![]() ![]() In essence, beamforming acts like a homing configuration – it locates the client device that is asking for network bandwidth and focuses the wireless signal to its location, rather than dispersing it in multiple directions.Īll of the EA6900's connections are located on the unit's rear side. Part of the 802.11ac standard's technology, beamforming is implemented to solve the potential range issues caused by the use of the 5GHz frequency band. But by virtue of its higher transmission frequency, the 5GHz signal is susceptible to attenuation (by building materials, for example) which can lead to a reduction in the network's operational range. Reducing the likelihood of interference problems is one of the key arguments in favour of the 5GHz frequency band approach. The 2.4GHz frequency band is cluttered with everything from mainstream wireless technology to home and kitchen appliances. With its reliance on the 5GHz frequency band only, range is a potential issue for 802.11ac routers. 33% higher than the theoretical limit for three data streams of 802.11n wireless, 200Mbps per stream (hence 600Mbps in total) is achieved by the use of TurboQAM on the EA6900's Broadcom chipset. Using a 3×3 transmission and reception configuration and operating on the 5GHz frequency band, speeds of up to 1300Mbps are supported on the wireless-ac network.Īccording to the Linksys specifications, a transfer rate of up to 600Mbps is supported with 802.11n. The Linksys EA6900 AC1900 supports 802.11ac wireless technology, as well as older versions such as 802.11n and 802.11g. The top side of the unit is constructed of a dark plastic material with a silver section that also contains the router's model name. Measuring 255 x 182 mm without antennas, the Linksys EA6900 AC1900 is a large wireless router. Each antenna is given a good degree of rotational freedom which allows it to be orientated in the preferred manner. The accessory package consists of the power brick, an Ethernet cable which plugs into a modem, and the router's three screw-in antennas. Some of the unit's key features, such as the dual band and beamforming technology, are highlighted on the packaging's front side.Ī comparison between the EA6900 AC1900 and two other routers in Linksys' catalogue is made on the rear side of the box.Ī quick start guide and driver CD form the supplied documentation. Linksys packages the EA6900 in a box that contains plenty of information regarding the router. Dimensions (LxWxH) (mm): Approximately 205 x 255 x 35 (including antennas).Features: 1x USB 3.0, 1x USB 2.0, DLNA Certified media server, guest access, device priority QoS, SimpleTap.Security: Wireless WPA/WPA2 encryption and SPI firewall.Antenna: Three external, adjustable antennas.Theoretically capable of wireless transfer rates in excess of a Gigabit per second, can the Linksys EA6900 router provide a high-speed connection that it is capable of streaming bandwidth-heavy data across the 802.11ac network? Making use of beamforming, and backwards compatible with older wireless-n devices on the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, the Linksys EA6900 also offers a quartet of Gigabit Ethernet ports, two USB connections, a DLNA Certified media server, and a number of software benefits. ![]() But support from devices is nothing if the routers themselves aren't up to scratch.įeaturing support for a three-stream 802.11ac wireless connection capable of up to 1300Mbps, Linksys' current flagship EA6900 router aims to prove that WiFi is ready to compete with the tried-and-tested Ethernet connection. And we only have to take a quick look at KitGuru's motherboard review section to see that 802.11ac is becoming big business in the desktop market. The same can be said for modern smartphones from the likes of Samsung, HTC, and LG. Many of the latest high-end laptops from the likes of Apple and Dell feature a wireless-ac chipset. With a theoretical transfer speed of well over a Gigabit per second, wirelessly, can the Linksys EA6900 802.11ac router prove that ultra high-speed WiFi connections are indeed becoming a reality?Īlthough still in its infancy, 802.11ac is experiencing increasing adoption by consumers and technology companies. With growing adoption in laptops and portable devices, as well as desktop systems, 802.11ac WiFi continues to gain pace in the consumer market.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |