Linksys EA9400 AC5000 Tri-Band Wi-Fi Router Frequently Asked Questions

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
HARDWARE INFORMATION
 
1.
What is the Linksys EA9400 AC5000 Tri-Band Wi-Fi Router?
2. What are the minimum system requirements for Linksys EA9400?
3. What are the product features of the Linksys EA9400?
4. What USB standards does the Linksys EA9400 support?
5. What is the warranty period of the Linksys EA9400?
6. How do I position the antennas of the Linksys EA9400 to optimize its maximum signal strength?
7. What is the Network Map feature on the Linksys EA9400, and how can I use it?
8. What do the LED activities on the Linksys EA9400 mean?
 
SETUP & INSTALLATION
 
1.
How do I set up the Linksys EA9400?
2. What are the default IP Address and Password of the Linksys EA9400?
3. Will I be able to run the setup on a hardwired computer even though the wireless adapter is disabled?
4. What is a router password hint?
 
WIRELESS CONNECTION & SECURITY
 
1.
How many bands does the Linksys EA9400 support?
2. What is the maximum PHY Data Rate for each wireless band?
3. What is Smart Connect?
4. Can I turn OFF Smart Connect?
5. Is band steering supported on the 2.4 GHz band?
6. Does the Guest network support band steering?
7. Why can't I change the Network Mode, Channel, and Channel width when Smart Connect is ON?
8. How can I tell which band the 5 GHz clients are connected to?
9. Can I disable wireless clients’ web interface access to the router?
10. Why is WEP grayed out for the 5 GHz band section in the Wireless widget?
11. Can I select 802.11n Only for the 2.4 GHz band?
12. Can I select 802.11n Only for the 5 GHz band?
13. Where can I locate the wireless MAC address of the router?
14. How many Guest networks can I set up on the Linksys EA9400?
15. What is the default password of the Guest network?
16. What is the IP Address range of the Guest network?
 
ADVANCED CONFIGURATION
 
1.
How can I upgrade the firmware of the Linksys EA9400?
2. What is the supported USB hard drive format?
3. What is Seamless Roaming?
4. Does the Linksys EA9400 support Seamless Roaming?
5. How do I enable Seamless Roaming?
6. How can I set up the network with Seamless Roaming?
7. Will the Seamless Roaming feature of the Linksys Max-Stream router work with other third party routers or range extenders?
8. What other Linksys products support Seamless Roaming?
9. Are there any guidelines when using Seamless Roaming?
10. Where can I find more information about Seamless Roaming?
11. How do I configure Parental Controls?
12. What is Media Prioritization and how do I configure it on the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Account?
13. How do I perform a speed test on the network using the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Account?
14. What is a media server, and how does it work?
15. Does the Linksys EA9400 support Repeater or Wireless Bridge Mode?
16. Does this support IPv6 RD for its internet connection?
 
TROUBLESHOOTING
 
1.
How can I reset the Linksys EA9400 to factory defaults?
2. If I turned the Smart Connect OFF and configure the 5 GHz1 and 5 GHz2 with two (2) different SSIDs then enable the Smart Connect back ON, what will be the SSID?
3. The Parental Controls blocks HTTPS but returns an error page instead of redirecting to the Parental Controls screen.  Is this a normal behavior? 
 

HARDWARE INFORMATION

1.  What is the Linksys EA9400 AC5000 Tri-Band Wi-Fi Router?
 
The Linksys EA9400 AC5000 Tri-Band Wi-Fi Router features a Tri-Band technology that delivers extremely fast combined speeds of up to 5 Gbps to more devices.  It has advanced security features for a secure connection, Seamless Roaming capability, Beamforming Technology for improved mobile speed and range, eight (8) external non-detachable dipole antennas that can be positioned for optimal performance, and a CD-less fast and easy setup.  For more information about this device, click
here.
 

