Linksys EA8500 Max-Stream AC2600 WiFi router: Pros and Cons
The Linksys EA8500 Max-Stream AC2600 (EA8500) router released in 2015. It is powered by Qualcomm Atheros IPQ8064 @ 1.4 GHz chipset, 512 MB of RAM and 128 MB of flash. The AC2600 router is compatible with IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac standards, and the maximum speed that you can get with EA8500 Max-Stream AC2600 is 800 + 1733 Mbps. The router has 1 x 10/100/1000 Mbps WAN and 4 x 10/100/1000 Mbps LAN ports.
Table of Contents
Our personal experiences and opinions form the basis of this article. We aimed to share insights on a topic, and we hoped others would find it useful and inspirational. The specs below rely on official manufacturer data, but we also consider user reviews. If you noticed any mistakes or missing details about the Linksys EA8500 Max-Stream AC2600, please let us know. Furthermore, we strive to deliver a thorough and precise overview.
The EA8500 Max-Stream AC2600 is a cheap router. It supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) for faster wireless speeds. The USB connectors on the router add versatility to your network. They enable file sharing, printer sharing, and other USB functions. Linksys is widely recognized as a reputable and established manufacturer of networking equipment.
Linksys EA8500 Max-Stream AC2600 specifications
| Brand | Linksys |
|---|---|
| Name | EA8500 Max-Stream AC2600 |
| Type | EA8500 |
| Rating | |
| Launch | 2015 |
Body
| Dimensions | 256.3 x 56.2 x 183.5 mm |
|---|---|
| Weight | 715 g |
If you have limited space, like in a small apartment or office, the dimensions can determine if it can fit there. The weight of a router can matter in some situations. But, it is usually not as crucial as other factors. These factors include features and compatibility.
System
| Chipset | Qualcomm Atheros IPQ8064 @ 1.4 GHz |
|---|---|
| RAM | 512 MB |
| Flash | 128 MB |
| OS | Linksys |
| Power supply | 12 V / 3.5 A |
The Qualcomm Atheros IPQ8064 @ 1.4 GHz CPU is key. It, along with factors like RAM and firmware, decides how well the router works. The amount of RAM in a router can affect its performance. It also affects its capacity to handle concurrent operations and traffic. The 128 MB flash memory in the router serves as the storage medium for the router's firmware. Upgrading router firmware has become simple and user-friendly. The Linksys provides the right power supply. It is 12 V / 3.5 A, this matches the router's voltage needs.
Network
| Protocols | IPv4 IPv6 |
|---|---|
| LAN ports | 4 x 10/100/1000 Mbps |
| WAN ports | 1 x 10/100/1000 Mbps |
| Mobile network | no |
| VPN support | no |
Like many modern routers, the EA8500 Max-Stream AC2600 supports many network standards too. Most networking equipment, like routers and switches, supports IPv4. The EA8500 Max-Stream AC2600 router is also compatible with IPv6. IPv6 has a much bigger address space. It also offers many enhancements and improvements over IPv4. This router has Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports. They provide data transfer speeds of up to 1000 Mbps (1 Gbps) over Ethernet connections. This router ensures that you can use fast internet from your ISP fully.
Wireless
| Antennas | 4 x 1 dBi (external) 1 x 4 dBi (internal) |
|---|---|
| 2.4 GHz | yes |
| 5 GHz | yes |
| 60 GHz | no |
| Standards | IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac |
| Class | AC2600 |
| Speed | 800 + 1733 Mbps |
| Transmit power | 28 dBm |
| Security | WEP WPA WPA2 WPS |
| Guest network | yes |
The 4 x 1 dBi (external), 1 x 4 dBi (internal) antennas allow sending and getting many data streams at once. This boosts overall throughput and improves Wi-Fi performance. The 2.4 GHz band is widely supported by many devices. This includes older ones that may not work with the 5 GHz band. This router operates on both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands. It lets you connect devices to the best band for their needs.
Wi-Fi 5 uses the 5 GHz band. It uses wider channels and advanced techniques to send data faster. Real-world EA8500 Max-Stream AC2600 router speeds are lower than its theoretical maximum speed. WEP was the first Wi-Fi security protocol. But it is now seen as weak and easy to hack. The introduction of WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2) improved upon WEP. It provides stronger security. WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) provides an easy method. It connects devices to a Wi-Fi network.
Connectivity
| USB ports | 1 x USB 2.0 1 x USB 3.0 |
|---|---|
| Print server | yes |
| File server | yes |
The USB 2 port has a maximum theoretical data transfer rate of 480 megabits per second (Mbps). The USB 3 ports provide a fast interface for external storage with data transfer rates of up to 4.8 Gbps. A USB print server adds print functionality. You can manage settings, watch queues, and control access from one place. The EA8500 Max-Stream AC2600 router lets you schedule backups. You can back up to the connected USB storage device.
Administration
| Default IP | 192.168.1.1 |
|---|---|
| Default username | admin |
| Default password | admin |
If you can't log in to your Linksys router's setup panel, try resetting it. A reset can help you troubleshoot. It is highly recommended to change the default password of your EA8500 Max-Stream AC2600 router. Do this after the initial setup.
Pros and Cons
Every router, including this Linksys one, has its good sides and not-so-good sides. Let's take a closer look at both to get a full understanding of what this router can do. We'll talk about what it does well and also where it could use some improvements. Just remember, this is just what I think, and you might see things differently.
Pros
- generous memory
- adequate flash
- IPv6 capable
- high-speed LAN port
- high-speed WAN port
- works on 5 GHz band
- decent Wi-Fi performance
- WPS friendly
- USB 2 compatible
- USB 3 compatible
- printserver functionality
- fileserver operation
Cons
- missing Wi-Fi 6 support
- incompatible with WPA3
Linksys EA8500 Max-Stream AC2600 photos
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