Linksys EA8500 AC2600 MU-MIMO Dual-Band Wi-Fi Gigabit Router Max-Stream | Wty

Linksys EA8500 AC2600 — MU-MIMO Dual-Band Gigabit Router

The Linksys EA8500 delivers AC2600 dual-band WiFi (800Mbps + 1733Mbps) with MU-MIMO technology for simultaneous multi-device streaming and gaming. Quad-stream performance, 4x Gigabit LAN, USB 3.0 storage sharing, and Smart WiFi app management make it the performance router for demanding home and small office networks. Backed by a 12-month Reboot IT warranty.

Key Benefits

• AC2600 WiFi: Combined 2600Mbps wireless throughput — 800Mbps on 2.4GHz + 1733Mbps on 5GHz
• MU-MIMO technology: Simultaneous data streams to multiple devices — no waiting in queue for bandwidth
• 4x Gigabit LAN ports: Full-speed wired connections for PCs, NAS, and game consoles
• USB 3.0 + eSATA: Share external storage across the network at high speeds
• Linksys Smart WiFi: Cloud-based management via web or app — manage network remotely from anywhere
• 1.4GHz dual-core processor: Powerful CPU ensures low-latency routing even under heavy multi-device load

Performance in Use

The EA8500 is Linksys's flagship AC2600 router designed for households and small offices with many devices competing for bandwidth simultaneously. MU-MIMO (Multi-User, Multiple Input, Multiple Output) fundamentally changes how the router handles multiple clients — rather than serving devices one at a time in a round-robin queue, MU-MIMO streams to multiple devices concurrently, dramatically reducing wait time and perceived latency in busy networks.

The 5GHz band at 1733Mbps provides the headroom needed for 4K streaming, gaming, and large file transfers, while the 2.4GHz band at 800Mbps handles IoT devices, smartphones at range, and smart home equipment. The 1.4GHz dual-core processor keeps latency low and routing decisions fast even when all four streams are fully loaded.

USB 3.0 and eSATA ports allow direct-attached storage to be shared across the network as a basic NAS — useful for home media servers and shared backup drives without a dedicated NAS unit. Linksys Smart WiFi enables guest network management, parental controls, and device prioritisation from any web browser or the Linksys app.

Tech Specifications

Model	Linksys EA8500
WiFi Standard	AC2600 (802.11ac)
2.4GHz Band	800Mbps (2x2)
5GHz Band	1733Mbps (4x4)
MU-MIMO	Yes — quad-stream simultaneous
WAN Port	1 x Gigabit Ethernet
LAN Ports	4 x Gigabit Ethernet
USB	USB 3.0
eSATA	Yes
Processor	1.4GHz Dual-Core
Management	Linksys Smart WiFi (web + app)
Beamforming	Yes
Warranty	12 months (Reboot IT)

Is It Right for You?

Best For ✓	Not For ✗
Households with 10+ connected devices and 4K streaming	Very large homes needing mesh WiFi coverage
Gaming households where low latency matters	ISPs requiring VLAN-tagged connections without support
Small offices wanting network storage sharing via USB	Enterprise networks needing VLAN or advanced routing
Users upgrading from older AC1200 or AC1750 routers	WiFi 6 device owners who want AX-class performance

Condition Grades

Grade	Condition
A — Excellent	Minimal cosmetic marks, factory reset, all ports and WiFi bands tested. 30-day hardware warranty.
B — Good	Light wear. Factory reset. Fully functional. 30-day hardware warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it include the power adapter?

Yes — the original AC power adapter is included.

Is it compatible with NBN and other Australian internet connections?

Yes. The EA8500 connects via its Gigabit WAN port to any NBN modem, ADSL modem/router in bridge mode, or direct Ethernet connection from your ISP. It does not have a built-in modem.

What is MU-MIMO and why does it matter?

MU-MIMO allows the router to communicate with multiple devices simultaneously instead of one at a time. In busy networks this reduces wait time for each device, improving overall responsiveness especially for streaming and gaming.

Can I use it as a wireless access point?

Yes. The EA8500 can be configured in bridge mode as a wireless access point behind another router.

What is the warranty?

All Reboot IT products include a 12-month warranty. If a fault develops within 12 months, we repair or replace at no cost.

What are the shipping costs?

Shipping costs apply based on size and destination — rates are calculated at checkout.

12-Month Warranty & Trust

Every Linksys EA8500 sold by Reboot IT carries a full 12-month warranty. We've been refurbishing and selling networking equipment since 2001 from our Melbourne workshop. Each unit is factory reset, all ports tested, and WiFi bands verified before dispatch. Visit us at reboot-it.com.au for our full networking range.