Linksys' beefs up new router with Wi-Fi 6E and 6GHz, further enhances Linksys Aware

By Nicholas Sutrich
last updated

Linksys Axe8400 Front
Linksys Axe8400 Front (Image credit: Linksys)

What you need to know

  • Linksys AXE8400 mesh system features 5Gbps ethernet ports, Wi-Fi 6E, and support for 6GHz Wi-Fi.
  • The AXE8400 will be available in Spring/Summer 2021 in the US starting at $449.99, and globally the second-half of 2021.
  • Linksys Aware home security is getting an upgrade with support for motion detection between any powered Wi-Fi device.

It seems like routers are always boasting new speeds and tech, and the new Linksys AXE8400 goes above and beyond what people might expect out of a new router. On the speed upgrade side, we're looking at support for Wi-Fi 6E, which improves upon the technology used in the best Wi-Fi 6 routers by adding in a new 6GHz band. 6GHz offers significantly more bandwidth options by offering 1,200MHz of spectrum for Wi-Fi gadgets to use, keeping your devices going strong without hogging up the airwaves. Existing Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6 devices could also see a speed boost since the addition of more available spectrum means devices can communicate on separate channels, keeping speeds high.

Those types of wireless speeds are particularly important when adding in devices like VR headsets, which require a low latency with lots of bandwidth to produce a high-quality image. Linksys has also added in 5Gbps Ethernet ports, meaning folks with fiber internet to their homes will see an automatic speed boost to their wired and wireless devices. In fact, all four Ethernet ports on each Linksys AXE8400 node see this 5Gbps upgrade, so any wired devices with 5Gbps support will also get a huge boost from these new routers.

Linksys Aware App

Source: Linksys (Image credit: Source: Linksys)

Aside from huge upgrades in wired and wireless speed, Linksys is upgrading its Linksys Aware home security platform with the ability to use stationary powered Wi-Fi devices in the home to better detect motion. This means devices like thermostats, smart plugs, and anything else that is Wi-Fi connected that doesn't move can be used by Linksys Aware to send motion detection alerts to your Linksys Aware smartphone app. Right now, Linksys Aware is only available on its Wi-Fi 5 Velop routers, but the company plans to expand the service to its Wi-Fi 6 offerings in the future.

Linksys AXE8400 will be available sometime in the Spring or Summer of 2021 in the US in three configurations. A 1-pack will cost $449.99, 2-pack will retail for $849.99, and a 3-pack will sell for $1,199.99. Each node is rated to cover a whopping 3,000 square feet, and the AXE8400 will be available Internationally in the second half of 2021.

MX4200 Front view straight on,Wi-Fi 6 for less

 (opens in new tab)
Linksys Velop AX4200

Cover your entire home with this 3-pack
If you don't need the extra speeds of the AXE8400, Linksys AX4200 is an amazing mesh Wi-Fi 6 system that'll cover your entire home with Wi-Fi 6 for much less money.

Nicholas Sutrich
Nicholas Sutrich
Senior Content Producer — Smartphones & VR
Nick started with DOS and NES and uses those fond memories of floppy disks and cartridges to fuel his opinions on modern tech. Whether it's VR, smart home gadgets, or something else that beeps and boops, he's been writing about it since 2011. Reach him on Twitter or Instagram @Gwanatu
1 Comment
  • I specifically choose not to upgrade to WiFi 6, because I read about the planned 6E variant before 6 was even released, I feel like they duped a lot of people into upgrading to a half done new standard.
    6E is what will really improve speeds to individual devices, sure AX on just 5ghz might be good for areas with a lot of devices, but it really doesn't do much for Max speeds or small home networks.
    By the time people have enough devices that use AX to get any benefit, 6E will be well established.
    If your device comes with AX sure that may help you in a dense area like a airport if you hold on to it.
    But a AX 6 router isn't doing much for a home when most of the devices are probably still on AC. I'll still be waiting a little more for 6E prices to drop from over $400 dollars lol.