Linksys Aware uses mesh Wi-Fi network for motion-tracking in the home

Linksys has introduced a new surveillance feature for its mesh Wi-Fi routers called Linksys Aware, a subscription which can allow some Velop routers to perform motion sensing using Wi-Fi signals, providing alerts to the homeowner when activity is detected.

Offered via the Linksys Smart WiFi iOS app, the Linksys Aware service takes advantage of the existing "Intelligent Mesh" Wi-Fi network produced by the Velop Tri-Band AC2200 routers to detect movement of bodies within a home. When movement is detected by the system, the user can be alerted via an app notification, warning of things happening in a home when they aren't there.

Linksys does not explain how the system works, but it is likely to be doing more than detecting the presence of other devices emitting Wi-Fi signals, like an iPhone in a person's pocket. Given the use of a mesh network, it is probable the technology is monitoring for changes in Wi-Fi signal reception affected by a large mobile mass of radio-affecting water, such as a human.

While it can provide a form of security for a home without the aid of cameras or a full burglar alarm, Linksys proposes a secondary use of the system in providing remote care for the elderly. Linksys Aware can also provide historical data for up to 60 days, and insights can be viewed on an hourly, daily, and weekly basis.

The level of sensitivity is adjustable within the app, to account for homes with thicker walls, a more widely spaced out mesh network, or to prevent false positives from family pets.

Linksys Aware is available for use on the Velop Tri-Band AC2200 router, which is sold in single, two-pack, and three-pack bundles, with it expanding to other mesh routers from the company in the future. The feature itself is free for the first 90 days, then will cost $2.99 per month or $24.99 per year.

17 Comments

peterhart 162 comments · 8 Years

About 5 years ago

Unfortunately, I’m no longer using my Velop system. Can’t use HomePods in Stereo mode with them when the Velop towers are assigned to different rooms and Home Sharing constantly has issues. Anyone else have a mesh system but have issues with inconsistent Apple product connections?

StrangeDays 12962 comments · 8 Years

peterhart said:

Unfortunately, I’m no longer using my Velop system. Can’t use HomePods in Stereo mode with them when the Velop towers are assigned to different rooms and Home Sharing constantly has issues. Anyone else have a mesh system but have issues with inconsistent Apple product connections?

My friend got it but had issues. The speeds on the second story were considerably slower than the first story. When he brought the upstairs node downstairs to try to troubleshoot he couldn't get it to be recognized by the Linksys management app whatsoever. He gave up, returned it, and is trying Eero.

mcdave 1927 comments · 19 Years

The thing about George Orwell’s 1984 is how we got there. Who knew it was elective?

hmurchison 11823 comments · 23 Years

peterhart said:

Unfortunately, I’m no longer using my Velop system. Can’t use HomePods in Stereo mode with them when the Velop towers are assigned to different rooms and Home Sharing constantly has issues. Anyone else have a mesh system but have issues with inconsistent Apple product connections?

I don't have HomePods yet but I have a Velop 3 Node system. Honestly I'm "done" with Mesh routers. They are overhyped. Don't get me wrong in some circumstances they can do a good job but it's clear to understand not to expect magic. My first mesh system was a Luma and my Ecobee Thermostat stopped connecting until I swapped my Time Capsule back in.

Next Spring before it gets too hot I'm getting up in the attic and pulling some Cat-6 cable for the eventual installation of POE Access Points (most likely Ubiquity). Mesh comes with its own set of quirks. I'm going to hardwire my computers and TV and only the mobile devices and some smart stuff will be wifi.

Don't really need motion sensors at this point and if I did I'd probably do the Smartthings motion sensor for $25.

Soli 9981 comments · 9 Years

StrangeDays said:

peterhart said:

Unfortunately, I’m no longer using my Velop system. Can’t use HomePods in Stereo mode with them when the Velop towers are assigned to different rooms and Home Sharing constantly has issues. Anyone else have a mesh system but have issues with inconsistent Apple product connections?

My friend got it but had issues. The speeds on the second story were considerably slower than the first story. When he brought the upstairs node downstairs to try to troubleshoot he couldn't get it to be recognized by the Linksys management app whatsoever. He gave up, returned it, and is trying Eero.

I know a lot of people here don't care for Eero now that Amazon bought them—and quite frankly I wish I could end my need for Amazon after Bezos turned out to a turd of a human being—but I've had excellent experiences with them for years that I have no problem recommending them as a solid options.