Customer Ratings & Reviews
- Model:
- WHW0303
- |
- SKU:
- 5709451
Customer reviews
Rating 4.5 out of 5 stars with 7973 reviews
(7,973 customer reviews)Rating by feature
- Setup4.3
Rating 4.3 out of 5 stars
- Range4.3
Rating 4.3 out of 5 stars
- Signal Strength4.3
Rating 4.3 out of 5 stars
Customers are saying
Customers are impressed with the Velop AC2200 Tri-Band Mesh Wi-Fi 5 System's ease of use, coverage, and setup, frequently citing its simple installation and strong signal. Many also praise the system's range and performance, reporting consistently reliable connectivity. However, some users experienced connection issues and noted the relatively high price. A limited number of Ethernet ports was also a recurring point of feedback.
This summary was generated by AI based on customer reviews.
- Pros mentioned:Coverage, Setup
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Money well spent!
||Posted .This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.I recently moved into a bigger house and, on the recommendation of my Best-Buy in-home consultant, decided to purchase the Velop 3-pack whole home system for better wi-fi coverage. I also have 2 adult children and 1 teenager in the house who are ravenous consumers of anything that has to do with using the internet. For them, the coverage in the house has to be beyond average. I set the Velop system up myself, right out of the box. All the nodes were relatively easy to set up. Once I downloaded the Linksy’s app on my cellphone and hooked up the “mother node” to my Arris 9160 modem in the upstairs bonus room, I was able to see each node recognized quickly on my network, right from my phone. I even conducted a speed test for performance, right from the app. I placed each of the remaining nodes downstairs- one in the kitchen area and the other near the guest room to the front of the house. The coverage throughout the house was amazing and has remained ever-so. The kids have noticed a huge difference in coverage and everyone is pleased. We like to entertain, and no matter the number of people in the house logged in to my network, I did not notice any drop in coverage strength or capacity. I’m also able to see the number of people logged in at the same time, right from my app. In summary, I would like to say there’s been no regrets on this investment; it’s definitely been money well spent!
I would recommend this to a friend - Pros mentioned:CoverageCons mentioned:Connection, Ethernet ports
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Great coverage hindered by a subpar mobile app
||Posted .This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.For the past few years I've solely used Apple's AirPort Extreme Base Stations in all my homes and have numerous current generation models bridged and running well. As Apple has officially announced leaving the networking market, I began researching mesh networks. I decided on the Linksys Velop system as it's the only alternative Apple currently sells and endorses, thus it should be a perfect fit for my homes as my computers are Mac's (with a few Windows systems) and my mobile devices are iOS based (iPad Pro 10.5's and iPhone X's). I also have numerous HomeKit smart home devices from smart locks, lighting systems, garage and gate openers, thermostats, etc. and servers in my Berlin and New York homes. If Apple supports it, then it should be a perfect fit, especially as I use some of my servers for Time Machine. I haven't dealt with non-Apple routers in my home in years, so I was a bit trepidatious as my previous experiences with Linksys were far from great. The nodes are small and contrary to what some others have stated they aren't eyesores. In fact, I found the black nodes to be the perfect size, shape, and they blend in with their surroundings. I tested this unit in my 5,000 sq ft home which has two current generation Airport Extreme Base Stations (one in bridge mode). Either node can be the main node connected to your modem. The mobile app walks your through the setup process which was very easy and quick. After the first node is setup, simply follow the instructions to place the second node (and third if you have more). After the nodes were placed, the system ran tests to ensure each node was in the best location, then scanned your network for devices and analyzed your setup proper optimization. The two nodes cover 5,000 sq ft well, which saved me from having to purchase the three node system (and you can always add more nodes). My only issue with the nodes are the limited ethernet ports (two for each). As this is a mesh system, wireless connectivity is its main priority although you can connect the nodes with ethernet cables should you have them already placed. Simply setup the nodes wirelessly first, then connect each node to your wired setup. Unlike traditional routers which broadcast 2.4GHz and 5GHz as separate networks, these systems broadcast both under one wireless network name and use the 5GHz band by default, automatically switching to the lower ranger 2.4GHz depending on device and/or range. Each node's processors constantly evaluate the signal strength of each device in order to ensure the everything on the network has the best connection. Essentially, it's akin to an easy to setup bridged network system with intuitive and seamless device prioritization. The "Channel Finder" feature in the app evaluates connected devices and node placement should you wish to check that the system is properly functioning, however this is done automatically in the background. The speeds were slightly than my current AirPort Extreme Base Stations even though each utilize the same protocols. Trio-Band mesh networks are superior in this area as they are constantly adjusting to your needs. I tested this on my 300 Mbps down and 30 Mbps up system and found wireless speeds to be faster and more consistent, especially in area's that seemed to struggle maintaining a connection. The downside is the mobile application necessary for setting up and monitoring the system (although the desktop browser portal is a much better method as it allows for more fine tuning such as port forwarding, device prioritization, security options, etc). The iOS app UI seemed extremely basic and disappointing. In fact, it turned me off so much that I'm on the fence whether or not I should keep this system or sell it online. It's very limiting especially with naming and categorizing devices (the icons are not only hideous and generic at best, they are limiting as only a handful of devices are listed). Port forwarding allocation is archaic and my Synology servers did not recognize the systems UPnP or NAT and many manufacturers have been slow in developing proper mesh system support. Port Forwarding and DHCP Reservations are the only way to ensure LAN and external connectivity, which I normally do for all my systems. Unfortunately I experienced a handful connection issues over the 2-3 weeks in which I used the system. Sometimes a node would drop its connection, requiring the system to search for the node and ensure it was properly functioning. I had to restart it a few times as well, which I rarely had to do with my Apple wireless routers. At the end, a windstorm came in and the power flickered yet was never lost and my equipment is attached to server grade UPS's, etc. Yet the entire system lost all the settings. As there is no way to save your configuration to your computer as you can with other systems such as Apple's Airport Utility, this meant I had to setup the entire network from scratch. At this point, I packed up the system and reconnected my AirPort Extreme Base Stations and in a few minutes was back online. Pros: Speeds, coverage, seamless adaption Cons: Terrible mobile app necessary for setup and usage, lack of ethernet ports (although a simply switch remedies this issue), no dedicated desktop apps, no way to backup your system configuration should it fail
This review is from Linksys - VELOP AC2200 Tri-Band Mesh Wi-Fi System (2-pack) - Black
I would recommend this to a friend - Pros mentioned:Coverage, SetupCons mentioned:Connection
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
FABULOUS!!!
