Linksys EA8500 MU-MIMO Dual-Band Gigabit Router User guide
- June 12, 2024
- Linksys
Table of Contents
Linksys EA8500 MU-MIMO Dual-Band Gigabit Router
Product Overview
EA8500 Front view
Power Indicator — The Linksys logo stays on steadily while connected to the Internet. It flashes or pulses slowly during bootup, self-testing and firmware upgrades. It flashes quickly when indicating connection errors.
Back view
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Adjustable external antennas— This router ships with four adjustable external antennas that should be connected to the router before powering it on. To connect the antennas, twist the antenna clockwise onto the antenna connector on the router.
NOTE For best performance, position the side antennas vertically as shown in the picture. -
USB 3.0 port— Connect and share a USB drive or USB printer on your network or on the Internet.
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USB 2.0/eSATA combo port— Connect and share a USB/eSATA drive or a USB printer on your network or on the Internet.
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Ethernet ports— Connect Ethernet cables (also called network or Internet cables) to these Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000) ports and to other wired devices on your network.
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Ethernet activity indicators— Green light is on when there is a wired connection. Yellow light blinks while the router is sending or receiving data.
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Internet port— Connect an Ethernet cable to this port and to your modem.
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Internet activity indicators— Green light is on when there is a wired connection. Yellow light blinks while the router is sending or receiving data.
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Wi-Fi button— Press to enable/disable the wireless function.
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Wi-Fi indicator— Lights up green when the wireless function is on.
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Wi-Fi Protected Setup™ (WPS) button— Press to easily configure wireless security on Wi-Fi Protected Setup-enabled network devices. For more information, see “Wireless Security” on page 6.
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Wi-Fi Protected Setup™ (WPS) indicator— LED blinks slowly while accepting Wi-Fi Protected Setup connections. LED blinks quickly when there is a Wi-Fi Protected Setup error.
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Reset button— Press and hold until all port lights blink at the same time to reset the router to its factory defaults.
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Power— Connect the included AC power adapter to this port.
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Power switch— Press | (on) to power the router.
Setting Up Your Router
Where to find more help
- Linksys.com/support/EA8500 (documentation, downloads, FAQs, technical support, live chat, forums)
- Linksys Smart Wi-Fi (linksyssmartwifi.com; click Help at the top of the screen)
NOTE Licenses and notices for third-party software used in this product may be viewed at http://support.linksys.com/en-us/license. Please contact http://support.linksys.com/en-us/gplcodecenter for questions or GPL source code requests.
How to install your router
Note: If replacing an existing router, disconnect that router first.
- Connect the antennas (if included) and plug in the router to a power source. Press the power switch to | (on) to power on the router. (Not all routers have power switches.)
- Connect the Internet cable from your modem to the yellow Internet port on the back of your router. Wait until the power indicator on your router is solid.
- Connect to the secure wireless name shown in the Quick Start Guide that came with your router. (You can change these details later.) Select the option to automatically connect to this network in the future. You will not have Internet access until you complete router setup (see Step 4).
- Open a web browser to launch the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Router setup instructions. If you don’t see the instructions, type linksyssmartwifi.com in the address bar.
At the end of setup, follow the on-screen instructions to set up your Linksys Smart Wi-Fi account.
Use Linksys Smart Wi-Fi to manage your router’s settings, including:
- Change your router’s name and password
- Set up guest access
- Configure parental controls
- Connect devices to your network
- Test your Internet connection speed
NOTE
As part of Linksys Smart Wi-Fi account setup, you will be sent a verification
e-mail. Make sure that you open the e-mail from Linksys and click the provided
link, and log in from a device connected directly to the router.
How to connect to Linksys Smart Wi-Fi
- Open a web browser and go to www.linksyssmartwifi.com.
- Enter the e-mail address and password you set up earlier and click Sign in.
How to change router settings
NOTE For additional help on any menu, click Help at the top of the screen.
- Open Linksys Smart Wi-Fi and log in to your account.
- In the menu on the left, click an option:
Network Map — This lets you display and manage all network devices
connected to your router. You can view devices on your main network and your
guest network, or display information about each device.
Guest Access — This lets you configure and monitor a network that guests
can use without accessing all of your network resources.
Parental Controls — This lets you block websites and set Internet access
times.
Media Prioritization — This lets you set which devices and applications
have top priority for your network traffic.
