Velop是适用于整个家庭网状(home mesh)WiFi系统的Linksys 品牌。(Linksys brand)市场上有几种Velop型号，价格、颜色和站数不同。这次我们收到了更实惠的WHW01 变体(WHW01 variant)进行测试。该型号尺寸和价格都较小，并且具有不同的硬件。以下是您从更实惠的Linksys Velop WHW01 中获得(Linksys Velop WHW01)的：
注意：(NOTE:)在本次审查中，我们测试了硬件版本(hardware version) WHW01。此型号提供一个节点、两个节点或三个节点的套件。根据套件中有多少个站点，名称会发生变化。在商店中，您会看到 Linksys Velop AC1300、AC2600 或 AC4900(AC2600 or AC4900)。这是相当混乱的，你应该注意型号(model number)，而不是营销名称(marketing name)。
Linksys Velop WHW01：它对谁有好处？
这种全家庭网状WiFi 系统(WiFi system)适合以下情况：
- 喜欢谨慎、美观设备的用户
- 想要语音控制家庭网络的(home network)Alexa供电设备的所有者
- 喜欢通过智能手机设置和管理家庭网络的用户(home network)
优点和缺点
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Linksys Velop WHW01具有以下优点：
- 美丽的设计
- 易于使用和设置
- 与其更昂贵的兄弟相比，价格合理
- 它可以从互联网上的任何地方远程控制
- 它也可以通过网络浏览器进行管理(web browser)
- 强大的多语言支持
- 它与亚马逊 Alexa 集成
还有一些缺点需要考虑：
- 它不包括防病毒保护(antivirus protection)或入侵防御系统等安全功能(intrusion prevention system)
- 价格相近的其他网状系统速度更快
判决
当我们测试高端Linksys Velop WHW03 网状(Linksys Velop WHW03 mesh)系统时，我们对它所提供的功能感到失望。最昂贵的全屋网状WiFi 系统(WiFi system)既不是最快的，也不是最先进的，而且它不包括防病毒保护(antivirus protection)或基于云的家长控制等安全功能。我们认为Linksys Velop AC1300 ( WHW01 ) 是一个值得欢迎的改进，尤其是在定价方面。是的，与更昂贵的兄弟相比，它的硬件有点不足，但性能差异(performance difference)不足以证明为高端型号支付如此多的额外费用是合理的。此外，我们没有遇到困扰更昂贵型号的连接问题。Linksys Velop WHW01不是您能买到的最好或最便宜的网状WiFi 系统。(WiFi system)不过比起它更贵的兄弟，这是一个更平衡的命题，也是一个值得考虑的模型。
拆箱Linksys Velop ( WHW01 ) 网状WiFi 系统(WiFi system)
Linksys Velop WHW01采用漂亮的白色盒子。您会在顶部看到网格系统的图片，以及它的一些最重要的规格。在侧面，有大量关于您购买的产品的信息，包括其硬件规格，以及与其他Velop网状系统的比较，如我们在此处审查的WHW03。
如果您想查看完整的拆箱体验(unboxing experience)，请观看下面的YouTube 剪辑(YouTube clip)：
在包装内，您可以找到以下内容：构成网状系统(mesh system)的节点、它们的电源适配器、以太网电缆(Ethernet cable)、快速安装指南(Quick Setup guide)、文档光盘(documentation disc)、保修和其他法律信息。
Linksys Velop 提供的拆箱体验值得高级设备。包装和 Velop 站都很漂亮。您还可以在几分钟内获得设置和使用网状系统所需的所有配件。(The unboxing experience offered by Linksys Velop is worthy of a premium device. Both the packaging and the Velop stations are beautiful. You also get all the accessories you need to set up and use the mesh system in minutes.)
