Some people will tell you it’s a good problem to have when your home is so big that your wireless router can’t provide coverage everywhere you go. I say it’s never a good problem when I’m without my Internets. You could invest in something like the Linksys Max-Stream MU-MIMO router for better speeds, but what if you need more range? For that, you might turn your attention to the new Linksys RE6700, an AC1200 Amplify Wi-Fi Range Extender with some nifty bonus features.
Yes, there are plenty of other range extenders on the market, like the Diamond Multimedia WR600NSI, but the Linksys RE6700 goes further in several departments. First, you get a product designed to provide up to 10,000 square feet (or more) of Wi-Fi signal boost. There’s also a wall outlet pass through, so you can still plug in your other electronics. The dual external antenna provide better range and strength too.
One of the more useful features included in the Linksys RE6700 is what they call Spot Finder technology.
Basically, you whip out your smartphone, tablet or laptop and the Spot Finder technology will help you find the optimal location for your Wi-Fi range extender. If you’re too far away from your router, you won’t get the signal strength you need. If you’re too close, you’re not maximizing the coverage area. This YouTube video explains.
Another bonus feature is the 3.5mm audio jack. When you connect your own set of speakers there, you can stream music from your smartphone, tablet or laptop from anywhere you’re on the same wireless network. That’s pretty nifty.
The Linksys RE6700 AC1200 Amplify Wi-Fi Range Extender is shipping now for $119.99. Check the press release below for more information.
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LINKSYS LAUNCHES ADVANCED NEW WI-FI RANGE EXTENDER
RE6700 equipped with new features including a pass-through power outlet, auto cross-band and Spot Finder technology
Irvine, CA – May 14, 2015 – Linksys®, the first company to sell 100 million routers globally and a leader in networking solutions for the home and business, today announced the newest addition to its Wi-Fi range extender family, the Linksys AC1200 Amplify Wi-Fi Range Extender (RE6700). This new range extender was developed to provide customers a Wi-Fi signal boost (up to 10,000 SQ FT†) into rooms throughout the house with a simple, elegant and easy-to-install solution that would blend in with the home décor. The built in power outlet maintains use of an existing wall outlet with pass-through functionality – a new and unique offering for Linksys Wireless-AC range extenders.
Wi-Fi range extenders help eliminate frustrating dead zones by detecting, then amplifying a router’s Wi-Fi signal so it extends to the remote areas of a home, basement, and even the backyard. But if a range extender is not installed in an optimal location, users may not be getting the most out of this powerful connectivity solution. So Linksys developed Spot Finder technology, which enables users to visually see the best placement spot for the range extender in the home; using their smart phone, tablet or laptop. Spot Finder Technology automatically activates when the setup process is launched. Just follow a few prompts for a hassle-free setup and improved Wi-Fi to existing dead zones.
“With more and more devices connecting to the home wireless network, the demands to extend that wireless signal are at an all-time high”, said Mike Chen, vice president, product management at Linksys. “Mobile devices are driving this demand because users want to take their devices all around the house but can be limited if the Wi-Fi signal doesn’t reach. We designed this new RE6700 range extender to provide better coverage and increased signal strength so all devices in the home can enjoy a seamless high-speed wireless experience.”
Maximizing the Wi-Fi Signal
To get that high-speed wireless experience, Linksys has included auto cross brand technology that will identify the best backhaul path for relaying traffic from/to a given Wi-Fi client. For example, RE6700 will use the 5GHz backhaul to relay the traffic from/to a near-by 5GHz client with strong signals. On the other hand, RE6700 may use the 2.4GHz backhaul to relay the traffic from/to a distant 5GHz client with weak signals. The result is reduced dropped data packets, faster media transfer speeds, and a stronger, more consistent signal throughout your home. Also included is Beamforming technology that focuses and strengthens the Wi-Fi signal, while the two external antennas amp up performance and throughput.
The Linksys AC1200 Amplify Wi-Fi Range Extender – RE6700 Features:
- Simultaneous Dual-Band Wireless AC1200 (N300 + AC867 Mbps*)
- Spot Finder Technology – for optimal placement and performance
- Integrated power outlet – Flexible plug-in placement maintains use of existing wall outlet
- External Antenna for better Wi-Fi coverage and performance
- Auto Cross Band Technology allows for the simultaneous use of both wireless bands for providing high speed data transfer to help with uninterrupted music/video streaming and gaming
- Gigabit Port for connecting a single wired device or plug in a Gigabit switch for connecting multiple wired devices to a wireless network
- 3.5mm audio jack allows users to connect speakers to the range extender to stream music wirelessly from your iOS or Android smartphone, tablet, or laptop
- Works with any router or gateway including routers supplied by service provider
Pricing and Availability
The RE6700 will be available starting today at major retail and online resellers as well as the Linksys store for an MSRP of $119.99.
About Linksys
The Linksys brand has pioneered wireless connectivity since its inception in 1988 with its leading innovation and engineering strategies, and best-in-class technology, design, and customer service. Linksys enables a connected lifestyle for people at home, at work and on the move, and with its award-winning products, simplifies home control, entertainment, security and Internet access through innovative features and a growing application and partner ecosystem. For more information, visit linksys.com, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or watch us on YouTube.
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†Range specifications are based on performance test results under normal use case conditions. Actual ranges will increase or decrease depending on wireless obstructions, operating environments, and building material. Wireless coverage claims are used only as reference and are not guaranteed as each wireless network is unique.
*Maximum performance derived from IEEE Standard 802.11 specification. 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, volume of network traffic, building materials and construction, operating system used, mix of wireless products used, interference, and other adverse conditions.
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