Belkin rolls out HomeKit support to Linksys Velop Tri-Band mesh routers
Belkin has finally started to roll out a firmware update for its line of Linksys Velop Tri-Band mesh routers that enables support for HomeKit, allowing users to closely manage which devices can communicate with the wider Internet.
The Linksys Velop app will show if HomeKit is enabled for the router.
Rolling out to Linksys Velop Tri-Band mesh routers, the update aims to make the already secure HomeKit smart home platform even more secure, by managing access. Belkin confirmed HomeKit support was arriving on Tuesday, with a phased rollout taking place across the United States with a limited number of users, before a later rollout to other territories.
Specifically, the update allows users to manage the communications of HomeKit-enabled devices across the network, including whether they can access the Internet or if they are limited to just the home network itself. This also includes being able to firewall HomeKit accessories to prevent them from communicating with other Wi-Fi devices on the home network.
Users will see the support enabled within the Velop iOS and iPadOS app once the router has been updated. Users will have to give permission for Linksys to use Apple Home data to connect with HomeKit-enabled accessories.
Belkin has been relatively slow to bring out updates for its Velop router line that enable HomeKit support. In February, it was claimed to be preparing to issue updates to a small number of routers, but the then-imminent release was denied by Belkin.
The Linksys Velop app will show if HomeKit is enabled for the router.
Rolling out to Linksys Velop Tri-Band mesh routers, the update aims to make the already secure HomeKit smart home platform even more secure, by managing access. Belkin confirmed HomeKit support was arriving on Tuesday, with a phased rollout taking place across the United States with a limited number of users, before a later rollout to other territories.
Specifically, the update allows users to manage the communications of HomeKit-enabled devices across the network, including whether they can access the Internet or if they are limited to just the home network itself. This also includes being able to firewall HomeKit accessories to prevent them from communicating with other Wi-Fi devices on the home network.
Users will see the support enabled within the Velop iOS and iPadOS app once the router has been updated. Users will have to give permission for Linksys to use Apple Home data to connect with HomeKit-enabled accessories.
Belkin has been relatively slow to bring out updates for its Velop router line that enable HomeKit support. In February, it was claimed to be preparing to issue updates to a small number of routers, but the then-imminent release was denied by Belkin.
Linksys Velop routers compatible with HomeKit
- A03
- A0301
- A0302
- A0303
- WHW0301
- WHW0301B
- WHW0302
- WHW0302B
- WHW0303
- WHW0303B
Comments
I sold mine after about 6 months and replaced it with the far superior Netgear Orbi. I was able to get the Costco version with the 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports on each node. The Netgear uses a separate band for the nodes to communicate, unlike the Linksys that mixes it in with regular internet traffic. My streaming devices are wired Ethernet to the nodes for much faster performance, eliminating each device's built-in Wi-Fi. I get much better and stronger range with the Netgear. I would not recommend the Linksys to anyone.
3 Velops here and never have issues.
Eufy, Eve and Logitech not so much in order to secure those you have to use restricted mode in stead of automatic.
I have not yet invested in a mesh router. I opted for the Netgear Nighthawk instead. However, I will soon be looking into setting up a good WiFi network and if that needs a mesh network, the opinions posted here about Linksys help me in getting a perspective.