硬件规格和设计
Linksys Velop WHW01具有四核Qualcomm IPQ4018 处理器(Qualcomm IPQ4018 processor)，运行频率为 710 MHz。相比之下，更昂贵的Velop 型号(Velop model) WHW03具有四核高通 IPQ4019 处理器(Qualcomm IPQ4019 processor)，运行频率为 716 MHz。两种处理器的主要区别在于后者提供了更高的峰值速度(peak speed)，这在现实生活中只有在使用高端无线(high-end wireless network)网卡时才会明显。华硕 Lyra Mini(ASUS Lyra Mini)拥有相同的处理器Velop WHW01，使其成为直接竞争对手。因此，在我们的测试中，我们直接比较了两个模型。
Linksys Velop WHW01还配备 256 MB RAM DDR3和 256 MB存储空间(storage space)。该型号具有三个内置天线，并支持 802.11ac Wave 2标准，包括 2x2 MU-MIMO 无线传输。该网状系统(mesh system)中的每个节点都是双频无线的，理论上总的最大带宽划分如下：
- 2.4 GHz 无线(GHz wireless)频率为400 Mbps
- 5 GHz 无线(GHz wireless)频率为867 Mbps
这意味着总共 1267 Mbps。不幸的是，Linksys说我们正在处理AC2600 系统(AC2600 system)。这样做是因为它有两个节点。三节点套件被命名为AC3900，这是一种不幸的营销策略(marketing strategy)。它不会以任何方式反映您获得的实际带宽。它只会夸大数字并误导客户。
Linksys Velop WHW01工作站不如 WHW03 型号的工作站(WHW03 model)高。然而，它们同样美丽。它们的尺寸为 3.1 x 3.1 x 5.55 英寸或 7.87 x 7.87 x 14.09 厘米的长、宽和高(width and height)。它们的重量为 2.076 磅或 941 克。
WHW01型号(WHW01 model)的两个以太网(Ethernet)端口和电源插孔(power jack)的位置不同。它更易于使用，我们认为它是对更昂贵的Velop 模型的一个小的(Velop model)设计改进(design improvement)。以太网(Ethernet)端口以 1 Gbps的速度工作，其中任何一个都可用于将Velop 系统(Velop system)连接到互联网。
在每个站点的底部，您都有重置(Reset)按钮、电源(Power)按钮以及在设置它们之前连接到其WiFi 网络的详细信息。(WiFi network)首次在智能手机或平板电脑(smartphone or tablet)上设置Velop 网状(Velop mesh)系统时，您应该使用此数据。
如果您想阅读该产品的所有官方规格，请访问此页面：Linksys Velop (AC2600) 规格(Linksys Velop (AC2600) Specifications)。
设置和使用Linksys Velop ( WHW01 )
要设置Linksys Velop，请将您要设置为主节点的第一个节点放在您要使用的位置。然后，将其连接到互联网，然后将其打开。等待(Wait)顶部的LED变为稳定的紫色。(LED)然后就可以进行配置了。
在您的智能手机或平板电脑上启动适用于(smartphone or tablet)Android或iOS的Linksys应用程序。设置过程(setup process)使用蓝牙进行设备发现(device discovery)，因此必须在您的智能手机(Bluetooth)或平板电脑上启用(smartphone or tablet)蓝牙(Bluetooth)。如果您按照说明进行操作，您应该能够在大约 10 到 15 分钟内设置Velop 系统。(Velop system)设置过程(setup process)比我们测试WHW03 模型(WHW03 model)时更顺畅。
但是，我们注意到WHW01 型号(WHW01 model)的启动、重启和重置速度比更昂贵的WHW03 慢(WHW03)。如果您需要完全重置节点，请耐心等待。您需要等待几分钟，直到它准备好再次设置。
在初始设置期间，您提供互联网连接(internet connection)的详细信息，设置每个Velop 节点(Velop node)的位置，并输入系统广播的无线网络(wireless network)的名称和密码。Linksys Velop只广播一个网络名称(network name)，并且只使用一个密码来访问网络。
完成网格创建后，查找固件更新并安装它们。Linksys 移动(Linksys mobile)应用程序处理该过程，并且运行良好。固件(Firmware)更新可确保错误得到修复，并确保您获得网络的最新安全改进。但是， Velop WHW01 型号(Velop WHW01 model)的固件更新也需要更多时间，并且网络离线至少 5 分钟直到更新完成。
将移动应用程序连接到您的Linksys Smart Wi-Fi 帐户(Linksys Smart Wi-Fi account)是个好主意，这样您就可以从互联网上的任何地方远程控制Velop 系统。(Velop system)当你这样做时，不管你是否在家。您可以访问网络设置，查看哪些设备在线，并控制基本功能：访客访问、家长控制、设备优先级(device prioritization)以及可用的高级设置。
