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E296611
Linksys Velop Intelligent Mesh Wi-Fi System 2 Pack
Reviews & Community QA
Linksys Velop Intelligent Mesh Wi-Fi System 2 Pack is rated
out of
5 by
44.
Rated 5 out of
5
by
jlggps from
Intelligent Mesh Wi-Fi Systems - Amazing Tech
I have been using my Velop Intelligent Mesh Wi-Fi System for nearly 1-year (next month being the 1-year mark). During this time, I do not recall ever having to mess with any of the settings or having to reset/reboot any of the Velop nodes. Setup was easy as it gets using the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi App, which walks you through the entire setup process. I did enable the automatic firmware update feature during the initial setup process as well. I popped into the Router settings every now and then and the firmware was always current.
As long as you follow the detailed steps during the initial setup, you will be up and running in no time - it appears to be a self-contained system. The only times I did needed to access the settings was to remotely access the WPS function when away from home (via the Linksys Smart Wi-Fi App). This was to assist my family in connecting new Wi-Fi enabled device(s) (e.g., PS4, Xbox One...) to the network. I prefer using WPS rather than sharing my Wi-Fi passphrase/passcode. I am not sure if this is a feature or not but I appears to be self-healing because it always linked right back up after experiencing outages in our ISP service.
Over the course of the past year, I have added additional Velop Nodes as well as added a Mesh enabled Linksys Wireless Router. I work from home and some of the tools I use for work need Ethernet connectors work. Adding the Wireless router gave me the Gigabit Ethernet needed and increased my mesh coverage two-fold.
The Velop System is way to go since performance wise, it is just as good, if not better, than many of the high-end wireless routers but also has the benefit of virtually unlimited Wi-Fi signal coverage. The Velop Mesh Nodes occupy a much smaller footprint than conventional routers as well as aesthetic styling that fits almost any home décor. What they have over the conventional wireless router is that the Velop Mesh is modular node system that is scalable to accommodate any size or shape home/ business. This is particularly helpful with multi or split level buildings giving you the flexibility to add additional nodes to expand your Wi-Fi coverage to separate floors without sacrificing performance.
Best of all, whether you have 2-nodes, 3-nodes or 10 nodes, they all interconnect and function as a single Wi-Fi network. Prior the implementing the Velop Mesh System at my home, I had several Wi-Fi networks (SSID’s); including a primary 2.4 GHz band network as well as a Primary 5 GHz band network (dual/tri-band routers). Moreover, that number doubled with every extender I added. Thankfully, those all went away all thanks to the Velop Intelligent Mesh System.
This review seems to have got away from me and is all over the place but it is important to note that the software used in the Velop System analyzes and uses the best channel for each band with the least amount of interference, noise and/or traffic. This is a big plus since this significantly increases the reliability and performance the Wi-Fi network (we have 30+ wireless networks that present in our neighborhood).
If I had to nit-pick, the only thing I would change is for it to have a longer cord on the AC adapter. [This review was collected as part of a promotion.]
Date published: 2019-05-19
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Chris from
Great overall, but a few points of concern ...
I purchased the AC2600 (Dual Band 2 pack) over Black Friday, to replace an existing AirPort Express that I have been using. We were never getting our Full 150 Mbps speed that we pay for with our ISP (sometimes was as low as 30-40 with the Airport only having 802.11n).
I was super pleased with the design, and setup was simple for both nodes. I had read some reviews that worried me having the 2nd node downstairs and away from the modem, but it connected just fine, and was detected without issue.
The Speed from Modem to Parent Node is consistently 173Mpbs (pay for 150) and 5-6 Mbps upload, so big improvement in overall speed. I'm not sure how this translates to the individual devices though. And, that's part of my concern.
I wish there was a way to assign the 5Ghz band and 2.4Ghz bands manually to the devices. You can prioritize up to 3 devices, but so far this hasn't automatically put them on the faster 5GHz band, so I'm not really sure how it prioritizes. I would expect they pull from the 5Ghz for best performance, but I may not fully understand the technical side of this.
Secondly, for example, my parent node is in my office upstairs next to the modem. My child node is downstairs near our main television. I would think our Apple TV in the upstairs bedroom would detect the Office Node since it's closer, and ideally run at the 5Ghz since it's a priority device, but it is always connected to the downstairs child node at 2.4Ghz (SEE PHOTO BELOW). I'm confused because many devices (we have around 12 total) are connected to the node that is furthest away, rather than the node closest to them. This makes me worry they aren't always getting the best connection speed. Maybe they are, but it's unclear enough to cause me some concern.
Overall, I haven't noticed any buffering or drops in signal since putting it in (something we experienced daily on the previous setup). My wife did say our Apple TV upstairs buffered at one point when no other devices were being used, but it hasn't happened since, so I'm going to call it a fluke.
