Linksys Velop Mesh WiFi System, AC1300

Pros:
– The mesh works much better than multiple range extenders. I used this to replace a router plus two extenders and the network speed more than doubled.
– Great app to configure the network – makes it super easy.

Cons
– The range of the nodes is not all that it is cracked up to be – similar to that of extenders. Needed three nodes for an 1800 sq ft apartment. Can’t see how it would work in the advertised range of 4000-6000 sq ft unless there are very few brick walls.
– Very expensive.

I’ve got this setup only on my main level and the wifi signal reaches strongly everywhere in my basement. Strangely for this and my old Nighthawk(refused to connect to the satellites anymore no matter what I did) system it replaced neither can connect to their satellites through the floor, but these provide a much stronger signal for wifi down there than the Nighthawk system ever did. I’m not a fan of the app on these devices(in general, not specifically Linksys) and prefer the web interface which thankfully this still lets you use it. I do like that it notifies me through the app though if a node goes down (so far only caused by my daughter turning off the surge protector).

I was totally impressed when I replaced an earlier Linksys router with this system (one node on each of three floors), going from out-of-the-box to done in under 20 minutes, and it worked flawlessly. Although some mesh systems are reviewed as faster, this system’s performance blew away the original router and was plenty fast. I’m happy. But perfection is illusive. As I have done with all my routers over many years, I like to activate MAC address filtering to allow only my attached devices and block access to devices not on my list. It may not stop the pros from getting into my network, but it does help keep the amateurs at bay. When I activated this feature, it killed the network by losing the connection to the two wireless nodes, and nothing I did would restore the connections until I turned off MAC filtering, including trying to add the wireless nodes’ MAC addresses to the list. I then contacted Customer Support and got a fabulous technician who couldn’t correct the initial problem, but did go to great lengths to insure that all other settings were as optimal as possible. Problem resolution?: Don’t use MAC filtering. Subsequent web searches revealed that this problem was identified by other users as early as 2017. Clearly, it still exists, at least for some of us. Other than that disappointment, I am genuinely impressed with the system, simplicity of installation and Customer Support’s eagerness to help as much as possible. If the possibility of not having MAC address filtering doesn’t deter you, get it. I’m keeping my system.

Finalmente logro tener internet con muy buena señal en todas las habitaciones, además de que los nodos tienen un diseño muy bonito.
El producto llegó a tiempo y en perfectas condiciones.
Antes de hacer la instalación, vi un video en YouTube y también la guía que proporciona la página web de Linksys y debo decir que fue de gran ayuda pues fue muy fácil instalar cada uno de los nodos. Aunque la propia aplicación de Linksys te va guiando paso a paso.
Recomiendo mucho tener actualizado el dispositivo en el que van a bajar la app.
Solo queda decir que estoy muy satisfecha con la compra.

I’ve been using this system for about a month now and it’s been running very well (aside from some modifying my setup – luckily for most people noting too technical). My speeds have gone up from when I had a 4 year old LinkSys Wi-Fi router (middle of the road, $200-$250 model at the time) from about 15-18MbpS to about 30-35MbpS (we’re paying for 50MbpS – fastest available in my neck of the woods).

The largest plus is that you only have to wire one unit (your primary) to your modem. The others just need a Wi-Fi signal and act as good signal boosters. Installation is easy, too. Install the app and log in, connect the primary to your modem, plug it in and turn it on then follow the prompts in the app – this process takes about 30 minutes. Adding additional nodes is very easy, plug it in, turn it on, then add the device in the app, this takes about 10-15 minutes (most of the time is waiting for it to boot up and self-configure).

Each node also has 2 RJ-45 ports to wire a device (your primary will only have one available, though). Plan ahead with any devices that may need a wired connection.

I think my home is larger than the average home and we will be good with 4 (and it’s a little oddly set up). I think the average home will need 2-3 – but my suggestion below will help you see how many you’ll need).
I do have some suggestions, though:

First, plan ahead. Get an app that measures Wi-Fi signals (I use Netgear’s Wi-Fi Analytics – but that’s only available for Android) and measure your signal around the house (maybe even draw a map and your measurements). I wouldn’t recommend putting a node anywhere you get a signal lower than -65 dBm (we’re dealing with negatives, so -80 is worse or weaker, -60 is better or stronger). If your initial measurements show an area (or more) that is less than -70 dBm then remeasure after putting your nodes in. Install your primary then take measurements to see where they should go, using your map as a guide for weak signals (don’t worry if areas show a weaker signal, this can be normal).

Don’t be afraid to move the nodes, once they’re connected to your network you won’t need to re-add them.

Second, allow them room to breathe. Don’t put then in an enclosed area, they can overheat and can result in loss of connectivity (I had this issue – one didn’t have ventilation and was losing its signal constantly, I moved it just a few feet to an open area and it’s been a lot better).

Third, and this is just good networking practice, set any network printers to a static IP (or, preferably a reservation in the network). This will help with some stability in the long run.

Fourth, run the firmware updates as soon as you have your network set up. This is another good practice.

Their mobile app is good but missing some features that their old management software had (like usage by device). Hopefully LyynkSys will update it.

(Note: I did not rate their tech support because I did not contact them).