Everything you need to know about the Linksys WRT3200ACM [A Review]

Choosing the best router for your large house may be a challenge when you are unsure of which features to consider while purchasing one. Here, we will look at the features of the Linksys WRT3200 and asses its overall performance in giving you a stable and secure network connection in your home.

As technology advances, I am slowly learning the importance of purchasing new and improved Wi-Fi routers because they guarantee my household quality data transmission at all times no matter how heavy the connection log is on my router. Even better, optimized routers such as the Linksys WRT3200ACM come with high performance bandwidths that provide me with magnificent throughput speeds that give me a chance to stream 4K videos and game online seamlessly.

Linksys WRT3200ACM review and breakdown

Linksys WRT3200ACM: AC3200 Dual-Band Gigabit Wi-Fi Router, Beamforming Tri-Stream Wireless Signal, Ethernet Ports, MU-MIMO (Black, Blue)

• Fast wireless router provides Wi-Fi coverage for your home (works with existing modem)
• Open source firmware offers advanced customization; Certified operating systems: MacOS (10.X or higher),...

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The Linksys WRT3200ACM Smart Wi-Fi router has been improved and featured with an open-source code that allows you to customize its settings and monitor your network connection. It has been designed to cover a range of 2,500 square feet and it supports MU-MIMO and Tri-stream technologies.

It supports the 2.4 and 5 GHz frequency bands. It has throughput speeds of up to 3200 Mbps with the 2.4 GHz band having a speed of 600 Mbps and the 5 GHz band having through put speeds of 1300 Mbps each. Also, it is set to work with your already existing modem. It is open source ready which offers you advanced customization abilities on your router. It has a power supply input of 100-240 V and an output of 12 V.

This router has 4 antennas which contribute to the strength of its Wi-Fi signal. You can easily install the Linksys WRT3200ACM because it does not require you to use a CD. Its beamforming technology reduces interference of your network by concentrating the wireless signal to all the connected devices in your home network at the same time. It is featured with the WAP/ WAPA2 security protocols and a wireless encryption of up to 128-bits which ensure that your home network is secure at all times.

What we liked;

• It covers a range of up to 2500 square feet
• It has a high data transfer rate of 2160 Mb per second
• It ensures a stable connection without lags
• It can extend Wi-Fi coverage using its 4 antennas
• Its wired connectivity gives you stable and high speed internet
• It supports MU-MIMO and Tri-stream technologies
• Is set to work with your already existing modem

What we didn’t like;

• The only way to enjoy the 160 MHz bandwidth feature is when you have linked two identical Linksys WRT3200ACM routers together in bridge mode because it is difficult to find device that support this feature.
• Its user interface is very difficult to use before you get the hang of it

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Linksys WRT3200ACM Specifications

Linksys WRT3200ACM Features

Speed and performance

The Linksys WRT3200ACM has a throughput speed of 600 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz frequency band and 2600 Mbps on the two 5 GHz bands. It has been optimized with the MU-MIMO and beamforming technology which allows it to ensure that all your connected devices are able to receive the same speed throughout without you having to experience connection difficulties.

The tri-band feature of its frequency bands allow you to experience stable network connection despite the size of your connection log. An important feature of this router is the Tri-stream 160 technology which doubles the bandwidth from 80 to 160 MHz on the channels across the frequency band. When alternating across different rooms, the speed lowers on the 5 GHz frequency band but remains almost the same on the 2.4 GHz.

Design and structure

The Linksys WRT3200ACM is a router that is black with a matte finish towards the back and is blue towards the front. It has four detachable antennas, two on the back and two on the side part of the router. Its size dimensions are 9.68 x 7.63 x 2.04 and it comes with wall mount holes which you can use when you wouldn’t want to place it on a flat surface.

The bottom part of the router has four small stands that allow the Linksys WRT3200ACM router to remain firm in case you choose to create a wired connection on your devices. At the front of the router, there are LED lights which help you understand the status of your internet when you study their behavior. The router has 4 Ethernet LAN ports, an estate/ USB 2.0 port and a USB 3.0 port.

It has a power button and a red reset button in case you need to turn on/off your router or when you want to reset your router to default settings when a connectivity failure occurs.

Range and Capacity

This router has been designed to cover a range of up to 2,500 square feet which works well in large and multi-story homes. It has 4 antennas to help increase the stability and extend the Wi-Fi coverage across all parts of your house.

Aside from that, it has an internal 512GB RAM storage and through its USB 3.0 port you are able to increase the external storage on our router.The Linksys WRT3200ACM supports open source firmware which is compatible with DD-WRT or OpenWRT that allows for advanced customization of your router by setting up a secure VPN and lets you turn your router into a web server.

Set up and Network control

With this router, you are able to monitor and manage your home Wi-Fi network by tethering it to your phone or tablet. You are able to create a guest network for your visitors and fiends to avoid tampering with your already existing home network. Aside from that you are able to prioritize the devices that you would want a higher bandwidth on and you can secure your children from malicious sites as you can restrict their access to the internet.

It is secured with the WPA/WPA 2 security protocols and I has 128-bit encryption that keeps your local area network from hackers.

Who is it best suited for?

The Linksys WRT3200ACM is suitable for large homes and multi-storied buildings as it is able to cover a range of about 2,500 square feet and for you who is looking for fast and stable Wi-Fi for your high bandwidth activities like 4K video streaming or online gaming and you want to experience seamless connectivity.

Are there any alternatives to the Linksys WRT3200ACM router?

Yes, aside from the Linksys WRT3200ACM router, you can use the NETGEAR Nighthawk X6 AC3200, the ASUS AC3200 or the TP-Link AC3200 which have almost similar features and level of performance.

Features of the alternative routers

Verdict: Should you purchase the Linksys WRT3200ACM?

Yes, you should. The Linksys WRT3200ACM router has high throughput speeds and covers a large area with stable Wi-Fi network. The strongest feature of this router is its Tri-stream 160 technology which makes it slightly different from many routers. In as much as you can only access this feature when you link it with another similar router to create a bridge mode, you would entirely benefit from this if you have the correct devices on board. Also, this smart Wi-Fi router allows you to monitor and manage your home network in such a way that you are able to ensure maximum security in your network for you and your kids.

FAQs

How can I control overheating on my Linksys WRT3200ACM?

The normal operating temperatures of your router should be between 0 and 40 degrees Celsius. Also, the Linksys WRT3200ACM comes with wall mounting holes which allow you to mount it onto your allow to give room for more ventilation on your router that will in turn reduce overheating.

What are the default IP Address and Password of the Linksys WRT3200ACM smart router?

The default IP address of the Linksys WRT3200ACM router is 192.168.1.1 and the default password is admin. You can find these details on the label at the back side of your router.