Linksys MAX-STREAM AC2200 MU-MIMO TRI-BAND ROUTER

Product Overview

Top View

The top view of the Linksys EA8300 router displays the Linksys logo prominently in the center. The router features four adjustable antennas, two on each side, which can be positioned for optimal signal reception. The model number 'EA8300' is also visible on the top panel.

System Status Indicator

The router features several indicator lights to show its operational status:

• Ethernet cable connection to Internet port: When lit orange, it indicates a problem with the network cable connected to the Internet (WAN) port.
• Internet connection: When lit orange, it indicates the router cannot access the internet.
• WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup™) indicator: This light has four states:
  • Off: No Wi-Fi Protected Setup activity.
  • Blinking White: Wi-Fi Protected Setup in progress.
  • Solid White: Wi-Fi Protected Setup is successful; remains lit for five seconds.
  • Blinking Orange: Wi-Fi Protected Setup error; blinks for one minute, then goes off.
• Illuminated Linksys Logo: The logo blinks while the router is starting up. When the logo is solid white, the router is powered on and working correctly.

Back View

The back panel of the router provides access to its ports and buttons:

• USB 3.0 Port (1): Used to connect and share USB drives on your network or the internet.
• USB Activity Indicator (2): Lights indicate data transfer to/from external devices.
• Ethernet Ports (3): Four blue gigabit (10/100/1000) ports for connecting wired devices to your network. For best performance, use CAT5e or higher rated cables.
• Internet Port (4): A yellow gigabit (10/100/1000) port for connecting to your broadband internet cable/DSL or fiber modem. For best performance, use a CAT5e or higher rated cable.
• Reset Button (5): Press and hold with a paperclip or pin until the illuminated Linksys logo turns off to reset the router to factory settings. Factory settings can also be restored via Linksys Smart Wi-Fi.
• Power Port (6): Connects to the included AC power adapter.
• Power Switch (7): Press to turn the router on (|) or off (O).

Side View

The side view shows the Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) button, typically labeled 'WPS', located on the top or front of the device. Pressing this button connects WPS-enabled network devices.

Setting Up: Basics

Where to Find More Help

In addition to this user guide, support resources are available at:

• Linksys.com/support/EA8300 (for documentation, downloads, FAQs, technical support, live chat, and forums).
• Linksys Smart Wi-Fi help (accessible after connecting to Linksys Smart Wi-Fi by clicking 'Help' at the top of the screen).

Licenses and notices for third-party software used in this product can be viewed at http://support.linksys.com/en-us/license. For questions or GPL source code requests, contact http://support.linksys.com/en-us/gplcodecenter.

How to Install Your Router

1. To complete setup, you will need a computer and a web browser to visit http://LinksysSmartWiFi.com.
2. Identify your equipment:
   • If you have a separate modem and standalone router, disconnect and remove your old router.
   • If you have a modem router (gateway), leave it connected.
3. Position the antennas straight up and plug the router into a power source. Ensure the power switch is in the ON position (|).
4. Connect your router to your modem or modem router. Plug one end of the included internet cable into the yellow Internet port on your new router. If you have a modem, plug the other end into the Ethernet (LAN) port on the modem. If you have a modem router, plug into any available port.
5. Wait until the illuminated Linksys light on the router stops blinking and is solid white.
6. Connect to the Wi-Fi name shown in the Quick Start Guide. You can change these details later. For help connecting to the network, refer to your device documentation at linksys.com/support/EA8300. Note: You will not have internet access until router setup is complete.
7. Enter http://LinksysSmartWiFi.com in a web browser and follow the on-screen instructions to complete your router setup. Alternatively, you can type 192.168.1.1 in a browser to start setup.

How to Use Linksys Smart Wi-Fi

You can manage your router from anywhere in the world using Linksys Smart Wi-Fi, or directly from your home network. Linksys Smart Wi-Fi may also be available for your mobile device; check your device's app store for information.

How to Connect to Linksys Smart Wi-Fi

1. Open your computer's web browser.
2. Go to http://LinksysSmartWiFi.com and log in to your account.

If you cannot remember your password, click 'Forgot your password?' and follow the on-screen instructions to recover it.

Network Map

The Network Map feature allows you to display and manage all network devices connected to your router. You can view devices on your main network and your guest network, and see information about each device.

Guest Access

Guest Access lets you set up and monitor a network for guests to access Wi-Fi without exposing your personal information. This feature allows visitors to connect to your wireless guest network and access the internet, without giving them access to your other computers or personal data.

Parental Controls

Parental Controls allow you to block specific websites and set internet access times for connected devices, helping you manage your children's online activity.

Media Prioritization

Media Prioritization enables you to set which devices and applications have top priority for your network traffic, ensuring the best performance for streaming or real-time media services.

Speed Test

The Speed Test feature allows you to test your network's internet connection speed directly from the router interface.

External Storage

External Storage allows you to access an attached USB drive (not included) and set up file sharing, a media server, and FTP access. You can configure how users access the contents of the external storage device.

Connectivity

The Connectivity section allows you to view and change basic and advanced network settings for your router.

