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Linksys MX8503 Atlas Max 6E Tri-Band Mesh Wi-Fi 6E System (3 Pack)
Features
- First Wi-Fi 6E system with mesh built-in
- 6 GHz band found on Wi-Fi 6E routers offers interference-free signal and ultra-fast speeds
- Extreme speeds and limitless connectivity throughout your home
- Coverage up to 9,000 sq. ft., 195+ devices per node, and speed up to 8.4 Gbps
- Enough bandwidth to run video conferencing, working and learning from home, and AR/VR devices simultaneously
Pros:
- Excellent overall performance
- Strong signal penetration through walls
- App or online configuration
- Three-year warranty
Cons:
- No additional security features
- Large devices
- Expensive
The Linksys Atlas Max 6E excels at delivering high-speed Wi-Fi 6E mesh networking, making it a top contender in its class. Although it comes at a premium price and has a large physical footprint, its performance, coverage, and features make it a compelling choice for users seeking top-tier mesh networking.
Price and Availability
The Linksys Atlas Max 6E is available at a starting price of $1,000 for a three-piece kit. Linksys also offers two-pack and single-device options, priced at $900 and $450, respectively. The three-year warranty and lifetime support included with the Atlas Max 6E add significant value to the package, setting it apart from the competition.
Design
The Atlas Max 6E features a familiar Linksys design, with rectangular towers measuring 9.6 x 4.5 x 4.5 inches. These devices are available in white and can easily blend into various room settings. While wall mounting hardware isn’t provided, third-party brackets are available for purchase.
Each Atlas Max 6E unit includes a single LED on top to display the network’s status, with different colors indicating various states. The devices are equipped with a 5Gbps WAN input port, four gigabit LAN ports, and a USB 3.0 port for attaching storage devices. However, port aggregation, which combines LAN ports for increased speed, is not supported.
Features and Capabilities
Powered by Qualcomm’s Networking Pro 1210 chipset and featuring 12 amplified antennas, the Atlas Max 6E can accommodate up to 195 clients across the 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands. Its tri-band design optimizes traffic dynamically, selecting the least congested band for data transfer. The device supports features like MU-MIMO, beamforming, Airtime Fairness, and Node and Client Steering.
The Atlas Max 6E’s high-performance 6GHz band can handle speeds of up to 4.8Gbps, and it offers seven ultra-wide 160MHz data channels for demanding tasks like gaming and high-speed data transfers. However, the 6GHz band has limited range and works best within close proximity.
Performance
In real-world testing, the Linksys Atlas Max 6E performed exceptionally well, delivering impressive data transfer rates. At 15 feet, it achieved speeds of 1.189 Gbps, surpassing the Netgear Orbi RBKE963 and other Wi-Fi 6 mesh kits. Even at a distance of 75 feet, it maintained a solid connection, though the speed dropped.
One notable strength of the Atlas Max 6E is its ability to penetrate walls effectively, making it suitable for homes with challenging layouts. It outperformed the competition in this regard.
Heat and Power Consumption
During testing, the router’s temperature peaked at 103 degrees Fahrenheit, well within safe operating limits. In terms of power consumption, the router used 20.7 watts, while satellites consumed 11.4 watts each. Despite its high performance, the Atlas Max 6E’s estimated annual electricity cost was relatively modest.
Setup and Configuration
Setting up the Atlas Max 6E is straightforward, with options to use the Linksys app or a web browser for configuration. The app offers an efficient setup process with ample illustrations, and the entire setup took around 17 minutes.
Configuration options are comprehensive, with both the app and web browser providing access to various settings. While the app is more user-friendly, the browser offers more advanced configuration choices, including security settings.
Verdict
The Linksys Atlas Max 6E is a top-performing mesh kit that excels in delivering high-speed Wi-Fi 6E coverage, making it a compelling option for users seeking premium mesh networking. While it comes at a premium price and has a large physical footprint, its strong performance, coverage, and included warranty and support make it a valuable investment. If you’re looking for the best mesh router and are willing to invest in top-tier performance, the Linksys Atlas Max 6E is a worthy choice.
