Linksys Refurb EA6500 SMART Wi-Fi Dual-Band AC1750 Wireless Router Gigabit+2xUSB+DLNA $135 + Free Shipping

Wow...that's the lowest I've seen this router. Though an AC router which I don't think are worth the price at present, it may be worth checking out at this price. This is Cisco's alleged beefiest router through Linksys. +1

Yes, this is the top of the line by Linksys. I like it very much. Have the ac bridge connected to my vizio app tv and googletv box in the living room. Very fast HDX video streaming using Vudu test. This was my biggest issue, HDX video streaming and the combination of ac router + ac bridge to make fastest wi-fi connection works quite well. I even put HD movie on a USB flash drive that plugs into back of router. Shared it with the media server included in router firmware and stream to my googletv box with no buffering at all. All works well for HD video streaming. If movie fan, this is the way to go. Very happy with this solution. No more driving to blockbuster or Redbox.

I have a 1k square foot apartment, and several computers/laptops/mobile devices on my current wifi set up.

I don't do anything too technical -- just internet surfing, movie streaming from Hulu/Netflix, etc.

I am in the market for a router that will maximize my 25 down, 5 up internet connection.

Is this router too "high end" for a simple home network, or is it just right?

Thanks.

Just right and more.

This router has apps! Yes, apps.
You can configure and monitor the router with the free linksys smart wi-fi app. There are also apps to enhance the router's features.
Here is link on linksys site
http://store.linksys.com/linksys-...iewcat.htm

Quote from wakeair33 : Just right and more. This router has apps! Yes, apps. You can configure and monitor the router with the free linksys smart wi-fi app. There are also apps to enhance the router's features. Here is link on linksys site http://store.linksys.com/linksys-...iewcat.htm

Thanks for the feedback but I don't know if I would even use apps. I just want a very reliable internet connection that keeps strong signal no matter where I am at.

Should I spend the $135 to get that with this router, or could I find what I'm looking for in a router priced 3 times less (~$40)?

This router has strong antenna strength and latest wi-fi radios using AC on 5 GHz. If you have a device that uses the 5GHz radio (iphone 5, ipad2) then really worth it to get this dual-band router. $40 routers will have less radio wi-fi power and only 2.4 GHz radio. No dual-band.

I recommend you use unique SSID names for the two radios to help you see which one is best to connect to from your smartphone, notebook or tablet. Example. wifi24ghz and wifi5ghz

Then make sure you crank up the radio channels. Use the highest one for both, 2.4 GHz = 11 2.462 and 5 GHz = 165 5.825 These are settings under the wireless radio settings within the EA6500 web software portal...also known as firmware.

Quote from wakeair33 : This router has strong antenna strength and latest wi-fi radios using AC on 5 GHz. If you have a device that uses the 5GHz radio (iphone 5, ipad2) then really worth it to get this dual-band router. $40 routers will have less radio wi-fi power and only 2.4 GHz radio. No dual-band. I recommend you use unique SSID names for the two radios to help you see which one is best to connect to from your smartphone, notebook or tablet. Example. wifi24ghz and wifi5ghz Then make sure you crank up the radio channels. Use the highest one for both, 2.4 GHz = 11 2.462 and 5 GHz = 165 5.825 These are settings under the wireless radio settings within the EA6500 web software portal...also known as firmware.

Thanks for all of the fantastic information!

I have a Nexus 7 which does not support 5GHz radio.

I've seen $40 Wireless-N dual band routers linked here in the past. I don't think I'm ready to upgrade to AC/SMART/ technology just yet.

Here is link to a bunch of refurbished routers from linksys with many different prices and models.

http://store.linksys.com/products...iewcat.htmhttp://store.linksys.com/products...iewcat.htm

Looks like the ea3500 or ea2700 are in your price range.

Quote from DJsDA : Thanks for the feedback but I don't know if I would even use apps. I just want a very reliable internet connection that keeps strong signal no matter where I am at. Should I spend the $135 to get that with this router, or could I find what I'm looking for in a router priced 3 times less (~$40)?

You answered your question. If you just need good wifi coverage in your place with regular N signal get a decent box for $40/50 and be done. I have an E3000 w/ tomato, I believe the newer version is a E4200 or so, but there are ASUS and Netgear as well.

No need to spend so much money on a router. See attached image from my wireless connection.

Quote from DJsDA : I have a 1k square foot apartment, and several computers/laptops/mobile devices on my current wifi set up. I don't do anything too technical -- just internet surfing, movie streaming from Hulu/Netflix, etc. I am in the market for a router that will maximize my 25 down, 5 up internet connection. Is this router too "high end" for a simple home network, or is it just right? Thanks.

As others have mentioned, an N router should suffice. I have a two story house with a basement. My router (D-Link DIR-655) is in the basement and our office computers are on the second floor -- it hits them with no problem. No dropouts. Double-digit devices (printers, iPhones, desktop computers, laptop computer, bridges that power PS3s, receivers, etc.). Plenty of speed across all of them. I can stream HD video via wireless without a hitch.

Unless your devices have AC wireless capability (they don't), you're going to be limited to what they can handle (N at best, I'm guessing).

Great feedback, thank you! Just another reminder of how awesome this place is.

Repped.

ok kinda dumb question BUT what makes this router 3 times more expensive than the others? What exactly does it have that justify the cost over others?

Quote from kwaigonegin : ok kinda dumb question BUT what makes this router 3 times more expensive than the others? What exactly does it have that justify the cost over others?

It's the 802.11AC standard, cheaper ones at best are 802.11n.

http://lifehacker.com/5988340/wha...+fi-faster