Linksys Unveils Wi-Fi 6 Mesh Products at CES 2023
Introduction
Linksys, a leading networking brand, has showcased two Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) mesh products at CES this year, offering enhanced wireless connectivity and coverage for home and business environments. While specific details remain limited, here’s an overview of what we know so far about the Linksys MR9600 and Linksys Velop AX4200.
Linksys MR9600: Dual-Band Mesh Router
- Dual-band: Operates on both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands
- Eight spatial streams: Supports multiple simultaneous connections for increased capacity and reduced congestion
- Expandable: Can be paired with Linksys Velop mesh nodes or a Velop mesh router configured as an access point
- Conventional form factor: Features four external antennas
- Retail price: $399.99
- Expected shipping date: Spring 2023
The Linksys MR9600 is a single-device mesh router that offers dual-band connectivity and a high number of spatial streams for handling multiple devices and demanding applications. Its expandable design allows for easy expansion of coverage as needed.
Linksys Velop AX4200: Tri-Band Mesh System
- Tri-band: Operates on the 2.4GHz and two 5GHz frequency bands
- Eight simultaneous spatial streams: Supports a large number of connected devices
- Columnar industrial design: Similar to previous Velop products, with concealed antennas
- Per-node coverage: Up to 3,000 square feet
- Single unit price: $299.99
- Two-pack price: $499.99
- Expected shipping date: Spring 2023
The Linksys Velop AX4200 is a tri-band mesh system that consists of a router and one satellite node. It offers a dedicated network on the 2.4GHz band and two separate networks on the 5GHz band, with one potentially reserved for wireless backhaul. This system provides wide coverage and supports numerous devices.
Key Features and Benefits
- Wi-Fi 6 Technology: Both the MR9600 and Velop AX4200 leverage the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard, providing faster speeds, reduced latency, and improved efficiency compared to previous Wi-Fi generations.
- Mesh Networking: The MR9600 and Velop AX4200 use a mesh network architecture, ensuring seamless roaming and consistent coverage throughout the home or office.
- Increased Capacity: With multiple spatial streams, these products can handle a high volume of connected devices without compromising performance.
- Expandable Coverage: The ability to expand the coverage with additional nodes or routers allows for customization to specific needs and layouts.
Conclusion
Linksys is poised to enter the Wi-Fi 6 mesh market with its MR9600 and Velop AX4200 products. While details are still forthcoming, these devices promise to deliver high-performance wireless connectivity and reliable coverage. As more information becomes available, we’ll provide updates on the specifications, features, and availability of these exciting new products.
