The Linksys EA8300 Tri-Band Router is a feature-rich product that is purposely designed to deliver high-performance Wi-Fi for homes and small businesses. With its advanced technology and lots of features, it can serve as a very good choice for people looking to have some improvement in their networks. While the device is generally a router, it provides a very powerful Access Point (AP) mode mainly used by individuals that would like to extend their existing networks but without creating a new one. In this review, we will mostly explore the Access Point mode of the Linksys EA8300 in terms of its setup procedure, performance, usability, and overall value.
What Is Access Point Mode?
Before one can get into specific details of Linksys EA8300 as Access Point, one should first understand what Access Point mode actually is and perhaps why it should be useful. In a home network, one type of arrangement usually involves using a router to establish a connection to the Internet, then creating a local wireless network. Yet, it is not always successful because an effective router might not be sufficient enough to cover large homes or offices suitably. This is where it comes to Access Point mode.
When the Linksys EA8300 is configured for Access Point functionality, it will operate like all the bridges that connect your existing router with devices you plan to add to a network through it. It will use an Ethernet connection to your main router to expand that existing network under a stronger and more reliable Wi-Fi signal in areas that were previously hard to reach.
Linksys access point configuration for EA8300 router: Unboxing and First-Time Setup
I find that this Linksys EA8300 comes complete to get me up and running with the router, the Ethernet cable, power adapter, and quick start guide. The first step in Access Point mode settings for EA8300 is unboxing and connecting it to the current router through Ethernet cable.
The EA8300 will have connected to the user’s router. Power it on and wait for the device to complete its boot up process. Now, because the EA8300 has an attractive design, it has an LED indicator on the front, which shows the power status of the device. Solid white of power light means the router is ready for setup.
Internet Interface Access
The next step is to log into Linksys Smart Wi-Fi. You can connect a device to the EA8300, such as a laptop or smartphone. The router’s Wi-Fi name (SSID) and password are printed on the sticker on the bottom of the device by default.
Once you’re connected to the EA8300’s network, open a web browser and type “http://192.168.1.1” in the address bar. It will direct you to Linksys Smart Wi-Fi’s login page. If it’s the first time you’ve set up the router, you will need to create a new account or log in with your existing Linksys account.
Switching to Access Point Mode
Now that you are logged into the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi interface, you are on the main dashboard for the router settings. In this main menu, you may configure any setting of the router. To switch to Access Point mode, do the following:
Go to Router Settings After main dashboard view; hit the “Connect” button.
Head to Internet Settings Now, under the Connect menu, you can view the ‘Internet Settings’ tab.
Change Mode: at the very bottom of the page is the Router Mode Setting; Click change mode.
Choose Access Point: and you will receive a fresh window where you have got to choose the kind of operation mode. Choose Access Point Mode, and click OK.
Save Settings: The router will now reboot to apply the new settings, which may take several minutes.
This will work on an Access Point to expand the range of the existing wireless network after rebooting the EA8300.
Moreover, in an Access Point Mode: Wi-Fi Coverage and Strength
One of the main reasons for using a router as an Access Point is to extend Wi-Fi coverage, and the Linksys EA8300 does brilliantly in this department. The EA8300 boasts such impressive Wi-Fi range that even the largest homes or companies can benefit from it, owing to tri-band technology and very powerful internal antennas.
In addition, in our testing, using the EA8300 proved to be a very viable option. It provides strong signals and good wifi coverage throughout an area of 3,500 square feet. Areas that previously had weak reception or no reception at all could now be counted on to receive solid signals for using the Internet. It will be great for all users with many devices connected to the network since it will provide a stable connection for every one of them.
Speed Performance
Speed, this is not a shortcoming of Linksys EA8300–the router earned impressive speed ratings when operated in Access Point mode, using all three bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and an additional 5 GHz band). Tri-band technology balances the load across the network to reduce congestion and gives more bandwidth to all devices.