Linksys提供对(Linksys)Linksys Velop的网络访问。高级(Advanced)用户喜欢此功能，因为它允许他们更详细地控制其网状网络的工作方式。但是，通过HTTPS连接时，会出现错误和错误，从而降低用户体验的质量。这是所有Linksys设备的全球性问题，公司应专注于对HTTPS连接的适当支持。
积极的一面是，基于 Web 的用户界面(user interface)和移动应用程序都提供 20 多种语言版本。也可以提供帮助。例如，当您使用Linksys应用程序时，您可以访问有关设置和使用Linksys Velop的教程，这是一个包含常见问题的数据库，以及通过电话直接联系Linksys 支持的说明。(Linksys support)
完成所有配置后，开始连接网络设备。使用网状WiFi 系统(WiFi system)时，网络设备只能看到一个网络名称(network name)( SSID )。支持 802.11ac 标准的更昂贵的设备使用 5 GHz 频率(GHz frequency)连接(standard connect)到WiFi，而支持 802.11n标准(standard connect)的更便宜或更旧的设备则使用较慢的 2.4 GHz 频率(GHz frequency)连接。我们将各种设备连接到网络：台式电脑、笔记本电脑、平板电脑、智能手机、Xbox One控制台、一些智能插头、智能灯泡和无线打印机。我们在通过网络共享内容方面没有问题，而且WiFi网络(WiFi network)覆盖基本稳定。
通过无线网络(wireless network)传输数据时，我们注意到了很多变化，尤其是在 5 GHz 频率(GHz frequency)上。例如，看看下面的网络传输(network transfer)。它是在一台与Velop 主集线器一墙之隔的(Velop hub)Windows 笔记本电脑(Windows laptop)上执行的。我们甚至完全下降到 0，这不是很好。然而，即使有这个问题，我们对Linksys Velop WHW01(Linksys Velop WHW01)提供的平均速度感到满意。
与 5 GHz 频率(GHz frequency)相比，在 2.4 GHz 频率(GHz frequency)上的传输更稳定，急剧下降更少。举这个例子，在同一台笔记本电脑上进行网络传输(network transfer)，在另一个房间，与Velop 主站(Velop station)被两堵墙隔开。从稳定性(stability perspective)的角度来看，它要好得多。
除了可以在固件更新中修复的一些问题外，Linksys Velop WHW01 提供的用户体验大多是令人愉快的。在使用移动应用程序和 Web 界面时，远程控制系统都可以很好地工作。此外，多语言支持非常好。(Except for some hiccups that can be fixed in firmware updates, the user experience offered by Linksys Velop WHW01 is mostly pleasant. Remote controlling the system works well both when using the mobile app, and the web interface. Also, the multilingual support is excellent.)
如果您想详细了解Linksys Velop提供的真实性能，请转到本评论的下一页。
Linksys Velop AC1300 review: Linksys' most balanced mesh WiFi system!
Velop is the Linksys brand for whole home mesh WiFi systems. There are several Veloр models on the market, with different prices, colors and numbers of stations. This time we received the more affordable WHW01 variant for testing. This model is smaller in size and in price, and it has dіfferent hаrdware. Here is what you get from the more affordable Linksys Velop WHW01:
NOTE: In this review, we tested the hardware version WHW01. This model is available in kits of one node, two nodes or three nodes. Depending on how many stations there are in the kit, the name changes. In shops you see Linksys Velop AC1300, AC2600 or AC4900. It is rather confusing, and you should pay attention to the model number, and not the marketing name.
