Review: Linksys VELOP Whole Home Mesh Network

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Whole-home MESH networks, which provide a more robust and interconnected transmission of Wi-Fi signal across a larger space, are the biggest leap forward in Wi-Fi router technology we've seen in a long time. The Linksys VELOP whole home MESH network makes set-up and expansion easy while ensuring various devices get consistent network quality.

Unlike traditional Wi-Fi routers, which generate a signal that degrades the farther you are away from the hotspot, MESH networks allow multiple base stations to amplify the signal across a wider range of distance. With traditional routers, a multi-story house or apartment will have various dead-spots or areas where signal is inconsistent or drops. 

The difference between single-node Wi-Fi hotspots and MESH hotspots

The Linksys VELOP system uses multiple nodes stations to expand coverage and maintain a consistent signal. Each Velop node is a powerful Tri-Band connection point offering up to 2,000 square feet of coverage. This gives it unprecedented range. Linksys sells the VELOP nodes in single, sets of two and sets of three which can offer up to 6,000 square feet of coverage.

This means for larger houses with basements and attics (not to mention outdoor spaces), VELOP effectively makes signal available in areas that had poor or no connectivity at all. 

Design and Operation

Linksys designed a very fashionable, friendly and neutral looking box for its VELOP nodes. These white boxes can be used to connect to your router and then satellite nodes pick up the signal and beam it.

The white boxes are innocuous and blend in with most surroundings in a home or office. If you've had to find ways to hide the multi-antenna monstrosity Wi-Fi hotspot before, you know that these are quite a chore to conceal. Not only do they have multiple cables attaching to them, they are mostly black or bright blue and dob't blend into anything.

The VELOP nodes are the exact opposite, they are muted, connect to a power adaptor and two Ethernet jacks. While this may note be ideal for setups that require a lot of hardwired Ethernet connections, it works well for households that are mostly wireless.

The set-up and control is easy thanks to the Linksys Companion App, which makes it easy to set up all the nodes and ensure the signal is consistent.

I installed the Linksys VELOP network within 20 minutes and quickly noticed much better reception in the faraway corners of my parent's house.

The attic was often a black hole, even cellular signal was spotty there but with the VELOP in place it was able to generate enough bandwidth to connect to various devices without issue.

The ability to push signal to once uncharted areas of the house was huge. This means you can now stream Netflix or Amazon Prime video easily in rooms or areas that were dead spots.

Tests on Fast.com revealed my Teksavvy Internet signal was coming in clear. 

Velop’s Tri-Band technology dynamically changes to ensure and deliver blazing fast, seamless Wi‑Fi to all devices for the ultimate in Wi‑Fi freedom.

I like that Linksys has enabled parental controls that make it possible to meter kids' screen time or access via their devices. Few Wi-Fi solutions make this easy and transparent, but the VELOP system does.

If you're looking for a stylish, easy to set-up and maintain next generation MESH Wi-Fi solution, Linksys' VELOP is one of the most effective options available to consumers right now.

Rating: 4 out of 5