HomeKit Wi-Fi 6 Compatible Routers, Tri-Band or Dual-Band with Zigbee?

[alexqndr]

Hello,

I am looking into updating my Family's home Wi-Fi and implement additional HomeKit features such as Home Security etc.

I'd like to future proof it as these kind of updates doesn't happen very often in my house-hold and I've come down to two different solutions:

1. Linksys Velop · WHW0303
   • Mesh
   • Wi-Fi 6
   • HomeKit Secure Router
   • Tri-band
2. Eero 6 · 3 routers pack
   • Mesh
   • Wi-Fi 6
   • HomeKit Secure Router
   • Zigbee
   • Dual-Band

The intention is to build an Home Security system with Aqara hubs and cameras. These come with a Zigbee Network themselves. So should I go with Eero 6 and save a little bit of money, or get the the turbocharged power of the Linksys Velop?

The price difference is not large, so it comes down to performance and reliability, especially for HomeKit and Zigbee devices.

Which one do you think I should pick? Do you have any other options for both routers and hubs in mind?

 

[diego.caraballo]

Hi!

There’s a great mesh routers comparison here: https://dongknows.com/best-wi-fi-6-mesh-systems/

If you can wait, you should. For future-proofing a WiFi installation you should get the 6E models that cost around $1500. Of course those prices will come down as the technology gains traction and device support.

If you can’t or don’t want to wait you can settle for WiFi 6. The Velop model AX4200 (you can buy it directly from Apple) is the newest model from Linksys that supports Homekit.

Most mesh systems in the market (with the sole exception of some Asus models) had a big issue. They usually had trouble assigning the best signal node to a device. When this happens (and it’s particularly problematic with home automation devices) you will experience erratic behavior, “No response “ messages, etc.
I have experienced this with Velop (the AC6600 model). For example my LIFTx bulbs in the bedroom are 3 feet apart from my Velop bedroom node, however sometimes they connect to the really-apart main node. When this happens Siri can’t control my lights 🤬

Sometimes adding a node or changing the layout helps, other times you need to power OFF/ON the device and hope that it connects to the correct node.

About Aqara. Both the G2H and the G3 camera includes a hub. So you can avoid the need to purchase additional Aqara hub’s since you will purchase cameras. I don’t tested the G3, but in the G2H I discovered that the hub range is not great. One of the Aqara motion sensors is about 9 yards from the camera and the signal is listed as “Poor”. Not sure if this will impact the battery life. Response is great, so no issues about reliability.