Last Updated: April 6, 2020 (Refresh Now)
Linksys WHW0103 Velop Whole Home Mesh Wi Fi System AC3900 Wi Fi Router Wi Fi Extender for Seamless Coverage Parental Controls Compatible with Alexa 3 Pack Covers Upto 4 500 sq ft 400 sqm White
Last Updated: April 6, 2020 (Refresh Now)
6.3
SCORE
/10
Total Reviews
636
Old Reviews
318
Unverified
164
Spam Test
WARN
Yes
WIFI
4K
RESOLUTION
Review Analysis - 154 recent, verified reviews
Detailed Mode
Network
85nodes, node, coverage, mesh, wi fi
+74%
-26%
" ... I took a long time researching WIFI mesh systems. ... "
" ... The items were initially really hard to install and this was more down to the current set up i had for my home network. ... I was originally using a Virgin Hub 3.0 in 'Modem Mode' and a ASUS router to push the WI-FI around the house. ... The second node was plugged in the middle floor and this successfully set up on the Linksys app by connecting to the node in the living room. ... I moved this to various locations in the loft room and with no luck in terms of full connectivity. ... "
" ... Now have solid WiFi throughout the house which was not possible beforehand ... "
" ... Re: speed, signal strength and Wi-Fi stability ... My devices that roam around the house seem to move between nodes without issue. ... "
" ... The Vodafone router sits in the living room, about 30 meters away with 3 solid walls in between. ... "
" ... I sent it back and replaced it with this model and it works really well and I now get the same speed over WiFi as I do over Ethernet. ... A lot of unnecessary faffing and struggling but with the new setup running it’s providing a strong consistent signal that gets though brick walls. ... I do like each unit having the same SSID which means the signal does not drop while roaming about the house as it did when I had a mix of AirPort Extremes and ISP provided router. ... "
" ... We have the three node option, master connected into the virgin hub (modem mode), a second hardwired on the top floor and the final one at the other end of the ground floor using the wireless backhaul. ... "
" ... 3 units installed, and I now have complete strong coverage both inside and outside the house. ... "
Setup
73node, process, installation, set, nodes
+79%
-21%
" ... Setup was a little slow, but very simple. ... "
" ... I'd previous been using a Sky Q setup, i.e. ... Considering the technology these things are supposed to be packing they didn't do any better a job than the Sky Q setup. ... "
" ... The installation was pretty easy and I had the system up and running in no time. ... "
" ... Set up wasn't exactly straight forward but not too bad. ... "
" ... Working like a charm once setup. ... Easy to setup. ... "
" ... My only concern was some reviews saying it could be complicated to install - I'm a moderately advanced user, but don't have the time to explore much. ... The installation is ridiculously straightforward and simple and the system works perfectly. ... "
" ... Now the setup - pay attention to save yourself hours of frustration: ... Set up the first node exactly as instructed - it's simple and easy to follow. ... If you do it will then download and install an update on the node you just installed. ... This update means it can no longer talk to the two you haven't installed yet, and you will not be able to install them without a lot of messing around. ... 5. open it and choose to install new device. ... "
" ... easy to install (forget the other reviews that say otherwise they must be luddites). ... "
Capacity
50house, nodes, coverage, wi fi, whole house
+82%
-18%
" ... In terms of technical performance this system is great and provides fast wifi throughout the house. ... "
" ... I am now running a mesh network with 5 units in total, which covers the whole house with no gaps, plus a sizeable area around it. ... "
" ... But overall a joy to use all over the house and garage. ... "
" ... I’ve change to the 3 node Linksys Velop and I no have FULL wireless bandwidth across the ground floor of my entire house, with a 10mb/second reduction upstairs (due to floors, furniture etc - I have a 5 bed house. ... "
" ... I've got a 3 storey, 1500 sq ft house, and it took about 15mins to setup the velop system. ... Signal is strong everywhere in my house now. ... "
" ... End result is a fantastic ‘whole home’ wi-fi signal running at full strength all over our large 4 bed modern home, including outside to a distant wi-fi security camera which covers the rear of the property which was always problematic . ... "
" ... Now I'm getting close to 100mbs all around the house. ... "
" ... Easy to install and my 2 Velop set-up has run stably with decent whole house coverage and decent speed. ... "
Wifi
46wi fi, mesh, velop, coverage, wifi coverage
+78%
-22%
" ... The best router ... "
" ... I chose these units over the BT Whole Home WiFi as I liked the compact size of the nodes - the reviews I'd read previously as well as some of the features steered me towards the Velop. ... "
" ... Now have solid WiFi throughout the house which was not possible beforehand ... "