||Posted .This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.Where I was having all sorts of connection and bottleneck and restart woes with my previous router and extenders, EVEN though that router promised to cover the entire house in it's advertising, as soon as I set up this system, all the problems have vanished. We get super strong coverage throughout the entire house and even venturing outside to about 75' from the house in any direction on the property. No buffer issues anymore on the roku box, no sudden disconnections, no having to go to the den to reboot the router. AND, aesthetically these are rather attractive and fit into our decor perfectly. Setup was a breeze...the things practically set themselves up. We are extremely happy with this investment and would definitely suggest this product to anyone looking for something trustworthy.
I would recommend this to a friend - Pros mentioned:Coverage, Ease of use
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Impressive performance and consistency.
||Posted . Owned for 5 months when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.Impressive performance and consistency. Setup via mobile app was straightforward. Three modules ample for 2,500 sq foot home. Dedicated on module to home theater AVR.
I would recommend this to a friend - Pros mentioned:Coverage, Speed
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Good wi-fi system
||Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.Overall coverage in house greatly improved. Speed improved. App is clunky - bad interface, locks up, and inaccurate readings. Setup was a hassle. Pods randomly disconnect from network and devices get automatically connected to pods on opposite side of house.
This review is from Linksys - Velop AC2200 Tri-Band Mesh Wi-Fi 5 System (3 Pack) - Black
I would recommend this to a friend - Pros mentioned:Coverage, Setup, SpeedCons mentioned:Ethernet ports
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Simple Set-Up & Outstanding Performance
|Posted .This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.Wow! Am just amazed at how easy the Linksys VELOP was to set-up, its speed, and the terrific coverage even in remote locations both in and outside of my home. Living in our mild climate of North Florida we spend lots of time outside on the patio, deck, and in the front and back yards of our property. When my Grandchildren are over we virtually live outside. Unfortunately, my existing router was not able to provide the kinds of performance to allow us to use Wi-Fi devices in any of my outside 'play' areas. However, that has positively changed installing the Linksys VELOP, 3-Pack, Whole Home Wi-Fi system. Now, I can actually video conference with my Son and Daughter in real-time so that they can see my Grandchildren enjoying the tree swings I put up for them. When Grandma brings out snacks and lunch we can now sit on the patio while watching an Internet kid's programs or videos on my I-Pad or laptop. And, in the morning Grandma can use her tablet while I use my I-Pad to catch up on the morning news and e-mails while we have our coffee on the deck. The Linksys VELOP has opened-up our outdoor living up to Wi-Fi devices we could not use before. It also saves me from having to use costly cellular data on our smartphones with the terrific Wi-Fi signal strength we get outside, too. WooHoo! Out of the box the physical set-up of the three nodes is fast and easy. They are well designed and stylish for technology devices. Each node is attractive enough to place anywhere in your home. One node replaced my old router in my home office location. I placed the other two strategically near most of my Wi-Fi devices like the Smart TV and Wi-Fi sound system in the living room and Smart TVs and laptops in the bedrooms. I placed these nodes as high as I could get them. I also plugged them into surge-suppression' strips. They are too expensive to leave unprotected from lightning and electrical surges where I live. Later on I experimented with placing the other two nodes near the outside walls to get front and back outside coverage too. It does not make any difference which node you set-up to be the 'parent' router. But, since each node only has only two Gigabit Ethernet ports the one you use to connect to your modem leaves you with only one left for a peripheral, or, direct connection to another node. All of my devices are Wi-Fi including my printer, so that is not a problem. However, there is no USB port in any the nodes. I could not connect my USB, auxiliary hard drive to the VELOP system. Keep that in mind if you have several USB connected devices. Not having an available USB port is not a 'deal-breaker' for me, however. The signal strength, coverage, and speed is more then enough to offset that issue. I downloaded the Linksys App before disconnecting my old modem. Then I powered my 'parent' node to an A/C, 120V, surge suppression strip and connected my modem with the supplied Ethernet cable. When I 'opened' the app It walked me through the entire installation through the Bluetooth on my smartphone. The Linksys App prompted me to name my Wi-Fi network and supply a password. It even guided me through the uninstallation of my existing router. Gotta' hand it to the Linksys IT folks. They made this unbelievably simple through 'active' screens on my smartphone and step-by-step instructions along with troubleshooting tips to install my 'parent' node and each additional satellite node. On the top of each node is an LED light, which will blink blue when it is first plugged in. It blinks purple when it is paired with my smartphone for set-up, and solid purple for set-up. It also blinks solid yellow when it is too far away, or, interference like too many walls, etc. are keeping the unit from connecting to another node. Linksys' proprietary Spot Finder Technology guides you to the best location for coverage and signal strength. Firmware updates are an automatic, enabled feature by default, you don't have to worry about future updates. Once logged-in I can go to my dashboard and under Menu go into 'Administration' to allow Guest Access, Device Prioritization, apply Parental Controls, Speed Test, and visually see the number of devices connected to my network. Be aware that there is no web-based set-up – it is all done through the Linksys App using a smartphone. The entire set-up process is easy and It was so uncomplicated, even a Grandpa like me was able to do it all in just over one hour. From a technical standpoint the Tri-Band Linksys VELOP network uses 3-AC2200, MU-MIMO routers or nodes. Each node houses a Qualcomm Chip, 716 MHz Quad Core, ARM, Cortex A7 Processor. Three Wi-Fi radios, one 2.4 GHz and two 5.0 GHz utilizing Dynamic Frequency Selection, which will switch to the best and fastest connections of bands to give you constant maximum speed and performance. It is also worth noting that Linksys