Zhang's new home renovation is nearing completion, and network deployment is also on the agenda. Previously, he had been using an entry-level 1-300Mbps router from Xiaomi. Although it performed well in terms of service, it only had a 100Mbps network port, which couldn’t keep up with the gigabit cabling in his new home. He was also concerned about the coverage, so he decided to go with a higher-end option: the Cisco-owned LINKSYS EA7500 wireless router.
The LINKSYS EA7500 is an AC1900+ (1733+800 Mbps) dual-band gigabit wireless router that supports MU-MIMO technology. It has received positive reviews and is considered a reliable choice for home networking.
When the router arrived, I was impressed by its appearance. Unlike the smaller, sleeker entry-level routers, this one is significantly bulkier. The packaging is more detailed and informative, featuring product information and features prominently displayed. However, it is heavily laden with English text, which might not appeal to everyone.
Upon opening the box, I noticed several notable features. The router includes four Gigabit Ethernet ports, which are essential for modern home networks. It also supports VLAN division, though this might not be particularly useful for most home users. Interestingly, the router comes with an integrated switch, which is a rare feature these days.
One thing that stood out was the inclusion of a CD with setup instructions. This is a nice touch, as it provides an electronic version of the user manual, which can be convenient for those who prefer digital documentation.
The physical design of the router is robust, with a vented exterior that might be off-putting for some due to its industrial aesthetic. Inside, there is a metal heatsink, indicating that the router generates considerable heat during operation. The front panel houses a subtle logo light that illuminates when powered on.
The EA7500 comes with three thick, solidly built external antennas, complemented by an internal antenna for enhanced signal coverage. Once assembled, the router looks quite impressive, standing out against the thinner, lighter entry-level models.
The power adapter is compact and thoughtfully designed to avoid blocking nearby outlets. Additionally, a short super 5 category Ethernet cable is included, which is sufficient for most setups.
Configuring the router proved to be more involved than expected, requiring a few steps. Initially, I connected to the router and accessed the configuration page. If the internet connection wasn’t detected, I had to manually configure the settings, which was slightly inconvenient. After registering a Linksys account and logging in, the interface was straightforward but lacked the bells and whistles of some domestic competitors.
The management password isn’t located in the "Security" section as one might expect, but rather under "Connection," alongside Wi-Fi settings. This arrangement took some getting used to.
The router supports a guest network with limited access, which is a useful feature. Bandwidth prioritization is another handy tool, allowing users to assign priority to specific devices or applications. However, the list of applications is somewhat limited, focusing primarily on foreign software and games.
USB connectivity is supported, enabling the use of a flash drive or external hard drive as a network storage device. Unfortunately, I encountered issues with a 16GB USB drive, though a portable hard drive worked fine.
Once connected, the router offers basic file sharing and media streaming capabilities, but lacks native remote download functionality. Users can manage shared folders, FTP, and media server settings, but these functionalities are quite basic.
After connecting to the internet, I created a Linksys Smart WiFi account and bound it to the router. This allowed me to remotely monitor and manage the router via the official website or mobile app. The app requires a Linksys account and cannot be used to bind the router directly, making it less flexible than some alternatives.
Wireless performance was generally good, supporting both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. While the 2.4GHz band typically penetrates walls better, I found that the 5GHz band offered stronger coverage in certain areas. Surprisingly, the 5GHz band performed better than expected, despite being less effective at penetrating walls.
Signal coverage for a 199-square-meter home was excellent, with minimal dead zones. The 5GHz band showed comparable coverage to the 2.4GHz band, with slightly weaker wall-penetration capabilities. Speed tests revealed stable performance across both bands, with acceptable ping values and download speeds.
In conclusion, the LINKSYS EA7500 is a solidly built router with a substantial design that exudes reliability. While it surpasses entry-level models in terms of build quality and performance, its price-to-performance ratio is slightly lower than some domestic options. However, third-party firmware like Meinlin can unlock additional features, enhancing both its playability and practicality. Overall, it’s a capable router that delivers dependable performance for medium-sized homes.
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