Difference between revisions of "Recommended Routers/Linksys Routers"

Revision as of 09:45, 19 June 2020

! Important 
* This help page applies to most all NETGEAR Routers, please consult your routers manual to determine if the Nighthawk App is compatible with your model.
* All Gigabit NETGAR Routers should be supported on the XMission/UTOPIA Network. 
* Our testing is done in a business set up with high interference cause by; brick/metal walls, large electronic equipment and networking equipment. 
* Your interaction with this device or other NETGEAR products may differ than ours based on your home configuration and placement of the Router. 

Linksys

• Our in-house testing was completed on the Linksys EA7500v2 model.
• XMission has verified that this device supports internet speeds up to 1Gbps over Ethernet Connections, Wireless speeds averaged between 50-500Mbps.

The Linksys EA7500 comes with many different features such as; Dual-Band Wifi, Dual-Core CPU for fast data processing at high speeds, Network Wireless encryption, SmartWiFi App.

This EA7500 boast a combined wireless speeds up to 1Gbps using their Max-Stream MIMO technology. Independently we have found wireless speeds around 50-125Mbps on the 2.4Ghz and 175-400Mbps on the 5Ghz. Using Linksys beamforming technology allows compatible devices seamless and stable connection allowing you to play video games, stream music and HD Movies with out the worry of dropped signal.

Linksys Smart WiFi App

Notice: You are able to use the Linksys SmartWifI App or a computer to set up and manage your home network. In our example we uses the SmartWiFi App.

Access your Smart Phone's App Store and search for the Linksys SmartWiFi App or

 * iOS Apple devices
 * Android devices

Set-up App

The SmartWiFi App allows you to set up and manage your WiFi Network. The following instructions will allow you to receive "Notifications", Set up and manage your home network.

Tap on "Allow". This will let you get notified of any changes to your home network.	Tap on "OK". This allows the App to use your phones Bluetooth feature to set up your home network. It will also allow you to use the SmartWiFi App to manage your network.	Review the Terms and Conditions and tap on "Agree". If you disagree with any of these items, please contact Linksys directly for additional assistance.

First Time Set up

Using the Linksys App you'll need to tap on "Standard WiFi, All Other Routers" icon to set up and configure your Router.	You will need to connect your phone to the default wirelessbBroadcast found on the product label on the underside of your device. Once your phone is connected you can tap "Find My Router".	Once the app has located the router, the app will start to auto connect, configure and let you set up your wireless network.
Ensure you've checked the "read and accept" the license terms. The check for contribute information is optional. If you disagree with any of these items, please contact Linksys directly for additional assistance.	During the WiFi Set-up, Linksys will ask you if you'd like firmware updates to be automatically installed. We strongly recommend you've checked the box.	Please enter a Network Name (SSID) and a Password (passphrase used to connect your devices to your WiFi).
You're almost complete with setting up your home network.	Once complete, you'll be provided with an overall summary of your home network. We recommend writing this information down or take a screenshot on your Smart Phone.

Linksys Account

Creating a account is optional with Linksys. Creating a WiFi account will assist with password resets in-case users are unable to log into to the router software to manage your network. Our instructions are if you've never used a Linksys product before.

Tap on "Sing In" link where you'll be able to create an account or log in if you already have a Linksys Account.	Please enter a valid Email Address you have access to. We recommend using a unique password that is a min of 12 characters containing, Capitals, Numbers and Special Icons.	Linksys will send a verification email to the email address provided. You are unable to continue until you verify the email..
Add your new router to your created account by clicking on "Add to Account".	Linksys will use your SmartWiFi App to gather your routers information and link it to the cloud account.

Wireless Optimizing

While XMission cannot guarantee advertised speeds over wireless Internet, there are things you can to to optimize your Wireless internet. This can help with getting better Wireless Speeds.

WiFi Analyzer

Wireless routers have quickly become an essential appliance in the modern home. Use of a Wifi Analyzer, to optimize your WiFi network may become required.

Depending on your home situation it is common that the wireless channel being used has become overcrowded. Using a wireless channel that is overcrowded can decreased bandwidth and/or connectivity issues for your network. Use Wifi Analyzer to see what channels are in use and to identify the best channel to set on your router.

Please visit our WiFi Analyzer page for assistance.

Changing WiFi Channels

Using your Linksys SmartWiFi App you can edit your wireless settings for optimizing. Changing the channel to your router can often help boost speeds and stabilizing your network.

From the main screen of the Linksys SmartWiFi App you'll tap on the menu option at the top left corner.	Tap Wi-Fi Settings from the menu	Tap on Advanced Wi-Fi Settings. (You will have one for the 2.4GHz and 5GHz broadcasts.
Locate and tap on Channel: "Auto". If you have manually set a wireless channel you'd see the channel instead of Auto.	2.4GHz Channel has lower channel numbers. Often times using channels 6-8 produce better results. it is recommended to user a analyzer app to determine the best channel.	5GHz Channel has higher channel numbers. Often times using channels 149-161 produce better results. it is recommended to user a analyzer app to determine the best channel.

Troubleshooting

Common Troubleshooting

Speed Tests

• It is not recommended to use the speedtest function built into the router interface. This speedtest function does not test a server with-in the northern region of Utah and will often produce slower results.
• Please use XMission's Speedtest or Ookla any other speedtest service can not be verified.
• For Window 10 and Mac users we strongly suggest installing the Ookla App to get the most accurate results.

Wireless Speeds

Please be aware that internet speeds are limited on wireless networking, XMission can not troubleshoot speed issues basied on wireless results alone. It will be required to have a device hardwired to your router using a Cat5e Ethernet Cable.

Common Wireless Speeds are:
*: 2.4ghz typically only supports Wireless speeds of 10-75Mbps.
*: 5ghz typically supports wireless speeds of 10-600/1000Mbps. 

During XMission Testing we saw the following on our 1Gbps connections:

5GHz Wireless Connections	2.4GHz Wireless Connections