HomeKit Support Coming to Tri-Band Linksys Velop Routers Soon [Updated]

Thursday February 13, 2020 8:13 PM PST by Juli Clover
Linksys is planning to release a firmware update for its Linksys Velop routers that will enable HomeKit functionality, according to a notice from Linksys spotted by HomeKit News.

The notice says that Linksys is rolling out a ‌HomeKit‌ firmware update for the Velop system "in the next several days."


After the firmware update is installed, the next time the Linksys app is opened, it will invite users to link with the Apple Home app. All Velop nodes must be tri-band for the integration to work. Tri-band model numbers that work with ‌HomeKit‌ include A03, WHW0301, WHW0301B, WHW0302, WHW0302B, WHW0303, and WHW0303B.


Apple introduced ‌HomeKit‌ support for routers with the launch of iOS 13. According to Apple, ‌HomeKit‌ for routers firewalls off each ‌HomeKit‌ device, so if one happens to be compromised, the others remain safe.

Linksys' tri-band Velop routers are priced starting at $199 and can be purchased from the Linksys website or at a discounted price from Amazon.

Update: Linksys says that the information shared on its website was inaccurate and the launch of ‌HomeKit‌ support is not imminent, though ‌HomeKit‌ support is in the works and will be coming in the future.

From Linksys: "Inaccurate verbiage on timing and availability of Linksys HomeKit-enabled routers was shared on our website today. We are excited to bring these features to market soon, and will reach out when we’re ready to announce availability."

Tags: HomeKit Guide, Linksys
20 comments

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Jason2000
4 days ago at 05:58 am


Google hasn't fallen one iota.


You are right. They have no room to fall. They were at the bottom from the beginning.
Rating: 5 Votes
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LeeTom
4 days ago at 11:17 pm
“HomeKit router integration will firewall off all smart home accessories to isolate them from each other, so if one got compromised it couldn’t snoop on your wider network. Users will be able to manage these new security features through the Home app on iPhone and iPad.”

“Apple's HomeKit Secure Video in iOS 13 allows smart home device users to encrypt security camera feeds end-to-end and securely store those videos within iCloud.”

You’re essentially getting a little security bump, and putting more of your trust in Apple rather than a third party with these features. For now, I think that’s a good thing. Apple has better privacy and security out there than many top tech companies. How long that continues is anyone’s guess. Look how far Google has fallen...
Rating: 5 Votes
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orbital~debris
4 days ago at 11:18 pm
I hope we’ll one day see Apple release a similar firmware update for their own legacy AirPort line of products, to enable the same functionality.
Rating: 5 Votes
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austinmcguire
4 days ago at 05:13 am


Sorry, but can you explain this to someone that has no HomeKit devices and no idea what an offline hub would be used for?

I’m normally up to date on tech but I just don’t get this stuff.


Without Homekit, you are right, this has no bearing on you. However if you have Homekit devices it gives you two benefits.
1) Homekit devices are kept on a seperate network, so if a device gets hacked it can not threaten your main network. Even Amazon with all of their resources, had security issues in the early Echos.
2) Cameras send their video to the local hub and then to iCloud. This way you do not have to worry about who can see the video in / around your house.
Rating: 4 Votes
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ScottishDuck
4 days ago at 05:13 am


Google hasn't fallen one iota.

You’re correct. Their disdain for privacy has been pretty constant from the outset.

This seems like a nice addition, have these routers at home, shame they’re not very good compared to the time capsule I replaced!
Rating: 4 Votes
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LeeTom
4 days ago at 11:23 pm


I hope we’ll one day see Apple release a similar firmware update for their own legacy AirPort line of products, to enable the same functionality.

I doubt it! Too bad they exited that space. I trusted - and still trust - them with my routing needs. But may have to move on soon...
Rating: 4 Votes
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DoogH
4 days ago at 09:53 pm


I have their newest ones, but I don’t see why I will need HomeKit support added? I set them up and they work and I forget about them. ?


It secures your other HomeKit devices with a router-level firewall, essentially.

It also allows your router to act as an offline hub.
Rating: 3 Votes
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davidg4781
4 days ago at 11:03 pm


It secures your other HomeKit devices with a router-level firewall, essentially.

It also allows your router to act as an offline hub.


Sorry, but can you explain this to someone that has no HomeKit devices and no idea what an offline hub would be used for?

I’m normally up to date on tech but I just don’t get this stuff.
Rating: 2 Votes
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vertical smile
4 days ago at 07:28 am


Linksys' tri-band Velop routers are priced starting at $199 and can be purchased from the Linksys website ('https://www.linksys.com/us/p/P-WHW0301/') or at a discounted price from Amazon ('https://www.amazon.com/Linksys-Tri-band-Intelligent-Maximize-devices/dp/B01N2NLRSD').

I recently purchased the dual-band ones from Best Buy for my baby boomer parents to use to replace their aging AirPort network.

I have been a long time AirPort user, for almost 20 years. A while back, it was really easy to set up and use compared to the competition.

But, I was really impressed with how easy the Linksys Velop system was to set up. It was really easy, painless, and didn't take too long.

I liked it so much, that I am thinking of replacing my current AirPort network with the Velop system. Maybe I will look into the tri-band, although it is a lot more $$ than what I paid for the dual-band.

Here is the link for the dual-band on Best Buy, it is currently on sale, 3-pack for a little more than a single tri-band:

[URL unfurl="true"]https://www.bestbuy.com/site/linksys-velop-dual-band-mesh-wi-fi-system-3-pack-white/6215341.p?skuId=6215341[/URL]
Rating: 1 Votes
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gsmornot
4 days ago at 05:36 am
I'm staying with Airport until they give out and I cannot find them on eBay any longer. As it is, most of my smart home devices live on the guest side of my wireless and my routing is done via Netgate firewall with VLAN for those guest services. The only thing my smart devices have access to is the internet. I have some exceptions. Still, if this is meant to work with a device that will be used as a router it would not benefit me since all I use these for is wireless access points.
Rating: 1 Votes
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