Dual-Band Ac Vs N Router- Which Router performs better
A dual-band router utilizes two bands, (2.4 GHz and 5GHz); they therefore, transmit two simultaneous wireless signals that tend to offer enhanced performance and are also easy to set up, the N router, on the other hand, doubles the range of a wireless device.
We have always encouraged our novice router users to first pick routers that don’t have a steep learning curve when it comes to set up. Additionally, we recommend the best brands that they can choose from; most of the users however, seem to be torn between the Dual Band Ac and the N router. The excerpt below will therefore, discuss the above routers’ best applications and features.
Table of Contents
What is the difference between the Dual Band Ac and N router?
Model |
Linksys EA7500 Dual-Band Wifi Router |
Linksys N300 Wi-Fi Wireless Router |
Speeds |
600mbps at 2.4GHz
1300mbps at 5GHz |
300mbps at 2.4GHz |
Coverage |
1,500 sq. ft. +15 devices |
175 feet |
Wireless communication standard |
802.11ac |
802.11b/ 802.11n/802.11g |
USB port |
2 ports |
None |
Dual-Band Ac vs N Router- How do they compare
Design
Routers from Linksys feature some quite sophisticated design but are different when it comes to features and functionality. The Linksys EA7500 has been equipped with three external routers, configured to help with connectivity and provide increased data transfer rates. The unit is also quite bulky, and at the back you will be able to access the WAN and LAN ports.
There are also two USB ports incorporated on the router, which offer faster speeds and allows connection to external networking devices such as the router, better yet is that you can use the USB port to attach an external storage device such as the HDD. The Linksys N300 on the other hand, has incorporated a sleek and simple design to enable easy deployment.
Setup and use of this N router is pretty easy, first because of the incorporated WPS button, and the provided 4 LAN and 1 WAN port to connect to the bandwidth-intensive external devices. The router has a rather flat and easy to deploy portable structure when compared to the Linksys dual-band Ac router.
Speeds
Linksys N300 offers its users up to 300mbps speeds at 2.4GHz, therefore, with the incorporated high speeds; the 2.4GHz band should be able to offer seamless Wi-Fi coverage at farther distances. Unfortunately for the Linksys N300 users will get no more than 175 feet of coverage, and we must also remember that the 2.4GHz can perform slower with regards to speeds.
The router features the advanced MU MIMO technology complete with two antennas, which can deliver data transfer speeds of up to 300mbps, encouraging strong and reliable internet signal strengths. While the Linksys N300 operates the 2.4GHz frequency, the Linksys dual band operates both the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands, so users can expect comprehensive coverage for both the short and long-range distance thus making it a better option when compared to the Linksys n300.
The manufacturer has also ensured that users get enhanced experience by incorporating the beamforming technology that enables the router to strengthen Wi-Fi signals to specific devices. The Linksys router has also been equipped with the device prioritization option to help overcome bandwidth limitations and help prioritize devices that are engaged in the bandwidth-intensive activities.
Security features
Among the many applications that your router is supposed to be equipped with is the security application to help secure your wireless network. Truth be told that the wired connection is the safest when it comes to internet connectivity, so for the wireless networks there have been developed various security applications that will offer watertight security.
The N300 has thus been equipped with the WPA/WPA2 security application which provides stronger wireless data encryption, important to note though is that for the devices in your network to benefit from WPA, all the devices on your network have to be configured for WPA. The incorporated WPA2 on the other hand enables enhanced security methods, gives users additional controls, and puts a damper on snooping among other great features.
The Linksys EA7500 on the other hand has been equipped with the parental controls that you can use to monitor your kid’s internet activities. you can also share your Wi-Fi with guests without compromising the security of the other devices within the network. Better yet you have been given the liberty of customizing and managing your Wi-Fi anytime and from anywhere using the Smart Wi-Fi.
Linksys N300 has been equipped with the WPA/WPA2 security protocol while the Linksys dual band also feature the traditional WEP, complete with the new WPA/WPA2 security protocols which consequently makes it a better router.
The Dual-band AC vs N router – A comparison Overview
The Dual-Band Ac Overview
- Provides up to 1,500 square feet of Wi-Fi coverage for 15plus wireless devices
- Works with existing modem, simple setup through Linksys App
The EA7500 Dual-band Wi-Fi router can comfortably accommodate 15+ devices and work with the existing modem to ensure that users have a great experience gaming and in HD streaming. The Linksys dual-band router is one of the easiest to set up as all you need to do is plug the router to a power source and get it connected to your internet modem.
The provided 2.4GHz bands, provides 600mbps speeds, which is effective for simple activities such as web browsing and emailing, the incorporated 5GHz band offers speeds of up to 1300mbps, which is best for online gaming and video streaming. There is also the beamforming technology incorporated on the router that prevents the Wi-Fi signals from going to a general direction but the devices connected in the network.
Pros
- Has the device prioritization option
- Allows users to share their home Wi-Fi with guests
- Has the network customization feature that can be tweaked from different locations
- Features the parental controls
Cons
- Drops the internet
- Does not offer very fast internet speeds
N Router Overview
- Enjoy the benefits of Wireless-N300 (802.11n) in your home ideal for surfing the web, emailing and...
- Connect your computers, wireless printers, smartphones, and other wireless devices at up to 300 Mbps...
The capabilities of the N router can be consolidated into four broad categories, which are connectivity via the four ports for wired connectivity that allows users to share data on external storage. The unit has also been equipped with wireless security to block unauthorized access. The setup process is also pretty easy only that you will have to use a software CD.
The incorporate wireless N technology when combined with MU MIMO capabilities and the two internal antennas, users will be able to enjoy data transfer speeds, of up to 300mbps.
Pros
- Offers fast data transfer speeds
- Has been equipped with four fast Ethernet ports
- Features the WPA/WPA2 and SPI firewall to keep your home Wi-Fi network safe
- Set up is easy with software CD
Cons
- limits the internet speed
- Parental control is rather primitive
Conclusion
Both the dual-band Ac router and the N router offer great networking speeds, the major difference however, is the distance that each of them covers. The N Router covers a short distance of 175 feet, while the Dual-band Ac covers up to 1500sq. ft, choosing one for home networking has thus been simplified.
Verdict; so which is the better router? The Dual band AC or the N router
The Dual-Band Ac router is the better router when compared to the N router simply because it provides more coverage at 1500sq. ft can accommodate up to 15 devices simultaneously and offers high networking speeds at both the 2.4 and GHz bands. Even better is that the router is equipped with two USB ports thus allows users to expand their networks.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the benefit of using the Dual-band AC router?
The router has been established to support two bands the 2.4GHz and the 5GHz while offering faster speeds and flexibility.
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How convenient is the Linksys N300 router?
The N router is compact in structure, for easy deployment, and is also easy to use. Important to note however is that it has a slow throughput and range.
