Linksys Introduces The Largest Portfolio Of MU-MIMO Home Networking Solutions

By Ken Brown

Linksys Introduces The Largest Portfolio Of MU-MIMO Home Networking Solutions – The Next Generation Of Wi-Fi

Linksys Highlights New MU-MIMO Routers, Range Extender and Adapter at CES 2016
Linksys Smart Wi-Fi App Gets a Makeover for Even Better User Experience

PLAYA VISTA, Calif. and LAS VEGAS, Jan. 5, 2016 — Linksys, a leader in networking solutions for the home and business today announced its line-up of new MAX-STREAM MU-MIMO networking solutions at the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. After being first to launch a fully functional MU-MIMO router in May of last year, Linksys expands its MU-MIMO portfolio to include two additional routers, a range extender and a USB adapter. The new Linksys MAX-STREAM line-up leverages the next generation of Wi-Fi – 802.11ac Wave 2 MU-MIMO (Multi-User, Multiple-Input, Multiple Output) technology, which helps ensure uninterrupted Wi-Fi connectivity to all the devices in the home and function as if multiple devices have their own dedicated router. With MU-MIMO, the whole household can play video games; listen to music, check email, shop, stream movies, and more all at the same time. All these new solutions will be on display at our CES booth South Hall, #30445.

Linksys Max-Stream

MAX-STREAM MU-MIMO Family of New Products
According to a white paper by ABI Research The Importance Of Mu-Mimo In The Wi-Fi Ecosystem more than 84% of all wireless 5GHz chipsets will be MU-MIMO enabled by 2019. To keep up with the speeds and performance of client devices coming to market such as 4K TVs, laptops, smart phones, tablets and game consoles, consumers will want to make sure they have the latest Wi-Fi router that can support all the new devices coming into the home. Sandvine Research has reported that 70% of internet traffic in North America consists entirely of streaming video and audio content from sources like Netflix, Amazon Prime Instant Video, iTunes, Pandora and many other sources. It was 30% five years ago.

“Our new line-up of Linksys MU-MIMO solutions provide the networking backbone to allow consumers to enjoy high-performance and simultaneous Wi-Fi, including speed, range, and coverage”, said Justin Doucette, director of product management, Linksys. “With the rise of 4K streaming and the growth of MU-MIMO clients, having the latest MU-MIMO technology is the best way to ensure users get the best Wi-Fi experience possible.”

Linksys MAX-STREAM AC1900 Dual-Band MU-MIMO GIGABIT ROUTER (EA7500)
The new Linksys AC1900 MU-MIMO router leverages the 802.11ac Wave 2 MU-MIMO (Multi-User, Multiple Input, Multiple Output) technology, which helps ensure uninterrupted Wi-Fi connectivity to multiple devices in the home and function as if multiple devices have their own dedicated router. With MU-MIMO, the whole household can play video games, listen to music, check email, shop, stream movies, and more all at the same time without buffering or lag. The EA7500 features:

  • Qualcomm IPQ 1.4GHz Dual Core Processor
  • The Latest Wi-Fi Standard 802.11ac Wave 2 with MU-MIMO
  • Dual-band AC1900 Wireless speeds up to* 1300 Mbps 5 GHz + 600 Mbps 2.4Ghz
  • 4 Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports, 1 Gigabit WAN
  • USB 3.0, 2.0 ports
  • Smart Wi-Fi app for remote access, control and troubleshooting

MSRP $199.99
Availability planned – February 2016

Linksys MAX-STREAM AC5400 Tri-Band Wi-Fi Router with MU-MIMO (EA9500)
Outfitted with Next Gen AC Wi-Fi technologies such MU-MIMO and Tri-Band that work in concert to deliver powerful Wi-Fi at the same time and same speed to multiple connected devices including 4K TVs, gaming consoles, wireless printers, laptops and other connected devices at home or in the office at combined speeds up to 5.3 Gbps. As one of the most powerful Wi-Fi routers in the market, the Linksys Max-Stream AC5400 provides business grade functionality to get your home or small office up and running quickly along with exclusive Linksys Smart Wi-Fi software that provides added control of the EA9500 Wi-Fi Router from anywhere, at any time. EA9500 Wi-Fi Router also features a robust set of advanced offerings:

