Linksys is a famous brand when it comes to networking for home and small office networks. Their latest product, Velop, is an updated version of their previous two products: Linksys Max-Stream and Linksys AC2200 Tri-Band Mesh Wi-Fi System.
This product promises a lot but does it deliver? In this review, we will look at some of the features that make Velop unique from other routers on the market today and determine whether or not it's worth your money!
PROS
CONS
HARDWARE & SPECS
Main Features and Benefits
Dynamic Tri-Band
Velop stations use a tri-band method to transmit traffic. Most routers have two Wi-Fi and two 2.4G Wi-Fi bands, while Velop has a fifth 5G band, making it better than its rivals. The channels use it to spread networks around themselves, ensuring that you get the strongest signal possible.
The multiple bands help the Linksys Velop covers up to 6000 square feet so that users may enjoy a broader coverage on every edge of the house.
Self-Healing
If someone accidentally disconnects a node, the other nodes will pick up the slack. Linksys Velop will automatically connect a node that was unplugged back into the system. Linksys calls this process self-healing, and it happens pretty quickly (typically within 15 seconds).
Beamforming
This radio station knows the Wi-Fi devices in your house. This information allows it to focus wireless signals and make them carry faster than if they were displaced in space. It is like a light beaming from a lighthouse directs its beam towards you with WiFi-based communication guiding each device throughout their journey through one's living quarters.
Beamforming focuses on where someone is standing so that their data can still be delivered just as fast but not over anyone else's shoulder. It also uses less power because there won't be a need to try pushing the signal as far.
Linksys claims that Linksys Velop devices can communicate with each other up to 50 feet apart and even if they were displaced in space, like a light beaming from a lighthouse directs its beam towards you.
Efficiency
Linksys says that it uses a "unique approach to LED illumination," and the way they implement it is by showing you how good your connection of each node is, so if one of them isn't working well (for some reason), then its light will be red.
On top of that, the Linksys Velop’s intelligent feature makes sure all nodes are lit up even though their strength may vary for better coverage on every part of your home.
Powerful Processor
Linksys has packed some serious hardware into the Linksys Velop package, and we're not just talking about its tri-band capabilities. There's a quad-core processor at play here, which Linksys says is four times faster than most other mesh routers on the market today.
This helps ensure that each device within our home network gets the horsepower it needs for optimal speeds. The "Tri-band, 802.11ac MU-MIMO Wi-Fi system delivers speeds up to three times faster than traditional single-band systems."
Build Quality
Each Velop node has a lovely, compact design that fits any home's style and decor. Because multiple nodes work together as a system, as your Wi-Fi needs grow, simply add more nodes and change the colors to match your decor.
Ease of Use
The Linksys app makes it easy for you to manage your network and change settings on the go. It's super intuitive, so even someone without much networking experience should be able to connect their Linksys Velop with ease.
This feature will bring your network to the palm of your hands. It allows users to see how many devices are on their network and what they are doing at a given time. It will be beneficial for parents as well, as they can access the Parental controls through Linksys mobile app.
Intelligent Mesh Networking
The Linksys Velop Intelligent Mesh Network automatically adapts itself by choosing the most transparent channel for every single device within our home network without any manual intervention on our part. Linksys says that "the technology dynamically selects the clearest channels in both bands (MIMO) to avoid interference."
This is done by sending out test signals between nodes that are then analyzed at the base station. All data collected spins up into an algorithm that determines how clear each band is, meaning there's no need to adjust channel bandwidths manually. Linksys says this offers "exponentially better performance than single-band systems."
To power all those bands and nodes, Linksys has included a Qualcomm IPQ8064 Quad LTE chipset for cellular backhaul as well as its own proprietary SoC (system on chip), which acts as a controller managing everything going in and out of your home network.
High Memory
Linksys claims that the router's memory is "more than double" what other routers have to offer. The Velop features 512 MB RAM and 4GB flash and a high-performance CPU that ensures better network speeds when multiple devices are connected, or heavy loads are placed on your home Wi-Fi.
Parental Controls
This feature allows for deep levels of customization, including the ability to block specific websites or apps by content type or age restriction. You may even set up different profiles for each family member with their schedules and options, so they only have access to certain features when they're supposed to be offline.
Wi-Fi Analytics
Linksys Velop's intuitive mobile app comes with a built-in Wi-Fi analytics tool that lets users see how many devices are connected and to which node they're attached. The Linksys App also shows you the signal strength and Wi-Fi speed and recommends steps to ensure your signals aren't weak or obscured by obstacles like walls or furniture.
Cons
Connectivity Issues
The Linksys Velop Mesh Wi-Fi System seldom encounters connection drops which can be annoying. This is especially true when you are not using AC2200-compatible wireless devices.
Pricey
Even with its almost perfect aesthetic appearance and great performance, this Mesh Router is just too costly considering its midrange signal strength and range.
What is the Linksys Velop Mesh Wi-Fi System Best For?
The Linksys Velop is ideal for those who don't want to spend a lot of money on a mesh Wi-Fi network but still want its convenience. Linksys set out to create a router that is simple to use for the entire family. This can be used by anyone, including grandparents, who have no technical expertise or knowledge of Wi-Fi protocols.
What Buyers Have To Say
This is the 2nd Linksys velop mesh I have purchased. A friend has a 4000 square foot victorian with over a foot thick walls. Previously the residents could only get a signal within 40 feet of the router. Now they have 5 bars in every room and every floor!
This makes their operation seamless and means devices aren’t fighting for connectivity or making your devices buffer endlessly. A little bit of set up required, but awesome once it’s done!
Everything I expected from a mesh network. Easy to set up and no problems. Gives me great coverage inside and outside my 4,000 sq ft 2 story home. Handles all my devices and the extras when family shows up. Would recommend to everyone.