Real-life testing has recorded maximum download speeds of 450 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and around 100 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band with the EA8300. With such download speeds, streaming 4K videos online gaming, or transferring huge files is undeniably possible.
One major advantage of tri-band technology in EA8300 is that switching between bands is seamless when devices switch bands. For example, when one band gets overcrowded, devices will automatically switch to another less crowded band and still achieve the most efficient performance.
Device Management and MU-MIMO Technology
The Linksys EA8300 comes with MU-MIMO technology (Multi User, Multiple Input-Multiple Output), which makes possible the use of multiple devices for service without compromising quality. This is a very important aspect in houses as well as offices where large numbers of devices connect to the network: smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smart home devices.
During testing, the EA8300 managed over 20 devices connected to the network such that there was no noticeable reduction in performance. All devices were streaming videos, browsing, or downloading without any issue. This all happens because of MU-MIMO technology that allocates each device its own dedicated data stream, which lessens latency and speeds overall performance on the network.
Usability and InterfaceLinksys Smart Wi-Fi Interface The Linksys Smart Wi-Fi interface can be accessed using a web browser or through the Linksys app that works for both iOS and Android devices. Associating it with user-friendliness and making a standout feature out of it is the Linksys EA8300. The interface is clean and intuitive, with easy navigation, making it accessible to all tech enthusiasts to less familiar people with the networking.
An overview of which includes the Access Point status, devices connected, and internet speed is available from the main dashboard. This will enable you to get into guest Wi-Fi, parental control from one place, device prioritization, and many more.
Real-time monitoring of your network is definitely among the best features in this Smart Wi-Fi interface. You can find out which devices are connected to your network, how much bandwidth they use, and even restrict selected devices from accessing the network. This is particularly helpful when dealing with many users sharing the same network.
Mobile App Integration
That will suffice, but for Linksys EA8300, one only needs to download the Linksys app. That app does everything that web has, but if you want, it registers convenience when you’re on the run with managing your network.
Using the app, however, allows you to manage everything much more easily from a smartphone or tablet: fantastic interface, user-friendly, thorough, and works to give updates and manage aspects such as connected devices, internet speed checks, and alterations in settings few taps. Else, this app has notifications about issues in your network- blocked devices, or maybe a firmware update ready for installation.
Parental Controls and Guest Wi-Fi
Improved safety and use under Linksys EA8300 greatly comes with something termed Guest Wi-Fi. As its name implies, a Guest Wi-Fi is created to serve as a separate Wi-Fi network for guests. Through this, your main network is kept secure from intruding non-invitees because they don’t get access to your primary Wi-Fi password nor the connected devices.
Setting up a Guest Wi-Fi network is entirely simple, as it can be through the Smart Wi-Fi interface or with Linksys app. Name a unique SSID and setup your own password, and you can even limit the devices to connect to this SSID.
Parental controls are yet another feature that enhances the utility of the EA8300. With them, you can block some sites or limit internet hours. For example, Facebook or Instagram can be restricted during the time allocated for homework, and surfing the web can be restricted just before bedtime. The parental controls can be tailored as desired using a simple web interface or mobile app.
Additional Features and Custom Configuration
Quality of Service (QoS) and Device Prioritization
QoS settings are an added advantage for Linksys EA8300 because they let you prioritize some devices or applications for assigned bandwidth, which is a wonderful feature in homes with highly competitive multiple users or devices. No interruptions will be suffered on activities such as video calls and online gaming.
Not only can you access QoS settings from the smart Wi-Fi interface, but also through the Linksys app. You can prioritize devices by IP or MAC address. You can also prioritize applications, such as streaming services or online games. It even has an easy drag-and-drop interface for prioritizing devices. Battery management is easy.
Updating and Securing Firmware
Firmware in your router keeps it secure and performing well. Linksys EA8300 automatic firmware updates will simplify the checking of updates on your own. The router will automatically download and install the new firmware the moment it can be detected, ensuring that you continuously receive new features and security updates.
