Linksys EA-Series

How to get the most out of your dual- band router

I bought a dual band router, but I’m not sure that I’m getting the most out of it. What should I check? Of the many reasons for owning a dual-band router, the most common is to ensure available bandwidth for streaming high- definition video. At the same time, owners want to make sure that their video streams won’t be interrupted by other wireless network traffic. To get the most out of your dual-band router, you can:

•• Upgrade your wireless clients

•• Split your traffic

Upgrade your wireless clients

If you have network adapters that support only legacy wireless network standards such as 802.11b, you should consider upgrading them with Wireless-N (802.11n) network adapters. Wireless-B (802.11b) devices can slow your entire wireless network. For the best performance, all of your wireless devices should support Wireless-N. You can then select Wireless-N Only as your Network Mode below.

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If you select Wireless-N Only, you may need to temporarily change your network settings to Mixed to provide access to guests without Wireless-N networking.

Split your traffic

The best way to improve your multimedia wireless performance is to split your wireless traffic between your router’s two bands (ranges of radio frequencies). Your router supports the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band, and handles the two bands as two separate wireless networks to help manage the traffic.

The most common way to split wireless traffic is to use the 2.4 GHz band for basic Internet tasks such as web browsing, email, and downloads, and use the 5.0 GHz band for streaming multimedia. There are several reasons for this approach:

•• Although the 2.4 GHz band may be more crowded with wireless traffic from your neighbors, it’s fine for basic Internet traffic that is not time- sensitive (such as e-mail).

Setting Up: Advanced

•• Even though you are connected to your own wireless network, you are still sharing “air time” with nearby networks.

•• The 5 GHz band is much less crowded than the 2.4 GHz band, so it’s ideal for streaming multimedia.

•• The 5 GHz band has more available channels, so it is more likely that you will have your own, interference-free channel for your wireless network.

By default, your dual-band router uses the same network name on both the

2.4GHz band and the 5 GHz band. The easiest way to segment your traffic is to rename one of your wireless networks. With a separate, descriptive name, it will be easy to connect to the right network.

To reconfigure your wireless network:

1.Log into Cisco Connect Cloud. (See “How to configure your router” on page 14.

2.Under Router Settings, click Wireless. The Wireless page opens to the Wireless tab.

3.Click Edit next to the network band you want to modify. Change any of the settings below:

a.Enabled—Deselect this checkbox to disable the network band.

b.Network name (SSID)—You can provide a unique SSID for each band of your wireless network. The name must not exceed 32 characters.

c.Password—You can provide a unique password for each band of your wireless network.

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Linksys EA4500, EA6500, EA2700 manual How to get the most out of your dual- band router, To reconfigure your wireless network
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EA3500, Linksys EA6500, EA6500, EA4500, EA2700 specifications

The Linksys family of routers, including the EA2700, EA3500, EA4500, and EA6500, offers a range of features and technologies designed to enhance home networking. Each model in this series has unique characteristics that appeal to various types of users, from casual internet surfers to high-demand gamers and streamers.

The Linksys EA2700 is known for its affordability and solid performance for everyday tasks. It features dual-band Wi-Fi technology, allowing users to connect on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies, reducing interference and improving speed. With N600 wireless technology, it provides up to 300 Mbps on both bands, making it suitable for streaming and gaming. The EA2700 is equipped with four Fast Ethernet ports for wired connections, prioritizing a stable connection for devices like gaming consoles and smart TVs.

Moving up the range, the Linksys EA3500 enhances the user experience with its dual-band N750 speed, delivering faster wireless performance of up to 450 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and 300 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band. This model integrates advanced features such as USB 2.0 ports for easy media sharing across the network and Media Prioritization technology, which enables users to prioritize bandwidth for specific activities, ensuring a smooth online experience even during heavy usage.

The Linksys EA4500 is designed for power users, showcasing N900 wireless technology that provides up to 450 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and 450 Mbps on the 5 GHz band. This model includes features like Smart Wi-Fi, allowing users to manage their network remotely via smartphone apps. With four Gigabit Ethernet ports, it offers high-speed wired connections, making it ideal for large households with multiple connected devices.

Finally, the Linksys EA6500 combines performance with advanced features, providing users N750 wireless speeds along with two USB 3.0 ports for faster file sharing and printing capabilities. The Smart Wi-Fi feature allows for remote management, and the dual-band functionality ensures minimized interference and optimized performance across devices.

In summary, the Linksys EA series caters to a diverse range of networking needs, emphasizing speed, coverage, and advanced functionalities. Whether for casual browsing or intense gaming sessions, these routers offer reliable solutions for seamless home connectivity.
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