Linksys EA6350 WiFi Router (AC1200) Review

Introduction

In today’s tech-driven world, a reliable and high-speed Wi-Fi connection is essential for seamless connectivity, whether you’re streaming HD content, gaming online, or simply checking emails. The Linksys EA6350 WiFi Router (AC1200) emerges as a compelling contender in this arena, offering exceptional performance at a surprisingly affordable price tag. This comprehensive review delves into the router’s features, performance, ease of use, and value proposition, providing invaluable insights for potential buyers seeking a top-notch Wi-Fi solution without breaking the bank.

Design and Performance of Linksys AC1200

As you can see in the image, the Linksys EA6350 has a minimalist, clean design that won’t stand out in your home. It has a smooth and rounded edges that make it look modern and stylish. The router is also very small and compact, so it can easily be tucked away on a shelf or behind a piece of furniture.

• On the back of the router, you’ll find four 1Gbps LAN ports for connecting wired devices, a single 1Gbps WAN port for connecting to your modem, a versatile USB 3.0 port for sharing files or printers with your network, a WPS button for quick and secure connections, a reset button for restoring the router to its factory settings, and a power on/off switch.

• Under the hood, the Linksys AC1200 delivers a combined speed of 1200 Mbps, divided into 300 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and 867 Mbps on the 5 GHz band. This dual-band technology ensures optimal performance for both legacy and newer Wi-Fi devices. The 2.4 GHz band is ideal for everyday tasks like browsing the web, checking emails, and streaming music, while the 5 GHz band excels at handling bandwidth-intensive activities like HD video streaming, online gaming, and large file transfers.

The process can be completed in minutes using the router’s web interface or the Linksys app. The web interface is intuitive and well-organized, making it easy to navigate and configure the router’s settings. The Linksys app provides a more user-friendly way to control the router, including the ability to monitor network traffic, set parental controls, and manage connected devices.

Linksys EA6350 WiFi Router Test Experience

For this test, I set up the Linksys EA6350 WiFi Router (AC1200) in an apartment , which is approximately 1,500 square feet and has several walls and obstacles. I then used my iPhone 12 to test the router’s performance in three different locations: the living room, the and the kitchen.

Kitchen

In the kitchen, I placed the router approximately 20 feet away. The average RSSI was -49 dBm, and the average download speed was 410 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and 85 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band. These results are consistent with the router’s advertised performance and indicate that the router can provide a strong and reliable signal in the central area of the home.

Bedroom

In the bedroom, the router was approximately 50 feet away from me. The average RSSI was -54 dBm, and the average download speed was 340 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and 55 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band. While this is slower than the download speed in the living room, it is still sufficient for most online activities.

Backyard

In the backyard, the router was approximately 100 feet away from my client. The average RSSI was -67 dBm, and the average download speed was 150 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and 35 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band. While this is the slowest speed of the three locations, it is still acceptable for basic web browsing and email.

Comparing Linksys EA6350 and TP-Link Archer A54

When it comes to budget-friendly routers, two popular options stand out: the Linksys EA6350 and TP-Link Archer A54. To determine which router offers the best value, we put these routers to the test, comparing their coverage, speed, and performance.

Linksys EA6350 Vs. TP-Link A54 Download Speed Comparison-5GHz band

Conclusion

After thorough testing and considering its coverage, speed, and performance, I can confidently give the Linksys EA6350 a score of 7 out of 10. While it offers commendable performance in terms of download speeds and dual-band connectivity, its signal strength could be better in larger homes or those with thick walls. Nevertheless, for the average household seeking a reliable and affordable Wi-Fi solution, this router delivers a satisfactory experience.