This is also possible via Smart Wi-Fi or Linksys app. Just go to the firmware update section, and a click away, you can usually install downloaded updates. This ensures you are running the latest firmware version, protecting your network from possible vulnerabilities.
Aside from firmware updates, Linksys EA8300 provides some strong security functionalities towards protecting your network from threats. The router supports WPA2 encryption, ensuring security for your Wi-Fi network and preventing unauthorized access. You can open firewall settings as well for blocking suspicious traffic attacks from your network.
Mesh Networking Capabilities:
Indeed, if other Linksys mesh systems have been paired with the EA8300, Linksys EA8300, as an independent router in mesh systems, can also be used to develop a wider network that appears more seamless. For instance, linking EA8300 with a Linksys Velop mesh system serves to provide an access point configuration whereby the coverage of the entire mesh can be supplemented. You will still enjoy consistent network connectivity with seamless roaming, while benefiting from the EA8300’s high-performance capabilities.
To this, just set the EA8300 to be an Access Point as described earlier, and connect this to one of the mesh nodes with an ethernet cable. This mesh will automatically identify and add the EA8300 to the network, assuring expanded coverage and enhanced performance in every corner of your house or at your office.
Pros and Cons of Using the Linksys EA8300 in Access Point Mode
Pros
Enhanced Coverage: The tri-band technology and powerful antennas of the EA8300 provide excellent Wi-Fi coverage, reducing dead spots and improving signal strength throughout your home or office.
High-Speed Performance: The EA8300 delivers speeds impressive across all three bands, making it well-suited for high-demand such as, streaming, gaming, or transferring large files.
MU-MIMO Technology: The EA8300 features MU-MIMO, allowing it to interact with multiple devices simultaneously and provide maximum performance to all connected devices without interference.
User-Friendly Interface: The Linksys Smart Wi-Fi interface and mobile app provide an intuitive and easily usable platform for managing your network, including settings for guest Wi-Fi, parental controls, and QoS.
Automatic Firmware Updates: The essence of the router is to automatically download firmware updates that keep you up to date with the most recent in terms of security and features.
Integration with Mesh Systems: The EA8300 can operate in conjunction with Linksys mesh systems in order to further extend network coverage and improve performance.
Cons
Limited Customization in AP Mode: While the EA8300 provides comprehensive features, some advanced customization options found in router mode become limited when you are using the device in Access point mode.
Cost: The EA8300 is a high-end router platform; therefore, the price may not be on par with some other devices that only have Access Point features.
Setup Complexity: While configuration is relatively easy to do, some users may find that configuring the EA8300 in Access Point mode is difficult for those who are new to the whole networking concept.
Lack of Mesh Functionality as AP: To the contrary, the EA8300 can work with mesh systems, but it does not operate as a mesh node in itself. People seeking the real mesh experience may have to buy additional equipment.
The Linksys EA8300 is a brilliant router with extensive features and great performance that anyone could expect from a device trying to boost his network setup. When it is connected in the Access Point Mode, it can deliver major benefits like extending Wi-Fi coverage, high-speed performance, and advanced features such as MU-MIMO and automatic firmware updates.
The whole setting up process for Access Point mode is really user friendly, especially when combined with the other easy-to-use components of Linksys Smart Wi-Fi and mobile apps in order to help manage the network. Again, applying the EA8300 with Linksys mesh systems makes the possibilities endless for the network it can create.
Although there are quite a few limitations, such as reduced customization options in using Access Point mode and an expensive price, quite worth using Linksys EA8300 as it will definitely put quality improvements in network coverage and reliability. It would suit to use whether you are going to add it to your existing network or integrate it with a mesh system.
Quite easily, we can conclude that Linksys EA8300 is a very capable tool to have in Access Point mode when extending a Wi-Fi network because it provides quite a robust performance, easy usage, as well as advanced features rendering it a front-runner in both home and office environments.