offers a 3-year warranty with VELOP, which is unheard of by other router manufacturers. And, if you are interested VELOP works with Amazon's Alexa on some limited features. Additionally, the three nodes can be connected together by Ethernet cable exclusively (LAN), if your home or building presents difficult Wi-Fi, radio broadcast scenarios. My home is one story with patio, decks, and garage, approximately 3,500 square feet of total space. The Linksys VELOP is stated to cover optimally up to 6,000 square feet, dependent on number of walls and type of construction. I also have a home office, which is much better served now with VELOP. I just love the increased performance of my Wi-Fi devices inside my home (no more buffering). I have a laptop and tablet that are MU-MIMO, but really never knew what that meant up until the last few days. They are lightning fast since I can now take advantage of 802.11ac , future-proof technology. I really cannot say enough good about the outside range of VELOP, which is changing my outdoor lifestyle, dramatically. Being blessed with good weather most of the year allows me and my family to spend lots of time outside. VELOP helps us to enjoy the great outdoors now in so many more ways with our Wi-Fi connected devices. YooHoo! I highly recommend the purchase of this Linksys VELOP., 3-Pack, Whole House Wi-Fi System. It is 'state-of-the-art'. If you have a smaller footprint for living space you may be able to purchase just one or two nodes for whole home Wi-Fi. VELOP nodes can be added on as needed and are not limited to just one, two, or three nodes. The system is easily expandable. VELOP's strength of signal and tri-band node configuration gives me my 'money's worth'. It allows me to check my ISP' speed anywhere inside or outside of my home at anytime. VELOP is pricey, but you get what you pay for. The reliability, performance, and simplicity of this system is absolutely amazing. You do not have to be a techno-wizard to install and administer this system. I recommend the Linksys VELOP Wi-Fi System for seniors, like myself, mainly for its simplicity and fantastic coverage. And, because the Linksys VELOP will be around for many more years.
I would recommend this to a friend - Pros mentioned:Coverage, Ease of use, Setup
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Simple setup, modern design
|Posted .This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.This system is specifically designed for someone that wants to supply Wi-Fi throughout their house without having a gaudy looking, “alien like” router being the center piece of it. The design of each node is like a small vase or one of those Glade automatic air fresheners, with wires easily guided behind it and hidden underneath, too include a very “modern looking” power adapter. The Linksys Velop is directly aimed at someone that wants a simple method to set it up and a simple way to manage it. With the Linksys app it walks you through the process step by step and works its “magic” as it displays during setup. Managing the system is simple and straight forward through the app which is only available on iOS (8.0 or later) and Android (4.0.3 or later). The app allows you to control each devices access, enable/disable guest networks, and manage other technical aspects of the network. Using three nodes you can seamlessly cover a large area without ever needing to understand how it works. With the two Ethernet ports on each node you can also provide wired Ethernet connections to remote devices while wirelessly connected back to the internet. In my case my son’s room has always been a weak Wi-Fi spot and his old computer has just remained off the internet for years now. With this system he now has excellent Wi-Fi coverage and his old computer is connected via Ethernet cable to a wireless network. The Linksys Velop is an easy, simple and elegant way to provide a single hi-speed Wi-Fi network throughout a large area. On the flip side though, I am a tech nerd and I like to have much more control over my devices. For instance, you cannot control these network devices with a computer. Unlike other Linksys devices that you can use the Linksys app for, you can usually use the computer to get even more refined details, such as separating the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands into separate networks or setting times to restrict access for parental controls. With the Linksys Velop you must use the app, even after the network is set up. If you attempt to log into the main node via IP, it will remind you that you must use the app. The other side effect to the app is that it is only available on iOS and Android devices that must already have an internet connection, because you have to download the app before you even start setup. So, if you only have an old device (earlier than iOS 8 and Android 4.0.3), or a Windows based phone, and don’t already have Wi-Fi or data services on your device, you will not be able to set this system up. During the set-up process, though simple and guided, there were several times that I was on a waiting screen with no feedback other than a pinging blue circle or a rotating blue ring and the statement telling me it will take some time or please wait. After waiting over 15 minutes, two separate times, I restarted everything and it only took about 5 minutes to complete setup of the first node. The second node was even quicker and the third node required a hard reset of holding the reset button for 10 seconds, as directed by the app, though it installed after that with no issues. I just feel that the app should realize that after about 5 minutes of being on a single screen that something may be wrong and suggest restarting. The Wi-Fi connection is truly seamless. Going from node to node is not noticeable unless you are looking for it and that is where I noticed that it only changes nodes over when it is at near loss of the previously connected node. For instance if connected to node 3 and you walk to node 2, you will not switch over to a stronger signal unless the other signal is so weak that you may lose connection anyways. Due to the size of my house, my devices only switch once I was at node 1, which was in my basement. This is a good thing, as it prevented actual loss of connection, but to me did not seem like the best option as the signal is stronger and most likely faster if I am a few feet from node 2 as opposed to 20 feet from node 3 or 1. The speed of this connection also ran between 80 and 100Mbps, which is good enough for my internet connection, but not the fastest local network speed. Overall, Linksys Velop is a great looking system and works as intended. If you are looking for a simple and kind of discreet way to provide Wi-Fi throughout your house, this is the way to go. If you are like me and want more control over your home Wi-Fi, you might want to consider something like the Linksys WRT3200ACM.
