Linksys Max-Stream RE9000 (AC3000) Review

The Linksys Max-Stream RE9000 (Ac3000) is an advanced Wi-Fi extender option for home users and small businesses. It comes with a wide range of features including faster connectivity, speed, and greater range coverage. This Wi-Fi router has an attractive design. It comes with 3 wireless bands for a stronger backhaul connection.

The RE9000 (Ac3000) is designed specifically for users who want faster Wi-Fi speed and greater range coverage. The Linksys Max-Stream Ac3000 is based on MU-MIMO technology support. According to the manufacturer, it is an ideal choice for users when they have a lot to get connected.

The MU-MIMO support, Ac3000 standard, tri-band connection, and 4 Ethernet ports make this device one of the Wi-Fi routers/extenders. To validate the claim of the manufacturer, we put the Linksys Max-Stream RE9000 to test.

In today’s article, we share with you our experience of testing the router, which helps you make the most informed decision whether or not you should go for this product. Read on!

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Specifications

Size: 6.71 x 5.35 x 1.78 inches

Antennas: 4 (external)

Wi-Fi Spec: 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz + 5 GHz Tri-Band

Ports: N/A

Peak Performance: 1733 Mbps

Range: 10,000 sqft.

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Networking

The Linksys Max-Stream RE9000 (Ac3000) functions as a tri-band device. It has three streams of 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz + 5 GHz. We tested the device on all three streams for wireless performance.

On the 2.4 GHz radio frequency band, the average speed measured at 5 feet was 399 Mbps. At 15 feet, the average speed of the device was 245 Mbps. At 30 feet, the speed calculated was 287 Mbps. It shows that on the 2.4 GHz band, the device performed well.

Next, we tested another stream on the 5 GHz radio frequency band. At 5 feet, we measured a maximum speed of 867 Mbps. At 15 feet, the speed went down slightly to 713 Mbps. At 30 feet, we measured an average speed of 527 Mbps. Again, these results are impressive.

Since the Linksys Ac3000 is a triband extender, we tested the last 5 GHz radio frequency band to measure the speed performance. At 5 feet, we measured a maximum speed of 1733 Mbps. At 15 feet, the speed measured was 1345 Mbps and at 30 feet, we measured an average speed of 987 Mbps.

Further, we increased the distance of the device to 75 feet and this time, we found no significant difference in the 5 GHz + 5 GHz radio frequency band. The speed we measured was 898 Mbps. These results show that the Linksys RE9000 is meant for faster Wi-Fi speed.

Next, we tested the upload and download speed of the extender. We used an internet connection of 250 Mbps. Both upload and download speeds were good and there was no distortion. So, we put the device on another test.

We began downloading a 2 GB large file and at the same time, stream HD video on Netflix. There were a few glitches on 2.4 GHz but when we turned on 5 GHz + 5 GHz, everything went on smoothly from downloading the large file to HD streaming on Netflix.

Design

The Linksys RE9000 (Ax3000) has a compact body. It is a lightweight device with 12.6 ounces weight and the measurements of the dimension are 6.71 x 5.35 x 1.78 inches. The LED callouts show that the Single LED is used for status communication. The color choice of orange and green for the LED is good for most users.

The rear panel has 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports, 1 Power port, and a reset button. On the right side of the device, there is a WPS button. Each Ethernet port has its own link and activity LED.

Likewise, one thing that you don’t get with the Linksys RE9000 is the ability to share files from the USB storage. You can place the RE9000 on a table or shelf. It also has screw mounting slots on the bottom side of the device, which allows pointing the backside connectors up or down.

Overall, the design is stylish and simple. It has a solid black color and 4 high-performance external antennas.

Hardware

When it comes to the hardware specs of the Linksys RE9000 (Ac3000) Wi-Fi extender, it has 2 x2 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz radio frequency bands, which connect the 2 rear antennas. It also has 4 x 4 stream 5 GHz radio, which connects to all 4 antenna positions.

The Linksys RE9000 (Ac3000) is a fast Wi-Fi router extender powered by MediaTek MT7621AT dual-core processor with 128 MB of RAM and 16 MB of Flash Memory. Unlike the Netgear RE9000 router, which has Qualcomm IPQ4019 CPU with 512 MB of RAM and 32 MB Flash Memory, the 2.4 GHz radio of the Linksys Ac3000 2×2 uses MediaTek MT7615DN.

However, this device does have a power amp. On the other hand, the Netgear RE9000 has IPQ4019 Skyworks SKY2623L power amp x2 of 2.4 GHz. The 5 GHz radio 2 x 2 of the Linksys Max-Stream Ac3000 is powered by MediaTek MT7615DN SKY85728-11 WLAN Front-End Module (5 GHz x2).

Also, the Linksys Ac300 has 5 GHZ backhaul of 4 x 4, which is powered by the MediaTek MT7615N SKY85728-11 WLAN 5 GHz Front-End Module (x4).

Installation

The Linksys Max-Stream RE9000 (Ac3000) has easy installation and setup options for optimal placement. There are two ways to set up the device.

First, you press the Push Button Connect on the Max-Stream RE9000 Ac3000 to sync it to the router automatically. Second, you can run the setup from a tablet, laptop, and smartphone.

To extend the wireless range, it is important to find the optimal location for the Linksys range extender. You can do this through Spot Finder Technology.

If you place it far from the router, the device will not expand the strength of the Wi-Fi signal and the strength of the signal may be spotty. The Spot Finder helps make sure the Linksys RE9000 range extender is in the right spot. You can configure the device using the web user interface provided by Linksys.

What We Liked

• Lightweight
• Small Footprint
• High-speed Wi-Fi performance
• 4 port Gigabit Switch
• Affordable

What We didn’t Like

• No 2.4 GHz Backhaul
• No USB Port

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