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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
4.5stars
( 37 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 USB4.537
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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
 
4.3

(based on 37 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (25)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (5)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (3)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (2)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (2)

86%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Easy to set up (29)
  • Fast (25)
  • Fast connection (21)
  • Reliable connection (18)
  • Secure connection (17)

Cons

  • Difficult to set up (4)

Best Uses

  • Home network (25)
  • Small networks (7)
  • Home (4)
  • Secure networks (4)
  • Small office (3)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • High bandwidth user (30), Low bandwidth user (3)
    • Primary use:
    • Personal (33), Business (4)
    • Computer Platform:
    • PC (30), Mac (5)

Most Helpful Positive Review

 

Great Router

I upgraded to this router from a Linksys WRT400N. At that time it was 5 years old. It would just randomly drop internet and got to the point where it was a 12 hour ...Read complete review

I upgraded to this router from a Linksys WRT400N. At that time it was 5 years old. It would just randomly drop internet and got to the point where it was a 12 hour interval occurrence. I called Linksys and even though the router was well out of warranty they confirmed that it was going bad and did offer if I wanted to go through them they would trade it in and give me a discount. I did not choose that option but for a company to offer it was well worth it I just did not want to wait.

I chose to go with this router for the options of the fast networking. I have the Extreme Service from Roadrunner and want all my devices to run at the fastest they can. Starting out that they are providing me with 50mbps speed to begin with the basic router would just not handle it.

I would highly recommend this router for gamers/business consumers. What I am running currently is the following:
1 - Gaming PC
1 - Xbox 360
1 - PS3
1 - Network Harddrive (ALL smartphones/computers back up to this device)
2 - Blu Ray (wireless)
2 - Smart (Wireless) TVs
4 - Laptops
5 - Smart Phones

With all that running continuously, I have never had one problem with the router. I have even purposefully streamed media content on the blurays, gaming devices, phones, computers and TVs and still have not had a single hiccup even with backing up to the network drive.

I also have to say the network usb options of storage/printer sharing can not be beat. I use them especially for my Brother AIO and it is great for quick backups to a USB device.

I have to say that I have always used Cisco/Linksys products and always will for the reliability and customer service they provide. They are the best in networking for a reason and anyone who ever has a problem I would highly recommend talking with their customer support because they will be more than willing to support you with any needs/problems you may have.

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 37 customers

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Displaying reviews 1-5

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6/14/2013
 
5.0

Reluctant buyer

By Eng

from New hope pa

About Me High bandwidth user

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

Pros

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

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Home network

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

    Difficulty connecting wireless printer via router to iPads. Google helped me out. Simply reset your iPad

    • Primary use:
    • Personal
    • Computer Platform:
    • Mac

    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)

    6/14/2013
     
    5.0

    So far so good! Had EA4500 stop working

    By Lovell Studios

    from Logan, UT

    About Me High bandwidth user

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

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

    Cons

    • Non Reliable Cloud Softwa

    Best Uses

    • Home network

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

    It's doing its job... I like the parental controls of being able to limit specific computers by time and websites - however the cloud software doubles and sometimes more the devices showing connected so this is unreliable. I thought it would have been fixed in the last firmware upgrade but no.

    • Primary use:
    • Business
    • Computer Platform:
    • Mac

    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)

    6/14/2013
     
    4.0

    Very Happy with this product

    By zamom

    from Little Rock, AR

    About Me Low bandwidth user

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Easy To Set Up
    • Fast
    • Fast Connection Speed

    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.

      • 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)

      6/7/2013

      (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

       
      5.0

      Great Router

      By Rob Service Technician

      from Albany, NY

      About Me High bandwidth user

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

      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:

        I upgraded to this router from a Linksys WRT400N. At that time it was 5 years old. It would just randomly drop internet and got to the point where it was a 12 hour interval occurrence. I called Linksys and even though the router was well out of warranty they confirmed that it was going bad and did offer if I wanted to go through them they would trade it in and give me a discount. I did not choose that option but for a company to offer it was well worth it I just did not want to wait.

        I chose to go with this router for the options of the fast networking. I have the Extreme Service from Roadrunner and want all my devices to run at the fastest they can. Starting out that they are providing me with 50mbps speed to begin with the basic router would just not handle it.

        I would highly recommend this router for gamers/business consumers. What I am running currently is the following:
        1 - Gaming PC
        1 - Xbox 360
        1 - PS3
        1 - Network Harddrive (ALL smartphones/computers back up to this device)
        2 - Blu Ray (wireless)
        2 - Smart (Wireless) TVs
        4 - Laptops
        5 - Smart Phones

        With all that running continuously, I have never had one problem with the router. I have even purposefully streamed media content on the blurays, gaming devices, phones, computers and TVs and still have not had a single hiccup even with backing up to the network drive.

        I also have to say the network usb options of storage/printer sharing can not be beat. I use them especially for my Brother AIO and it is great for quick backups to a USB device.

        I have to say that I have always used Cisco/Linksys products and always will for the reliability and customer service they provide. They are the best in networking for a reason and anyone who ever has a problem I would highly recommend talking with their customer support because they will be more than willing to support you with any needs/problems you may have.

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

        Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

        (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

        Was this review helpful? Yes / No

         - You may also flag this review

        Comment on this review(earn points)

        6/7/2013
         
        5.0

        Good Product

        By Jeri

        from Kissimmee, FL

        About Me High bandwidth user

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

        Pros

        • Reliable connection

        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:

        I always buy the better product to last longer.

        • 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)

        Displaying reviews 1-5

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        Do you have questions about this product?(earn points for answers!)

        get answers from real customers and in-house experts with AnswerBox.

        1 Question | 1 Answer
        Displaying question 1

        • Q:

          The range of this router in meters are?
          Asked on 6/7/2013 by Regent

          1 answer

          • CUSTOMER CARE

            A:

            The range of the Linksys is not given in meters because many things may affect the range, such as; network conditions and environmental factors, including volume of network traffic, building materials and construction.

            Answered on 6/11/2013 by Linda from Staples
        Displaying question 1

        Do you have a question about this product?