I would recommend this to a friend - Pros mentioned:Coverage, Ease of use
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Great Wireless stsyem
||Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.Very powerful wireless, great coverage, covers our entire 3,000 Square Foot, 3 floor house. Easy to setup, also has a great app to control the system.
I would recommend this to a friend - Pros mentioned:Coverage, Ease of useCons mentioned:Price
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
It's worth every penny.
|Posted .This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.The setup for the Linksys Velop Whole Home Wi-Fi System was so easy that I feel even non-tech savvy people can quickly and easily be up an running in less than 15 minutes. After taking the items out of the box, a card said to download the Linksys APP to my phone and that it was, “that easy.” After I downloaded the app, I signed in and it asked me what I wanted to set up, with the Velop system being the number one choice. After that, all the steps were laid out to me in easy to see images. You even have an option if you previously had another router that you are trying to replace, so that it isn’t as confusing for those who don’t mess around too much with routers. The key feature of this product is the ability to extend your WiFi network all over your home. My home is 3/4s of an acre and I need a system like this. After plugging in the first of the three provided nodes (little white towers), the app will recognize it and you will be asked to set up the name of your wireless network and your password. From there, you are given instructions to connect other nodes that you want. Another feature that I enjoyed was the ease of prioritizing the devices that connect to the system. Imagine a world where the device you use the most gets the internet priority versus other home inhabitants who may also be on your network but don’t necessarily depend on the internet. With the app, it’s easy to assign specific devices to take over the network vs. other devices. The performance of Velop system was better than expected. I connected the main one upstairs, which is where my router is. The next one was plugged downstairs in the main living room, and the third one was installed in my kitchen. The kitchen one had trouble picking up the signal, so the app told me the first time that I needed to move it closer to another node. After I moved it just a few feet, the app said that the Kitchen node was picking up signal, but that it was weak. It asked me to leave it there if I wanted to or it recommended moving it to an even closer location. To be honest, the kitchen is blocked by a bunch thick walls, since it was made after the home was completed as an addition to the house, so it made sense. I moved it a third time and everything worked. The Linksys Velop Whole Home Wi-Fi System meets my expectations. My kitchen, the most difficult room in the house to get Wi-Fi signal and I was able to stream my shows at that location in HD at full speed. The price for this system can be hefty but the value that they provide is insurmountable for homes where every family member or guest expects WiFi around the home. I highly recommend this to people who have a high speed internet system and a home where certain areas have a weak WiFi signal. The features from the product make it ideal to manage devices for the younger ones and for the household breadwinner, you can prioritize your internet needs by device. Overall, it’s a good investment. I can foresee me keeping this sytem for over 5 years, making the price per year seem more than affordable.
I would recommend this to a friend - Pros mentioned:Coverage, Setup, Speed
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Elegant , Simple Setup, Excellent Reliability!
|Posted .This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.Here are the different sections of the review Packaging -------------- The Device came in a beautiful package, the package itself looks expensive and the 3 node routers neatly arranged with minimal paperwork. Setup ------- You will need a smartphone or a computer with bluetooth for the setup. easiest is to setup using your smartphone. its so easy that even a 10 year old can setup. the app for the smartphone is very user friendly and has a nice interface. I was very impressed. I connected one of the nodes first and turned on the bluetooth in my phone and installed the app and it was just clicking "next" "next" and following the instructions. Connectivity & Speed ------------------------------ Only one node ------------------- With just one node, it will be able to replace your existing router. I had the ASUS AC-1900 router which is a fairly powerful router, i think by just using 1 node, i can replace the router easily. I did a speed test with the speedtest app and measured the speeds by placing the router in the living room and went to the basement to test the speed. Check my picture for the speed with just 1 node. Adding a node -------------------- Then i added a note to the grid. adding a node again was very very simple. just connect the node to power and use the app to set it up. you will need to go to my account to add a node, again very simple You can see that after adding a node, the speed is same as as if i was sitting in the living room, that good! Now to summarize the Pros and Cons Pros ----- 1. Easy Easy setup 2. Excellent speed and reliability 3. Very Small, yet powerful. 4. its beautiful, will go with your room decor and people wont even notice 5. Excellent App to setup, you can control everything using the app 6. Guest network setup 7. Excellent coverage with all 3 notes, easily covered by 3000 sqft home. Cons ------ 1. Cannot individually control 2.4 vs 5Ghz. this is automated 2. Some folks might need a USB for file sharing but this router does not have one
I would recommend this to a friend - Pros mentioned:Coverage
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
One of the best Wi-Fi routers out there
||Posted .This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.After getting a speed boost from our ISP I found that I couldn't take advantage of it with our current setup. This Linksys Velop router is a dream come true, 190 Mbps on wi-fi right out of the box. Having a smaller one level home we bought a pair of these and the coverage is very good even outside which was a problem before.
