Here is a scenario of mine that I can almost guarantee many others also experience. In parts of my home, I have great wireless internet and full bars of Wi-Fi. But the other end of the house is a completely different story. The Wi-Fi drops to 1 bar and as a result, the internet is slow.
This problem is particularly an issue with homes that are multi-level or large in size. It can also cause issues when streaming to devices like wireless speakers including Apple HomePod. It can also mean problems with other services like Netflix, Stan, and so on.
Recently I have set up a Mesh Wi-Fi network around my home. To be specific, the Velop Whole-Home Mesh Wi-Fi system by Linksys. It has not only solved the problems of bad Wi-Fi in my home, I can now even get wireless internet access by the pool.
Here I want to explain how it has resolved my issues.
Mesh Wi-Fi
Whole-Home Mesh Wi-Fi essentially wraps around your home like a blanket. And while doing so provides wireless coverage throughout your home. To do this, the system has a number of nodes, each of which wirelessly link to each other.
I have recently set up three Velop mesh nodes around my home. One in the dining room (which is near the living room), the furthest bedroom, and in the study. Each node:
- Provides a large amount of coverage
- Enables fast internet and streaming
- Wirelessly links up to every other node
Yet, despite being three separate Wi-Fi nodes, It is set up as one system. This means, when you connect to one, you’re connected to all of them. In the past, I have tried using multiple wireless modems. In the end all of which resulted in having to log into them separately, among other issues.
It is also worth mentioning the process of setting them up was very, very easy. All I needed to do was install the Linksys app and follow the steps. Those steps were basically powering each node on, waiting for a light, and the system did all the work.
Smart Features
The Linksys Velop system has a number of features I didn’t expect.
Device prioritisation is one of them. I can choose which devices should get priority to high-quality internet access. Apple TV 4K is one of them as I want to ensure Netflix and other streaming services don’t cut out.
The second is Parental Controls. While I personally don’t need to use it, the feature is there. I can control when certain devices (Playstation for example) get internet access and for how long. Blocking certain websites can also be easily done.
Pricing and Buying
The Linksys Velop Whole-Home Mesh Wi-Fi system is available from a number of major retailers around Australia. It can also be purchased from Apple online where they are offering free delivery and pickup, plus, 14-day free returns.
There are two packs available, one which includes 2 nodes while the other, 3 nodes. The two-pack is priced at A$549.95, while the three-pack is priced at A$699.95. Price-wise, a little on the expensive side. It is worth noting through it does come with three-years warranty.