Troubleshooting (within Connectivity)

The Troubleshooting section within Connectivity helps you diagnose problems with your router and check the status of your network.

Wireless and Security

Wireless

The Wireless settings allow you to view and change your router's wireless network configuration. You can modify network names (SSIDs), security modes, passwords, and set up MAC filtering. Devices can also be connected using Wi-Fi Protected Setup.

Security

The Security settings allow you to view and change your router's wireless security. This includes configuring the firewall, VPN settings, and making custom settings for applications and games.

Troubleshooting

For further assistance, contact Linksys customer support at linksys.com/support/EA8300.

Your Router Was Not Successfully Set Up

If Linksys Smart Wi-Fi did not complete the setup process, try the following:

• Press and hold the Reset button on your router with a paperclip or pin until the illuminated Linksys logo turns off and the blue MU-MIMO indicators start blinking (approximately 10 seconds). Then, install the router again.
• Temporarily disable your computer's firewall (refer to your security software's instructions for help) and attempt to install the router again.
• If available, use a different computer to install the router again.

Your Internet Cable Is Not Plugged In Message

If you encounter a "Your Internet cable is not plugged in" message during router setup, follow these troubleshooting steps:

• Ensure that an Ethernet or internet cable (like the one supplied with your router) is securely connected to the yellow Internet port on the back of the router and to the appropriate port on your modem (usually labeled 'Ethernet').
• Verify that your modem is connected to power and turned on. If your modem has a power switch, ensure it is set to the ON position (|).

For cable internet service, confirm that the cable modem's CABLE port is connected to the coaxial cable provided by your ISP. For DSL internet service, ensure the DSL phone line is connected to the modem's DSL port.

• If your computer was previously connected to your modem using a USB cable, disconnect that USB cable.
• Install the router again.

Cannot Access Your Router Message

To access your router, you must be connected to your own network. If you have wireless internet access, you might have accidentally connected to a different wireless network. To fix this on Windows computers:

1. Click the wireless icon in the system tray. A list of available networks will appear.
2. Select your network name and click 'Connect'. If your computer was connected to another network (e.g., 'wraith_5GHz'), ensure you select your Linksys EA8300 router's network name (e.g., 'Damaged_Beez2.4' in the example).
3. If prompted for a network security key, enter your Wi-Fi password in the provided field and click 'OK'.
4. Your computer should now connect to the network, allowing you to access the router.

Note: Depending on your Windows version, wording or icons may differ.

To fix this on Mac computers:

1. In the menu bar at the top of the screen, click the Wi-Fi icon. A list of wireless networks will appear.
2. Select your Linksys EA8300 router's network name (e.g., 'Damaged_Beez2.4' in the example).
3. Enter your wireless network password (Security Key) into the Password field and click 'OK'.

After Setup: The Internet Appears to Be Unavailable

If the internet has difficulty communicating with your router, you might see a "Cannot find [internet address]" message in your web browser. If the internet address is correct and you've tried multiple addresses with the same result, there might be an issue with your ISP or modem communicating with your router. Try the following:

• Ensure that the network and power cables are securely connected.
• Confirm that the power outlet your router is connected to is active.
• Reboot your router.
• Contact your ISP to inquire about outages in your area.

Rebooting your router is a common troubleshooting step. This involves turning the router off and then back on. This process allows the router to reload its settings and helps other devices (like the modem) rediscover and communicate with it.

To reboot your router using the power cord:

1. Disconnect the power cord from both the router and the modem.
2. Wait 10 seconds, then reconnect the power cord to the modem. Ensure the modem has power.
3. Wait until the modem's online indicator stops blinking (approximately two minutes). Then, reconnect the power cord to the router.
4. Wait until the illuminated Linksys logo is solid. Wait two minutes before attempting to connect to the internet from a computer.

To reboot your router using Linksys Smart Wi-Fi:

1. Log in to Linksys Smart Wi-Fi (refer to "How to connect to Linksys Smart Wi-Fi" on page 11).
2. Navigate to Router Settings, then click Troubleshooting.
3. Select the Diagnostics tab.
4. Under the Reboot section, click 'Reboot'.
5. Click 'Yes' to confirm. The router will reboot, causing all connected devices to temporarily lose internet connectivity. They will automatically reconnect once the router is ready.

Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Does Not Open in Your Web Browser

Linksys Smart Wi-Fi is compatible with the latest versions of Google Chrome™, Firefox®, Safari® (for Mac® and iPad®), Microsoft Edge, and Internet Explorer® version 8 and newer.

Specifications

Linksys EA8300

Environmental

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Notes

For regulatory, warranty, and safety information, refer to the CD that came with your router or visit Linksys.com/support/EA8300.

Maximum performance is derived from IEEE Standard 802.11 specifications. 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.

BELKIN, LINKSYS, and many product names and logos are trademarks of the Belkin group of companies. Third-party trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. Licenses and notices for third-party software used in this product may be viewed at http://support.linksys.com/en-us/license. For questions or GPL source code requests, please contact http://support.linksys.com/en-us/gplcodecenter.

© 2017 Belkin International, Inc. and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved.

LNKPG-00459 Rev. A00