This review is from Linksys - Velop AC2200 Tri-Band Mesh Wi-Fi 5 System (2-pack) - White
I would recommend this to a friend - Pros mentioned:Coverage
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Simply Great Router!
||Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.Was having trouble with my previous Linksys router (it was unable to cover my whole home without dropping). After the simple process of setting up the Velop system... my three nodes work and cover my whole home perfectly. I’d highly recommend!
I would recommend this to a friend - Pros mentioned:Coverage, SetupCons mentioned:Ethernet ports, Price
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Solid WiFi with solid compromises
|Posted .This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.I've been following the idea of mesh WiFi for a while now and when Linksys announced they were coming up with Velop, I was equal parts intrigued and excited. Mesh WiFi is different from a traditional router-and-extender setup because each node communicates on a dedicated 5GHz channel, so you're not dealing with degraded WiFi strength if you're being routed through the extender. Sadly, that excitement was short lived. The first thing I noticed about the Velop's nodes was how tiny their footprint was. These are slimmer than an Apple AirPort Extreme, more like the size of a desktop speaker. I currently have a Linksys EA9500 powering the WiFi in my house and if you've never seen it before, it's a beast of a router. The first big disappointment with the Velop came when I noticed that each node only has 2 ethernet ports and no USB ports. That meant that I'd have to try it out while giving up all of my wired entertainment hardware and mapping them all, the ones with built-in WiFi, to the network. Once I had decided what device would get the super-special ethernet port, I set up the other nodes, one in the master bedroom and the other in the garage. The setup was simple, but there didn't appear to be any way to pick the IP address range during the initial setup - not sure if I missed a step somewhere. When it came to WiFi service, the mesh system worked great - there was solid WiFi throughout the house. But with so many devices demanding WiFi, I did notice that the Velop couldn't handle the traffic my house generates compared to the EA9500 - my guess was because I wasn't able to run as many devices off ethernet connections. I was also able to link up my Velop to my Amazon Echo - but there's not really a whole lot of wow factor there. We don't broadcast a guest WiFi signal, and I remember our WiFi password from near muscle memory. Another thing with the Velop is the cost. The 3-node set is $500 - that's a huge amount of money to plunk down on a system that doesn't allow as much customization and ethernet options. In the end, I ended up switching back to the EA9500. Sure it meant that I wouldn't have a strong WiFi signal in the garage, but it's January and I'm not out there all that much right now. The Velop line does show some really cool promise - I'm thinking the next generation of it will be the way to go. If you're looking for a device with solid WiFi connectivity, easy setup and don't have many hardwired devices then the Velop could be the system for you - especially if you have a bigger house and use extenders. If you're looking for more options, than the EA9500 or WRT line might be more your speed.
I would recommend this to a friend - Pros mentioned:Coverage
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Great for extending WiFi
||Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.We have a ranch house. We just added a Generex generator. Now we need extended WiFi. These work very well.
I would recommend this to a friend - Pros mentioned:Coverage, Setup, Speed
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
What home wifi should be!
|Posted .This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.Straight out of the box I loved this router system! It is simplistic, looks great to place anywhere, and was fairly easy to set up. Comes with three nodes which are essentially each a single powerful router in its own right. Each node has two Ethernet ports, however 1 port is used as the LAN on the first one that is setup leaving you 5 Ethernet ports for hard wired devices. Each node also comes with a square power block that plugs into the outlet. The power block is a little on the larger side from what I was expecting but not cumbersome. The package also includes 1 cat5 cable to plug into your modem. The aesthetics overall are second to none and you don't need to worry about the spider looking antennas that come with other routers. Setup: you must download the Linksys smart wifi app which seems to be self explanatory as it walks you thru the initial setup of the first node. But after that there is no clear instruction. I had to search the app to figure out what to do next. After scrolling and combing the app I realized there was an add another device button. Tap this to add another node to your system. Plug in the node in another area of your home and the app does the work for you. Very simple and easy to do. Many will complain about using an app to control your home wifi but it works and it is easy to use. No real complaints for me. Also, having another node placed somewhere else in your home provides you another accessible hard wired Ethernet port for other devices. Great option. Performance: it does exactly what it is supposed to do. I have three nodes setup in my house that is 2000sqft. Yes, you may think this is overkill for the size of my house with the given specs of the syaytem, but I like to do a lot of yard work and play with my kids in and around the yard all while using my wifi to play music, stream videos, and use my cell phone. It works great!!! I have coverage in my entire yard outside which is just about a 1/4 acre. Now if you just want coverage in the house, 1 to 2 nodes will do just fine. The app comes with many diagnostic controls that help place and setup your nodes and also includes a speed test. I performed many speed test with the built in app and also with ookla speed test. Both recorded similar speeds and I was amazed of the speeds I was getting through my house with no dead spots. I am getting speeds of up to 117 Mbps download and 18 Mbps upload in my house. Out in the yard farthest from my house I have gotten up to about 35 Mbps download! Before setting up this system I was only getting less than half of this with the most powerful router Linksys had to offer with extenders plugged in! This Velop home wifi system lives up to the hype and I definitely recommend it if you are willing to spend the money for it. If you think about it, you will spend the same if not more for a router and multiple extenders.
