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Refurbished Linksys MX5503 Atlas Pro 6 AX5400 Wi-Fi 6 Dual-Band Mesh System (3-Pack)
$35
+ Free S/H w/ Amazon Primeat Woot!
Top Comments
AX5300 is a speed rating based on Wi-Fi 6 standard; if two different devices follow the same standard and have the same antenna setup (to oversimplify), then the AX number is exactly the same, even if devices have different ports and different chipset/CPU/RAM/ROM/GigE/USB/software/drivers, even if such changes mean that real-life performance would be different;
MX5300 device has 4-core CPU, 1024MB RAM, 5x GigE, 1x USB3;
MX5500 device has 2-core CPU; 512MB RAM, 4x GigE, 0x USB;
MX4300 (LN1301) had 4-core CPU; 2048MB RAM; 4x GigE, 1x USB3;
MX55EC3 is presumed to be a BestBuy SKU for 3x MX5500;
MX55EC3-RM2 is Linksys Certified Refurbished;
Community Reviews
This refurbished Linksys Atlas Pro 6 mesh kit is mainly valued as a cheap way to build or expand a Wi Fi 6 mesh, especially with wired backhaul. The hardware is described as solid for coverage and reliable operation, and the 4 by 4 4800 Mbps radio can still perform well when the nodes are split for mesh. It also appears compatible with older Velop gear and has OpenWRT or DD WRT interest for tinkerers. The main cautions are that setup can be fiddly, the app has frozen during provisioning, and the platform is older with no updates beyond 2021. A practical pick if you want inexpensive mesh hardware and do not mind extra setup work.
The system can perform well for mesh when nodes are wired with Ethernet backhaul.
The dual-band design can still support strong wireless backhaul behavior when using 4x4 4800 Mbps splitting.
OpenWrt flashing appears feasible on MX55EC3 hardware for experimentation and advanced configuration.
The MX5503 can deliver reliable coverage based on prior use of a similar Linksys commercial router.
The Atlas Pro 6 mesh experience can be hit-or-miss, which may make the setup feel like a headache.
The mobile app setup can freeze and repeatedly request node resets, requiring a workaround to proceed.
OpenWrt mesh throughput can fall well short of expected gigabit speeds without Ethernet backhaul.
Firmware update history can be a concern because the last update reportedly dates back to 2021.
Common Questions (5)
AI-generated summary based on comments from the community. Updated ago
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65 Comments
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The MX5500 spec listed is obvious but AX5300 is rather vague. I would get MX5500 if USB port is important to you and get AX5300 if you are willing to gamble.
For me USB isn't that important, I am willing to gamble, if it turn out to be MX5300 then great, and if it is MX5500 w/o USB then it doesn't hurt me either. I will end up flashing them w/ OpenWRT anyway.
Edited: scratched the above. I must have confuse with MX5300. They appear to be the same type, both w/o USB after woot update the spec on the other unit. It appear the other unit was BB exclusive.
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The MX5500 spec listed is obvious but AX5300 is rather vague. I would get MX5500 if USB port is important to you and get AX5300 if you are willing to gamble.
For me USB isn't that important, I am willing to gamble, if it turn out to be MX5300 then great, and if it is MX5500 w/o USB then it doesn't hurt me either. I will end up flashing them w/ OpenWRT anyway.
The MX5500 spec listed is obvious but AX5300 is rather vague. I would get MX5500 if USB port is important to you and get AX5300 if you are willing to gamble.
For me USB isn't that important, I am willing to gamble, if it turn out to be MX5300 then great, and if it is MX5500 w/o USB then it doesn't hurt me either. I will end up flashing them w/ OpenWRT anyway.
Edited: scratched the above. I must have confuse with MX5300. They appear to be the same type, both w/o USB after woot update the spec on the other unit. It appear the other unit was BB exclusive.
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Here's the first question in the Q&A section and the answer from Linksys
What is the difference between the MX55EC3 and MX5503?
They're the same, SamG. The MX55EC3 is just a BestBuy model number.
Has a good 4.2 review score from 331 reviewers. I ordered the AX5300 for the $5 lower price. While the $5 savings is fine, the AX5300 is listed as Factory Reconditioned vs the MX5503 which is listed as refurbished. For me, 'Factory Reconditioned' > Refurbished for $5 more!
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