The Channel selection tool in the app is a bit confusing to me as well, as it just seems to bounce the devices around randomly between the nodes without any rhyme or rhythm - again sometimes putting them on the node that's nowhere near them. If I had a bit more insight into these "cons" then I think I'd be perfectly happy with it. I"m tempted to add a 3rd node to alleviate some of this random node connection issue, and try to get more devices on 5Ghz instead of 2.4.
I did run ethernet successfully from the child node directly to my 4K Apple TV downstairs and it has a full, fast connection now at all times.
I also love the ease of naming the Wifi, and setting up a guest network. The App itself is intuitive and helpful once you explore a bit. Setup was also easy for me (other than being a bit confused by what I mentioned above). Overall, it's working, and the Dual Band seems perfectly suited to our 1500 sq ft two story condo that has a max ISP service of 200mbps (pay for 150 now).
I'd recommend it, but I'd love to know more about the features I mentioned above that have me a bit confused.
Based on my Usage of the Linksys Velop Dual Band Nodes so far:
Pros:
-Easily Add additional nodes for better network coverage
-Prioritize connection for 3 devices of your choice (though this doesn’t mean it will put them all on 5Ghz necessarily)
-Easy Guest Network setup (Can easily share Wi-Fi password to other devices from the App which is super cool to not enter password 50 times)
-Setup process is simple and intuitive
-Linksys App for monitoring has some nice features and is pretty simple to use
-Download and Upload from the modem to the Main node is consistently 173mbps download and 5.5 upload (pay for 150mbps), so the signal is strong.
-Can Run ethernet from Node into devices to get full Ethernet connection speeds
-Despite not always using closest node, I haven’t had any major speed loss due to this that I can see
-Speed Test Built into the App for the overall Network Speed
-Advanced Network settings available for users who want a more custom setup
-Lights on the Node indicate status and are easy to see
-Reset button makes it easy to reset and relocate a node (just do the setup process again via the app)
Cons:
-Cannot choose which devices get 5Ghz and which get 2.4 GHz band (it’s automatic based on device location and node distance from device)
-My stationary devices like Apple TV don’t always use the closest Node to them, therefore also not always getting best connection
-Device Prioritization doesn’t really indicate if those devices are actually getting better speeds (Some still use 2.4Ghz even when prioritized)
-Channel Finder Feature (which should scan and find best performance areas) does not seem to do anything noticeable other than bounce devices around between nodes (not always to the nearest one to them)
-Devices change nodes depending on where you are in the house- so in theory, you might not get as good of a connection if you’re in certain spots, or if it doesn’t swap nodes
Example: I have my iPhone in the living room near that node, but it still stays connected to the upstairs office node (can’t manually change this)
Date published: 2018-11-28
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Vally2107 from
Really stabilised my Hughes net Gen5
I have bought a 3 Pack Velop AC2600 .... I run Hughes net Gen 5 as I live in a remote area, the signal from the Hughesnet router was rubbish ! .....the Velop system not only improves the reception across the house it provides a more stable platform than the Hughesnet wifi signal from the Gen 5 router.
Date published: 2018-09-05
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Arturo from
Velop Mesh, Natural & Effortless EzFi
I have been using these (2) Velop Mesh network Nodes in my Home/office for over a month now. Connecting these devices to my ISP via my Modem was easy to do just following the enclosed Quick Start Guide; with one really basic modification; that being to write down the first Nodes PASSWORD before beginning the Setup.
The Velop Mesh System is a REAL PIECE OF CAKE to connect and get running, using the Quick Start Guide is crucial unless you are a Tech Guru at which point you too would not have written down the PASSWORD for the Primary Node and been humbled to READ THE QUICK START GUIDE.
Downloading and opening the Linksys Dashboard is No Muss No Fuss. Following the very easy on screen instructions for the Router Node and the Secondary Node, provides you with a very easy installation of the Velop Mesh network.
WHY MESH? Well if you have EVER attempted to extend your Network past the manufacturer recommended range, you will soon see a combination of devices all having different access addresses slowing your main system down horribly. Things you put up with to get networks working for your purposes. The Velop Mesh simply interconnects all your Nodes into one Logical Node displaying One Main Node (Router) with all your devices interconnected from it.
The Velop Mesh system Graphically displays all your devices, facilitates network and device security and prioritization, controls Guest Access and controls content (what your kids or staff can access).
Mesh networks are a long time in the coming.
Natural and Effortless EzFi.
TECHNICAL STUFF (Backbone Devices):
I Tether my (Primary Node) Router to a Linksys 8 Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch SE 3008 which connects to a Color Deskjet printer, 3 Telephony Systems, and 2 External Hard Drive Enclosure Docking Systems for Direct Access Storage Backup and Archive; total of 3 Terabytes.
My WiFi connections are 3 LaserJet Printers, 4+ laptops, 4 Roku Streaming HD TV's, 4+ cell phones and a Video Monitoring System with 5 cameras also leaching Wifi. The WiFi cameras Base Unit is directly connected (Hardwired) to the 2nd Node of the Velop System.
