Why You Can Trust CNET Step up to a Linksys Wi-Fi router that expands into a mesh network for $150 (Update: Sold out)
This AC2200 router can be configured and controlled from a mobile appl, and stays current with automatic firmware updates.
Mesh networks are the hot new thing in Wi-Fi these days, but not everyone needs a mesh router -- traditional routers do a fine job of covering a lot of smaller homes. But what if you're on the bubble, and not sure if you need a mesh system? The answer might be a Linksys Mesh WiFi Router -- a single router that covers about 2,000 square feet, but you can easily extend it later as needed by adding Velop mesh satellites. Right now, you can get the Linksys Mesh WiFi Router at Amazon for $150, which is 25% off the regular price of $200.
Because this router is expandable into a mesh system, it gives you some peace of mind for the future. Need to extend coverage into the garage? Moving to a larger home? Discover a dead spot in the guest room? Adding one or more Velop satellites can remedy any coverage issues without the disadvantages of a Wi-Fi extender. The router is easy to set up too, thanks to a Linksys mobile app that helps you get it up and running, and the router handles its own firmware updates so you never need to deal with that manually.
The triband system delivers about 2.2Gbps -- 400Mbps from one of the 5GHz radios, and 867Mbps from both the other 5GHz antenna and the 2.4GHz radio. And for wired devices, there's a fairly generous array of five Ethernet ports on the back of the router.
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