I would recommend this to a friend - Pros mentioned:Coverage, Setup, Speed
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Great Mesh Solution
|Posted .This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.Mesh routers are pushed as the solution to our wifi issues, promising better coverage and speeds over a single wireless AP (router). I have tried a few mesh solutions and Linksys may have one of the best currently available. The nodes (mesh points) are slender satin white towers with perforated backs and a status LED on top. Each node has two gigabit ethernet ports for wired connectivity. The ports can also be used for backhaul (node to node communication) connectivity between nodes, but I found the dedicated wireless backhaul Linksys uses works great. As opposed to some mesh solutions that use the same radios for both client and node communication, Linksys Velop uses a dedicated radio providing far better performance. In fact, this is the fastest home mesh solution I have used. The 3 pack Velop may have been overkill for my home (<2000sq ft), but I was able to use the third node to extend coverage to a detached garage. If you have a smaller home, you could probably get by with just two nodes. Using the Linksys app on your phone (which interfaces with the node via bluetooth) made the initial setup quick and easy. Configuring Velop using the app is also simple, you can quickly turn on Device prioritization and/or guest access. I found the parental controls lacking, you can manually block sites but can’t block categories, you can manually block internet access for a device but you can’t set up a schedule. Beyond this customization is fairly limited. You can’t configure QoS, setup VLANs, etc. Fortunately it does offer port forwarding and MAC filtering. Another issue I have with Velop (and most home mesh solutions) is the lack of bridging capability, meaning sophisticated users that run a firewall (pfsense) or a device that is performing NAT will be disappointed with Velop. I am not sure if this is a feature they can implement in the future but at this time Velop does not support a bridge configuration. If you don’t know why you would need to bridge a device, you probably don’t need to bridge Velop! In which case it makes a fantastic wireless solution. If the thought of setting up wireless routers makes you cringe and you are looking for an easy to install solution that will extend your wireless coverage throughout your home this is what you want.
I would recommend this to a friend - Pros mentioned:Coverage, Setup, Speed
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
Consumer mesh Wi-Fi needing a big software update
|Posted .This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.Pros ________ Compact Easily blends into any part of the house allowing placement based on need instead of aesthetics Offers true mesh technology with automatic routing Separate backhaul channel to help keep speed between nodes higher Ports are universal so you don’t need to understand wan versus LAN or uplink versus bridge Cons ________ Device Prioritization (very basic QoS) has issues with higher internet speeds. Built in speed test can’t achieve the speed resulting in a low number. Subscribed speed cannot be manually entered to compensate No way to configure via a Windows computer of any sort. No website or app. Antennas seem weak as speed between nodes was not consistent. Only offers two ports per node Configuring via the app is slow. Between 12-15 minutes per node Limited advanced functionality (Port forwarding is offered but only device based prioritization) Antiquated, extremely basic, parental controls. You must manually enter URLs per device. No category based internet filtering. You are the parental controls No log to see what sites your kids are accessing to block easily No way to name the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands differently for legacy compatibility DHCP cannot be configured in any way or even turned off. Valid DHCP range not showing without using less than official means. LAN network address IP configuration is not adjustable without calling support. Stuck as 192.168.1.x. No option for reserving static IPs on the network Nodes cannot hardwired to allow faster speed and redundancy like a corporate mesh system. ________ Unlike regular mesh Wi-Fi, Velop cannot be used as just Wi-Fi while still being a mesh. This means in my case I have one unit sitting in closet in a less than ideal location. Corporate mesh Wi-Fi has an access point mode allow you to place the access points where they are needed most. The Linksys Velop system is intended to address one of the biggest problems old fashioned Wi-Fi systems encountered as internet speeds have increased and people start doing more online streaming. In a conventional system, Wi-Fi speed and strength drops the further you get away from the place where your internet comes into the house. By having multiple of what Linksys calls nodes spread throughout your house that work together the signal can be evenly spread everywhere allowing full strength and speed. This is a concept that has been around in the business sector for many years but was far too expensive and complicated for home use and the Velop intends to address this. Make no mistake, any consumer mesh Wi-Fi system today is going to be around $300 and up so you if you want good coverage and speed, regardless of manufacturer, you are going to have to spend more money. The best place for Wi-Fi is also out in the open so a traditional box with ugly antennas and wires won’t be tolerated. Just like many other solutions these nodes are designed to be placed in the open with minimal wiring and a more attractive design. Starting with setup things are different. You get three nodes that come with just a power cord. You get one Ethernet cable for your main node but that is it. If you need a local connection the bottom of each unit comes with two multi-purpose ports. They are not specifically designated and the system seems to know whether you are connecting the port to the internet, your network, or local device. It’s very convenient. If you have a fair number of wired devices you will need to purchase switches. In order configure your network, the process has been simplified. You install an app and just let it walk you through configuring and labeling each node. It will allow you to define where you put them, if the placement is ideal for signal, and then make sure the software is up to date on the node. There is one name for both 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks and you can also define a guest network. Oddly, there no way to configure a separate name for the different bands so those of you with older