Linksys Hydra 6 router review
Linksys introduced the Hydra 6 router in 2022. It is powered by Qualcomm Immersive Home 214 @ 1 GHz chipset, 512 MB of RAM, and 256 MB of flash memory.
Curious to know if the Hydra 6 is top-notch? Keep reading to find out!
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 Hydra 6, please let us know. Furthermore, we strive to deliver a thorough and precise overview.
The Hydra 6 is a popular router. It offers great networking. This is thanks to its advanced features and cutting-edge technology. The USB connectors on the router add versatility to your network. They enable file sharing, printer sharing, and other USB functions. Linksys provides affordable networking solutions. They are accessible to many users.
Linksys Hydra 6 specifications
| Brand | Linksys |
|---|---|
| Name | Hydra 6 |
| Type | MR20EC |
| Rating | |
| Launch | 2022 |
Body
| Dimensions | 215 x 155 x 56 mm |
|---|---|
| Weight | 687 g |
If you have limited space, like in a small apartment or office, the dimensions can determine if it can fit there. If you plan to mount your router on a wall or ceiling, the weight can affect the mounting process. It also affects the type of mounting hardware needed.
System
| Chipset | Qualcomm Immersive Home 214 @ 1 GHz |
|---|---|
| RAM | 512 MB |
| Flash | 256 MB |
| OS | Linksys |
| Power supply | 12 V / 1.5 A |
The Qualcomm Immersive Home 214 @ 1 GHz CPU is key. It, along with factors like RAM and firmware, decides how well the router works. The 512 MB of RAM enables the router to handle multiple tasks and processes concurrently. Flash memory retains its data even when the router is off. This allows the router to keep its firmware and settings across reboots. Upgrading router firmware has become simple and user-friendly. The Linksys provides the right power supply. It is 12 V / 1.5 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 Linksys Hydra 6 supports many features and tech. They improve your network's connectivity and security. Most networking equipment, like routers and switches, supports IPv4. The Hydra 6 router is also compatible with IPv6. IPv6 has a much bigger address space. It also offers many enhancements and improvements over IPv4. Gigabit Ethernet ports support data transfer rates of up to 1 gigabit per second (Gbps). A Gigabit WAN port is helpful. It is useful when your internet plan supports high speeds.
Wireless
| Antennas | 2 x 5 dBi fixed |
|---|---|
| 2.4 GHz | yes |
| 5 GHz | yes |
| 6 GHz | no |
| 60 GHz | no |
| Standards | IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax |
| Class | AX3000 |
| Speed | 574 + 2402 Mbps |
| Transmit power | 28 dBm |
| Security | WEP WPA WPA2 WPA3 WPS |
| Guest network | yes |
The 2 x 5 dBi, fixed antennas allow sending and getting many data streams at once. This boosts overall throughput and improves Wi-Fi performance. This router is 2.4 GHz capable. The 2.4GHz band refers to the portion of the radio spectrum between 2.400 and 2.4835 gigahertz. To optimize your Wi-Fi experience, it's often recommended to use a combination of both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. The Hydra 6 AX router typically offers improved range and coverage.
The top speed, 574 + 2402 Mbps, is the highest data rate the router can reach. It's the theoretical limit in perfect conditions. 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. The WPA3 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 3) is the latest Wi-Fi security protocol. WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) provides an easy method. It connects devices to a Wi-Fi network.
Connectivity
| USB ports | 1 x USB 3.0 |
|---|---|
| Print server | yes |
| File server | yes |
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 Hydra 6 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 |
Changing the password often is a good security practice. It protects your network and devices from unauthorized access. Changing the default password improves your router's security. It reduces the risk of unauthorized individuals controlling your network.
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
- plentiful flash
- IPv6 capable
- high-speed LAN port
- high-speed WAN port
- works on 5 GHz band
- 802.11ax certified
- WPA3 compatible
- WPS friendly
- USB 3 compatible
- printserver functionality
- fileserver operation
Cons
- none
Linksys Hydra 6 photos
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