Linksys Introduces New 802.11ac Routers at CES 2013

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EA6700_top_reflection_jpg I’ve always been a big fan of Linksys over the years for making reliable routers for the home.  Even though the next iteration of WiFi, 802.11ac, is still being finalized, this isn’t stopping Linksys from introducing three new routers based on a draft of the new standard.  This is similar to how the previous generation, 802.11N was introduced so it’s no surprise to me that they’d want to get the jump on the new standard. EA6700_ports_reflection_jpg The top of the line Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Router AC 1750 HD Video Pro, EA6700 has the power user in mind.  It promises speeds up to 1300 Mbps when using the 5GHz band and 450 Mbps when using the 2.4 GHz band.  This is the one I am most interested in.  If you frequently copy data around your own home network over wireless the faster the connection the better. The mid range router is the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Router AC 1600 Video Enthusiast, EA6400 which offers up identical speeds to the AC 1750 when using the 5 GHz band with only 300 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band. The entry-level router is the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Router AC 1200 Advanced Multimedia, EA6300 which offers speeds up to 867 Mbps on the 5 GHz band with the 300 Mbps being the speed when using the 2.4 GHz band. All three routers include Gigabit Ethernet ports as well as USB 3.0 and 2.o ports for attaching other devices.  They also include optional apps for your phone as well as an optional Linksys Smart Wi-Fi account for configuring your router from almost anywhere.  Not really keen in the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi account or the apps but the routers all look like great routers. Linksys is also introducing the Linksys AC 580 USB Wi-Fi Adapter which will easily let you add the new standard to any computer you have that has a USB port.  That way you can take advantage of that new router. No word on pricing yet.

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About the Author

Joel McLaughlin
Joel is a consultant in the IT field and is located in Columbus, OH. While he loves Linux and tends to use it more than anything else, he will stoop to running closed source if it is the best tool for the job. His techno passions are Linux, Android, netbooks, GPS, podcasting and Amateur Radio.