I am a veteran networking professional with over 30 years of experience in the industry and I have also authored numerous books on Wi-Fi technology. I have spent most of my career focusing on enterprise-level Wi-Fi solutions. The Wi-Fi that I usually deal with is built for businesses, and it’s a whole different ballgame than the home Wi-Fi most people are familiar with. In the business world, the Wi-Fi has to not only be super-fast and extremely secure, but it also needs to integrate seamlessly into complex enterprise networks.
You might be wondering why a guy who works with super complicated Wi-Fi systems for big businesses is messing around with home Wi-Fi gear. Well, my wife had enough of our home looking like a sci-fi movie set with all the techy equipment I’d bring home. She wanted something that was not only reliable but also aesthetically pleasing—essentially, a Wi-Fi system that “just works” without becoming a room’s unwanted centerpiece. So, I thought I’d go back to basics and check out Linksys, which was my go-to for home Wi-Fi way back when everyone was just getting used to the idea of Wi-Fi in the first place.
I decided to go with the Linksys Velop Pro 6E, opting for the 3-pack mesh system to ensure solid coverage throughout my entire home. I was drawn to this choice for a few reasons: Linksys’ reputable brand name, the system’s sleek design, and the inclusion of Wi-Fi 6E technology that operates on the new 6 GHz frequency band.
When I hit the ‘Buy Now’ button, I had three criteria in mind that, if met, would make this a 5-star product for me:
1. Hassle-free setup
2. Easy on the eyes
3. Strong and fast coverage throughout my 2,600 square-foot home
I am happy to report that the Linksys Velop Pro 6E met all three expectations with flying colors.
Setup:
The setup was a breeze. I unboxed the system, scanned the QR code to download the Linksys app, and the app guided me through the entire installation process. From unboxing to fully operational, it took me about 5 minutes—or let’s call it 10 minutes, accounting for the time I spent positioning the two additional mesh nodes around my house as the app advised. The best part? The mesh setup was incredibly smooth and automatic. Just plug in, follow the prompts, and you’re up and running.
Within another 15 minutes, I had connected all of my 12 devices—laptops, smartphones, tablets, TVs, a doorbell, thermostats, you name it—to the new Wi-Fi network with the latest WPA3 security. And while the Linksys mobile app is straightforward enough for most users, advanced settings can also be managed via their web application if you prefer.
Pretty factor:
Aesthetics matter more than most people think. I frequently come across the newest Wi-Fi routers boasting 6-8 antennas sticking out, making them look like some sort of robotic alien spider. What I needed was a Wi-Fi system that could discreetly blend into the room, becoming a part of the decor rather than a distraction. The Linksys Velop Pro 6E delivers on this front—its cylindrical design and internal antennas make it a sleek, unobtrusive addition to any room. Definitely easy on the eyes!
Connectivity:
I conducted tests throughout the house and consistently recorded a signal strength of well over -65 dBm (which is considered excellent). Using Ookla for speed tests on various devices, I nearly maxed out the bandwidth limit set by my ISP, which is 500 Mbps. Keep in mind, I specifically wanted a Wi-Fi 6E system to leverage the newly-released 6 GHz frequency band. I have a couple of smartphones and laptops equipped with 6 GHz radios, and I observed Wi-Fi speeds as high as 2401 Mbps.
After 48 hours of operation, the verdict from the home front is unanimous: everyone is happy, and the Wi-Fi just works. That merits 5-stars!
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