Unless there’s a new science on how to get a better internet connection, then investing in a reliable wireless router is the more plausible way to go. Ideal for households in commercial and busy areas, the Linksys AC5400 Tri-Band Wireless Router has an internet speed of up to 700Mbps that is quite promising as it rivals industry chart-toppers like the Asus RT-AC5300 and the Netgear R8500
For 32 years, this Belkin International brand is celebrated for its versatility and innovation. Linksys was named Network World’s Best of CES 2016 for producing stellar routers that consistently challenge 4K video demands in the rise of streaming and gaming.
PROS
CONS
HARDWARE & SPECS
Main Features & Benefits
When it comes to a stable and functional Wi-Fi router that lasts, the Linksys AC5400 tri-band wireless router is one to consider. It boasts hardware and software features that cater to extreme entertainment and optimal data transfer speeds for work or school. It also has top-of-the-line beamforming technology that meets value for money and includes some good features.
Eight Gigabit LAN ports
This Linksys router boasts 8 Gigabit LAN ports and includes a WAN port, a USB 3.0 port, and a USB 2.0 port on the rear. The three ports found at the back of the router are quite an innovative touch Linksys has added, truly meeting prosumers’ needs while also catering to households with heavy volume usage.
Outstanding Speed and Range
As every router aims to meet, outstanding speed is more than just a theory for the Linksys AC5400 tri-band wireless router. It boasts stellar speeds at a sustained rate of almost 700Mbps when devices are near this monster router. According to speed tests from various users, the Linksys AC5400 tri-band wireless router does not fail to be an even bigger deal when it comes to range.
It manages to have consistent strong signals radiating past the room, with 100 feet allowance from where the router sits. The finishing speed obtained was at a whopping 500Mbps in a residential setting, including borders and obstructions in the area. Thus, transfer speeds trump the bulky exterior. When it comes to bouncing off chart-topping Wi-Fi speeds, this monster model is not one to disappoint.
Advanced Security Features
A multiple-user household with various devices frequently turned on and off will need to find ways to manage their network usage better. With Linksys AC5400 tri-band wireless router being compatible with Linksys app, media prioritization is easily accessible.
Media Prioritization or the Network Map Tool can help you distribute bandwidth, improving efficiency without interrupting leisure time. This is a feature that parents or guardians in a family household would appreciate. It allows you to allocate bandwidth to devices, applications, and games to enhance real-time media services. This works best for nights when the kids are done with homework and play games on the PS5 when you’re just about to check on some work after dinner. Such situations make it hard to speed up your work without telling the other users to shut off their gaming session, but not with this Linksys router.
Easy Set-up and Installation
Another advantage the Linksys AC5400 wireless router has is its user-friendliness. It’s easy to set-up, even if it’s just your first time purchasing a router for your home. It took four simple steps to activate the router completely. You can then specify the changes and modifications on the network control panel via the Smart Set-up Wizard. Once you’ve set up the basics, the “wizard” will inform you before closing the set-up window regarding the modifications you’ve made and continue where you left off once you’ve reconnected.
Ideal File Transfer Performance
A feature that students transitioning to online learning will appreciate, the Linksys AC5400 boasts impeccable performance when it comes to transferring files and heavy documents, videos, research, and other learning materials. This feature supports Rokus, PCs, media servers, and printers for quick transfer activities. In terms of media transfers, the download speed appears to be more optimal between two 802.11 AC-equipped laptops, potentially transferring files at nearly 450Mbps.
Cons
Like every other form of technology, routers aren’t 100% foolproof. Although the Linksys AC5400 holds many useful features, there are still some disadvantages.
Expensive
As much as some people may think that money is no object, it’s still a point to deliberate on when it comes to investing in quality routers. The Linksys AC5400 tri-band wireless router is quite pricey, however, the cost might be worth it for those who value long-lasting products. High-end routers aren’t a massive necessity in small homes like condominiums or apartments, but a big household would be an ideal setting for this router.
Space Consuming
Another con to consider is the exterior and weight of the Linksys AC5400 router for those who enjoy aesthetically pleasing devices. It has a very straightforward design with eight surrounding antennas and gives off a bulky look. It’s not exactly an eyesore, but it does take up quite the space, with measurements at 10.41 x 12.53 x 2.62 inches and a weight of 60.94 oz. (1.7 kg). Ideally, the aesthetic is subpar and likely something you would want to keep in a corner. However, to reach maximum and optimal functionality, you’re going to have to keep it out in the open.What is the Linksys AC5400 Tri-Band Wireless Router Best For?
Inching closer to reliable internet performance, the Linksys AC5400 router carries a set of features that are hard to go unnoticed. It boasts real-world performance with promising support that goes a long way when you’re in a four-person household with eight active devices.
