Linksys Atlas Pro 6 (AX5400)

Wi-Fi 6 mesh system at an accessible price point

- YASMINE CROSSLAND

MESH NETWORK systems can easily become expensive, especially when they incorporate newer technology such as Wi-Fi 6. The Atlas Pro 6, available in one, two, and three-node kits, is actually pretty reasonable when judged against the competition, with this three-node kit coming in at $350. For anyone living in a busy household with lots of connected devices, this could be considered money well spent, especially if it allows everyone to get a stable connection no matter which room they're in.

Each Atlas node is shaped like a tower, with sharp squared-off edges, and a perforated top. Thankfully, they're relatively compact at 11-inches high and 3.4-inches wide, so will fit into tight spaces, and they look good enough in their white finish that you can put them anywhere without them being an eyesore. Unlike previous Linksys mesh nodes, they now come with plenty of connectivity, including a 1GB WAN ethernet port and 3GB LAN ports per node.

Setting up the Linksys network is easy enough, though a little time-consuming. Each node has to be woken and connected using the Android or iOS app. Luckily, the app does all the work and you can leave your phone near the node while it runs through the installation. After that, you don't often need the app, as a subtle LED light on top of each device lets you know what's happening, with a blue light when everything is as it should be, yellow if it's been disconnected from another node, and red if there's no connection at all.

As a dual-band Wi-Fi 6 network, the Atlas Pro 6 has the potential to cover up to 5,400 sqft, depending on how many nodes you have set up. You'll only be able to make the most out of Wi-Fi 6 if you have up-to-date devices released in the past three years. Older phones and laptops will be limited to Wi-Fi 5 connectivity, which is still supported by this system.