  • 1.4 GHz Dual Core Processor
  • Tri-Band Wireless AC5400 (1000 Mbps 2.4Ghz + 2166 Mbps 5Ghz + 2166 Mbps 5GHz)
  • The Latest Wi-Fi Standard 802.11ac Wave 2 includes Mu-MIMO
  • 9 Gigabit Ethernet ports (8 LAN, 1 WAN) and USB 3.0, 2.0 ports
  • 8 external antennas for maximum coverage
  • WPA/WPA2 encryption and SPI firewall keep your network safely connected
  • Smart Wi-Fi app for remote access, control and troubleshooting

MSRP $399.99
Availability Planned April 2016

Linksys MAX-STREAM AC1900+ MU-MIMO Wi-Fi Range Extender (RE7000)
The First range extender with next generation AC Wave 2 technology – MU-MIMO, works with any Wi-Fi router however when paired with a MAX STREAM router it can provide even greater performance to Wi-Fi devices all around the home with seamless roaming. The combination of a MAX STREAM router and range extender creates a single network in the home with a single network name (SSID) so users can roam throughout their home without having to manually connect to the range extender. The Linksys MAX STREAM Range Extender also features Spot Finder Technology (Patent Pending) to show users where to place the range extender using a mobile device for optimal performance. Crossband Technology maximizes the simultaneous use of both bands, while Beamforming focuses and strengthens the Wi-Fi signal. Additional features include:

  • Dual Band Wireless AC1900 – AC1733 + N300
  • The Latest Wi-Fi Standard 802.11ac Wave 2 includes MU-MIMO
  • Seamless Roaming
  • Crossband Technology
  • Plug-In Form factor
  • Multi-Mode Repeater, Access Point
  • One Gigabit Ethernet Port

MSRP $149.99
Availability Planned Spring 2016

Linksys MAX-STREAM AC600 USB MU-MIMO Adapter (WUSB6100M)
The Linksys AC600 USB Adapter is the first MU-MIMO enabled adapter on the market. It enables users to connect their laptops and computers to a wireless-AC network as well as a MU-MIMO router for optimal performance, so users can easily stream high-definition video and enjoy high-speed gaming. Additional features include:

  • AC Wave 2 – MU-MIMO (AC433 + N150)
  • Beamforming
  • USB 2.0
  • Plug ‘n Play with Simple Pairing
  • Works with Any Wi-Fi Router; Optimized with MAX-STREAM

MSRP: $59.99
Availability Planned Spring 2016

New Linksys Smart Wi-Fi App Enhancements
Linksys Smart Wi-Fi is a cloud-based free service that comes with Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Routers and the latest WRT routers. It gives users highly secure access to their home network from a browser, smartphone or tablet. Users can instantly tap into their home network to check the connection status of their devices, give a guest access to the Internet, or block their child from accessing harmful websites. Users can also prioritize which devices on the network get the most bandwidth to eliminate lag times and buffering. On the upcoming Smart Wi-Fi update, EA9500 users can opt-in to get notifications on their router status. It’ll tell users when the router is offline so users can easily trouble-shoot to get their router back online and running. In addition Smart Wi-Fi is getting a complete makeover. New user interface with updated colors and user experience will make connecting and managing your home Wi-Fi easy! New improved features include providing guest access and media prioritization so the devices users want to have top priority for internet access can be done quickly on the app. New user interface will be available for all Smart Wi-Fi router users.

Planned availability Spring 2016

About Linksys
The Linksys brand has pioneered wireless connectivity since its inception in 1988 with its leading innovation and engineering strategies, and best-in-class networking technology, design, and customer service. Linksys enables a connected lifestyle for people at home, at work and on the move, and with its award-winning products, simplifies home control, entertainment, security and Internet access through innovative features and a growing application and partner ecosystem. For more information, visit linksys.com, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or watch us on YouTube.

*Maximum performance derived from IEEE Standard 802.11 specifications. Actual performance may vary, including lower wireless network capacity, data throughput rate, range and coverage. Performance depends upon many factors, conditions and variables, including products used, interference and other adverse conditions. Specifications are subject to change without notice. An active, customer-purchased Internet Service Provider broadband account is required for connection of these routers and other connected computers and devices to the Internet. Some devices may require additional wireless adapters or an Ethernet cable to connect to these routers.

May require a software/firmware update available for download at linksys.com/support.

2016 Belkin International, Inc. and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved.

Linksys and many product names and logos are trademarks of Belkin International. Third-party trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners.