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Linksys (EA6500) Smart Wi-Fi Dual-Band AC Router with Gigabit and 2x USB
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Linksys (EA6500) Smart Wi-Fi Dual-Band AC Router with Gigabit and 2x USB

Item: 985656    Model: EA6500-NP

Linksys (EA6500) Smart Wi-Fi Dual-Band AC Router with Gigabit and 2x USB
4.0stars
( 22 reviews)
  • Up to 1750 (450N + 1300AC) / Draft 802.11ac - compatible with a/b/g/n compatible / 2.4 GHz + 5.0 GHz frequency band
  • Advanced WPA2 encryption and integrated firewall. security / 4 x 10/100/1000 LAN ports / 2 x USB
  • App enabled for iOS and Android devices to manage your home network
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Up to 1750 (450N + 1300AC) / Draft 802.11ac - compatible with a/b/g/n compatible / 2.4 GHz + 5.0 GHz frequency bandAdvanced WPA2 encryption and integrated firewall. security / 4 x 10/100/1000 LAN ports / 2 x USBApp enabled for iOS and Android devices to manage your home networkEachUp to 1750 (450N + 1300AC) / Draft 802.11ac - compatible with a/b/g/n compatible / 2.4 GHz + 5.0 GHz frequency bandAdvanced WPA2 encryption and integrated firewall. security / 4 x 10/100/1000 LAN ports / 2 x USBApp enabled for iOS and Android devices to manage your home networkLinksys (EA6500) Smart Wi-Fi Dual-Band AC Router with Gigabit and 2x USBhttp://s7d5.scene7.com/is/image/Staples/s0512021_sc7?$std$http://s7d5.scene7.com/is/image/Staples/s0512022_sc7?$std$http://s7d5.scene7.com/is/image/Staples/s0512021_sc7?$thb$http://s7d5.scene7.com/is/image/Staples/s0512022_sc7?$thb$http://s7d5.scene7.com/is/image/Staples/s0512021http://s7d5.scene7.com/is/image/Staples/s0512022http://s7d5.scene7.com/is/image/Staples/s0512023_sc7?$std$http://s7d5.scene7.com/is/image/Staples/s0512023_sc7?$thb$http://s7d5.scene7.com/is/image/Staples/s0512023/Linksys-EA6500-Smart-Wi-Fi-Dual-Band-AC-Router-with-Gigabit-and/product_985656Linksys (EA6500) Smart Wi-Fi Dual-Band AC Router with Gigabit and 2x USB4.022
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$199.99
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Product Details

Linksys Smart Router - Join the next generation of smart wireless with lighting speed AC technology and high power amplifiers

The Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Router with AC wireless technology gives you the next generation Wi-Fi technology combined with access to mobile apps that provide visibility and easy control of your home network. Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Router with AC wireless technology is designed for the fastest HD video and media streaming along with access to mobile apps that keep you connected to your home network from anywhere.

  • Up to 1750 (450N + 1300AC) / Draft 802.11ac - compatible with a/b/g/n compatible / 2.4 GHz + 5.0 GHz frequency band
  • Advanced WPA2 encryption and integrated firewall. security / 4 x 10/100/1000 LAN ports / 2 x USB
  • App enabled for iOS and Android devices to manage your home network
  • Ultimate speeds of up to 450N + 1300AC Mbps
  • 2 USB ports to simultaneously share printers and storage
  • Four 10/100/1000 gigabit ethernet ports for fast wired connections
  • SimpleTap™ Technology to add Wi-Fi and NFC-enabled devices to your network
  • Simultaneous dual-band to maximize throughput
  • Access and optimize your home network from anywhere through a mobile app or browser
  • Latest Draft 802.11ac wireless technology
  • 3D antenna array allows for wall mounted or table top display
  • SpeedBoost™ Technology for increased signal strength
  • WPA2 Encryption and SPI Firewall
  • DLNA Certified™ media server
  • Dimensions: 10.08"L x 7.25"H x 1.58"D, 1.10 lbs.
  • 1-year limited warranty


The Linksys Smart dual-band AC router combines WiFi technology with mobile apps that allow you to view and control your home network remotely. It uses dual-band technology to maximize your throughput and increase your Internet speed so that you can toggle between web pages, stream multimedia and HD video, and play video games over the Internet at lightning-fast speeds. In addition, the versatile component can be mounted to your wall or displayed on a table.

Increased Signal Strength
Connecting the Linksys Smart Router to your wireless modem boosts your Internet's signal strength to maximize the performance of your computer and other connected devices. Using the wireless router to increase your signal strength allows you to get speeds of up to 450N + 1300AC megabytes per second.

Ports for Wired Connections
The Linksys Smart Router features two USB ports so that you can simultaneously share storage and printers over your home network. It also features four 10/100/1000 gigabit Ethernet ports that allow you to connect multiple Ethernet-enabled devices to your network.

Added Security
You don't have to worry about people outside of your home using your Internet connection when you use the Linksys Smart Router. The router uses advanced WPA2 encryption and a SPI firewall to maximize your security.

Enabled for Access to Apps
The Linksys Smart Router is app-enabled. This allows you to use mobile apps from your smart phone or tablet to monitor and makes changes to your network while you aren't home. The device works with Android and iOS apps. You can also log into your network from any Internet browser.


What's In The Box?

  • Linksys EA6500 Dual-Band AC Router with Gigabit and 2xUSB
  • CD-ROM with Setup Software and Resources
  • Ethernet Cable
  • Power Adapter
  • SimpleTap Card

Technical Specifications:

  • Model: Linksys EA6500
  • Technology: Wireless-AC
  • Bands: Simultaneous 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz
  • Transmit/Receive: 3 x 3 for 2.4 GHz, 3 x 3 for 5 GHz
  • Antennas: 6 Internal
  • OS Compatibility: Windows, Mac
  • Software Setup: CD Install
  • Ethernet Ports x Speed: 4 x Gigabit
  • Cisco Connect Software: Yes, App Enabled
  • USB Port: Yes, Shared Storage, Virtual USB and Media Server

Minimum System Requirements:

  • PC: Wi-Fi enabled PC with CD or DVD drive, running Windows XP SP3, Windows Vista SP1 or later, or Windows 7
  • Mac: Wi-Fi enabled Mac with CD or DVD drive, running OS X Leopard 10.5.8 or later, Snow Leopard 10.6.1 or later, or Lion 10.7 or later
  • Web Browser: Internet Explorer 8, Safari 5, or Firefox 8 or Chrome
  • HD/3D Video Streaming: Requires a minimum of 100 Mbps transfer speed, actual performance may vary

Compare with similar items

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Linksys (EA6500) Smart Wi-Fi Dual-Band AC Router with Gigabit and 2x USB
 
4.1

(based on 22 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (14)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (3)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (1)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (2)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (2)

76%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Easy to set up (16)
  • Fast (13)
  • Fast connection (11)
  • Reliable connection (8)
  • Secure connection (8)

Cons

  • Difficult to set up (3)

Best Uses

  • Home network (11)
  • Home (4)
  • Secure networks (4)
  • Small networks (4)
  • Small office (3)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • High bandwidth user (18)
    • Primary use:
    • Personal (21)
    • Computer Platform:
    • PC (17), Mac (3)

Most Helpful Positive Review

 

FAST wireless access

Bought this router/wireless access point to replace older model that could not keep up with the demand. We have 8- 10 wireless plus a few wireless devices. This one is fast. It ...Read complete review

Bought this router/wireless access point to replace older model that could not keep up with the demand. We have 8- 10 wireless plus a few wireless devices. This one is fast. It supports both the 2.4GHz and the 5 GHz 802.11 standards as well as the new draft AC standard. I am getting sustained 400 - 450 Mbits when upstairs near the router and 250 Mbits when downstairs over the wireless to my Macbook Pro. Also have PC laptop, iMac 3 ipads, and acouple of iPod touches and smartphones in the house, most online in the evening. So far I am pleased.

Parental controls are limited to just hours and blacklisting certain sites. Supports some mobile apps you can download. It gets it wrong in the devices table sometimes on wired vs wireless devices. I have had to reboot it once to get it to talk to my Macbook Pro once. It just quit talking, and a reboot of the router solved it.

Overall I am impressed. This is a highly rated device by tech magazines. It does the job, looks nice and speeds are fast.

VS

Most Helpful Negative Review

 

When it works it's great.

The Good: It's fast, the user interface (once you get it working) is slick, and it comes packed with options.

The Bad: My biggest complaint, and why the unit wa...Read complete review

The Good: It's fast, the user interface (once you get it working) is slick, and it comes packed with options.

The Bad: My biggest complaint, and why the unit was returned for and ASUS unit, is that every night it would drop the wifi network. The hard connection remained, but the wifi network would stay down until I power cycled the unit. I dealt with tech support three times over this issue, there solution was to change random settings each time. Eventually they tried to cast blame on a microwave or cordless phone, but none of those are within 40 feet of the unit (we don't even have a cordless phone), and weren't running during the outage.

It's my belief that the firmware is causing the problem because the unit is running the old firmware and will not update to the latest version. I went over this with tech support each time, but they skirted the issue, opting to change settings again. It's my belief that the only way to update it is through a command line process that the average customer won't be able to do (myself included) and they know this.

The unit comes with no physical instructions like most units do. A simple sheet of paper with a quick start guide would have saved at least one online tech support chat. The most confusing thing for me was that between this router and my last Cisco router they've done away with a software based UI for a web based solution. A simple piece of paper outlining that would have saved more than they paid in tech support than they saved by not printing the paper.

My frustration with this unit led me to look up articles on routers and I found that the comparable ASUS router is much faster. I've had it hooked up for three days now with no sign of the dropped network issue that the Linksys was plagued with leading me to conclude that the problem was not environmental as Linksys tech support wanted me to believe, but instead was caused by the router itself. It was as if they just wanted me to get comfortable with the idea of needing to power cycle the unit every morning when I got up, as if that was a good solution for a router this expensive.

I've been a loyal Linksys customer for years, but it looks like Cisco rushed this to market a little too soon, the result of which was the loss of my trust in them as a customer.

