Difference between revisions of "Recommended Routers/Linksys Routers"

From XMission Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search
(Wireless Speeds)
(Speed Tests)
 
Line 129: Line 129:
  
 
=== Speed Tests ===
 
=== 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 [http://speedtest.xmission.com/ XMission's Speedtest] or [https://www.speedtest.net/ Ookla] any other speedtest service can not be verified.
+
Running speed tests are a great way to determine if you have a connectivity issue, however, there are a number of factors that can dramatically affect the results of your tests.
* For Window 10 and Mac users we strongly suggest installing the [https://www.speedtest.net/apps Ookla App] to get the most accurate results.  
+
 
 +
For help with speed tests please [[Speedtest | visit]]
 +
 
 +
* It is not recommended to use the speed test function built into the router interface. This speed test function does not test a server with-in the northern region of Utah and will often produce slower results.  
 +
* Please use [http://speedtest.xmission.com/ XMission's Speed test] or [https://www.speedtest.net/ Ookla] any other speed test service can not be verified.
 +
* For Window 10 and Mac users we strongly suggest installing the [https://www.speedtest.net/apps Ookla App] to get the most accurate results.
  
 
=== Wireless Speeds ===
 
=== Wireless Speeds ===

Latest revision as of 09:52, 24 June 2020

! Important 
* This help page applies to most all Linksys Routers, please consult your routers manual to determine if the SmartWiFi App is compatible with your model.
* All Gigabit Linksys 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 Linksys 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.

Linksys Allow Notificaton.jpg Linksys Allow Bluetooth.jpg Linksys Agree Terms.jpg
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

Linksys Setup Router.jpg Linksys Find Router.jpg Linksys Install Router.jpg
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.
Linksys WiFi Setup.jpg Linksys Auto Update.jpg Linksys WiFi Configuration.jpg
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).
Linksys WiFi Almost.jpg Linksys WiFi Complete.jpg
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.

Linksys Smart Wifi Account.jpg Linksys Wifi Create Account.jpg Linksys Wifi Verify Email.jpg
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..
Linksys Wifi Attach Router.jpg Linksys Wifi Attach Router Complete.jpg
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.

Linksys Wireless Channel.jpeg Linksys Wireless Channel2.jpeg Linksys Wireless Channel3.jpeg
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.
Linksys Wireless Channel4.jpeg Linksys Wireless Channel5.jpeg Linksys Wireless Channel6.jpeg
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

Running speed tests are a great way to determine if you have a connectivity issue, however, there are a number of factors that can dramatically affect the results of your tests.

For help with speed tests please visit

  • It is not recommended to use the speed test function built into the router interface. This speed test function does not test a server with-in the northern region of Utah and will often produce slower results.
  • Please use XMission's Speed test or Ookla any other speed test 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
Linksys Speed.jpeg
Tested with-in 30ft of router on mobile device
Linksys Speed5.jpeg
Tested with-in 50ft of router on mobile device
Linksys Speed6.png
Tested with-in 30ft of router on a computer
2.4GHz Wireless Connections
Linksys Speed2.jpeg
Tested with-in 30ft of router on mobile device
Linksys Speed3.jpeg
Tested with-in 50ft of router on mobile device
Linksys Speed4.png
Tested with-in 30ft of router on a computer

NOTE: These results are with a single device connected to the router. Results will very depending on device usage with-in your home network.