Linksys Ea6350 Vs Netgear R6220- Which router is better
In your home network set up, the router is located between your modem and your computer, this position enables it to connect multiple networks and consequently forward packets to its own or other networks.
Many digital home devices can now be connected to the internet such as the DVR, the computer, speakers, CCTV, laptop, and satellite STB among others. With this many devices being connected to one router, it is important for the router to offer faster data transfer rates and wider coverage because the above devices are located in different areas of the home and will use the router simultaneously.
Many of our customers complain of experiencing slow internet speeds, not knowing that all the network-enabled devices need to be supplied with reliable internet connectivity since they will all be utilizing the same bandwidth. We, therefore, reviewed two home networking routers, to find out which of the two can accommodate many devices without compromising on speeds and range.
Table of Contents
What is the difference between Linksys Ea6350 and the Netgear R6220
Model |
Linksys Ea6350 (Winner) |
Netgear R6220 |
Speeds |
300mbps at 2.4GHz
867mbps at 5GHz |
300mbps upload speeds
867mbps download speeds |
Coverage |
1000sq. ft. |
3,000sq. ft. |
Wireless communication standard |
802.11a/b/g/n/ac |
None |
Dimensions |
12.95 x 4.02 x 3.74 inches (bigger) |
8.90 x 6.92 x 1.11 inches (more portable) |
Linksys Ea6350 vs Netgear R6220-How do they compare?
Performance
A router’s performance is tied to its wireless communication standard and the speeds that it can offer at long and short ranges. The Linksys Ea6350 therefore, utilizes the 802.11a/b/g/n/ac standard, the importance of the above standards is so that your router can be compatible, thus helps ensure interoperability with the devices in the market.
And that is why users need to check on the standards offered in a particular device because not all manufacturers implement all the relevant standards in their routers. For example, if a router is utilizing the 802.11g standard that might offer a theoretical data rate of 54 megabits per second at 2.4GHz; when the signal strength weakens, because of the increased distance then the integrated data rate will adjust automatically to lower the rates, thus maintain the connection.
The 802.11standard equipped in the Linksys Ea6350 is necessary for routers because it provides theoretical speeds of 11mbps per second at 2.4GHz in the industrial, medical, and scientific band. With the above in mind, Netgear has not incorporated any wireless communication standards on the R6220 router, meaning it is limited in performance when compared to Linksys Ea6350.
The upload and download speeds of both routers are effectively high, making them better options for both home and offices use. But if you have many digital devices connected to your network that use the Wi-Fi signals simultaneously then the Linksys Ea6350 will best suffice your networking needs because of the incorporated wireless standards.
Coverage
So, while the Netgear R6220 might be lacking in standards, it does offer wider coverage at 3,000 sq. ft, which is better than the Linksys Ea6350 1,000sq. Ft. And to counter the above Linksys has equipped its routers with the beamforming technology, which allows it routers to identify and connect directly with the devices in its network, instead of sending out the wireless signals in every direction.
The above then results in faster networking speeds, a better wireless range and reduced interference from other connected devices. Linksys Ea6350 offers a coverage range of 1,000 sq. ft, and can therefore, be used in areas where there is less distance to be covered.
Applications
For the use and management of the Netgear router, you have been provided with the Nighthawk application that will enable you to easily set up your router for use. The unit has been equipped with a WPS push and connect button. The security applications on the Netgear router are also watertight, for example you have been provided with the parental controls, for web filtering and accessibility via profiles.
There is also the separate secure guest access; the devices connected in your network will be protected by the incorporated high-level wireless security (WPS/WPA2). Linksys on the other hand, has equipped its routers with the free Linksys Smart Wi-Fi application that you can download and install on your mobile device to help with the customization and management of your home Wi-Fi network.
Other significant features are such as the parental controls and the guest access feature and here you can set a password-protected WiFi network that will cater to about 50 guests, Netgear on the other hand can accommodate up to 32 guests per wireless band bringing the total to 64 thus the better option.
Linksys Ea6350 vs Netgear R6220- A comparison overview
Linksys Ea6350 Overview
- Provides up to 1,000 square feet of Wi-Fi coverage for 10 wireless devices
- Works with existing modem, simple setup through Linksys app
The Linksys dual-band wireless router features the wireless AC- technology that ensures users enjoy faster internet speeds, on all the connected devices simultaneously; the above also applies to the wired technology. The router is a dual wireless band (2.4 and 5 GHz) that provides speeds of up to N300mbps and AC867mbps, which enables a smooth flow of the data traffic with low latency.
The incorporated Gigabit Ethernet ports allow the connection of wired devices directly to enable seamless internet access, and the sharing of data on the external storage devices.
Pros
- Provides faster connection speeds
- Has been equipped with the beamforming technology
- Allows smooth video streaming
- Offers up to 1,000sq. ft of Wi-Fi coverage
Cons
- The parental control is ineffective
- The Wi-Fi speeds offered are not as convenient
Netgear R6220 Overview
- This refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The refurbishing process...
If you want to achieve faster networking speeds then the Netgear R6220 is your home networking unit, because it has been equipped with the next generation 11ac dual-band technology thus offers whole-home coverage complete with Gigabit wired connections. And remember that with this unit you wouldn’t have to worry so much about the shape of your home.
The Netgear R6220 is a smart Wi-Fi router that provides coverage to any type of layout and home size, no matter where you connect it in your home. Netgear is all about reliability, with this unit therefore, you stand to enjoy reliable connectivity with minimal interference and low latency. Users can also share different types of information from music to photos via the incorporated USB port.
Users are also allowed to connect 8 or more devices to their networks, which will be able to access, faster data transfer rates that have been enhanced by the external antennas
Pros
- The unit is easy to use
- Has been equipped with high-level security
- Offers high Wi-Fi speeds
- Covers up to 3,000 sq. ft
Cons
- Goes off unexpectedly
- Ethernet is limited to 100mbps
Conclusion
Both the Linksys Ea6350 and the Netgear R6220 offer high download and upload speeds, however, Linksys has been equipped with the latest wireless communication standards that help enhance its performance in a network. The Netgear is also more portable given its smaller size than the Linksys routers which is bulkier.
Verdict; so which is the better router? Linksys Ea6350 or the Netgear R6220
The Linksys Ea6350 is a better unit when it comes to performance because it utilizes the latest wireless communication standards meant to enhance performance, and offers high data transfer speeds for both the 2.4 and 5GHz bands thus allows connected devices to upload and download large files. Additionally, the router reliably and simultaneously caters to devices within 1,000sq. Ft.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Does the Linksys Ea6350 allow VPN
The Linksys Ea6350 supports the VPN tunnels utilizing IPsec, L2TP and the PPTP protocols to go through the routers.
-
Is the Netgear R6220 Wi-Fi Router backward compatible?
Yes, the R6220 Wi-Fi Router is backward compatible with the legacy Wi-Fi standards