Question 1

Are the external antennas removeable (un-screw)? I already have a set of higher-gain antennas and would rather use those.

Accepted Answer

Yes the antennas are removable. I purchased this Router and have been for the most part pleased with it. The firmware customization is my only complaint, there is no way to configure my VPN on my router and the UI isn't awesome in my opinion. Looking back I wish I would have purchased the Linksys WRT1900ACS

I hope this helps!

Question 2

Can this router replace my Xfinity XB3 outer from Comcast?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what the XB3 is doing for you.  You will still need a cable modem to convert the cable connection to Ethernet.  So if you have your cable connection into a cable modem and then Ethernet from the cable modem into the XB3, this will replace the XB3.  If you have the coaxial cable connection coming directly into the XB3, this will not replace the XB3 without adding a cable modem.  You would plug the coaxial cable into the cable modem and use an Ethernet patch from the cable modem into the EA8500.

Question 3

Purchasing this as a combo with the motorola SB6183, is it compatible?

Accepted Answer

I use with a Motorola SB6121 and do not have issues.  I would not expect problems with any Motorola modem.

One thing do make sure to update the firmware right away.  I had issues with the router until I did the upgrade.  Prior to that the router would stop transmitting from the Modem so I would not see my internet connection.  This would require a reboot of the router.  Since the upgrade I don't think I have had to reboot the router once.

Standards	802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.3ab, 802.3u
WiFi Generation	Wi-Fi 5
Wireless Standard	IEEE 802.11a / IEEE 802.11ac / IEEE 802.11b / IEEE 802.11g / IEEE 802.11n
Security	WEP, WPA, WPA2 up to 128-bit encryption
WPA	WPA2
LEDs	Power, Internet, Ethernet (1-4), Wi-Fi Protected Setup, Wireless
Buttons	Wi-Fi Protected Setup, Reset, Wi-Fi, Power
Wireless Data Rates	AC2600 / Up to 2.6Gbps
Frequency Band	2.4 GHz / 5 GHz
Antenna	5 (4 external and 1 internal)
Interface	Internet, Etherent (1-4), USB 2.0/eSATA combo, USB 3.0, Power
VPN support	IPSec, L2TP, and PPTP VPN pass-through
Power Supply	DC 12V
Wireless Adapter included	N/A
System Requirements	PC: Wi-Fi enabled with CD or DVD drive, Windows XP SP3, Windows Vista SP1 or later, Windows 7, or Windows 8 Mac: Wi-Fi enabled with CD or DVD drive, Mac OS X Leopard v10.5.8 or later, Snow Leopard v10.6.1 or later, Lion v10.7, Mountain Lion v10.8, or Mavericks v10.9 Web Browser: Internet Explorer 8, Safari 5 (for Mac), Firefox 8, or Chrome configuration

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Linksys EA8500 Max-stream AC2600 Mu-Mimo Smart Wi-fi Router

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Model
Brand	Linksys
Model	EA8500

Item#: 9SIA51GKVT5112