Linksys has introduced a new AC1200 range extender, the RE6500. Read on for details!
Linksys has introduced a new AC1200 range extender, the RE6500. Features include:
- Next-Generation Wireless-AC Technology featuring simultaneous dual-band speeds up to N300 Mbps (2.4 GHz) + AC867 Mbps (5 GHz) to reduce traffic and maximize data
- Linksys Cross-Band Technology Maximizes the simultaneous use of both bands for faster data transfer speeds
- Provides Coverage up to 10,000 Sq Feet
- Audio Streaming Capability – Connect a stereo system or audio speakers to the AC1200 MAX to wirelessly stream music from a smart device or computer
- 4 Gigabit Ethernet Ports extend the range of four wired devices to ensure uninterrupted media streaming and fast data transfer
- Detachable External Antennas that can be adjusted to provide the best coverage.
- Price – $129 MSRP but Street Price is $99.
Here is the press release:
NEW LINKSYS WIRELESS RANGE EXTENDERS
BOOST WI-FI SIGNAL UP TO 10,000 SQ FT AND HELP ELIMINATE DEAD SPOTS
New Linksys RE6500 Range Extender Features Wi-Fi Bridge, Gigabit Ports and an Audio Jack for Streaming Music Wirelessly from a Stereo System or Speaker
Irvine, Calif. – July 17, 2014 – Linksys®, a leading brand in wireless networking, today announced its new lineup of Linksys Wi-Fi Range Extenders. Consumers often experience a weak wireless signal in some parts of their house or apartment caused by blocking elements such as walls or interference from other devices like baby monitors, microwaves or DECT phones. The new Linksys Range Extenders help maximize wireless coverage and help eliminate “dead spots” in the Wi-Fi coverage throughout the home.
Consumers can choose between three new powerful versions – Linksys AC1200 MAX Wi-Fi Range Extender (RE6500), Linksys N600 PRO Wi-Fi Range Extender (RE4000W) and the Linksys N300 Wi-Fi Range Extender (RE3000W). The RE6500 and RE4000W are dual band range extenders featuring Cross-Band technology which helps provide a stronger and more consistent signal throughout the home. All three range extenders are compatible with any wireless router and are designed to extend b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi signals, whether supplied by a broadband provider or purchased by the consumer.
Strategy Analytics, an industry research firm recently reported that Wi-Fi is already being built into sixty-eight percent of all consumer electronics devices sold in the U.S. “That is a lot of devices in the home that need a good reliable signal to perform,” said Mike Chen, vice president product management for Linksys. “Consumers are depending on their Wi-Fi signal for their smart phones to avoid burning through valuable minutes on their data plan, or for streaming to TV or tablets in all areas of the home. A stable and strong Wi-Fi signal is critical for connecting the devices in your home today and the devices users are sure to bring into their home in the coming years, a good range extender can help future proof their home as those devices are added as well as provide a rich media experience.”
Linksys AC1200 MAX Wi-Fi Range Extender – RE6500
Linksys AC1200 MAX Wi-Fi Range Extender (RE6500) helps eliminate Wi-Fi dead spots throughout the home by increasing the wireless signal from an existing Wireless-AC router. With up to 10,000 Sq. Ft. of coverage, the RE6500 also comes equipped with Cross-Band technology, which enables the Wi-Fi signal to simultaneously receive data on one band and transmit on another. The result is a stronger, more consistent signal throughout your home. With four Gigabit Ethernet ports, users can hardwire their devices for faster streaming and gaming. Music fans can connect a stereo system or audio speaker to the RE6500 and stream music from a smart device or computer. The Wi-Fi range extender is designed for flexible placement options so users can enjoy all their devices, from anywhere in their home.
Key Features:
- Next-Generation Wireless-AC Technology featuring simultaneous dual-band speeds up to N300 Mbps (2.4 GHz) + AC867 Mbps (5 GHz) to reduce traffic and maximize data
- Cross-Band Technology Maximizes the simultaneous use of both bands for faster data transfer speeds
- Audio Streaming Capability – Connect a stereo system or audio speakers to the AC1200 MAX to wirelessly stream music from a smart device or computer
- 4 Gigabit Ethernet Ports extend the range of four wired devices to ensure uninterrupted media streaming and fast data transfer
- Detachable External Antennas that can be adjusted to provide the best coverage
- Universal Compatibility Wireless-AC technology is compatible with all a/b/g/n devices
- Works with any router or gateway including routers supplied by service provider
- Easy Setup Simple installation requires no CD
Linksys N600 PRO Wi-Fi Range Extender – RE4000W
The Linksys N600 PRO Wi-Fi Range Extender (RE4000W) helps eliminate Wi-Fi dead spots throughout the home by increasing the wireless signal of an existing router. RE4000W extends the wireless coverage up to 7,500 Sq. Ft. and features Cross-Band technology allowing the Wi-Fi signal to receive information on one band and transmit on another. The result is a stronger, more consistent signal throughout your home. Two Fast Ethernet ports provide hardwire connectivity for digital devices allowing users to experience faster streaming and gaming. The RE4000W Wi-Fi Range Extender can be plugged directly into a wall outlet and setup is simple and fast.
Linksys N300 Wi-Fi Range Extender – RE3000W
Linksys N300 Wi-Fi Range Extender (RE3000W) helps eliminate Wi-Fi dead spots in the home or apartment by increasing the 2.4 Ghz wireless signal of an existing router. With up to 5,000 Sq. Ft. of additional coverage, the RE3000W offers N300 Mbps speeds, which makes it great for surfing the web and basic online uses. The RE3000W Wi-Fi Range Extender can be plugged directly into a wall outlet and can be easily connected to provide Wireless N300 signal to user’s digital devices in their home.
The chart below helps provide an at-glance look at how the new Linksys Range Extenders stack up and which one would be ideal for a user’s home experience. A Range Extender white paper can be downloaded here: www.linksys.com/RangeExtenders which provides more info on what range extenders are and how to choose the right one.
| Features |
RE3000W |
RE4000W |
RE6500 |
| Wireless Speed |
N300 |
N600 |
AC1200 |
| Extended Reach |
Up to 5,000 Sq. Feet* |
Up to 7,500 Sq. Feet* |
Up to 10,000 Sq. Feet* |
| Wireless Band |
Single Band (2.4 Ghz) |
Simultaneous Dual Band2.4 Ghz + 5Ghz |
Simultaneous Dual Band2.4 Ghz + 5Ghz |
| CrossBand |
– |
Yes |
Yes |
| Plug-in or Desktop |
Plug-In |
Plug-In |
Desktop |
| Wireless Audio |
– |
– |
Yes |
| Wired Ports |
1 Ethernet |
2 Ethernet |
4 Gigabit |
| Bridge |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| MSRP Price |
$79.99 |
$89.99 |
$129.99 |
Pricing and Availability
The RE6500 will be available starting July 20, 2014 at major retail and online resellers for an MSRP of $129.99. The RE3000W and RE4000W are immediately available for an MSRP of $79.99 and $89.99 respectively.
Linksys sent me a review unit, so stay tuned for my full review soon. In the meantime, if you are in the market for a range extender, you now have another option!
