Cisco Linksys EA6500 Smart Wi-Fi Router Review

By Ken Brown

Linksys EA6500 Setup

Cisco Linksys EA6500 Smart Wi-Fi Router

In the past when we have evaluated routers, we typically bypass the wizard set up options and configure the router manually. Because Linksys is touting this router as one that is extremely user friendly, yet powerful enough for networking professionals, we decided to check out the Set Up instructions out of the box.

The Linksys EA6500 ships with a CD-ROM with Linksys Setup Software, Ethernet Cable, Power Adapter and SimpleTap Card.

Cisco Linksys EA6500 Smart Wi-Fi Router Box Contents

The Linksys EA650 measures 2.6 x 12.6 x 9.4 inches, which makes it physically smaller than the Netgear R6300, and around the same size as the Buffalo Air Station AC routers. The first thing we noticed when we look at the Linksys EA6500 unit is the complete lack of LED indicators on the outside of the unit. Over on the back, you will find the power button, 12VDC socket, a reset button, two USB ports, 4 LAN Gigabit Ethernet ports, 1 WAN Ethernet port, and a WPS button.

Cisco Linksys EA6500 Smart Wi-Fi Router
Unlike most units we have seen, there are no LED indicators on the unit to note wireless connectivity or traffic. There are lights on the individual LAN/WAN ports, but other than the Cisco on the top that lights up, there are no other indicators. For many, that is a huge plus. Many times, users dont want a bunch of lights that contently flicker in a room.

Cisco Linksys EA6500 Smart Wi-Fi Router
Other than taking the EA6500 out of the box and plugging it up to our network, there is nothing more that we need to physically do for the unit. There are no external antennas to attach, nor do we need to worry about placing the unit on a stand.

If you flip the unit upside down, you can see four holes that you can use to mount the router to your wall for even better Wi-Fi coverage. Because Linksys doesn’t ship the EA6500 with any sort of stand nor does it have any external antennas, this might be the best way to maximize your Wi-Fi performance.

Cisco Linksys EA6500 Smart Wi-Fi Router

Now lets configure the unit for use.

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