2.  What are the minimum system requirements for Linksys EA9400?
 
Browser requirements
  • Latest version of Internet Explorer®, Google Chrome™, Mozilla Firefox®, Safari® (for Mac® or iPad®), Microsoft Edge
  • Latest Adobe® Flash® Player
 Operating System (for printer utility)
  • Windows® XP SP3, Windows Vista®;  SP1, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10
  • OS X® Leopard 10.5.8 or later, Snow Leopard 10.6.1 or later, Lion 10.7, Mountain Lion 10.8, Mavericks 10.9, Yosemite 10.10
 
3.  What are the product features of the Linksys EA9400?
 
Below are the major product features of the Linksys EA9400:
 
Product Features:

 
  • Concurrent Tri-Band Technology
  • Speeds of up to 5 Gbps
  • Linksys Smart Wi-Fi
  • 802.11ac Wireless Technology
  • Dual-Core 1.4 GHz processor
  • 4 x 4 Spatial streams
  • Beamforming Technology
  • Seamless Roaming
  • Ports
    • Eight (8) LAN Gigabit
    • One (1) WAN Gigabit ports
  • USB
    • One (1) USB 3.0
    • One (1) USB 2.0
  • Eight (8) external non-detachable dipole antennas
   
4.  What USB standards does the Linksys EA9400 support?
 
The Linksys EA9400 has one (1) USB 3.0 port and one (1) USB 2.0 port, which are backward-compatible with older versions.  The USB 3.0 speed limit can reach up to 5 Gbps.
 

5.  What is the warranty period of the Linksys EA9400?
 
The warranty period is dependent on the country of purchase.  For more information about your device’s warranty, click 
here.
 

6.  How do I position the antennas of the Linksys EA9400 to optimize its maximum signal strength?
 
All eight (8) external non-detachable dipole antennas are adjustable to different positions depending on your preference.  However, to optimize your antennas’ maximum signal strength, follow the recommended positions.

 
  • Single-Story Homes:
For single-story homes, all antennas should be straight up.
 
  • Multi-Story Homes:
For multi-story homes, four (4) antennas must be straight up and the other four (4) need to be adjusted based on where you need the coverage and where you want the signal to radiate.
 
 To know more, click 
here.
 

7.  What is the Network Map feature on the Linksys EA9400, and how can I use it?
 
The Linksys EA9400’s Network Map feature allows you to manage and monitor your devices’ connection to the network.  To know more about this and how you can use it, click 
here.
 

8.  What do the LED activities on the Linksys EA9400 mean?
 
To know more about the behavior and meaning of the router’s front LED window, click
here.
 
SETUP & INSTALLATION
 

1.  How do I set up the Linksys EA9400?
 
Setting up the Linksys EA9400 is made fast and easy because of its CD-less setup.  Now you can run the setup from a web browser even if the router does not initially have an Internet connection and is on factory settings.  To learn how to set up the Linksys EA9400, click 
here.
 
NOTE:  There is also an option to manually set up the Linksys EA9400 and log in straight into the web-based setup page.  On your setup home page, tick the I want to skip Setup and configure the router manually option and click Next.
 

2.  What are the default IP Address and Password of the Linksys EA9400?
 
The default IP Address for this router is 192.168.1.1 and the default router password is admin.
 

3.  Will I be able to run the setup on a hardwired computer even though the wireless adapter is disabled?
 
Yes, just connect the router to the computer using an Ethernet cable, open a browser, and start the setup process.
 

4.  What is a router password hint?
 
The Linksys EA9400 allows you to set up a router password hint.  This is very useful should you forget your Linksys Smart Wi-Fi password during login.  The password hint is visible when you locally log in to the router.  You can also change it on your Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Account.  Click 
here for instructions.
 
WIRELESS CONNECTION & SECURITY
 

1.  How many bands does the Linksys EA9400 support?
 
A total of three (3) radios are supported by the Linksys EA9400 (1 x 2.4 GHz and 2 x 5 GHz).
 

2.  What is the maximum PHY Data Rate for each wireless band?

 
  • Band 1 (2.4 GHz) - speeds of up to 600 Mbps
  • Band 2 (5 GHz1) - fastest speeds of up to 2166.67 Mbps 
  • Band 3 (5 GHz2) - blazing speeds of up to 2166.67 Mbps 
3.  What is Smart Connect?
 