Linksys Velop WHW01: Who is it good for?
This whole-home mesh WiFi system is a suitable choice for:
- Users who appreciate discreet, good looking devices
- Owners of Alexa powered devices who want to voice control their home network
- Users who prefer to set up and manage their home network from their smartphone
Pros and cons
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Linksys Velop WHW01 has the following positives:
- Beautiful design
- Easy to use and set up
- Reasonable pricing in comparison its more expensive brothers
- It can be remotely controlled from anywhere on the internet
- It can be managed from a web browser too
- Great multilingual support
- It is integrated with Amazon Alexa
There are also downsides to consider:
- It does not include security features like antivirus protection or an intrusion prevention system
- Other mesh systems with a similar price are faster
Verdict
When we tested the high-end Linksys Velop WHW03 mesh system, we were disappointed by what it had to offer. The most expensive whole-home mesh WiFi system was neither the fastest, nor the most advanced, and it did not include security features like antivirus protection or cloud-based parental controls. We feel that Linksys Velop AC1300 (WHW01) is a welcome improvement, especially when it comes pricing. Yes, its hardware is a bit underpowered when compared to the more expensive brother, but the performance difference is not high enough to justify paying so much extra for the high-end model. Also, we did not encounter the connectivity issues that plagued the more expensive model. Linksys Velop WHW01 is not the best or the cheapest mesh WiFi system that you can buy. However, when compared to its more expensive brother, it is a more balanced proposition, and a model that is worth considering.
Unboxing the Linksys Velop (WHW01) mesh WiFi system
Linksys Velop WHW01 comes in a beautiful white box. You see a picture of the mesh system on the top, and some of its most important specifications. On the sides, there is plenty of information about the product you purchased, including its hardware specifications, and a comparison with other Velop mesh systems, like WHW03, which we reviewed here.
If you want to see the full unboxing experience, watch the YouTube clip below:
Inside the packaging, you find the following: the nodes that make up the mesh system, their power adapters, an Ethernet cable, the Quick Setup guide, a documentation disc, the warranty and other legal information.
The unboxing experience offered by Linksys Velop is worthy of a premium device. Both the packaging and the Velop stations are beautiful. You also get all the accessories you need to set up and use the mesh system in minutes.
Hardware specifications and design
Linksys Velop WHW01 has a quad-core Qualcomm IPQ4018 processor, running at 710 MHz. In comparison, the more expensive Velop model WHW03, has quad-core Qualcomm IPQ4019 processor, running at 716 MHz. The main difference between the two processors is that the latter offers a higher peak speed, which is noticeable in real life only when high-end wireless network cards are used. ASUS Lyra Mini has the same processor Velop WHW01, making it its direct competitor. Therefore, in our testing, we compare the two models directly.
Linksys Velop WHW01 also comes with 256 MB RAM DDR3 and 256 MB of storage space. This model has three internal antennas, and support for the 802.11ac Wave 2 standard, including 2x2 MU-MIMO wireless transfers. Each node from this mesh system is dual-band wireless, with a theoretical total maximum bandwidth split as follows:
- 400 Mbps for the 2.4 GHz wireless frequency
- 867 Mbps for the 5 GHz wireless frequency
This means a total of 1267 Mbps. It is unfortunate the Linksys says that we are dealing with an AC2600 system. It does that because it has two nodes. The three nodes kit is named AC3900, which is an unfortunate marketing strategy. It does not reflect in any way the real bandwidth you get. It only inflates numbers and misleads customers.
The Linksys Velop WHW01 stations are not as tall as those from the WHW03 model. However, they are just as beautiful. Their size is 3.1 x 3.1 x 5.55 inches or 7.87 x 7.87 x 14.09 centimeters in length, width and height. Their weight is 2.076 lbs or 941 grams.
The WHW01 model has a different place for the two Ethernet ports and the power jack. It is more accessible and we consider it a small design improvement over the more expensive Velop model. The Ethernet ports work at 1 Gbps, and any of them can be used to connect the Velop system to the internet.
