New Linksys Velop image
New Linksys Velop routers. Image: HomeToys.

In the line of Eero, Plume, and Google WiFi, Belkin has announced a new system of multiple routers for its Linksys brand, called Velop, which will formally release on January 15 and a pack of three will cost $499.

Eager users, according to online reports, can also head to the BestBuy stores in Las Vegas, where the CES is taking place, and purchase their Velop system. Like its competitors, Velop looks to cater to the Smart Home environment.

Velop takes first place as the most expensive multiple-router WiFi system on the market, but Linksys promises that it will get users the fastest speeds available, better than the current performance leader, Netgear’s Orbi.

Features and specifications

Each Velop packs dual-stream (2×2) AC2200 router with two 5GHz bands that can transmit impressive 867 megabits per second and a 2.4GHz band that goes as far as 400mbps.

The routers’ internal specifications include a quad-core ARM Cortex-A7 processor with 4GB of flash memory, 512MB of DDR3 and a Bluetooth 4.0/LE connection for device setup.

The Velop system also has a dynamic frequency selection feature (DFS) that chooses the best band at a given time to connect the routers with their WiFi clients.

How does it work?

The Velop system also wins in size, as it features a bundle of tall, white towers that interconnect with each other to create a WiFi signal network.

Linksys’ bundle is also a tri-band system, like Orbi, which means that communication between its units is much efficient, and might lead to faster speeds.

The system accomplishes this by taking one of the 5GHz bands and dedicating it solely to ensure that the three routers communicate properly between one another. In essence, Velop makes the most out of its three bands for WiFi to be the same everywhere.

Linksys’ Velop is a definitive step towards better WiFi

The company’s bid for speed might come short, nevertheless, when it comes to a home environment since most users can stream 4K video with the lesser velocities provided by other systems like Google WiFi.

This combination of ‘mesh’ technology with the added band makes Linksys a strong contender in this competitive field, and also cut the weight on the price tag.

“If you are paying for 100Mbps from your Internet service provider, then you want to get all that speed in every corner of your house,” said Justin Doucette, Linksys’ Senior Director of Product Management.

Source: Linksys