For families with high network usage and have critical demands for speed and performance apart from gaming and streaming, this router features top-of-the-line beamforming technology. Beamforming does a great deal when it comes to extending the range capacity of any router. This wireless router concretely improves speed and range where Wi-Fi signals are directed towards each mobile device in the household.
Extreme Entertainment
Say you’re watching cooking videos on your phone in the kitchen while your brother is scrolling through the web for the latest NBA highlights in the upstairs bedroom; the Linksys AC5400 router will automatically activate beamforming to provide both devices with proper coverage and equal strength without compromising one of the other’s network activities.
For those seeking extreme entertainment on a daily average through HD streaming and gaming, the Linksys AC5400 tri-band wireless router supports 4K video streaming. This means family households who spend hours on end in front of the PlayStation or Netflix will not be hassled by buffering and lagging.
Adapts to the Old and Blends with the New
Optimal tri-band experience is another advantage you can expect with top-notch bandwidth. This Linksys router also caters to older Wireless-N & G devices while ensuring that work or school-related tasks like online learning via Zoom are checked off thanks to seamless roaming.
The Linksys AC5400 tri-band wireless router was built with ease and accessibility in mind. It’s perfect for those always on their feet even when they’re at home. This wireless router is compatible with Google’s Alexa and supports voice commands that initiate turning private networks on or off. Parents who live with kids that are constantly connected online will appreciate this feature as it provides usage moderation in a household.
What Buyers Have To Say
Scouring the interwebs for credible user experience has brought you to the feedback section. Remarkably, the Linksys AC5400 wireless router goes beyond just value for money, “one for the books,” as they say. Check out these positive reviews from purchasers and active users.
I've had this router for 3+ years now, and it's still performing extremely well, as good as it did when I first got it. It has kept up as I upgrade internet speeds and added more wireless devices to our home. I've never had to restart it or troubleshoot it in the entire time I've had it. It receives regular firmware updates for security and performance improvements.
The web interface to manage your network or the router itself is straightforward and easy to use. You can also get the Linksys app which makes first-time setup extremely easy as well as being able to easily manage and troubleshoot your home network.
Overall a great router, highly recommended.
I have about 25 devices connected to it. 18 are wireless and utilize all 3 bands. The other devices are using hard wire ports. Absolutely love the fact that is has 8 gigabit ports that allowed me to get rid of a separate switch. 🙂
Having tested various speeds via hard wire and wireless I found that the wireless is only slightly slower than wired!! So, very surprised and happy about that too. Range is excellent. I have a 3 story house and was able to get rid of TWO access points!! (YAYY!) This router is on the 2nd floor and covers all of 1 acre lot and 3000 square foot house with no problems…
...The range, the user interface, the speed, all seem to be as advertised. I wish it had more capability like my (Dell) sonic wall at work, but most home owners wouldn't care about that or even want all those options. Specifically I would like to be able to segregate different networks at my house (other than the guest network), without have to come up with "work arounds". Anyway, so far so good.
The web page interface is pretty much the same as our last Linksys router and is very well setup and easy to use. This huge router has 8 antennas and gets the signal further around our big 3700sf plus house then the smaller one we had for the last 5 years. This is a great improvement. This thing has several wireless networks on it which is great when you have lots of automated things in your house like light controls, cameras, TVs, phones, tablets, etc.
Honorable Mentions
The Linksys AC5400 tri-band wireless router may start with a steep price, but it holds some plus points for general service and user-friendliness. A few other small yet notable points about this Linksys router that makes it a worthy purchase include:
Extensive Warranty and Tech Support
Unlike other new smart wireless routers and renewed models in the market, warranty and support have appeared stingy and mediocre. The Linksys AC5400 tri-band wireless router provides consumers with a flexible warranty deal of up to three years. When it comes to tech support, a solid four stars have been mentioned by users who have been serviced right on time and were walked through every new feature or model upgrade.
Visible LED Lights on the Surface
Although this is expected in all routers, the way the LED lights were incorporated on the surface of the Linksys AC5400 router gave the bulky device a more subdued look. It emits amber LED lights in slim and vertical lines that appear on the digital window on the central surface for system status indicator, which is a straightforward way to detect its overall functionality.
A Long-Lasting, Reliable Router
A multiple-person and multiple-user household would go years with this monster model intact. Design-wise, you could do better with other models, but in terms of impeccable speed and seamless roaming, the Linksys AC5400 is one to put in the mix before making a substantial purchase.
For a reliable router, the Linksys AC5400 Tri-Band wireless router is a solid investment that would deliver superb Wi-Fi speeds, aiding in extreme entertainment from HD streaming to uninterrupted data transfer performance. It is truly a wireless router to support your family’s needs at home.