Identify Linksys router 101: connect linksys router to computer? best linksys router for home?
Here's how to identify Linksys router.
i. Connecting a Linksys router to a computer involves a few simple steps. Here's a general guide:
### Wired Connection:
1. **Power Off:** Turn off your computer and unplug your modem.
2. **Connect Modem to Router:**
- Use an Ethernet cable to connect the modem to the Internet or WAN port on the Linksys router.
- Make sure the modem is powered on.
3. **Connect Router to Computer:**
- Use another Ethernet cable to connect one of the router's LAN ports to your computer's Ethernet port.
4. **Power On:**
- Plug in and power on the modem first.
- Once the modem is fully powered on, plug in and power on the Linksys router.
- Wait for the router's lights to stabilize, indicating a successful connection.
5. **Power On Computer:**
- Turn on your computer.
### Wireless Connection:
1. **Power Off:**
- Turn off your computer and unplug your modem.
2. **Connect Modem to Router:**
- Use an Ethernet cable to connect the modem to the Internet or WAN port on the Linksys router.
- Make sure the modem is powered on.
3. **Connect Router to Computer:**
- Power on the Linksys router.
- Use Wi-Fi on your computer to detect and connect to the default wireless network name (SSID) of the Linksys router. This is usually printed on the router.
4. **Configure Router:**
- Open a web browser and enter the router's IP address into the address bar. The default is often "192.168.1.1." Check your router's manual for the correct IP.
- Log in using the default credentials (usually "admin" for both username and password).
- Follow the setup wizard to configure your wireless network.
5. **Power On Computer:**
- Turn on your computer.
These steps provide a basic overview, and the details may vary depending on your specific Linksys router model. If you encounter any issues, refer to the router's manual for detailed instructions or visit the Linksys support website for assistance.
ii. The best Linksys router for your home will depend on your specific needs and budget. Here are a few of the top-rated Linksys routers to consider:
* **Best overall:** Linksys Hydra Pro Mesh WiFi 6E Router (MR7500). This router is a great choice for homes with a lot of devices and a large square footage. It is a tri-band router with WiFi 6E support, which means it can deliver speeds up to 6.6 Gbps. It also has four antennas and can cover up to 2,700 square feet.
* **Best budget:** Linksys EA7300 Max-Stream. This router is a good option for those on a budget. It is a dual-band router with WiFi 5 support, which means it can deliver speeds up to 1.9 Gbps. It also has four antennas and can cover up to 2,000 square feet.
* **Best for gaming:** Linksys Mesh WiFi 6 Router (MR9610). This router is a great choice for gamers who need a fast and reliable connection. It is a tri-band router with WiFi 6 support, which means it can deliver speeds up to 6 Gbps. It also has four antennas and can cover up to 3,000 square feet.
* **Best for large homes:** Linksys MX8000 Mesh WiFi Router. This router is a good option for homes with a lot of square footage. It is a tri-band router with WiFi 6 support, which means it can deliver speeds up to 6 Gbps. It also has eight antennas and can cover up to 7,500 square feet.
Once you have considered your needs and budget, you can read reviews of these routers to see which one is the best fit for you.