Apple devices might run into trouble. The app is available for iOS and Android. Strangely, there is no way to configure this with a Windows computer. This is strange because devices such as Velop are often offered by computer consulting companies to small to medium business as a cheaper alternative to more expensive corporate equipment. These companies also typically do not want staff to have client information on their personal devices so not having a way to configure via their work computer is quite odd. This also leaves out anyone who opts either to have a different smartphone or has no smart phone. Not all hope is lost though as Linksys is open to customer feedback and I already asked to be added to the list of people asking for a Windows universal app. I can even imagine if they offered a Windows Universal app playing on the Xbox One and just telling Cortana to have Velop prioritize my Xbox One or even shut down access to all other devices so my gaming is not affected by anyone else. So many unique possibilities not being utilized. For now, this a glaring omission and my Xbox One and my Surface Pro have been rendered useless for this. It is software so maybe Linksys could think more outside the box and see the potential. Instead of traditional QoS (Quality of Service) this has what is called Device Prioritization. You can choose a device on your list and give it high priority but that is it. There are no options for prioritizing based on service or port. To activate device prioritization, you must run the integrated speed test which brings up a bug in the administration. If you have a higher internet speed, mine is at least 400Mbps, the speed test will not be able to give a full read of your internet speed. This means if you turn on the device prioritization it will artificially cut your speed down. In my case, it took my 400Mbps connection, read it multiple times as 150Mbps and limited my max speed to 150Mbps for any device. Turning off prioritization caused my speed to jump up to 315Mbps but node to node speed was inconsistent leading to tests showing speeds from 180Mbps to 330Mpbs. This replaced a competing mesh product that just came out recently, placed in the same area, that always produced consistent node to node speeds up near 400Mbps. Velop was unable to achieve full speed even with device prioritization off. Linksys Support is aware of the device prioritization issue and hopefully in the coming weeks and months a solution for this will be put in place. Ideally the speed test system should be upgraded but it would be even better if you could manually enter your internet speed for times like this when the integrated system just can’t keep up. I have already received a callback so Linksys is very keen on improving this. Normally with any Wi-Fi, including corporate mesh systems, you can configure your Wi-Fi as either the control for everything or just serve only as a mesh Wi-Fi access system. In the case of the Velop, it’s all or nothing. If you want to use Velop, you are going to have to make this your one and only system. There are no options to turn DHCP on or off or configure any static IPs. In fact, even under the advanced settings it doesn’t have anything about switching the address range used on your internal network. This presents a problem since many modern ISPs have their modem configured to use range 192.168.1.x, just like Velop. This causes routing problems as well as a security threat as the system has no way to know what is inside or outside your network. A call to support uncovered a less than official way to do this but the point is I shouldn’t have to. They are also aware of this and hopefully future updates will change the setup. If you are a gamer, looking for a mesh Wi-Fi add-on, want to have comprehensive parental controls, want QoS controls, need to have a different internal network besides 192.168.1.x, run internal static systems such as servers or NAS, or want to have a way to configure and administer the system via your computer then you are best to look elsewhere. It is an odd combination trying to cater to people who don’t want to mess with their Wi-Fi and want max speed and yet the people most likely to spend the money on the high-speed internet packages will most likely want much more control. Of course, this is a new system and these adjustments and abilities could be added in later versions of the software but currently, about the only thing this system offers is broad Wi-Fi coverage in an attractive package. Advanced users, gamers, and power users might want to look elsewhere or check back after future updates. It has A LOT of potential but the software is still extremely basic even when compared to basic routers. Who is this system most suited? If you mainly use Wi-Fi, want a system to cover your entire house regardless of size, and don’t care that there are almost no controls of any sort then this might be for you. Setup is about as simple and basic as it can get and for such people I recommend this product.
I would recommend this to a friendBrand response from Linksys Staff
Posted .Hi, CraigB,
We appreciate your detailed review of the Velop system. Your observations are helpful for future updates with the Linksys app and the unit. It's good to know that you are already working and receiving updates from our Technical Support team. If you need any further help, give us a call at 800-986-0518 or you can send us an email at [email protected].
Regards,
Kristine
Linksys Support
- Pros mentioned:Coverage, Ease of use, SpeedCons mentioned:Ethernet ports
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Fantastic Range and Speed!
|Posted .This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.This Velop system is fairly easy to setup. Download the Linksys app on your smartphone, load the app, and follow the instructions it provides. I had the whole system running in about 15 minutes. All the settings for the system are done through the app. It would be nice to have access through a web browser, but for now, the app is the only way. The coverage of just one of these Velop satellites is impressive. I put one in the basement, one on my main floor, and one out in the garage. Having all three going at one time is probably overkill in my situation, but hey, I'll never have to worry about my WiFi being out of range. The only thing I'm not really crazy about is the lack of Ethernet ports. I have A few gaming systems and a TV hardwired, but had to give that up for this system for now. So far no real issue with speed or lag, but would prefer them to be wired. Also, I have the Xfinity Blast Pro internet package (150/20Mbps), and I get to utilize every bit of that and then some with this Velop package. Impressive.
