Mesh routers are the “in” thing today when it comes to wireless networking. It makes a perfect sense for homes, especially when you are looking for a seamless wireless experience when setting up a smart home. Linksys sells the Velop in 1, 2 and 3 node packages, which are very easy to setup and manage using the Linksys app.
The Linksys Velop we reviewed came with two nodes and it was very simple to setup. Once you fire up the Linksys app, it automatically identifies the nodes and helps you with the setup procedure. The app also comes with the Spot Finder feature that lets you choose the best spot in your house to place the nodes in order to enjoy seamless connectivity.
Each of the nodes use Bluetooth technology to talk to each other. The nodes support a wide range of Wi-Fi standards such as 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.3ab, and 802.3u. The nodes also support both 2.4GHz and 5GHz wireless frequencies. Connectivity of the nodes is achieved through 2 x Ethernet ports and the AC power input.
Once the Linksys app finds the nodes, it is then just a straightforward setup procedure. You choose the network name and password, and set up a Linksys account if you don’t have one already. The app then does the rest. Once the base unit is all set up, you can add the additional nodes whenever you want. The app is available for both Android and iOS and is beautifully designed.
The app also comes with a ‘Channel Finder’ feature, which scans the area around you and moves nodes to open channels. Doing this will move each unit to its own channel, and that increases the overall performance. Linksys claims the nodes can be 30-60 feet apart, and that you need only one node for a house with a total area of 2000 square feet or less.
I found that the node signal was amazing while I was close to the nodes, but by the time I got all the way across the house from the node, I could see a drop in the signal by almost half of what I had to start with. If you need better connectivity, I suggest you place the nodes in dead zones where you’ll be able to use them while you’re close by.
After testing the Linksys Velop for almost a week, I can say that I noticed an increase in the overall performance and speed of my home network. i did not encounter any major signal drops or lags during my testing period. The price of the one node pack is AED 499, the two node pack is AED 899, and the three node pack is 1199. The prices might seem a bit expensive, but again, if you need good wireless performance across your house, you might want to consider the Linksys Velop Dual Band Mesh Wi-Fi System.
Price: AED 499 (one node pack), AED 899 (two mode pack), and AED 1199 (three node pack).