Reviewed by 22 customers

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Displaying reviews 1-5

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5/16/2013
 
5.0

Faster!

By Jim

from Naples, FL

About Me High bandwidth user

Verified Buyer
This customer has reached Intern level on the Staples.com Leaderboard

Pros

  • Easy To Set Up

Cons

  • None

Best Uses

  • Home network

Comments about Linksys (EA6500) Smart Wi-Fi Dual-Band AC Router with Gigabit and 2x USB:

The extra money is worth it for the speed & simple set up!

  • Primary use:
  • Personal
  • Computer Platform:
  • PC

Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Was this review helpful? Yes / No

 - You may also flag this review

Comment on this review(earn points)

5/16/2013
 
2.0

Don't buy this router!

By dickanders

from East Wenatchee, WA

About Me High bandwidth user

Verified Buyer

Pros

    Cons

    • Difficult To Set Up

    Best Uses

    • Home network

    Comments about Linksys (EA6500) Smart Wi-Fi Dual-Band AC Router with Gigabit and 2x USB:

    The first one I took home had to be returned as inoperable. The second one needed three and a half hours of tech support from Cisco before we could get it to work. I have finally, after two weeks got all my wireless units connected and operating properly. Two laptops, two printers, and two Roku. All working fine now, but what a hassle. I bought the $20 tech support for when it goes bad.

    • Primary use:
    • Personal
    • Computer Platform:
    • PC

    Bottom Line No, I would not recommend this to a friend

    Was this review helpful? Yes / No

     - You may also flag this review

    Comment on this review(earn points)

    5/12/2013
     
    3.0

    not an easy installation

    By JD

    from Kissimmme FL

    About Me High bandwidth user

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Home network

        Comments about Linksys (EA6500) Smart Wi-Fi Dual-Band AC Router with Gigabit and 2x USB:

        It was not easy to install. I had to call Bright House to send a technician to install. It cuts out more than the previous Router

        • Primary use:
        • Personal
        • Computer Platform:
        • PC

        Bottom Line No, I would not recommend this to a friend

        Was this review helpful? Yes / No

         - You may also flag this review

        Comment on this review(earn points)

        5/10/2013
         
        5.0

        I would purchase another one like this

        By AAFMPS

        from Port Richey, FL

        About Me High bandwidth user

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Easy To Set Up
        • Fast
        • Fast Connection Speed
        • Reliable connection
        • Secure Connection

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Home network

          Comments about Linksys (EA6500) Smart Wi-Fi Dual-Band AC Router with Gigabit and 2x USB:

          very easy to set up. fast speed and no drop outs

          • Primary use:
          • Personal
          • Computer Platform:
          • PC

          Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

          Was this review helpful? Yes / No

           - You may also flag this review

          Comment on this review(earn points)

          5/6/2013
           
          2.0

          When it works it's great.

          By DN

          from Turlock, CA

          About Me High bandwidth user

          This customer has reached Intern level on the Staples.com Leaderboard

          Pros

          • Fast Connection Speed

          Cons

          • Difficult To Set Up
          • Unreliable connection

          Best Uses

          • Paper weight

          Comments about Linksys (EA6500) Smart Wi-Fi Dual-Band AC Router with Gigabit and 2x USB:

          The Good: It's fast, the user interface (once you get it working) is slick, and it comes packed with options.

          The Bad: My biggest complaint, and why the unit was returned for and ASUS unit, is that every night it would drop the wifi network. The hard connection remained, but the wifi network would stay down until I power cycled the unit. I dealt with tech support three times over this issue, there solution was to change random settings each time. Eventually they tried to cast blame on a microwave or cordless phone, but none of those are within 40 feet of the unit (we don't even have a cordless phone), and weren't running during the outage.

          It's my belief that the firmware is causing the problem because the unit is running the old firmware and will not update to the latest version. I went over this with tech support each time, but they skirted the issue, opting to change settings again. It's my belief that the only way to update it is through a command line process that the average customer won't be able to do (myself included) and they know this.

          The unit comes with no physical instructions like most units do. A simple sheet of paper with a quick start guide would have saved at least one online tech support chat. The most confusing thing for me was that between this router and my last Cisco router they've done away with a software based UI for a web based solution. A simple piece of paper outlining that would have saved more than they paid in tech support than they saved by not printing the paper.

          My frustration with this unit led me to look up articles on routers and I found that the comparable ASUS router is much faster. I've had it hooked up for three days now with no sign of the dropped network issue that the Linksys was plagued with leading me to conclude that the problem was not environmental as Linksys tech support wanted me to believe, but instead was caused by the router itself. It was as if they just wanted me to get comfortable with the idea of needing to power cycle the unit every morning when I got up, as if that was a good solution for a router this expensive.

          I've been a loyal Linksys customer for years, but it looks like Cisco rushed this to market a little too soon, the result of which was the loss of my trust in them as a customer.

          • Primary use:
          • Personal
          • Computer Platform:
          • PC

          Bottom Line No, I would not recommend this to a friend

          Was this review helpful? Yes / No

           - You may also flag this review

          Comment on this review(earn points)

          Displaying reviews 1-5

          Back to top

          Previous | Next »