Linksys today announced that it is extending HomeKit support to its Velop AX4200 WiFi 6 system, also known as the Linksys Atlas Pro 6 Tri-band. This brings a new set of security features for Velop Atlas Pro 6 users, including the ability to deny HomeKit accessories access to your entire network.

A software update is now rolling out to the Velop AX42000 via the Linksys app for iOS. Once you install this software update, you can go through the process of adding your system to the HomeKit application, as shown in the screenshots below.

The benefits of HomeKit-enabled routers mainly have to do with additional security features, including the ability to shield accessories with a firewall to prevent them from accessing your entire network. Apple describes it as the ability to "improve security by monitoring the network activity of your Home accessories and preventing insecure connections."

In the Home app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you can adjust the level of connection security for each HomeKit accessory. The most secure option ensures that your HomeKit accessory can only communicate with HomeKit through your Apple devices. Here's how Apple explains the options:

• Restrict to Home: Most secure. Your accessory can only communicate with HomeKit through your Apple devices. The accessory does not connect to the Internet or local devices, so third-party services such as firmware updates may be blocked.
• Automatic: Default security. Your accessory can communicate with HomeKit and connections recommended by the manufacturer.
• No Restriction: Least Secure. This setting bypasses the secure router and allows your accessory to communicate with any device on your network or Internet-based service.

Certain other routers from Linksys had previously supported HomeKit integration, so today's update extends this to the latest Velop AX4200 WiFi 6 System. In addition to Linksys, several routers from Eero also support integration with HomeKit.