Speed Test — This lets you test your network’s Internet connection speed
.
External Storage — This lets you access an attached USB drive (not
included) and set up file sharing, a media server, and FTP access.
Connectivity — This lets you configure basic and advanced network
settings
Troubleshooting — This lets you diagnose problems with your router and
check the status of the network. 
Wireless — This lets you configure your router’s wireless network. Among
the settings you may change are network name (SSID), security mode, password,
MAC filtering, and connecting devices using Wi-Fi Protected Setup.
Security — Lets you configure your router’s wireless security. You can
set up the firewall, and VPN settings, and make custom settings for
applications and games.
Troubleshooting
This chapter can help you solve common setup issues and connect to the Internet. You can find more help from our award-winning customer support at linksys.com/support.
Your router was not successfully set up
If Linksys Smart Wi-Fi did not complete the setup, you can try the following:
Press and hold the Reset button on your router with a paperclip or pin until
the LED starts flashing (about 10 seconds), then install the router again
.
If you still haven’t set up the router, find another computer, and use that computer to install the router again.
Windows XP Service Pack update
On Windows XP computers, Linksys Smart Wi-Fi requires Service Pack 3. If the currently installed Service Pack is older than version 3, you need to download and install Service Pack 3.
NOTE
To temporarily connect to the Internet and download the required Service Pack,
you can use the included Ethernet cable to connect your computer directly to
your modem.
To Install Service Pack 3:
- Connect to the Microsoft Update website (update.microsoft.com/windowsupdate).
- Follow the instructions on the website or contact Microsoft if you need further help.
- After downloading and installing Service Pack 3, install the router again.
Your Internet cable is not plugged in message
If you get a “Your Internet cable is not plugged in” message when trying to
set up your router, follow these troubleshooting steps. Make sure that an
Ethernet cable (or a cable like the one supplied with your router) is securely
connected to the yellow Internet port on the back of the router and to the
appropriate port on your modem. This port on the modem is usually labeled
Ethernet.
drawing of the rear panel
Back view of cable modem
Back view of DSL modem
Make sure that your modem is connected to power and is turned on. If it has a power switch, make sure that it is set to the ON or l position. If your Internet service is cable, verify that the cable modem’s CABLE port is connected to the coaxial cable provided by your ISP. Or, if your Internet service is DSL, make sure that the DSL phone line is connected to the modem’s DSL port. If your computer was previously connected to your modem with a USB cable, disconnect the USB cable. Install the router again.
Cannot access your router message
To access your router, you must be connected to your own network. If you have wireless Internet access, the problem may be that you have accidentally connected to a different wireless network.
To fix the problem on Windows computers:
- On your Windows desktop, right-click the wireless icon in the system tray. The icon can differ depending on your version of Windows.
- Click View Available Wireless Networks. A list of available networks appears.
- Click your own network name, and click Connect. In the example below, the computer was connected to another wireless network named JimsRouter. The name of the Linksys EA8500 network, BronzeEagle in this example, is shown selected.
- If you are prompted to enter a network key, type your password (Security Key) into the Network key and Confirm network key fields. Click Connect.
- You should be able to access the router.
To fix the problem on Mac computers:
In the menu bar across the top of the screen, click the Wi-Fi icon. A list of
wireless networks appears. Linksys Smart Wi-Fi has automatically assigned your
network a name. In the example below, the computer was connected to another
wireless network named JimsRouter. The name of the Linksys EA8500 network,
BronzeEagle in this example, is shown selected.
Click the wireless network name of your Linksys EA8500 (BronzeEagle in the
example). Type your wireless network password (Security Key) into the Password
field, and click OK.