Smart Connect in Linksys Smart Wi-Fi routers with Tri-Band technology allows the router to have the capacity, flexibility, and intelligence to assign a 5 GHz wireless client to connect to one of the router's two (2) 5 GHz bands.  The router will perform band steering, which will “steer” clients to the less congested 5 GHz band's network.  To know more about this feature, click
here.
 

4.  Can I turn OFF Smart Connect?
 
For better performance, it is highly recommended to leave Smart Connect ON, however, you still have the option to turn it OFF.  For instructions on how to disable the Smart Connect feature, click 
here.
 

5.  Is band steering supported on the 2.4 GHz band?
 
No, band steering is only supported on the 5 GHz band.
 

6.  Does the Guest network support band steering?
 
No.
 

7.  Why can't I change the Network Mode, Channel, and Channel width when Smart Connect is ON?
 
These settings require Auto mode in order for band steering to work properly.
 

8.  How can I tell which band the 5 GHz clients are connected to?
 
To view which clients of the 5 GHz band are connected to 5 GHz1 or 5 GHz2, open up the Network Map tool on your Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Account then click the The Network tab.
 

9.  Can I disable wireless clients’ web interface access to the router?
 
No. 
 

10.  Why is WEP grayed out for the 5 GHz band section in the Wireless widget?
 
When Smart Connect is enabled, you cannot use Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP).  In order to use WEP security on the 5 GHz band, you must turn OFF Smart Connect first and select either Auto or 20 MHz as your Channel Width.
 

11.  Can I select 802.11n Only for the 2.4 GHz band?
 
Yes, you must set the Security Mode to WPA2™ Personal first.
 

12.  Can I select 802.11n Only for the 5 GHz band?
 
Yes, you must set the Security Mode to WPA2 Personal first.
 

13.  Where can I locate the wireless MAC address of the router?
 
Go to the Troubleshooting Tool > Status and click Report.  All three (3) Wireless MAC Addresses will be displayed under the Wireless section.


14.  How many Guest networks can I set up on the Linksys EA9400?
 
The Linksys EA9400 allows you to have two (2) Guest networks both for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz1 only.  With these, your visitors at home can access the Internet but not the local network (e.g., shared storage devices, printer access).  You can disable one or both Guest networks.
 
NOTE:  The router supports up to a total of 50 guests.
 

15.  What is the default password of the Guest network?
 
The default Guest password of your router is BeMyGuest.

NOTE:  This only applies when the router is on factory default settings.  Once you run Smart Setup, the Guest password will change to a random password.  You can log into the web interface to change the Guest password.
 

16.  What is the IP Address range of the Guest network?
 
The IP Address range of the Guest network is 192.168.3.xxx.
 
ADVANCED CONFIGURATION
 

1.  How can I upgrade the firmware of the Linksys EA9400?
 
Upgrading the firmware of your router allows you to fully enjoy its complete features.  The Linksys EA9400 has an Auto Firmware Update feature which automatically updates the router whenever there is a new firmware available.  This method is HIGHLY recommended, or you can also do it manually.  Click on the links below for step-by-step instructions:
 

How to automatically update the firmware of the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Routers
How to manually upgrade the router's firmware using your Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Account

 
2.  What is the supported USB hard drive format?
 
Linksys EA9400 supports FAT, FAT32, NTFS, and HFS+ journaled and non-journaled file systems.
 

3.  What is Seamless Roaming?
 
Seamless Roaming allows your supported device such as an iPad or iPhone to roam between a supported Linksys Max-Stream router or range extender products (make sure that the latest firmware is installed with Seamless Roaming support).  

Moving between a traditional router and range extender, your home Wi-Fi signal can experience lag or a dropped connection.  With its intuitive technology, Seamless Roaming allows you to move from one room to another and automatically switches your device to connect to the strongest Wi-Fi signal.  For more information, click 
here.
 

4.  Does the Linksys EA9400 support Seamless Roaming?
 
Yes.  All Linksys Max-Stream routers support Seamless Roaming.
 

5.  How do I enable Seamless Roaming?
 
There is no need to enable this feature as it is already part of the firmware.
 