My general configuration I use the 2 Velop nodes on 2 floors covering over 4,200 sqft with EXCELLENT coverage on most of my network. Linksys on board Speed Check utility shows Downloads at 178Mbps Uploads 6.2Mbps, and Cells receiving 5Ghz at 866 Mbps. The 3,800 sqft is Open Floor Plan, 1/3 underground; with Other Networks visible but not accessing my Router. System degradation occurs near the underground portion of the office to a GOOD rating which we mitigate by direct connect (Hardwire) from the Linksys 8 Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch SE 3008 as needed.
Summary:
It is about time Router Manufacturers produced a FAST Network that permits seamless integration of add-on devices, without compromising network speed and functionality and for a Reasonable Price. [This review was collected as part of a promotion.]
Date published: 2018-07-20
Rated 3 out of
5
by
Mogarian from
Not bad, not great.
Got this yesterday. Connecting first node/box was straightforward (Internet modem downstairs in basement). Adding 2nd node (upstairs) took almost 2 hours, 1 hour with tech help. Problem: the set up instruction pamphlet (specifically what the flashing/steady colored lights mean) are misleading, and do NOT apply to set up (this cost an hour trying to move the second node closer to the source. The flashing red light during set-up does NOT mean it is out of range - it is just telling you set-up is in progress - learned this from the tech help while on the phone for an hour). This should definitely be rectified.
After setting up using an iPad (setting up the second node is NOT easy), the download speed promised is nearly the full speed of your system. Not true. My 5G net provides 130 MPS. The best I can get, at zero distance from the node, is about 70 MPS. Not bad, but not what I hoped for.
Date published: 2018-07-19
Rated 5 out of
5
by
staskied from
5 Node Velop System Now
I received the 2 node Velop system through the Linksys Friends and Family program and I added the 2 new nodes to my existing 3 node mesh network. I was able to add the 2 new nodes to my system without any issue. [This review was collected as part of a promotion.]
Date published: 2018-07-19
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Dave from
Great features and range for smaller home
The Linksys Velop AC2600 is a nice dependable product with an adequate range and a good speed for a smaller home. I set up the 1st node as a new product via the App on my iPhone. The initial set up for the 1st node went pretty smoothly and only took about 5 minutes. I have various Ethernet outlets around my house so I plugged one end of an Ethernet cable into my modem, which is located in a 3 sided concrete closet in the basement. The other end of this cable is attached to an outlet behind my TV which I was then able to plug the 1st node into. I put it here to allow so I can plug a game system directly into one of the Ethernet ports on the node for better signal. The App walked me through the setup and it only got hung up once and I had to log back into my Linksys account to finish setting up the node. Once the 1st node was set up I used the App to set up the 2nd node in my office on the 1st floor. Setting it up here allowed me to be able to plug my desktop directly into the Ethernet port on the node. Initially during setup of the 2nd node I kept getting the message that my node was out of range of the 1st one. I had to keep moving it closer to the 1st node and even reset it before it was finally recognized and completed setup. Once that node was set up though I just unplugged it and moved it back to my office and it has worked fine. My house is a 3-story home with approx 1200 feet on each floor. I have 1 node in the basement and a 2nd node on the 1st floor. My home has multiple game systems, smart tv's, tablets and phones all fighting for bandwidth. I found that I do have coverage in all areas of my home, but its a weak intermittent signal in some areas on the 3rd floor. I also found that when the game system is running, videos are being streamed on the tv and tablets are on that the streaming slows down and buffers or freezes. My thought is that this setup can't handle ALL the internet needs a family of 5 has at the same time. When only 2-3 people are on the internet it works smoothly with no issues what so ever. I have had stability issues with other routers in the past due to power surges in my area and I can happily say those issues have not shown up with this setup. I like the setup, how easy it was to install and especially the App features that allow me to turn on and off internet access to devices (game systems) at will. I know that this setup allows you to add additional nodes to increase coverage and I may pick up another node to expand my reach on the 3rd floor or move the nodes around. If you don't need to use the Ethernet ports these are very mobile. [This review was collected as part of a promotion.]
Date published: 2018-07-19
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Ty25 from
Good Coverage
I bought this Velop AC2600 a month ago and have to say it does pretty well. For starters setup was a breeze using the Linksys Smart WiFi app it took about 20 minutes or less to set up both nodes. I find it easier to set up the second node close to the first one then moving it once complete. Download speeds are pretty fast for the mbps this unit was designed for. Be sure when picking out a Velop system you know this unit is intended more for a small home or apt. If you need to cover more space then you’ll need to ad more nodes. If you have a large home try the Velop tri-band system it works amazingly, especially if you have a lot of devices connected to it and say goodbye to dead spots. [This review was collected as part of a promotion.]
Date published: 2018-07-17