" ... You lose some features by doing this but it does what I want well, provides reliable seamless WiFi through house. ... "
" ... I sent it back and replaced it with this model and it works really well and I now get the same speed over WiFi as I do over Ethernet. ... "
" ... Great system that has solved our WiFi woes, to the point where my kids are no longer describing our WiFi as 'flaky', so high praise indeed! ... "
" ... After this and although early days the WIFI is excellent, speeds are constant with no noticeable loss. ... "
" ... After a few months of reviewing the many various Mesh Wi-fi systems , the Black Friday price drop on the Linksys WHW0303 made me press the purchase button and go for this system at a bargain price . ... "
Software Platform
43node, nodes, linksys, devices, setup
+49%
-51%
" ... I don't understand the reviews that give this 5 stars after describing the appallingly frustrating setup software. ... Even this stage is unconvincing - the light starts flashing red to say out of range, but the phone app simply times out and says 'Oops we've hit a snag' as if it never actually gets any response from the device. ... "
" ... Even more so, don't expect to install it easily, as the software is awful and seems to require multiple attempts and system resets to work. ... As an example, I have filled in this entire review while the app has been trying to connect a node to the existing system. ... The node has been reset to factory setting twice. ... "
" ... The App doesn't recognise device name changes, crashes, and you can't select multiple devices for parental controls . ... "
" ... I was going to return it instead I bought an Android tablet. ... "
" ... The setup process is incredibly slow and repeatedly the iOS app gets stuck and has to be restarted. ... These nodes also appear to completely restart if I use the Sonos app on my phone. ... "
" ... The TV often freezes and needs restarting when playing wifi content. ... "
" ... Took a long time to set up, then some computers could not connect even with the correct password. ... "
" ... There are no options within the software to force nodes to pair with each other as Linksys insists that their software knows what it is doing. ... Another frustrating thing is that you cannot assign devices to certain nodes. ... "
Device Compatibility
35devices, nodes, app, velop, plex server
+46%
-54%
" ... After several attempts, you get a purple flashing light and your phone says it detects the device, but other every other logical outcome also occurs: I.e. ... "
" ... Even when on the phone to tech support, detailing exactly what I had (an existing wired network that the Velop system didn't seem to want to talk to), after three and half hours, we hadn't got anywhere. ... As an example, I have filled in this entire review while the app has been trying to connect a node to the existing system. ... "
" ... After several attempts, you get a purple flashing light and your phone says it detects the device, but other every other logical outcome also occurs: I.e. ... "
" ... At least once a week a node disconnects and fails to reconnect itself. ... "
" ... Devices did not connect to the nearest node (often to the furthest away) and when I managed to force them onto the nearest one (often only six feet away) by the next day they had reverted to their original connections. ... "
" ... Took many attempts to set it up. ... "
" ... The master nodes can only direct cable connect to child nodes, you cannot connect them via a switch, so if you want to site the master in one location which is wired to a switch and the child node in another location wired to the same switch as a remote access point with seamless transfer, it won't work, you can only have it working as a true mesh system if you wire the master to the switch and then a DIRECT cable from the master's second socket to the remote node, it can't go via the switch. ... "
" ... If their own tech people can't get 2 nodes to talk to one another (even over Ethernet), it's time to call it a day. ... "
Apps
30node, download, ios, devices, nodes
+57%
-43%
" ... The administration smartphone app is fine, and lets you see all the connected devices with IP and MAC addresses. ... "
" ... Using the IOS app was easy and I would suggest that you be patient because everything ran like clockwork as I placed all 3 nodes around the house. ... "
" ... Well, that clever app was with me all the way and did everything for me. ... "
" ... Zero hassle to install, you just follow the instructions on the app. ... "
" ... Essentially the process consists of creating an account with the manufacturer, download an app to your mobile phone or tablet (I use both the Android and Apple versions and they both work seamlessly), connect one of the three bases to the modem/router with the provided network cable and follow the process as instructed. ... "
" ... Surprised how easy it is to set up, albeit was slow using the mobile phone app. ... "
" ... The app is good enough and easy to share with family and friends ... "
" ... You have to use the app on a mobile device, but once installed, this system is really good. ... "
Product Reliability