6.  How can I set up the network with Seamless Roaming?
 
You can set up your Linksys Max-Stream router with a Linksys RE7000.  To learn how, click on the links below:
 

Configuring a Linksys RE7000 with a Linksys Max-Stream router for Seamless Roaming
Configuring two Linksys RE7000s with a Linksys Max-Stream router for Seamless Roaming

 
7.  Will the Seamless Roaming feature of the Linksys Max-Stream router work with other third party routers or range extenders?
 
No.  Seamless Roaming will only work with the Linksys Max-Stream products.
 

8.  What other Linksys products support Seamless Roaming?
 
Seamless Roaming is a feature on all Linksys Max-Stream routers and Linksys Max-Stream range extenders.
 

9.  Are there any guidelines when using Seamless Roaming?
 
Yes.  In order for Seamless Roaming to work properly on your Linksys Max-Stream routers, the following must apply:

 
  • You must use it with a Linksys RE7000 or any Linksys Max-Stream range extender.
NOTE:  Make sure you are using the latest firmware of the Max-Stream router and Wi-Fi range extender.  
  • Wireless settings must be the same such as the SSID and security settings.
NOTE:  Only WPA2 or WPA2/WPA Mixed Mode is supported. 
  • Both router and extender must be on the same subnet.
  • Seamless Roaming is designed for devices that support the 802.11k standard including but not limited to iPhone (4s and later), iPad Pro™, iPad Air® and later, iPad mini™ and later, iPad (3rd generation and later), iPod touch (5th generation and later), Samsung® S4 (Android™ 4.2.2 /4.4.2), Samsung S5 (Android 4.4.2), and Samsung S6 (Android 5.0.2).  For more information on supported Windows® and other devices, please check with your device manufacturer.  Seamless Roaming may require the latest Max-Stream firmware.  Please check the Support Page of your Linksys Max-Stream router for more details.
 
10.  Where can I find more information about Seamless Roaming?
 
For more information on the Seamless Roaming feature for the Linksys Max-Stream products, click 
here.
 

11.  How do I configure Parental Controls?
 
The Parental Controls Tool in your Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Account allows you to restrict Internet sites or specific devices for users within your network.  For instructions on how to do so, click 
here.
 

12.  What is Media Prioritization and how do I configure it on the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Account?
 
Media Prioritization allows you to provide priority or more bandwidth allocation to devices or streaming applications for the best utilization of your home network.  Click 
here to learn how you can configure this feature on your Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Account.
 

13.  How do I perform a speed test on the network using the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Account?
 
Click 
here to learn how to perform a speed test on your network using your Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Account.
 

14.  What is a media server, and how does it work?
 
It allows DLNA®-certified devices including digital media players, gaming consoles, and digital picture frames to access video, music, and pictures that are stored in a USB hard drive that is connected to the Linksys EA9400.  To learn how to configure the Media Server feature on your Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Account, click 
here.
 

15.  Does the Linksys EA9400 support Repeater or Wireless Bridge Mode?
 
No.  The Linksys EA9400 only supports DHCPPPPoEStatic IPPPTPL2TP, and Bridge Mode.


16.  Does this support IPv6 RD for its internet connection?
 
Yes. It supports IPv6 RD and 6to4 tunneling.
 
TROUBLESHOOTING
 

1.  How can I reset the Linksys EA9400 to factory defaults?
 
There are two (2) ways to reset the Linksys EA9400 to factory defaults:

 
  • Hardware Reset – Press and hold the Reset button at the back panel of the Linksys EA9400 for about 10 seconds then release.
  • Software Reset – Log in to your Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Account.  Under Router Settings, click Troubleshooting > Diagnostics.  Click Reset under Factory reset.
 
2.  If I turned the Smart Connect OFF and configure the 5 GHz1 and 5 GHz2 with two (2) different SSIDs then enable the Smart Connect back ON, what will be the SSID?
 
The Tri-Band router will retain whatever SSID you set on the 5 GHz1 radio band.
 

3.  The Parental Controls blocks HTTPS but returns an error page instead of redirecting to the Parental Controls screen.  Is this a normal behavior?
 
Yes.  Website addresses beginning with https:// can be blocked.   But because they have encryption, the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi router cannot redirect you to the parental controls screen.  Instead of a page telling you the address has been blocked, you will see a browser error page.

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