WHW03V1 vs. WHW03V2 – Finding the best Wi-Fi router for you
To select between popular models in the market like WHW03V1 and WHW03V2, there are a few important factors to consider. Here is more on these Wi-Fi mesh home systems to find out which one is best for your home or office set-up.
With their sleek and modular designs, WHW03V1 and WHW03V2 are two quality Wi-Fi routers in the Linksys brand. Right off the bat, they seem eerily similar with minimal differences between them. For instance, they both feature an intelligent Wi-Fi system that is able to singlehandedly manage busy environments as well. While they are mesh systems, they do this under one single network name for ease of use. However, after careful analysis and using these routers over a period of time, there a few subtle differences that usually crop up.
To help you pick between the two, this guide has also gone ahead to give a comparison overview. Broadly, WHW03V1 is lauded for its minimalistic yet practical set-up. For WHW03V2, on the other hand, is designed to be ultra-fast at a stable and reliable connection.
Table of Contents
What are the differences between WHW03V1 and WHW03V2?
Model |
WHW03V1 |
WHW03V2 (Winner) |
Speeds |
Up to 1.3Gbps |
400Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 867Mbps on each 5GHz band |
Coverage (square feet) |
1,500 |
2,000 |
Capacity |
15+ devices |
10+ devices |
Specs |
Has MU-MIMO technology as well as Beamforming, 2 LAN ports, no USB ports |
1 port, MU-MIMO and Beamforming technology enabled |
Size |
1.08lbs, measures 3.1 x 3.1 x 7.3 inches |
1lbs, measures 3.1 x 9.3 x 7.3 inches |
WHW03V1 vs. WHW03V2 – How do they compare?
Speeds and Coverage
The primary reason why people go for mesh Wi-Fi system is so as to improve the general stability of their network and in turn boosting the speeds. For WHW03V1, it can deliver combined speeds up to 1.3Gbps while supporting more than 15 devices on the network. WHW03V2, on the other hand, is just as fast with 400Mbps on the 2.4GHz and 867Mbps on each of the 5GHz bands.
Regarding coverage, WHW03V2 wins out by offering wide coverage of up to 2,000 square feet. WHW03V1, on the flipside offers stable overage of up to 1,500 square feet. You can boost the coverage of your router with extenders.
Performance in speed tests
When tested with IX Chariot software, the WHW03V1 has the average throughput speed of 527.1Mbps when in close proximity (15 feet). For WHW03V2, each of the 5GHz bands have the throughput speed of 867Mbps which is quite fast.
Security
For both WHW03V1 and WHW03V2 Linksys is committed to ensuring your network’s security at all times. They do this through the Linksys Shield software. With Linksys Shield, you get to have the upper-hand on how your network works at all times. It also offers ample protection against online security threats like hackers, viruses and malware. Finally, the app also offers you parental control options as already discussed.
Pointer: Keep in mind that the Linksys Shield only works with Linksys Velop Tri Band. You are also required to pay a subscription fee so as to keep enjoying these safety features.
Accessories
For both WHW03V1 and WHW03V2, they come with additional features. First, you can easily download the Linksys app on Google Play or App Store. This app is able to streamline many functions that you get to enjoy remotely at the comfort of your smartphone or tablet.
The app allows the router owner to set up a guest network system solely for visitors. It is also rather useful as it provides for parental control features like setting online time limits. Linksys app is also able to help in troubleshooting and auto-fixing of a node in case it suddenly breaks down.
Most recent versions of WHW03V1 also work with Apple Home Kit that gives you added features. One example is that it gives you an easy way to manage the devices connected to your system regarding what they are allowed to share within the network.
WHW03V1 vs. WHW03V2- Overview and Key Features
WHW03V1
- Coming soon – Apple HomeKit Compatibility
- Ideal for any ISP plan, ISP modem / modem-router
WHW03V1 is the 1-pack, all-white router by Linksys. It has many premium quality features. First, it entails a tri-band mesh Wi-Fi system. This simply means that you get to enjoy fast and reliable speeds even with multiple devices connected to the same network. For its tri-band technology, Linksys WHW03V1 is designed with 1 2.4GHz band and 2 5GHz bands. The second 5GHz works as an additional channel that comes in handy during congestion and high traffic days. It is also a mesh Wi-Fi home system because it can entail using more than 1 node under a single router name. In fact, WHW03V1 has the Powerful Future Proof system that is specifically designed to replace your router and meet all your connectivity needs.
Secondly, another unique feature with WHW03V1 is that it also has intelligent mesh technology. This means that when multiple devices are connected to the network, each with their own requests like streaming HD movies or online gaming, WHW03V1 is able to handle each request individually. The router is then able to determine the fastest as well as most clear path to proper internet connection for your device.
Finally, WHW03V1 has a stylish design too. It is clean and compact-sized to blend enough with right about any living space or office. If you wish to have additional satellites or a router extender, they are both well-designed to be subtle accessories wherever you place them.