28weeks, node, months, nodes, issues
+54%
-46%
" ... I typically am re-installing once every three months. ... "
" ... But after reading the many other reviews for tips I was able to get it all working well . ... "
" ... Once they work they work extremely well, have had no down time or issues. ... "
" ... But in the end, the set-up was successful and everything is working well now. ... "
" ... this would enable you to see if the roaming is working as it should! ... "
" ... Well, this worked for me (after 5 hours of retesting and retrying) ... "
" ... I’ve had it set-up for around 2-3 weeks now and it’s working perfectly. ... "
" ... Having now had this in place and working for a few days I can very happily confirm it isn’t that hard to set up - just download the app on your phone and follow it. ... It probably took less that 20 minutes to have all three nodes up and working, without any problems. ... "
Ease of Use
27setup, easy, app, simple, node
+85%
-15%
" ... The dashboard is simple and easy to navigate. ... "
" ... Once it was finally up and running, the parental controls, ease of use etc. ... "
" ... Easy to set up. ... "
" ... Easy to setup communication between nodes can be a bit troublesome after a powercut, I have to bring them up in a certain order. ... "
" ... Easy to setup. ... "
" ... Easy to add to network ... "
" ... Easy to set up. ... "
" ... easy to install (forget the other reviews that say otherwise they must be luddites). ... "
Firmware
20update, nodes, node, app, updated
+35%
-65%
" ... I've contacted Support@Linksys and LinksysCares - but more than one month on and more than 2 days spent setting up the system, resetting the system, spending hours with support on the phone turning on and off nodes as well as moving nodes to different locations, returning the original order and setting a new system up again with no impact on performance I've given up and the 4 nodes I bought are being returned. ... "
" ... once the first node was setup, I approved a Firmware update, this led to some issues when installing the second node, which refused to connect to the first no matter what. ... consulting the online forum, I followed the advice provided, and installed the "second" node as the main (first) node, updated it's firmware as well and the connected the "first" node (The one that was updated in the previous attempt), the second attempt finished with the expected ease and the system was up. ... "
" ... Linksys Customer Service is the worst, so many people complaining about dropouts of signal etc, they release firmware that breaks everything. ... I walk from one room to another and lose signal to the internet, I've downgraded the firmware to 1.1.8 and it works better but still get dropouts. ... "
" ... I also noticed that despite setting the Automatic Firmware Update to on, this seemed to be disabled every time I opened the App. ... "
" ... There is nothing in the set up or basic instructions about this - I spent a day and half trying to reset the IP addresses on the Velops to match my network, but it insisted on reverting to its own. ... "
" ... Problems persisted, firmware wouldn't automatically update. ... After firmware update problems with disconnections continued. ... "
" ... After reading around, I saw a mention of firmware versions/updates. ... Within app disabled auto-firmware updates ... Now for the problem 3rd node… I noticed that the app had re-enabled firmware auto-update so disabled that again ... Given I was trying multiple things at once, it’s hard to say if I solved the problem by messing with firmware auto-update settings or by plugging in ethernet during setup or a combination of the both. ... "
" ... If you search for "linksys parental controls" on the internet you will see many people have had problems for months ... "
ISP
19linksys, virgin, nodes, wifi, velop
+63%
-37%
" ... Note that the Velop will create its own WiFi network, separate to the WiFi network provided by the existing modem/router. ... The best thing to do once everything is configured, is to switch the old modem/router’s WiFi network off and just use the Velop network – you will never look back! ... Once you have configured everything, you will have a great network able to provide high speed connection (subject to your internet provider’s maximum bandwidth). ... "
" ... Once set up the performance is excellent and considerably better than the Apple setup and EE's standard modem router. ... "
" ... My current setup consists of a TP link router and 2 wireless extenders. ... "
" ... So effectively without Internet access you have no LAN either! ... "
" ... Once I’d set-up my Virgin router to modem mode, set-up was very easy in the end (took about 15-20mins) and I managed to connect all of my wireless devices to it (smart TV, Alexa etc) no problem. ... "
" ... The best router ... "
" ... you can force the new Linksys 'mesh' to broadcast its own ID ( . ... "
" ... The nodes also seem to reach further than my existing main router. ... "
Ports
19node, nodes, connected, hub, ethernet cable
+63%
-37%
" ... Plug it into your modem. ... "
