Velop Pro 7: No app needed!
Linksys Releases Velop Pro 7 Wi-Fi 7 Mesh Router
Linksys has unveiled its latest innovation, the Velop Pro 7, a Wi-Fi 7 mesh router. The company claims it's so intelligent that it can essentially fix itself, leading to plans of phasing out its router management app. The Velop Pro 7 can be purchased individually or in packs of two or three, priced at $399.99 for one, $749.99 for two, and $999.99 for three.
The App Transition Customers have expressed their dissatisfaction with the need to manage their network through an app, prompting Linksys to explore alternative solutions. Their proposed approach involves Linksys handling network management on behalf of the users.
Linksys employs "cognitive computing," which is akin to machine learning, to maintain the router. The company favors this term over "AI" due to trust concerns. If the cognitive system encounters an issue it can't resolve, users can contact Linksys support via an app, where the problem will be remotely diagnosed and resolved, unless it's beyond Linksys's control (e.g., ISP issues).
The Pros and Cons The concept of a self-managing router is enticing, given the generally lackluster experience offered by router apps. However, the idea of waiting for Linksys support to address connectivity problems may not be everyone's cup of tea.
The hope is that Linksys will continue to offer a browser interface for those who prefer to troubleshoot their network independently.
Velop Pro 7 Specs In terms of design, the Velop Pro 7 maintains the distinctive white obelisk appearance seen in previous models. Each node features a 2.5Gbps WAN port and four gigabit ethernet ports. A single node can cover around 3,000 square feet, and the entire system can handle up to 200 connected devices.
The Pro 7 boasts Wi-Fi 7 features like Multi-Link Operation, enabling faster throughput and improved stability. It also supports a 320MHz channel bandwidth on the 6GHz band for increased throughput, although current device support for this feature is limited.
Conclusion The Velop Pro 7 is relatively expensive, but in comparison to other Wi-Fi 7 routers, it offers competitive pricing. However, it's important to note that Wi-Fi 7 technology is still evolving, and purchasing this router might be premature. Waiting for reviews and further developments might be a wise choice.
Linksys is exploring a future without its router management app, and for users who prefer a more hands-on approach, it's important to clarify the available options and interfaces. More information on this matter is expected from Linksys in the future.