CES 2021: Linksys Debuts Wi-Fi 6E Tri-Band Mesh System

Belkin's Linksys brand today announced the launch of the Linksys AXE8400 Wi-Fi 6E Mesh System that takes advantage of the 6GHz band to provide more bandwidth to consumers for faster networks and better reliability.

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The Linksys AXE8400 uses Qualcomm's Networking Pro 1210 platform to offer speeds that Linksys says are 2x faster than competing routers. According to Linksys, it is an ideal choice for homes that use up a lot of bandwidth as it can support multiple simultaneous activities for those who learn, work, and live all in one place.

The new Linksys system is certified with the Wi-Fi Alliance and the FCC, and it has tri-band capabilities, supporting 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz, plus there's a 5Gb/s WAN port. There are four Gigabit LAN ports and a single USB 3.0 port for hardware connections.

The Linksys AXE8400 is able to cover up to 3,000 square feet per node and can handle up to 65 connected devices all sharing the same bandwidth. It is compatible with other Linksys Intelligent Mesh products and can support smart devices that are 6E-certified and those that are not.

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Linksys will begin selling the AXE8400 starting in the Spring or Summer of 2021, and it will be priced at $449 for a single node, $849.99 for a two node setup, and $1,199.99 for a three node setup.

Alongside the Linksys AXE8400, Linksys is today also introducing the next-generation version of Linksys Aware, its motion sensing technology that works with third-party Wi-Fi connected devices like Wemo smart plugs and Belkin smart speakers to expand motion-sensing coverage capabilities.

With the Linksys aware technology, existing smart devices serve as points of communication for greater motion sensing range. Features include motion alerts viewable in the Linksys app when activity is detected, customizable motion sensitivity levels, and a live graph to show real-time and historical motion data throughout the home.

The Linksys Aware update will be available in the Linksys app in March or April of 2021. After a 90-day free trial, it is priced at $2.99 per month or $24.99 per year.

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Top Rated Comments

XXPP Avatar
55 months ago
$1,199.99 LOL
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
zv470 Avatar
55 months ago
No mention of Homekit router support.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Twinsbb17 Avatar
55 months ago
Wow, that's pricey! I've had occasional hiccups with our Wi-Fi 5 Velop 3 node setup but am curious if 6/6e would fix any of the issues. Might have to wait for prices to come down first though.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mnsportsgeek Avatar
55 months ago

Does it have a dedicated backhaul between hubs or is it another “mesh” router system that halves bandwidth per unit.
wifi 6e has dedicated backhaul. The backhaul on a 6ghz network is the primary benefit of 6e.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ajfahey Avatar
55 months ago

Yikes, $1200 for 3 nodes. Looks like we’re a couple years away.

$500-$600 for 3 is the sweet spot.
I'm going to run Cat 6a in my house. Every time I buy a new WiFi system, 3 years later, some combination of the need for more band width for evolving use cases and neighborhood interference as neighbors adopt similar tech results in needing to buy another WiFi system to compensate for it. 6a will help me get and keep ahead of it long enough for my next household move. I will continue to use WiFi but limit it to tying mobile wireless devices to my internet connection.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
diego.caraballo Avatar
55 months ago

Their regular Wi-Fi 6 models are equally crazy expensive, and they never go on sale.

I can actually spend money on a single node as long as I can use it as my main router paired with my existing Wi-Fi 5 Velop nodes. I will certainly not that price for more than one of these.
Just wait:



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Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)