To add, WHW03V1 comes with the Linksys app that can be easily downloaded to your smartphone or tablet. Once you are signed into the app, you can use the app for a variety of functions. First, the set-up and installation process is quick and hassle-free through the app. Collectively you can spend less than 20 minutes connect all your nodes to the home mesh Wi-Fi network. Second function you get to enjoy with WHW03V1 is the parental control options. With the simple touch of a button, you can set limits on the internet access your children get to enjoy. You can do this by periodically pausing and restarting the Wi-Fi at specific times like dinnertime and bedtime. Another parental control option is that the app allows you to manage the websites and content your child gets to access. This helps you make sure that your child is only visiting age-appropriate websites at all times.
Yet another bonus of this Linksys app is that you can easily set up a guest network for your visitors. This is a security feature in its own as giving guests access to your main network might lead to certain security breaches. Finally, the app that comes with WHW03V1 allows you to remotely fix a node through your mobile device in case of any mishaps.
One drawback with WHW03V1 is that it does not come with a USB port. Its coverage can also prove too small for larger houses.
What we like
- Easy to customize and manage your network settings through the Linksys app
- Mesh system ensures wide coverage that is reliable and stable as well
- Has a clean, sleek and minimalistic design with minimal carbon footprint
- Automatic switching from one network to another to find the clearest and fastest path for you
What we don’t like
- You might need additional nodes or satellites to boost overall coverage
WHW03V2
Much like WHW03V1, the WHW03V2 is another quality product by Linksys. Weighing slightly less than 1lb and measuring 3.1 x 9.3 x 7.3 inches, it has the same modular design that looks like small-towers. It also primarily comes in white as is the trademark with many Linksys routers. Compared to traditional routers, WHW03V2 also has a smaller carbon footprint which is a great plus for the environment.
Secondly, WHW03V2 stands out because of its three bands. Tri-band routers are a fairly recent addition in the market as they come in to handle resource intense tasks like online gaming and 8K streaming. Such needs are also fairly new as well. That is why the tri-band routes like WHW03V2 were developed so as to keep up with the extra demands. Theoretically, WHW03V2 should do speeds of 400Mbps on its 2.4GHz band and 867Mbps on each of its 5GHz frequency bands.
Thirdly, WHW03V2 is also supported on the Linksys app. Once you download this app, you can easily and remotely manage your network from the comfort of your mobile device. The installation process is also easy through the app and the IP address subnet is 192.168.1.X. It also comes with 1 port in case there is need of having a wired device. This port is arguably up to 5 times faster than previously fitted ports in other models.
On its coverage specs, WHW03V2 can easily provide stable Wi-Fi signals for up to 2,000 square feet. Depending on the size of your home, this can be your entire house from your attic to your basement. The router is also able to support more than 15 connected devices.
Finally, WHW03V2 also comes with additional security features like the Linksys Shield software. The only downer with this Linksys Shield is that it comes at an extra cost. For example, if you want to block out age-inappropriate content for your children like adult sites, you need to pay up for it. Also keep in mind that WHW03V2 requires 1 non-standard battery.
What we like
- Offers stable and fast Wi-Fi connection throughout your home
- Effortless set up and installation through the Linksys app
- Wide enough coverage
- Reasonably priced considering its premium quality features
What we don’t like
- One needs to pay for parental control options like blocking out certain content
Conclusion
When looking for a Wi-Fi router system for your home or office, it can become quite hectic because of all the popular and well-rated products in the market. This article has analyzed two of these: WHW03V1 and WHW03V2.
In a nutshell, they are both quality products as manufactured by Linksys. For WHW03V1, it can deliver speeds of up to 1.3Gbps and give 1,500 square feet coverage. WHW03V2, on the other hand has better specs. It can support faster speeds with a wider coverage of 2,000 square feet.
Ultimately, the best buy is the one that fits your needs. If you live in a single-story home or you do not have many demands, going for the WHW03V2 might be seen as overkill. However, if you have a multi-story home that you want properly covered and you know there will be many devices connecting to the network, you ought to consider the WHW03V2 then. It comes with 3 bands as well as other specs to keep it up to speed with intense tasks as well.
Verdict: So, between WHW03V1 and WHW03V2, which one is better?
After carefully considering their specs and other working principles, WHW03V2 easily takes it. This Wi-Fi router entails 3 bands for fast and reliable speeds, wide coverage of up to 2,000 square feet as well as 1 port. To add, all these features come at minimal damage to the environment as it has a smaller carbon footprint than older routers.
WHW03V2 is also the best option as it is compact-sized and elegant looking to be almost seen as an accessory when placed in a room.
Frequently asked questions
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Which Wi-Fi system is best suited for your home?
Ultimately, choosing between WHW03V1 and WHW03V2 depends on your home design as well as the materials used during construction. If you have a single-story home that is rather small or condo-like, one node is more than enough for all your needs. However, if you have a multi-story home or your house was constructed with heavy materials like metal, you might need an additional node. For homes that are entirely made out of concrete or brick, a third node might also be what is best suited for your home.
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How does MU-MIMO technology work in Linksys routers like these above?
MU-MIMO in full is multiple-user, multiple-input and multiple-output. This simply means that the router is equipped to handle multiple requests from many users at the same time. For routers developed with this technology, they are able to keep up with the demands of extreme environments.
