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.

NOTE

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 Linksys Smart Wi-Fi. (See “How to connect to Linksys Smart Wi- Fi” on page 7.

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 EA6900 manual How to get the most out of your dual- band router, To reconfigure your wireless network
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EA6900 specifications

The Linksys EA6900 is a dual-band wireless router that stands out for its impressive performance and advanced features tailored to meet the demands of modern households. Designed to deliver reliable connectivity for multiple devices simultaneously, it supports the latest Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) technology, enabling faster speeds and improved coverage compared to older routers.

One of the main features of the EA6900 is its dual-band capability, which operates on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands. This allows users to connect to the less congested 5 GHz band for activities that require higher bandwidth, such as streaming HD video or online gaming, while still having the 2.4 GHz band available for basic activities like browsing and email.

The router provides a maximum throughput of up to 1900 Mbps, making it suitable for bandwidth-intensive applications. The beamforming technology further enhances the signal strength and reliability by focusing the wireless signal directly toward connected devices rather than broadcasting it in all directions. This results in better performance and coverage throughout the home, eliminating dead zones and improving connectivity in challenging locations.

The Linksys EA6900 also features four Gigabit Ethernet ports, allowing wired connections for devices such as gaming consoles, PCs, and smart TVs, which benefit from stable and high-speed connections. Additionally, it comes equipped with a USB 3.0 port for sharing files and media across the network, allowing users to connect external storage devices for easy access to data.

Another key characteristic of the EA6900 is its user-friendly interface, facilitated by the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi app. This application allows users to manage their network settings remotely, including monitoring connected devices, setting parental controls, and prioritizing bandwidth for specific applications or devices.

Security is a top priority for the Linksys EA6900, featuring WPA2 encryption and a built-in firewall to protect the network from unauthorized access and threats. The router also supports IPv6, ensuring compatibility with the latest internet protocols.

In summary, the Linksys EA6900 is a robust and versatile router that combines advanced technology with user-friendly features, making it an excellent choice for households with multiple devices requiring reliable connectivity. With its dual-band capability, impressive speed, and enhanced security measures, it provides users with the performance they need for today’s connected lifestyle.
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