Specifications
Linksys EA8500
- Model Name Linksys AC2600 MU-MIMO Gigabit Router
- Model Number EA8500
- Switch Port Speed 10/100/1000 Mbps (Gigabit Ethernet)
- Radio Frequency 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz # of Antennas 4 external adjustable antennas, 1 internal antenna
- Ports Power, Internet, Ethernet (1-4), USB 3.0, USB 2.0 / eSATA combo
- Buttons Reset, Wi-Fi Protected Setup, Wi-Fi, Power
- LEDs Power, Internet, Ethernet (1-4), Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Protected Setup
- UPnP Supported
- Security Features WEP, WPA2, RADIUS
- Security Key Bits Up to 128-bit encryption
- Storage File Systems Support FAT, NTFS, and HFS+
- Browser Support Latest versions of Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari (for Mac and iPad), and Internet Explorer versions 8 and newer
Environmental
- Dimensions 10.09” x 2.21” x 7.22” (256.3 x 56.2 x 183.5 mm) without antennas
- Unit Weight 20.67 oz (586 g) without antennas 25.22 oz (715 g) with antennas
- Power 12V, 3.5A
- Certifications FCC, IC, CE, Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac), Windows 7, Windows 8, DLNA
- Operating Temp. 32 to 104°F (0 to 40°C)
- Storage Temp. -4 to 140°F (-20 to 60°C)
- Operating Humidity 10 to 80% relative humidity, non-condensing
- Storage Humidity 5 to 90% non-condensing
Notes
For regulatory, warranty, and safety information, see the CD that came with your router or go to Linksys.com/support. Specifications are subject to change without notice. Maximum performance derived from IEEE Standard 802.11 specifications. Actual performance can vary, including lower wireless network capacity, data throughput rate, range, and coverage. Performance depends on many factors, conditions, and variables, including distance from the access point, the volume of network traffic, building materials, and construction, operating system used, a mix of wireless products used, interference, and other adverse conditions. Visit linksys.com/support for award-winning technical support
BELKIN, LINKSYS, and many product names and logos are trademarks of the Belkin group of companies. Third-party trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners.© 2015 Belkin International, Inc. and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. LNKPG-00215 Rev. C00
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the Linksys EA8500 MU-MIMO Dual-Band Gigabit Router?
The Linksys EA8500 is a high-performance dual-band gigabit router that supports MU-MIMO (Multi-User Multiple-Input Multiple-Output) technology, providing faster and more efficient Wi-Fi performance for multiple devices.
What are the main features of the Linksys EA8500?
The main features of the Linksys EA8500 include MU-MIMO support, dual-band connectivity, gigabit Ethernet ports, USB ports for file sharing, beamforming technology, and advanced security features.
What is MU-MIMO technology?
MU-MIMO technology allows the router to communicate with multiple devices simultaneously, providing a more efficient and faster Wi-Fi experience for all connected devices.
What Wi-Fi speeds does the Linksys EA8500 support?
The Linksys EA8500 supports Wi-Fi speeds of up to 1733 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and 800 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band, offering a combined maximum speed of 2533 Mbps.
How many antennas does the Linksys EA8500 have?
The Linksys EA8500 features four external antennas for better coverage and signal strength.
Can I connect external storage devices to the Linksys EA8500 for file sharing?
Yes, the Linksys EA8500 has two USB ports that allow you to connect external storage devices such as USB drives or external hard drives for file sharing over the network.
Does the Linksys EA8500 support beamforming technology?
Yes, the Linksys EA8500 supports beamforming technology, which focuses the Wi- Fi signal directly to connected devices, improving range and signal strength.
How many Ethernet ports does the Linksys EA8500 have?
The Linksys EA8500 has four gigabit Ethernet ports, providing high-speed wired connections for devices such as computers, gaming consoles, and smart TVs.
Can I prioritize specific devices or applications with the Linksys EA8500?
Yes, the Linksys EA8500 offers Quality of Service (QoS) features that allow you to prioritize specific devices or applications for optimized performance.
Does the Linksys EA8500 support guest network access?
Yes, the Linksys EA8500 allows you to set up a guest network, providing internet access to your guests while keeping your main network secure.
Is the Linksys EA8500 compatible with Alexa or Google Assistant?
Yes, the Linksys EA8500 is compatible with voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant, allowing you to control certain router functions using voice commands.
Does the Linksys EA8500 have parental control features?
Yes, the Linksys EA8500 offers parental control features, allowing you to restrict internet access and set up content filtering for specific devices or users.
Can I remotely manage the Linksys EA8500?
Yes, the Linksys EA8500 can be remotely managed using the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi mobile app or through a web browser, allowing you to access and configure the router's settings from anywhere.
Does the Linksys EA8500 support IPv6?
Yes, the Linksys EA8500 is compatible with IPv6, the latest version of the Internet Protocol.
Is the Linksys EA8500 compatible with mesh networking?
No, the Linksys EA8500 is a standalone router and is not designed for mesh networking.
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