On the bottom of each station, you have the Reset button, the Power button, and details for connecting to their WiFi network before setting them up. You should use this data when setting up the Velop mesh system for the first time, on your smartphone or tablet.
If you would like to read all the official specifications of this product, go to this page: Linksys Velop (AC2600) Specifications.
Setting up and using the Linksys Velop (WHW01)
To set up the Linksys Velop, take the first node that you want to set as the main one, and place it where you want to use it. Then, connect it to the internet, and turn it on. Wait for the LED on top to turn solid purple. Then it is ready to be configured.
Fire up the Linksys app for Android or iOS, on your smartphone or tablet. The setup process uses Bluetooth for device discovery, so Bluetooth has to be enabled on your smartphone or tablet. If you follow the instructions, you should be able to set up the Velop system in about 10 to 15 minutes. The setup process was smoother than when we tested the WHW03 model.
However, we noticed that the WHW01 model is slower to boot, reboot, and reset than the more expensive WHW03. If you need to perform a full reset of a node, arm yourself with some patience. You need to wait for a couple of minutes until it becomes ready to set up again.
During the initial setup, you provide the details of your internet connection, set the location of each Velop node, and enter the name and the password for the wireless network that is broadcast by the system. Linksys Velop broadcasts only one network name and uses only one password for accessing the network.
As soon as you are done creating the mesh, look for firmware updates and install them. The Linksys mobile app handles the process, and it works well. Firmware updates ensure that bugs get fixed and that you get the latest security improvements for your network. However, firmware updates also take more time on the Velop WHW01 model, and the network is offline for at least 5 minutes until the update is finished.
It is a good idea to connect the mobile app to your Linksys Smart Wi-Fi account so that you can remote control the Velop system from anywhere on the internet. When you do that, it does not matter whether you are at home or not. You can access your network's settings, see which devices are online, and control the basics: guest access, parental controls, device prioritization, and the advanced settings that are available.
Linksys offers web access to the Linksys Velop. Advanced users appreciate this feature, as it allows them to control in more detail the way their mesh network works. However, when connecting through HTTPS, there are bugs and errors, which lower the quality of the user experience. This is a global issue for all Linksys devices, and the company should focus on proper support for HTTPS connections.
On a positive note, both the web-based user interface and the mobile app are available in more than twenty languages. Help is also available. For example, when you use the Linksys app, you get access to tutorials about setting up and using Linksys Velop, a database with frequently asked questions, and instructions for contacting Linksys support directly, over the phone.
When you are done configuring everything, start connecting your network devices. When using a mesh WiFi system, network devices see only one network name (SSID). The more expensive devices that support the 802.11ac standard connect to WiFi using the 5GHz frequency, while cheaper or older devices that support the 802.11n standard connect on the slower 2.4 GHz frequency. We connected various devices to the network: desktop PCs, laptops, tablets, smartphones, an Xbox One console, a few smart plugs, a smart bulb, and a wireless printer. We had no issues in sharing content over the network, and the WiFi network coverage was mostly stable.
When transferring data over the wireless network, we noticed quite a lot of variability, especially on the 5 GHz frequency. For example, look at the network transfer below. It was performed on a Windows laptop that was separated by one wall from the main Velop hub. We even had a complete drop to 0, which is not great. However, even with this issue, we were pleased by the average speed offered by Linksys Velop WHW01.
Transfers on the 2.4 GHz frequency were more stable with less radical drops than on the 5 GHz frequency. Take this example of a network transfer made on the same laptop, in another room, separated by two walls from the main Velop station. It is much better, from a stability perspective.
Except for some hiccups that can be fixed in firmware updates, the user experience offered by Linksys Velop WHW01 is mostly pleasant. Remote controlling the system works well both when using the mobile app, and the web interface. Also, the multilingual support is excellent.
If you want to know more about the real-world performance offered by Linksys Velop, go to the next page of this review.