I would recommend this to a friend - Pros mentioned:Coverage, SpeedCons mentioned:Ethernet ports
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Amazing WiFi Range, easy setup!
|Posted .This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.This product provides a truly amazing WiFi coverage for the whole property! 3 individual WiFi stations called Nodes should be installed around your house, they will create a very tight WiFi coverage. Once I've installed the Velop system - I walked around my home with my laptop in hands and did about a dosen speed tests - every single one showed the full 350Mbit/s download speed I'm getting from my service provider, I was not able to find a single spot where the speed would drop, that is truly amazing! However Velop is designed with the WiFi in mind and optimized for the households which rely on WiFi as a primary network. For example - main node (any of the 3 could be designated as "Main", it just depends on which one will be connected to your modem) - would only have a single Ethernet port available for the wired connection. You will need an Ethernet switch to connect more than a single device to it. Satellite nodes would each have 2 Ethernet ports so you could connect some devices over the Ethernet remotely, but will need Ethernet switches to connect more than 2. Velop system is not designed to be setup or controlled with the computer - it requires an iOS or Android device to set it up and configure in the future. First node (out of 3) should be connected to your modem and then it takes just a few simple steps to set it up using your phone or a tablet, I believe it uses Bluetooth to communicate initially before WiFi network is crated. Then it's even easier to add satellite nodes - just position them far enough from the main node (and each other) but still within your WiFi coverage - and with the few clicks using the Linksys app - new node is ready to extend your WiFi signal! Other features of the Velop WiFi system include: - Device prioritization - that gives selected devices a priority in traffic consumption - Parental controls - you cold limit a single device from visiting certain web sites (however you have to spell out the complete web site name, wildcarding like abc*.com is not supported) - IP Address reservation - devices could be assigned a static IP address, but there is no place in the app to list all reservations, there is also no way to create a reservation manually before you connect a device to the network first. - Guest network support - dedicated network just for guests - Port forwarding (individual ports and ranges) as well as port triggering. Velop supports the following configurations of the incoming Internet connection: DHCP, Static IP address, PPPoE, PPTP, L2TP. Outside facing MAC address could be configured, MTU value could be changed. That's about it. Overall: if you have a real large property and just want an easy WiFi everywhere, you don't relay on Ethernet connections - Velop would do an amazing job! However if you like to connect most of the devices with Ethernet, like to tinker with the network settings, assign specific IP addresses to devices - you probably need to look elsewhere. Requirement of the iOS/Android app for setup/configuration and inability to use the computer for that purpose is the huge drawback for me. Lack of advanced features (USB ports for storage or 3G backup, VPN server, access to log files - to name a few) makes Velop unattractive for the PRO/advanced users.
I would recommend this to a friend - Pros mentioned:Coverage, Setup, Speed
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
This is a whole house solution for WIFI
|Posted .This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.I've tested, used, and owned many routers over the years, and I'll say this is the best one I've used to date. I had some setup issues, but do realize this was during a pre-release testing phase, and those issues seem to have been resolved as setup now works as it should. The setup of these units is very simple, step by step. The units are tall and have a small footprint, which is much appreciated. Gone are the days of need to have a large flat router box taking up 1/2 the desk. They are white, and have a decent look to them. I am not afraid to let them sit out in view, as they look like a cool electronic device, not a traditional router with antennas and such; there are no visible antennas on these units. These are programmed via the app, available for free. You create an account, and it walks you through the setup. Plug in the unit, connect to your router, and in a few minutes, it will confirm you are good to go. Then, you can add a "node" (or repeater as I would call it) to extend your network out further using only an AC outlet vs. having to run a network cable - the main unit plugs into your router with a network cable, but the additional nodes simply plug into an ac outlet. You add the nodes to extend your network, and the advertising says 3 units go out to a 6000 sq. ft. home, and I would not doubt this to be true even though I've been using this in a much smaller townhouse. I was getting signal throughout my 1500 sq. ft. townhouse, albeit not great, with a single unit. Once I added the 2nd node, the signal went very well throughout the entire house, and out into the street. Adding the 3rd node made this go way out past the house. Each of the nodes has two gigabit jacks; for the main unit you plug into the modem, one of those is used to plug into the modem, but for all the other nodes, you can use both of them to plug in devices and make them a wired connection, like for a gaming computer, or something without WIFI. During my testing, I found my FIOS service that delivers 80 Mbps up and down, and that the router is delivering this speed consistently, no matter how far away from the main unit. I can tell you that the example shown on the package, about how other units slow down as you move out to the further nodes, has happened to me. This Velop system seems to be the same speed, no matter which repeater that seems to be nearest. Note that this is a tri-band radio router as well, and you don't have to pick which frequency you want to be on; it will connect automatically based on your device's capability. The system also auto scans the channels to find the best choice given your environment and other things that might be interfering with the WIFI signal. This is a decent WIFI solution, probably for most people. It showed well at the CES show and has proven itself to me as worthy of the hype. Often times the hype doesn't live up to the product, but in this case, it does. The app has some built in cool features, like you can see all of the nodes, a speed test, guest access feature, parental controls, a way to prioritize 3 devices, can get notifications if the units fall off of the network, etc. All of this is just icing on a really nice cake! BestBuy has a great return policy, has great support, and knowledgable staff who can help you with your decision to give this a try. Other choices for a mesh network are somewhat limited, but it seems that Linksys has a handle on this and is providing a great solution.
I would recommend this to a friend