" ... They are quite an expensive addition to a home Wifi/Ethernet arrangement so you want to be sure it'll deliver benefits. ... The added bonus of 2 Ethernet sockets on each tower is good (and handy . ... I have a Philips Hue bridge hard-wired into one Ethernet, and my main desktop PC also hard-wired. ... "
" ... I connected my my Linksys node to the Virgin Media Hub 3.0 and this eventually connected and was set up. ... I appreciate not everyone will have hard wired ethernet ports in their homes but if you do, please remember to do this as the system hits top speeds and allows you to benefit from having really strong WI-FI in the house. ... "
" ... Booted 3rd node and again connected ethernet ... "
" ... Set up was very straightforward, just remember to connect the first node to your router / modem via the included Ethernet cable and connect the power socket before you launch the phone app. ... "
" ... The mobile app is fantastic and offers most of the management settings you would find on your existing router (Parental Control, Port Forwarding, IP reservation, Device Priority, etc). ... "
" ... The nodes link either wirelessly or with Ethernet cable. ... "
" ... The fact that each node has two ethernet ports allows nearby devices to be connected by wire if desired. ... "
Returns
13refund, back, returning, return, going
-100%
" ... I'm now going to send it back. ... "
" ... I returned the package to Amazon ... "
" ... Unfortunately I’ve passed the window to return this product so I’m now stuck with dead duck. ... "
" ... I noted the reviews and thought I would give these a try, but in the end I am returning the product (AC3900). ... "
" ... Returned for a refund. ... "
" ... Returned for a refund ... "
" ... I had not had more than a few days without issue, and I am returning the Velop system for a refund. ... "
" ... I'm now going to send it back. ... "
Controls
8parental control, seconds, restart, reset button, node
+25%
-75%
" ... A week or so later I notice I am unable to control my Hue lights. ... "
" ... Parental controls - Honestly this is a joke! ... "
" ... Resetting all nodes by holding down reset button for several seconds, letting them boot to purple and then turning off. ... "
" ... Parental controls do not work. ... "
" ... However, this was purchased just a much for the parental control . ... You then have to restart the system in order to reactivate parental control . ... "
" ... The other major flaw is that parental control doesn't seem to work at all. ... "
Overall performance
8speed, well, performance, loft, job
+88%
-13%
" ... Did the job perfectly. ... "
" ... I have now had the equipment up and running for over a month and I am delighted with its performance. ... "
" ... Speeds seem good. ... "
" ... Performance is brilliant, certainly for my needs - I went from 5-10Mb/s over the homeplugs, to the full 72Mb/s that I subscribe to through Vodaphone broadband. ... "
" ... Once connected i had speeds going near 90-105mb which was incredible! ... "
" ... Speed segregation is approximately 10% at the end of my bridged mesh. ... "
" ... I've been able to stream multiple movies in the house and speed tests show that I'm getting full download and upload from my ISP (350Mbps down and 20Mbps up) - don't rely on the test available in the Linksys app or admin page as the download speed seems to be well out. ... Aside from the setup grumbles and the hiccup a couple of days later all is well and I'm currently happy with the performance. ... "
Price
7money, expensive, worth the money, pricey, paid
+57%
-43%
" ... Could have saved a lot of money. ... "
Lagging
4reboots, system, frequent
-100%
" ... But, after 3 hours I still hadn't got the rest to work, despite all the usual reboots etc. ... "
" ... Reset the whole system multiple times. ... "
" ... A complete reset sometimes seems to sort it out - sometimes not. ... "
" ... There are various workarounds, but they only fix it temporarily requiring frequent reboots. ... "
Features
4light, parental, features, blinking, feature
+50%
-50%
" ... No matter what I did, I could not get beyond the blinking red light of death. ... "
" ... All you have to go on is a single multi coloured blinking light. ... "
Internet
4speed, virgin, lan
+75%
-25%
" ... So effectively without Internet access you have no LAN either! ... "
" ... Internet speed has been as advertised by virgin for the first time ever. ... "
" ... You can also check your internet speed. ... "
Build Quality
4like, buy
+50%
-50%
" ... Don't buy if your house is over 25 years old, there will be too much metal in its construction and it will block the product. ... "
" ... I still like this kit but I have a few niggles and as a consequence I have dropped my review to 3 stars. ... "
Marketplace
3returned, product, amazon
-100%
" ... So far (3 days) no response - surprise surprise! ... "
" ... I returned the package to Amazon ... "
" ... To me it seems this product was launched before it was ready. ... "
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Specifications
Connectivity
WiFi: Yes
Display
Resolution: 4K
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