Fi coverage and stable Wi-Fi signals, making it suitable for use in large homes or office spaces.

It also has beamforming technology available for both 2. 4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, MU-MIMO technology available for the 5 GHz band, and QoS settings available, which allows you to prioritize certain types of network traffic over others. Overall, the Linksys EA8500 router is an excellent choice for those looking for a high-performance router that can handle demanding tasks.

The Linksys EA8500 router has a range that is not the longest tested, but it maintains largely acceptable Wi-Fi transfer speeds up until the usable edge of its coverage. It can still deliver good performance even with some obstacles in between the router and the device, but the exact ability to penetrate walls and obstacles will depend on the layout of the home or office.

In a typical suburban house, the router was able to stay online 160 feet away. The EA8500's range was among the farthest tested, up to 300 feet, but the closer the device is to the router, the better data rates it will get. The router was most impressive when used with multiple clients of different Wi-Fi tiers, including single-stream, dual-stream, and three-stream, at the same time.

The main selling point of the Linksys EA8500 is the Qualcomm MU/EFX 802. 11AC Wi-Fi chip, which supports MU-MIMO, allowing it to deliver better data rates to multiple connected clients at a time. Overall, the Linksys EA8500 is a good choice for those who need a router with a decent range and the ability to handle multiple clients efficiently.

The Linksys EA8500 router offers a range of features that make it a versatile and user-friendly option for home networking. Its Smart Wi-Fi software includes parental controls, allowing parents to block specific websites, set internet access schedules, and monitor internet activity.

The router also has Quality of Service (QoS) features, which prioritize and manage network traffic for optimal performance. It supports PPTP, L2TP, and IPSec VPN protocols, as well as VPN passthrough. The router has two USB ports, one of which is a USB 3.

0 port for fast external storage, and the other is a USB 2. 0/eSATA combo port for external storage or a printer. Notable features include MU-MIMO technology, four tall antennae for stronger Wi-Fi signals, and a user-friendly Smart Wi-Fi interface. Overall, the Linksys EA8500 router is a great option for families who need parental controls, VPN support, and network storage capabilities.

The Linksys EA8500 router offers a range of security features, including Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) and Network Address Translation (NAT) firewalls, as well as the ability to authenticate clients using WEP, WPA2, and mixed mode. However, it does not support the WPA3 security protocol.

The router also offers a guest network feature, which can help to improve security by separating guests from the main network. The security settings and options on the Linksys EA8500 router are user-friendly and easy to use, making it a good choice for home users who want to improve their network security without needing advanced technical knowledge.

However, it's important to note that no firewall can provide 100% protection against all types of cyber threats, so it's still important to practice good cybersecurity habits.

The Linksys EA8500 router is highly praised for its ease of use, with multiple sources in the database stating that the initial setup is relatively painless and the interface is user-friendly and organized. The mobile app and web interface are also highly intuitive and accessible, with the app offering some nice features that complement the router.

The web-based console offers a wealth of management options, including parental controls, guest networking, media prioritization, and external storage settings, as well as connectivity and security adjustments. Standout features include the ability to monitor traffic, set up parental controls, and access cloud storage.

Overall, the Linksys EA8500 router is an excellent choice for users who want a router that is easy to set up and use, while still offering a good balance of control and customization options.

The Linksys EA8500 router is highly compatible with most devices that have Wi-Fi connectivity, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, gaming consoles, and Smart TVs. It is also compatible with ADSL/cable/NBN/4G mobile broadband modems. There are no known compatibility issues with specific devices or brands, but it is important to ensure that your device's Wi-Fi adapter is compatible with the router's specifications to ensure optimal performance.

The router supports the previous generation of Wi-Fi technology, 802. 11ac, and is the first router to use MU-MIMO technology, which is designed to handle Wi-Fi bandwidth efficiently when interfacing with multiple clients. It is easy to set up and configure with various devices, including smartphones and laptops, and offers a number of features that can enhance compatibility with smart home devices and other IoT devices.

The router is compatible with Amazon Alexa, has four Gigabit Ethernet ports for connecting wired devices, and two USB ports for connecting external hard drives or other USB devices. Overall, the Linksys EA8500 is a feature-rich router that can help enhance compatibility with smart home and IoT devices.