Linksys EA8300 Max-Stream AC2200 tri-band router: specs and who it suits

The Linksys EA8300 Max-Stream is a Wi-Fi router that broadcasts on three bands at once. Linksys rates it as AC2200 and says it covers up to 1,500 square feet for 15 or more wireless devices. It connects to your existing modem and suits a busy home where phones, TVs, laptops and consoles compete for the same wireless network.

What tri-band means

Most routers have two radio bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. A tri-band router adds a second 5 GHz band. Linksys lists the speeds as 400 Mbps on one 5 GHz band, 867 Mbps on the other 5 GHz band and 867 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band, which combine to the "2.2 Gbps" in the AC2200 name.

That 2.2 Gbps is a combined figure across the three bands. A single device connects to one band at a time, so it will not reach 2.2 Gbps by itself. The benefit is that devices can be spread across bands, so the network is less congested when many are in use. 2.4 GHz usually reaches farther through walls, and 5 GHz is typically faster at shorter range.

MU-MIMO in plain terms

Older routers talk to one device at a time and switch quickly between them. MU-MIMO (Multi-User, Multiple Input, Multiple Output) lets the router send data to several compatible devices at once. Linksys says this delivers Wi-Fi to multiple devices at the same speed and improves the overall efficiency of the network. The router has four high-performance antennas. Devices benefit only if they support MU-MIMO themselves.

Roaming and Beamforming+

Linksys mentions Seamless Roaming, which is meant for setups with more than one compatible unit, so that devices move between them without manual reconnection. Beamforming+ focuses the signal toward devices rather than spreading it equally in all directions. Exact behaviour depends on your devices and home layout.

Wired ports and setup

There are four Gigabit Ethernet ports for consoles, TVs, computers or a network switch. The router works with an existing modem and is set up through the Linksys App, which Linksys says also lets you control the home network from anywhere using a mobile device. The listing gives the size as 6.4 x 8.4 x 2.2 inches and the weight as 1 lb.

What the standard means

AC is the Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) generation. Newer standards (Wi-Fi 6 and later) exist, and they matter most if you have many recent devices. The EA8300 suits households whose devices are mostly Wi-Fi 5 or earlier.

Who it suits

It suits medium-sized homes and apartments with many connected devices, streaming at 4K and gaming. Linksys lists an extended 18-month warranty.

What to check before you buy

• Home size: 1,500 square feet is a figure for typical conditions; thick walls and floors reduce range.
• Internet plan: the router can't make your service faster than your provider's speed.
• Modem: confirm that you have a modem, since this is a router only.
• Devices: check that your devices support 5 GHz and, ideally, MU-MIMO.
• Placement: a central, raised spot generally gives the best coverage.
• Setup: the app is used for setup, so check that your phone can run it.

The short version

• AC2200 tri-band router: two 5 GHz bands (400 and 867 Mbps) plus 2.4 GHz at 867 Mbps.
• MU-MIMO, Beamforming+ and four antennas.
• Four Gigabit Ethernet ports; works with your existing modem.
• App-based setup; rated by Linksys for up to 1,500 square feet and 15+ devices.
• Wi-Fi 5 generation; 18-month warranty per the listing.

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